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Named after a river on the eastern periphery of the Cape Town metropole, close to the R300 arterial, linked to N1 and N2 national roads and bordered by smallholdings and farms, Kuils River offers a blend of rural life plus the benefits of city living.
The town was also the birthplace in 1905 of Herman Charles Bosman, widely considered as one of South Africa’s finest short-story writers. Resident June Lewis says: “There has been tremendous residential expansion, but Kuils River has not lost its sense of community. In fact, there’s loads of young families. We have a great multicultural, cosmopolitan vibe. We’re ideally positioned between the country and the city; Stellenbosch is an easy commute.”
There are many well-established schools and Kuils River is well served by medical facilities and the beneficiary of significant retail expansion. While the large regional centres are fewer than 10 minutes away, there are plenty of options to satisfy most retail therapy needs.
Kuils River is not immune to the generally soft residential market – property registrations have been in decline since a 2013 high. But Lightstone statistics indicate price growth in the market since 2009. This is a positive indicator, when compared to more fancied suburbs in metropolitan Cape Town – particularly the Atlantic seaboard.
“Price entry points for freehold as well as sectional title homes are attractive to young families and first-time buyers,” says Rawson franchisee Noelene Snyder.
Mooiberge Estate is a residential security development being built in Kuils River. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)
“Sellers just need to be realistic about prevailing market conditions, not set expectations too high.” In the past year, there has been a significant swing to younger buyers: 65% comprised people in the 18 to 49 age group.
“Demand for rental properties remains high. Once again, landlords need to remain realistic – the economy is tough, electricity and water price increases continue to squeeze consumers, but it’s better to have a property with a tenant than standing empty.”
A street scene with residential properties close to Jagtershof in Kuils River. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)
The north-western and eastern edges of the metropole offer the only large tracts for developments and Kuils River has benefited from this in the past and is likely to continue to do so.
“We have been approached by a developer concerning a 400-unit sectional-title development in the Zevenwacht area, which could prove a great opportunity for those commuting to either Stellenbosch or the Cape Town fringe,” says Snyder.
Haasendal Gables is a new shopping mall in Kuils River. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)
Kuils River is a value-filled proposition for many. There’s a variety of residence types – from secure estates to older, more spacious homes, for larger families – home prices are competitive, there’s well-established school and medical infrastructure and commuting is easy, thanks to a comprehensive road network. Recreational opportunities abound, with well-planned cycle lanes and paths enjoyed by earlymorning riders and joggers.
June Lewis’s favourite things to do
There has been tremendous residential expansion, but Kuils River has not lost its sense of
community. In fact, there’s loads of young families. We have a great multicultural, cosmopolitan vibe. - June Lewis, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Outdoors
Many Kuils River Golf Club members would disagree with the quote: “Golf is a good walk spoiled,” popularly attributed to Mark Twain. The 18-hole, par-72, parkland course has some tests for even the most seasoned player. Visitors are welcome; 021 903 0222.
Another option is the 5.6km hiking trail on Mooiplaas. The 360˚ views towards Table Mountain, the peninsula, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Table Bay and False Bay are magnificent. You can book a guided tour with a viticulturist during flower season from September to November; 021 200 7493
Kuils River Golf Club offers a 72-par course with beautiful features. The full 18-hole parkland layout, with some difficult holes, is for golfers of all abilities. The clubhouse features excellent amenities, including a conference facility.
Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)
2 Eat
The Daily Coffee Café offers more than just versions of java and light meals. On the last Sunday of the month they host Expressions, a platform for up-and-coming musicians in a New York-meets-Karoo styled space; 021 906 6177
3 Drink Under the same ownership for seven years, Barbaroozos has established itself as an oldestyle tavern with a comprehensive selection of drinks and a variety of beers on tap. There are weekly specials – Mondays, all-you-caneat ribs, Wednesdays pizza and two-for-one burgers on Thursdays; 084 526 0396.
Also consider wine tasting at Zevenwacht on the Stellenbosch Wine Route. Open weekdays and weekends; 021 900 5700
4 Shop
Root44 is a country market on steroids. Located under giant marquees – sheltering patrons from adverse weather – Root44 offers a curated selection of quality craft and homewares, edible and drinkable treats in a vineyard-surrounded environment. Kids can release energy at the World of Adventure fun park; 021 300 3935.
The Zevenwacht Mall has more than 100 stores on tap; 021 903 0859