With its almost perpendicular mountain range dropping directly into the ocean, Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard is the geographic equivalent of a leggy beauty queen. But if there is one place her assets come together, it’s Clifton. A series of white sandy coves bookended by the enormous black boulders, Clifton has long attracted the city’s most glamourous sun worshippers (listed by Forbes as one of the 10 Best Topless Beaches in the world), along with families, boogie boarders and life guards-in-training. Early mornings see locals bobbing about in small conversational knots, enjoying a bracing 20-minute cold water submersion; come weekends, yachts anchor behind the break – pretty silhouettes etched by glorious sunsets that turn the ocean molten gold. It’s why this is the most expensive real estate in the city, and if you are staying at The Rock, you’ve bagged a front row seat.

Located right on Clifton’s coveted Third Beach, this double-storey bungalow enjoys direct access to its sands, yet is elevated for magnificent ocean views, and cleverly designed to provide a sense of privacy. Between the slender lawned garden and one of Third’s large granite boulders (after which the villa is named), curves a slinky heated pool – ideal for those who find the Atlantic too bracing. On this lower level the four en-suite bedrooms are located, each with own access to the pool. Bedrooms are cool, contemporary; bathrooms beautifully fitted and well-maintained.

Making the most of the glorious view, the upstairs open-plan living-dining-kitchen area offers seamless access to a generous timber deck, with sliding shutters to control the light. Décor is contemporary and uncluttered – elegant yet unstuffy, as befits a beach house. A well-equipped kitchen, and indoor and outdoor dining tables for easy entertaining. Like all the bungalows overlooking Clifton, the bungalow is architecturally restrained, with plenty of timber, and nothing to detract from the natural beauty of the beach.

Whether you are travelling as a group of friends or family, Rock Villa offers the archetypal beach holiday, in what is justifiably and regularly listed in the world’s Top 10 Beaches; the only downside is saying goodbye.

(It is worth noting that access is via a staircase, so is not suited to anyone with mobility issues.)