Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Riebeek West
Historical, cosmopolitan, divergent
THE slow-paced hamlet of Riebeek West, about 90km north-west of Cape Town, has seen a surge in local semigrants and foreigners who realise the Cape Winelands offer country-living opportunities without sacrificing things to do. “Riebeek West is a rural working town where you’re likely to see more tractors at the only petrol station than cars. “Paydays bring an influx of workers – agriculture is still a large seasonal employer – a material boost for local businesses,” says resident and restaurateur Robert de Vivo. “The properties are generally large, making gardening a favourite pastime for many. A plus is access to the Kasteelberg mountains for hikers. At a height of 966m they offer diverse fauna and flora and exude an energy that is tangible
when exploring.” The cosmopolitan nature of the town has brought together residents of divergent skills, and often these are on tap for locals’ benefit. One example is Flour and Oil. Nicole Neethling runs authentic Indian cooking courses from her studio in Riebeek West. The recipes are based on her mother’s, using ground spices for their healing properties – spicy, but not necessarily hot. For historians, Riebeek West was the birthplace of two South African prime ministers Jan Smuts and DF Malan and in the early years the houses were mainly along Voortrekker Road, with good ground water and fertile soils below the road. Today Riebeek West offers a diversity of shops, restaurants, wineries, farming supply shops, banks and the main resident support system for the Greater Riebeek Valley. In 1997 house prices began around R150 000 and plots fetched as little as R32 000. “Now, realistic starting prices would be R1.9 million for houses and R570 000 for plots,” saysDaniel Christen, Leapfrog agent for the Riebeek Valley. “The N7 dual carriageway from Cape Town to Malmesbury and beyond will significantly decrease travel times when completed, and this will mean the Riebeek Valley becomes even more sought after.” The gentrification of the area has seen creative redevelopment of existing buildings. The Barn is a typical example of a duo with vision who transformed an industrial property into an exquisite character home. Two ocean-going yachts were built in the barn, both completing a Cape-to-Rio race. It is now a rustic, slightly industrial-feel home, sporting a 5m-wide patio and eco-friendly splash pool. “Riebeek West, and by association the greater valley, attracts those looking for a lifestyle change. The outdoor opportunities to recharge one’s soul abound.”
The N7 dual carriageway from Cape Town to Malmesbury and beyond will significantly shorten travel times when it has been completed, meaning the Riebeek Valley will become even more sought after. DANIEL CHRISTEN LEAPFROG AGENT