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Constantia – a 20-minute spin from Cape Town’s CBD – is among the top residential nodes in the Western Cape, thanks to its country
lifestyle, superb properties and rapid access to classy restaurants and good schools.
“We enjoy living in Constantia. The huge plots permit larger homes,” says resident Mark Waterkyn. “This sense of space, however, doesn’t insulate us from neighbours and we
have a strong sense of community.
“It’s also access to good schools – private and government – along with complete shopping opportunities, some of the best restaurants and great sporting facilities, all nearby, that make this a good spot.”
The oldest wine estate in the country, Groot Constantia, was established in 1685. It was soon followed by the establishment of
other notable estates. Greeff Properties Constantia Upper agent Marie Durr says the variety of properties ranges from small clusters in secure estates to larger homes on properties spread over several hectares.
There are also several historical buildings and older homes, each with a story to tell, and protected by the Heritage Board. Here you will find a mix of working wine farms, side by side with
residential properties, and many opportunities for walks and bike rides through the vineyards.
But you will need to need to dig
deep to gain a toehold. There are few sectional title properties. Only one sold in the past year, according to Lightstone’s statistics.
Entry price for a 30-year-old fixer-upper freehold property is in the R6 million range.
Jonkershuis Restaurant is one of two popular eateries at Groot Constantia. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
One upmarket residential estate boasts a medianprice of around R16m but high-end
examples within the protected environment easily top R28m. Constantia Upper has beautiful mountain and valley views looking
across False Bay towards Gordon’s Bay.
Easy access to Table Mountain – the Back Table, extending about 6km to Constantia Nek – provides recreational opportunities. Cecilia and Newlands forests, along with Silvermine, are great for hiking and mountain bike rides.
And Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, acknowledged as one of the world’s finest, with its backdrop the eastern slope of Table
Mountain, is the jewel in the Constantia crown
Mark Waterkyn’s favourite things to do
It’s the access to good schools – both private and government – along with great shopping opportunities, some of the best restaurants and great sporting facilities, all nearby, that make
Constantia a good spot. - Mark Waterkyn, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Outdoors
Cecilia and Newlands forests, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, access to Table Mountain and the Alphen green belt are all virtually on your doorstep. If you want to take your bike or dog into any of the SANParks areas, you’ll need a Wild Card and an Activity Card.
2 Eat
Listed in sixth position among TripAdvisor’s top restaurants in the world, under executive chef James Gaag, Constantia’s La Colombe clearly sets a global benchmark (0217942390).
For a more relaxed lunch, the charcuterie platter at Constantia Glen with a glass of wine is hard to beat (0217956100).
The tuna tataki course, which has become a La Colombe trademark. Picture: Andrea van der Spuy
3 Drink
Peddlars on the Bend in Constantia. Good food and attentive staff make this a popular destination (0217947747).
The Club House at Claremont Cricket Club is great for a drink and children can run around on the expansive fields (0217946314).
4 Shop
The Chilled Market at the Range is a popular Friday outing. With loads of foods, a children’s zone and live music, it is the place to spend time (0217132340).
If more hardcore shopping is needed, Constantia Village will do the trick. The three-village complex offers traditional chains, boutiques, great eateries and loads of free parking (0217945065)