St James, Cape Town

St James, Cape Town: A Heritage Seaside Village on False Bay

Welcome to St James, Cape Town, a truly enchanting and historic seaside village nestled on the picturesque False Bay coastline, gracefully positioned between the vibrant energy of Muizenberg and the artistic hub of Kalk Bay. St James is a rare jewel, celebrated for its unique combination of serene, sheltered beaches, iconic colourful bathing boxes, and a profound sense of old-world charm, making it one of the Southern Suburbs' most desirable and distinctive addresses.

This intimate enclave offers a restful village atmosphere infused with seaside elegance and historical resonance. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retirement haven, a cherished family holiday home, or a unique investment opportunity, St James provides an unparalleled coastal lifestyle in Cape Town.

Natural Beauty & The St James Lifestyle

Life in St James is synonymous with its breathtaking natural surroundings. The village is famed for its sheltered, east-facing beach, which is wonderfully protected from the strong south-easterly "Cape Doctor" winds. This makes it a consistently safe and beloved spot for family swimming, particularly within its iconic tidal pool. The shore is often lined with friendly rangers guiding visitors in rock-pool exploration, while nearby Danger Beach offers opportunities for epic surf - one of the finer spots on the False Bay coastline.

Rising majestically above the village is Boyes Drive, a world-renowned scenic lookout offering panoramic views of False Bay. This elevated position provides prime vantage points for exhilarating whale and shark watching during the migratory season (June to November), making it a true highlight for residents and visitors alike.

The surrounding natural beauty extends to invigorating coastal walks and low-impact hikes that connect seamlessly towards Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. The dramatic mountain backdrops, framed by indigenous fynbos, offer a multitude of scenic trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Community & Demographics of St James

St James remains a remarkably intimate and close-knit community. With a small geographical area and a limited number of residents, it fosters a strong sense of belonging, attracting those who value peace and privacy. The community is predominantly English-speaking, drawing a diverse mix of retirees, families, and holidaymakers who value a serene environment with sophisticated seaside charm.

This charming area continues to appeal to those seeking a peaceful, secure, and beautiful setting, preserving its unique character despite its proximity to larger, more bustling neighbours.

A Brief History of St James

St James, a scenic coastal suburb in Cape Town, is named after the St James Roman Catholic Church. The original church serving the Filipino fishing community based in nearby Kalk Bay was blessed in 1859, with the current church building in St James erected around 1900-1901. Formal settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, with early homes appearing along the coastline.

One of the oldest, St James Cottage (circa 1853), is a notable heritage site.

The arrival of the Simon’s Town railway line by 1890 was pivotal in transforming the area, triggering a significant development boom between 1910 and 1950. Today, the suburb is known for its elegant Edwardian and colonial-era homes, often built from local sandstone and plaster, contributing to its unique seaside charm.

Thinking of Buying, Renting, Selling, or Letting in St James?

St James is consistently sought after for its rare combination of upscale seaside living and a truly relaxed village ambiance. With just over 300 properties in total, property turnover in St James is traditionally low, meaning only a handful of homes typically come onto the market each year. This inherent scarcity contributes significantly to the area's resilient property values.

As of July 2025, the average selling price for properties in St James has been approximately R6,260,000, with average asking prices around R9,950,000. These figures underscore the premium nature of the market, particularly for homes with desirable features or commanding sea views. Properties for sale in Cape Town’s St James generally consist of spacious freestanding homes and some charming sectional title apartments.

For those looking for property to rent in Cape Town’s St James, rental rates typically range from approximately R10,000 to R60,000+ per month, with luxury properties and those with direct sea views commanding higher figures. Due to the limited available stock, well-priced properties in St James, whether for sale or rent, tend to move efficiently, although transaction times can vary. 

If you are considering selling your property in St James, the unique charm, heritage status, and limited supply mean that with the right strategic guidance and expert exposure from Seeff False Bay, properties here consistently appeal to a discerning buyer market, ensuring efficient and advantageous sales.

For landlords, letting your property in St James offers strong rental income potential due to consistent demand from quality tenants seeking a tranquil, secure, and uniquely coastal lifestyle.

Distance from Key Locations

St James is perfectly situated for convenience while retaining its secluded charm:

Cape Town CBD – approx. 30 km / 40 min via Main Road or train

Cape Town International Airport – approx. 35 km / 35–40 min

Muizenberg – 3 km / 5 min

Kalk Bay – 2 km / 5 min by foot or road

St James is conveniently served by the Simon's Town rail line, with its own train station within easy walking distance of the beach and Main Road, offering a reliable commute option to central Cape Town.

Climate in St James

St James enjoys the mild Mediterranean climate typical of False Bay: characterized by dry and warm summers, and cool, wetter winters, consistently moderated by refreshing sea breezes. The village's east-facing beach and iconic tidal pool remain calm and inviting on most summer days, providing ideal swimming conditions. During the winter months, the added charm of whale sightings directly from the shoreline or Boyes Drive creates a truly special seasonal experience.

Education & Schools Near St James

Families residing in St James have access to reputable local primary school options such as St James Primary and Bay Primary School. Furthermore, a wider selection of excellent schools in nearby Fish Hoek and Muizenberg are easily accessible. For those pursuing higher education, major universities in Cape Town, including the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), are readily accessible by train or a short drive.

Healthcare Facilities Near St James

Residents of St James benefit from close proximity to reliable healthcare services, ensuring peace of mind:

The nearby False Bay Hospital provides public medical services.

Private facilities in nearby Fish Hoek, such as the Fish Hoek Medical Centre, offer comprehensive general practitioner, dental, and specialist care within minutes of home.

A range of well-stocked pharmacies and professional wellness centres are also easily accessible in the surrounding coastal suburbs.

Shopping & Lifestyle Amenities in St James

While St James itself offers a peaceful village setting, its prime location means residents are just a short, picturesque walk from Kalk Bay, a vibrant and eclectic hub. Kalk Bay boasts a delightful mix of charming cafés, unique boutique shops, intriguing art galleries, and bustling fresh seafood markets. Within St James village itself, local guest houses and quaint coffee kiosks add to the area's undeniable charm and provide convenient local amenities.

Restaurants & Cafés in & Around St James

The culinary scene near St James is a true delight, offering a variety of experiences from casual to fine dining:

Olympia Café (Kalk Bay): A legendary spot renowned for its incredible breakfasts, artisan baked goods, and famous cheesecake; a quintessential local favourite.

Folk Cafe: Small plates, great cocktails, and Neapolitan Style Wood-Fired Pizza.

Brass Bell (Kalk Bay): Situated directly on the beachfront near St James beach, offering iconic seaside dining, fresh seafood, and often live music with the sound of waves as a backdrop.

Harbour House (Kalk Bay): Top-quality seafood 

Quaint coffee kiosks and artisanal delis: Discover charming local flavours and coffee stops along Kalk Bay’s Main Road and near the historic St James Manor.

Whether you're after a gourmet meal, fresh local seafood, or just a quiet coffee with a view, the vibrant culinary offerings of St James and its neighbouring suburbs will not disappoint.

Why Choose St James?

St James offers a truly rare jewel in the Cape Town property market: a tranquil, heritage coastal village soaked in history, just a convenient 30-40 minutes from the CBD. It boasts a strong sense of intimate community and a vibrant, appealing seasonal charm. Whether you are considering retiring, downsizing, renting, buying a second home, or investing Cape Town property, the suburb’s relaxed elegance, iconic beach huts, and enduring property values make it one of the Cape’s most distinctive, highly sought-after, and ultimately, liveable addresses.

Let Seeff False Bay Help You Make Your Next Move in St James

With deep local insight and unparalleled expertise in the St James property market and the broader False Bay region, Seeff False Bay is your trusted partner. Our dedicated team can expertly guide you through current listings, rentals, and investment opportunities in St James.

Contact Seeff False Bay today to discover the perfect seaside home in one of Cape Town’s most cherished coastal villages.