CENTRAL AND SPECIAL

With a history dating back to the late 17th century, Wynberg has been transformed over the decades from a farm into a suburb that is today a sought-after, and affordable, address

THE rich history of Wynberg, situated about 14km from the centre of Cape Town’s CBD, dates back to the late 17th century. Originally known as the farm De Oude Wijnberg (Old Wine Mountain), urban development increased when the British took over in 1795. The area evolved into a thriving farming community which sparked the rise of commercial and residential properties. It served as a halfway house between the Cape and Simon’s

Town, a holiday destination with views all the way across False Bay. A military base was established in 1804, and visitors included the astronomer John Herschel and evo- lutionist Charles Darwin.

Later, after the farmlands were subdivided to build more properties, Wynberg became a fully-fledged town with its own municipality and magistrate’s court in 1886.

During the apartheid era, Wynberg was split between east (coloured) and west (white), or Lower and Upper, respectively. The train line which runs between the two served to further emphasise the separation of the race groups.

With remnants of the past expressed in the architecture of the suburb, Wynberg remains self-contained and is a much sought-after address because of its central location, says Fiona Eadie, area specialist for Chas Everitt International.

“The Main Road, which links the Cape Town CBD to the False Bay coast, runs through the middle of Wynberg, and the M3 freeway on the suburb’s western boundary provides quick access to the University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, the CBD and the Foreshore. Wynberg also has its own station on the main commuter railway line between Cape Town and Simon’s Town,” she says.

An enclave within Wynberg is Chelsea Village, made up of a network of quiet lanes leading off Wolfe Street and containing a large number of Georgian cottages, townhouses and heritage homes which are among the most desirable in the area.

Despite its location and cachet, Wynberg is a relatively inexpensive area in which to buy property compared to neighbouring Claremont,

There are freehold properties and apartments available in Wynberg, and the area is more affordable than neighbouring suburbs. PICTURES: TRACEY ADAMS/ AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY/ ANA