Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

PRISTINE AND UNIQUELY PACKAGED

At the base of the Hottentots Holland Mountain and forming part of the Winelands, local and internatio­nal homeowners treasure this Mediterran­ean Cape lifestyle

- BY CULLUM JOHNSTON

WARM seas and a Mediterran­ean climate which produces exceptiona­l cultivars

within the lush wine-growing valleys of Stellenbos­ch, Paarl and Franschhoe­k, sees neighbouri­ng Somerset West well-positioned on the residentia­l map for local and internatio­nal homeowners wanting to enjoy the Cape lifestyle.

Forming part of the Cape Winelands, and set at the foot of the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountain range, Somerset

West is adjacent to Cape Town Internatio­nal Airport and Blue Flag beaches.

Knight Frank South Africa chairperso­n Anne Porter says: “Somerset West offers a pristine Cape lifestyle in a country setting with homes to suit everyone’s budget.”

“We are seeing price points begin at an affordable entry level for first-time buyers, but still catering to luxury lifestyles. At the top end of the market, properties are selling for around R35 million. Somerset West is a huge attraction across the board for buyers preferring to live outside the city and happy with the accessibil­ity of the Kuilsriver corridor. The whole region offers a well-developed road system and access advantages across the region.”

Techno Park, situated halfway between Somerset West and Stellenbos­ch, offers easy entry to A-grade office space and a growing technology hub in beautiful surroundin­gs. It also links easily to Stellenbos­ch’s new industrial area and the R300 thoroughfa­re to Bellville and Durbanvill­e, not impacted by city congestion.

Families who enjoy living a suburban community lifestyle are well catered to with 26 schools. These include the prestigiou­s Somerset College (offering boarding facilities), Somerset House, the private

Somerset West is a huge attraction across the board for buyers preferring to live outside the city and happy with the accessibil­ity of the Kuilsriver corridor.

KNIGHT FRANK SOUTH AFRICA CHAIRPERSO­N, ANNE PORTER

Curo Sitari Independen­t School, two Reddam schools, the Newberry House Montessori Primary and several excellent state schools. It is close enough for students to commute to Stellenbos­ch University.

Older members of the nuclear family can still maintain independen­ce with comfortabl­e and secure retirement living opportunit­ies at facilities such as Helderberg Village and security estates such as De Zalze and Erinvale with its Gary Player-designed golf course.

The Waterstone Village and Somerset Mall are popular with shoppers who enjoy upmarket brands and entertainm­ent along with a variety of trendy restaurant­s, including the 2018 Eat Out Restaurant Award winner, The Restaurant at Waterkloof Wines.

Long-time resident and new mother Berné van Zyl, group accountant for Airports Company SA, believes Somerset West offers a unique package.

“Its proximity to Cape Town provides easy access if you’re looking for the bright lights, but it’s the family ambience and scope of activities on offer on our doorstep which makes it such a delightful place in which to live. You’ve got a Blue Flag beach on your doorstep, the most magnificen­t mountains a short ride or walk away, and food and drink offerings are excellent.”

I have travelled around South Africa and I honestly feel Somerset West has the best offering possible: easy access to the Mother City, beautiful beaches close by, a variety of outstandin­g eating establishm­ents and bountiful recreation­al opportunit­ies for a family growing up.

BERNE VAN ZYL, RESIDENT

 ?? Not only was The Restaurant at Waterkloof judged to be South Africa’s finest, but the setting and architectu­re will also take your breath away. ??
Not only was The Restaurant at Waterkloof judged to be South Africa’s finest, but the setting and architectu­re will also take your breath away.
 ?? Aerial view of Somerset West, which is in the heart of the Winelands. ??
Aerial view of Somerset West, which is in the heart of the Winelands.
 ?? Chelsea Village offers retail therapy in a tranquil garden environmen­t. ??
Chelsea Village offers retail therapy in a tranquil garden environmen­t.
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 ?? The entrance to Sanctuary Mall in Somerset West, which offers a unique shopping experience. PICTURE: DAVID HARRISON ??
The entrance to Sanctuary Mall in Somerset West, which offers a unique shopping experience. PICTURE: DAVID HARRISON
 ?? An estate on the edge of the city with a dam and a 1920s Edwardian home. ??
An estate on the edge of the city with a dam and a 1920s Edwardian home.
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