CAPE TOWN: BUY HERE: Our insider's guide to Yzerfontein

There's a burgeoning sectional title housing sector in this rugged coastal town, with its small population, where beach encounters with birds, seals and bursts of colour make it a true place of escape

Nestled on the shores of the West Coast, with a rugged coastline, prolific fynbos, wild flowers and uninterrupted vistas in every direction, this quaint fishing village just over an hour from Cape Town is an increasingly popular destination.

"This sleepy little town on the Atlantic Ocean has a healing effect, helping me escape the stress of city life," says resident Peter Boshuijzen. "The endless movement of the waves brings me back to life's basics.

Being mostly made of water myself, I connect to that natural rhythm; besides that, not much happens in Yzerfontein - that's perfect. "Taking a walk on 16-Mile Beach towards the West Coast National Park is a precious experience with encounters of various birds, ostriches, seals, shells, mussels; sometimes humans.

"As one would expect in the current economic climate, the market isn't as bullish as it was two years ago," says Johan Truter, area specialist and office manager for Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in Yzerfontein. "But we are inundated with inquiries from those wishing to invest in a growing town."

This is borne out by Lightstone data which indicates an encouragingly stable and relatively buoyant market. Between 2010 and 2014, the median house price in Yzerfontein hovered around R1.28 million, increasing to R1.5m in 2015.

In 2016, when prices fell elsewhere, the median price shot up to R2.1m, reaching R2.43m in 2018, dipping slightly this year to R2.16m. However, Truter says the real star has been the burgeoning sectional title sector. Its median price increased to an all-time high of R1.8m this year, from R1.1m in 2018.

Truter says the area is especially popular with retirees and young families who don't mind the traffic-free commute to the city along the R27. "Yzerfontein is extremely popular with ski-boat anglers and renowned for competitions such as the galjoen and snoek derbies.

In fact, many inhabitants still make their living from fishing for snoek or yellowtail shoals which regularly frequent the waters." Another attraction is Dassen Island, 10km off shore and clearly visible, which is a marine nature reserve with its lighthouse beacon.

Peter Boshuijzen's favourite things to do

1 Outdoors

Options depends on skills and likes: jogging, biking, swimming, board surfing, fishing, strolling, fresh oxygen intake and "getting lost"; on the beach - mostly free.

2 Eat

Lulas' Portuguese Mediterranean restaurant offers an authentic food prepared by a Mozambican cook; 082 396 7643.

Strandkombuis, situated right behind 16-Mile Beach, overlooks the salt pan where you're likely to see flamingos. There is pizza night and at the weekend a buffet, with fresh fish and meat prepared on open fires. 022 451 2360

3 Drink

No sea view, but the Wild Flour Café offers good coffee and a wide selection of food. They also sell locally-made products; 022 451 2315.

The Yzerfontein Sports and Recreation Club offers a convivial atmosphere; a great place to watch the big game. 022 451 2819

4 Shop

Haus of Décor and neighbour Haus of Design are top-drawer services you'd not expect to find in a small town. Stop by if you're in the market for a custom-made couch or advice; 081 554 6006.

Periwinkles is ideal for all beach necessities. 022 451 2855