Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Insider’s Guide to Plattekloof
Plattekloof, once part of a historic equestrian estate, offers mountain and sea vistas, hiking and biking trails, access to the Durbanville Wine Route, and plenty of fine dining opportunities
SO MANY precious memories are created in our homes. Last week I was privileged to spend quality time with my 92-year-old dad, Joe.
One of his stories to stand out is how a kind turn to him and his family more than 80 years ago has never been forgotten.
As a child, his family did not have running water. Mission nuns who lived nearby stepped in to help the big household by giving them a small amount weekly.
My grandfather later started trading fruit and vegetables and as a thank you he would always drop some at the mission.
My father began doing the drop after my grandfather died, then my brothers did the same. And now my nephews, my grandfather’s great grandchildren, deliver to the same mission every week, and the vegetables are used to make food for the poor.
A small kindness can have such an impact on a home that it will be remembered for generations to come.
Make an impact this week. You may be surprised at its knock-on effect.
Vivian Warby and team
PLATTEKLOOF, once part of the De Villiers Graaff Family Trust and a gem in the northern suburbs’ crown, is now one of Cape Town’s most sought-after areas.
Positioned against the Tygerberg Hills, Plattekloof shares a border with De Grendel wine estate, which is part of the Durbanville Wine Route.
The farm dates from 1720 when the land was first awarded to a Danish settler, Claas Mayboom, by Governor van der Stel.
South African businessman and politician Sir David De Villiers Graaff bought it 1890 to be used as a breeding and resting ground for the prized pure-bred Arab horses he bought while travelling in Argentina.
While there are references to grapes having been grown on De Grendel from as early as the 1800s, viniculture was firmly established on the estate in 2000. It now produces award-winning wines and is home to a fine dining restaurant.
The stunning stretch of land which is Plattekloof offers panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Bay and Table Mountain, attracting visitors, investors and locals.
“The high demand for property in this part of the world stems largely from being able gaze at sea and mountains while going about your daily tasks,” says Just Property consultant Jason Wright.
Plattekloof has a strong community-orientated lifestyle with the Plattekloof Village Shopping Centre offering a variety of amenities to cater for daily needs, says Wright. “Its central location means Plattekloof is well-positioned, with high quality and diverse dining options close by.”
Another drawcard for Plattekloof is its outdoor sporting lifestyle, with numerous mountain bike and hiking trails throughout the area. “One of my favourites is the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, which can be enjoyed by sports fanatics and nature lovers alike,” says Wright.
“The reserve covers an area of 309ha and is home to 562 plant varieties and more than 137 different species of birds. You may even spot a Cape fox or honey badger along the way.”
A dramatic rise in property interest and development has been noted, says Wright, particularly in the newest part of Plattekloof, Baronetcy.
“As a property consultant, carrying out market valuations and listings in this upmarket suburb gives the feeling that you have arrived,” he says.
“The lavish architecture and opulent finishes are a trademark of this swanky suburb – not to mention jaw-dropping views from the top of the hill. Good luck gaining access though. I if your arrival is not expected and approved by one of the homeowners you won’t get in.”
Comparisons have been drawn with Constantia’s Steenberg region due in part to the expansiveness of the opulent homes built in security estates. These are regarded as among the most exclusive in the Western Cape, says Wright.
“Plattekloof’s diversity caters for everyone from first-time buyers to retirees,” he says.
“An entry-level three-bedroom townhouse will begin from R1.6 million, yet in the same suburb you will easily find lavish homes at R33m, offering state-of-the-art cinemas and finishes fit for royalty.
“It’s fair to say Millionaires Lane is where you’ll find the palatial homes of the northern suburbs and it’s no wonder those who have chosen to settle in Plattekloof experience a tranquil existence in a leafy suburb with beautiful Cape Town as their daily backdrop.”
Plattekloof’s diversity caters for all – from first-time buyers to retirees.
JASON WRIGHT, JUST PROPERTY CONSULTANT