River42 Camps Bay

A Cape Town Villa Inspired by Nature

Set in Cape Town’s exclusive Camps Bay, this newly renovated villa is a tribute to landscape-driven design and personal history, just steps from Bakoven Beach. Its garden, inspired by the renowned Dutch designer Piet Oudolf, features a natural river that flows beneath the property, lending the home its name, River42. The contemporary interiors are shaped by the owners' time in West Africa, showcasing a private collection of their own vibrant, modern artworks. The villa sleeps eight across four bedrooms.

The villa’s name hints at its most unique feature: a natural river that whispers through the garden. This elemental presence grounds the property’s design philosophy. Inside, clean lines and a calm palette create a gallery-like setting for the owners' striking artworks. Inspired by decades spent in the Ivory Coast and Congo, each piece is printed on plexiglass for a luminous, contemporary effect that captures the warmth and energy of the continent.

Designed in the spirit of Piet Oudolf, the seemingly wild plantings of the garden are a carefully orchestrated tapestry of texture and form that evolves with the seasons. Sculptural elements are placed throughout, a pool sits just beyond the living room terrace, while an upper-level deck offers an elevated perch for watching sunsets over the Atlantic, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Cape Town sleeps up to eight guests. The villa’s four bedrooms are arranged to maximize comfort and views. The primary suite offers a king-size bed and a full en-suite bathroom with a freestanding tub. A second queen bedroom is also en-suite. Two additional queen bedrooms, which can be configured as twins upon request, share a spacious family bathroom. The upper level opens onto a wide deck, extending the living area outdoors.

Good to know

The property is set over multiple levels, with stairs required to access the upper-floor bedrooms and deck. Gated on-site parking is provided for guest convenience. The namesake river is a natural, unfenced feature of the garden.

Amenities and services

Pool, wind free air-conditioning, high-quality wifi, gated parking, dedicated workspace

Around

Set between the mountains and the sea, Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most sought-after coastal suburbs. The villa is footsteps from the sheltered cove of Bakoven Beach and a short walk from the main beach and its vibrant strip of restaurants and cafes. A short drive connects you to the famous beaches of Clifton, the trails of Table Mountain National Park, and the city’s cultural heart at the V&A Waterfront. A car is recommended for exploring the wider Cape Peninsula, from the penguins at Boulders Beach to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point.