Elisabeth54

To my surprise I did not receive a single reply to my earlier request so I thought I'd repeat it with a little more background info.
Together with my family (four adults, two young children) I will be visiting my daughter who lives and studies in Tamboerskloof, CPT next March. Since she will be working during the day, we'd like to spend as much time with her after work as possible. Since we will have a 3 year old and 15 month old (both are boys) with us we think a self catering house will be our best option.
A. we don't have to feel awkward if the kids are too noisy or crying at night and B. we can have a choice to either prepare our own meals or to go out for lunch or dinner when we feel like it. The kids still nap during the afternoon and of course go to bed early at night.

After doing some research I found that most holiday houses or apartments are in the more touristic parts of town near the ocean, e.g. Camps Bay, Clifton, Houtbay etc. Although the first two are not that far from T'kloof, we would prefer an area where we would just be able to walk to a neighborhood restaurant or simply go out for a quick coffee or a drink at night. We know Cape Town quite well ourselves, but unfortunately I have not yet succeeded in finding a place that is in the Tamboerskloof / Gardens area so I was hoping that the Fodor's community could help me with this.
A pool would be nice of course, as the weather in March can still be hot, but we need to consider safety aspects too with two kids who do not swim yet.
We would like three double bedrooms and the possibility of having two cots and high chairs.

Any suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!!!

Elizabeth_S

I saw your first post but didn't reply due to location - but I can hit many of your marks - 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/kid friendly/even a pool............(that's in a safe place relative to the apartment) but it's in Simon's Town. We stayed for a month and loved it - you can walk to town......if you like a 15 minute walk but driving is just a minute or two

http://www.capetownrents.com/

DarrenHumphrys

Howzit Elisabeth54,

Have a look at Cape Stay's website

http://www.capestay.co.za/suburb-acc...sp?SuburbID=28

which features a number of self-catering options in Tamboerskloof.

Odin

Hout Bay is only 20 mins away from Cape Town. I have rented houses for vacation a couple of times in the area and would recommend Hout Bay. It is a small town with a beach and a great Woolworth's & Spar for food shopping. There are several restaurants and coffee shops/delis etc. It's perfect for families. It is much closer to Tamboerskloof than Simonstown. Camps Bay is also a great area, not sure why it was not taken into consideration, it has loads of restaurants. Llandudno is a bit further along that road, really gorgeous place, cannot remember if there are restaurants within walking distance.

Odin

http://www.houtbaybeachcottage.co.za/facilities.html

Perfect location in Hout Bay.

Elisabeth54

Thank you all very much for your suggestions. We are actually concentrating on the Tamboerskloof/Gardens area for the fact that our daughter lives there and works in Rondebosch. It would make it a lot easier if for her if, after work, she would not have to travel somewhere to come and see us. Hout Bay is perfect, I agree, but still a good 20 minute drive each way to T'kloof (traffic permitting) which is not ideal. Will check out Hout Bay Beach cottage though for good measure, thanks for the suggestion Odin.

We know all the places that are mentioned very well as we have been visitors of South Africa for the past 40 [yes, forty ] years. The Capestay website does offer lots of possibilities but actually few that are fully self catering and welcome small children. We realize that we are not making things easy for ourselves by concentrating on such a small area. It's a bit of a challenge but I'm sure we'll succeed in finding something, especially with the help of you Fodorites. Thanks again for all your suggestions!

Odin

I find this site very useful, you might find some properties closer to your requirements:-

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/

Elisabeth54

Hout Bay beach cottage looks wonderful! Alas, already booked!!! What's going on in Cape Town? So many places booked six months in advance. We are continuing the search but it ain't easy!

Odin

It's peak vacation time, most popular time to travel there between Jan and Apr so things get booked up well in advance.


Have also used this site:-

http://www.sa-venues.com/westerncape...ng/houtbay.php

Elisabeth54

Hi Odin, yep, we've noticed that. Plus of course the Argus race at the beginning of March. Peak season used to be from December 1 until end of January but now of course RSA has become very popular with overseas tourists. When I first visited the country back in 1974 (hight of apartheid) my friends didn't want know me anymore for visiting that 'vile' country. Things sure do change.
I'm now looking at a cottage in Houtkapperspoort Resort, Constantia Neck. It's quite a drive from Tamboerskloof though and a bit secluded. We'll see.
Thanks for the suggestion. I believe I have already visited this site though.

Elizabeth_S

Have you tried airbnb.com? I just plunked in some March dates (2-28) and there are several houses available in your preferred neighbourhood - like this one

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/587933?c...uests=4&s=Z2uF

Odin

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Vacatio...tern_Cape.html

If the calendar is correct, March is available. Good luck with your search!

Elisabeth54

Thank you Elizabeth_S and Odin. Yes, I have thought of Airbnb. I had one great and one not so great experience with renting through them in the States. I was in contact with all three owners of the houses you mentioned. Alas, all booked or not suitable for toddlers. The search continues
I'm always amazed at how the Fodor's community works. So many people who, without any personal advantage or gain, help others to find what they are looking for. I wish this were true for other issues in this world.

Odin

It's frustrating when the calendars are not up to date on these booking sites.

SKINT

Hi Elizabeth,
Have you tried More Quarters Apartments just off Kloof Nek Rd between Gardens and Tamberskloof? Thay have 3 x 2 bedroomed apartments (maybe not suitable?) plus a stand alone 4 bedroom house with pool - Redcliffe House. You are walking distance to shops bars restaurants. Apartments are serviced and you can cook for yoruselves. There is a manned reception desk and babysitting can be arranged.

Might be out of your price range but if its going to be a long stay rental, try negotiating.

Speak to Nomsah at http://www.morequarters.co.za/

Best of luck
Jonny