Dreaming of an ideal lifestyle within the tranquil setting of Kenton on Sea

Kenton on Sea is located along the iconic R72 Sunshine Coast and neatly tucked alongside the picturesque crashing waves of the Eastern Cape's sunshine coast. Kenton on Sea shares a landscape like no other town in the country. Cradled between two estuaries of the Bushmans and Kariega Rivers, Kenton on Sea offers breathtaking vistas of the golden shores and winding ravines.

The village of Kenton forms part of the Sarah Baartman district which is part of nine separate municipalities including the town of Graaff-Reinet, Jeffery's Bay, Somerset East and the university town of Grahamstown.

Kenton at a glance

Originally envisioned as a small holiday retreat for 1800s settlers living out of the towns of Bedford and Grahamstown, Kenton on Sea has managed to maintain its quaint charms for over two centuries.

The unique positioning of the area and how each property is situated offers homeowners either a stunning coastal view, a glance towards the meandering rivers, or a picturesque backdrop of the indigenous bush.

Although centrally located, Kenton on Sea offers the convenience of modern living without the high-stress environment of city living. Homeowners and holidaymakers alike get to experience the serenity of quiet living for most of the year until the peak holiday season. During these times, the town's population practically triples in size from its humble estimate of 5000 occupants.

Amenities to living in Kenton on Sea

Kenton on Sea is best known as a holiday town. As such anything and everything that is not limited to the town can be easily accessed via road access. Parents living in Kenton on Sea will often send their children to the neighbouring towns of Port Alfred or make use of the various boarding establishments in the University campus of Grahamstown.

Other amenities include access to excellent healthcare facilities also found in Port Alfred just 30kms from the town. There are also several established General Practitioners, medical specialists, an optometrist, a fully stocked local pharmacy for primary healthcare concerns.  

Beyond this, there are two existing retirement villages, with three additional Life rights developments currently in the building process. The area also includes various retail and hardware stores, a petrol station, and an abundance of restaurants and eateries within comfortable walking distances from each other.

The Rosehill Mall, a mere 26km's towards Port Alfred offers various retail stores including Woolworths & Clicks.

Agent Q&A

Ahead, we speak to our Kenton on Sea expert, Lana Richards, who has lived in the area for over three years to garner first-hand knowledge of the area's most attractive and well-kept secrets.

Q: When looking for a property in Kenton on Sea, which suburbs would you recommend?

A:  It all comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget when looking for a property in our Eastern Cape area. Are you looking to be a part of Kenton's - comparative - hustle and bustle? Or would you prefer the relaxed, barefoot feel of Cannon Rocks?  

Q: What sort of properties would you find in this area?

A:  Our area mostly offers freehold properties as well as a couple of retirement villages. Homes vary between two to six bedrooms and the majority are used as holiday homes. This means the area becomes highly populated during peak seasons and relaxingly peaceful off-season. We noticed a large number of houses being renovated and modernised during the past year.  

Q: What areas are currently the most popular with buyers?

A:  Kenton-on-Sea is an extremely popular holiday destination. Properties with sea and river views tend to be the most popular. Cannon Rocks has been receiving increased interest in vacant land as well as seafront real estate.

Q: What features set these areas apart from other neighbouring areas?

A: Panoramic views with miles and miles of outstretched white beaches! No matter where you are situated or living in Kenton on Sea, you will always be within walking distance from the beaches and river mouths.

Mooring facilities at the Kenton Marina, situated in Merryhill Drive gives you easy access to Bushmansriver. The slipway at Kariega River Mouth, with parking facilities for trailers, offers secure boat launching.

Q: What makes these areas great for young families, are there any good schools in the nearby vicinity?

A: Grahamstown, a mere 50km's away from Kenton on Sea, presents some of the best private and public schools in South Africa, as well as Rhodes University. Due to the close proximity of these prestigious schools, Kenton and its surroundings have become home to many parents. We noticed an influx of younger generation residents that have recently relocated to this area as well.

Q: In terms of lifestyle, what do these areas offer residents?

A: This area offers retail outlets, restaurants, recreational activities as well as private game reserve access. The area is ideal for active families who enjoy the beach and river activities such as kite surfing etc. Addo Elephant Park is only an hour's drive away and makes for a great family outing.

Q: What are the nearby healthcare facilities like?

A: Within 120km, between East London and Port Elizabeth, there are outstanding hospital facilities as well as local doctors offices and medical centres in the immediate vicinity.

Q: What are some of the highlights of living in Kenton on Sea?

A: This area provides residents with an incredible sense of community. Friendly locals create a safe and welcoming environment, with families enjoying the beaches, access to the two rivers and a tranquil "barefoot" lifestyle. These areas accommodate different modes of living: from ultra-luxurious to rustic yet modest beach cottages.

Q: What advice would you give to people looking to purchase property in these areas?

A: Consulting with an accredited agency like Hamilton's Property Portfolio which has a good understanding of the local market and its complexities is always encouraged. Familiarise yourself with the different areas, locations, building styles and compare apples with apples! Choose the right home and location to suit YOUR lifestyle, the rest will fall into place. 

Q: What effect has Covid had on people buying in Kenton on Sea?

A: The various pressures of the pandemic have made the city dwellers aware of the many benefits of coastal living in such a safe, tranquil, and aesthetically pleasing environment. This has resulted in ongoing interest and increased sales in the area, apart from attracting enthusiasm from developers. 

Q: Let's explore prices, what are the trends? (speak to areas and property size)

A: Location, location, location!! Views, views and more views!! 

Kenton on Sea is cradled between two rivers and the R72, meaning expansion is virtually impossible. The ideal view site location is in high demand, however, the supply of real estate with the aforesaid features... is very low. 

Prices can start from just below R3 million for a view site stand and will increase according to the amenities offered. This motivates prospective buyers to increase their offers to procure their dream homes.

Q: What are your favourite aspects of the area, personally?

A: Being able to drive in any direction, without getting stuck in traffic. Eating my favourite pork chops at Stanley's, overlooking the Kariega River - so beautiful! Beach walks on Cannon Rocks Main coastline which stretches as far as the eye can see. The relaxed atmosphere lets you forget about the corporate world in urban cities and concentrate on the best life has to offer!

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/spring-gardening-exploring-coastal-vs-inland/  

Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:

Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155

Cape Town: 021 418-0328

Garden Route:  044 050 3295

Eastern Cape:  076 927 7787

Or email to reception@hamiltons.co.za