It’s exactly a year since I moved from the leafy and sunny suburbs of Randburg to the windswept, rainswept shores of Cape Town’s southern suburbs. On 14 December 2023, I took occupation of my cottage near the beach, a heritage property with decades of neglect etched into its walls.
The beginning was rough and tumble. My furniture was still in storage, and all I had was a borrowed bed from a kind friend. On my own, I sat down with a notebook and began lining up suppliers to tackle the monumental task of restoring the cottage. Black mould covered the stoop, the bathroom was a mess, and the interior desperately needed paint. Over four months, I transformed the space: changing flooring, repainting ceilings, and rebuilding an outside room from scratch. The only part of the house that didn’t need work was its sturdy walls. Outside, the overgrown bushes demanded clearing, revealing a property yearning for care.
The move wasn’t just about the cottage; it was a shift in every aspect of my life. Leaving behind over four decades in Randburg meant distancing myself from family and friends. The isolation hit hard, especially in winter, when relentless rain flooded my kitchen, and the wind howled through the eaves. Even as summer arrived, bringing more beach days, the southeast trade winds often made the shore unbearable.
Despite the challenges, there have been joys. I’ve carved out creative space for my art and writing and discovered a vibrant, intimate music scene in the southern suburbs—something I never encountered in Randburg. Slowly, I’ve made a few friends and acquaintances, and being close to the sea has fulfilled a lifelong yearning.
Adaptability has been key. Moving at this stage in life wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did it now rather than later. The dream of living by the coast carried me through the difficult days, and now, with summer in full swing, I look forward to entertaining visiting family and friends in my seaside cottage.
As the new year approaches, I’m eager to continue restoring the cottage and embracing more of Cape Town’s charm. This past year has been a journey of growth and change, and I’m optimistic about what’s ahead.
