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Cape Town's City Bowl has an exclusive, wellkept secret. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain, the leafy innercity suburb of Oranjezicht offers residents convenient city living plus consistent investment opportunity.
The suburb is built on what was a farm supplying fresh produce to the Castle of Good Hope in the 1700s. It remained a farm for more than two centuries. In the 1960s, the farmhouse was demolished to build a bowling green. In 2013, this was redeveloped into the Oranjezicht City Farm, a mini-Babylonstoren and well worth a visit.
Dominated by lavish characterful homes and apartments, Oranjezicht comprises around 750 houses and 1300 residential apartments. Based on 2018 sales, sectional title properties fetched an average value of R36 000m², and full-title properties around the R10 million mark.
According to Knight Frank property consultant Louis Fouché, Oranjezicht is a superb offering in terms of lifestyle coupled with solid investment growth: “We are seeing astute and discerning buyers of all ages occupying properties with an equivalent percentage of buyers in all groups, including 50s and upwards.
“With its stylish and trendy community, it is easy to see why Oranjezicht is popular. Homes vary from Victorian to contemporary architecture, although the neighbourhood retains the ambience of its original farm.
“Some of Cape Town’s top schools, such as St Cyprian’s, Herzlia, Jan van Riebeeck, and the French and German international schools are adjacent, and city centre attractions are mere minutes away.”
We are seeing astute and discerning buyers from across the age spectrum. - Louis Fouché,
Knight Frank Property Consultant
Picture: Supplied
Punctuated by picturesque De Waal Park and Homestead Park, Oranjezicht streets are frequented by dog-lovers walking pets, while the historic Molteno Reservoir is popular with runners who enjoy an early morning daily run around the dam.
Apart from many top eateries and coffee shops, particularly on trendy Kloof Street, closeby shopping amenities include the Gardens Shopping Centre and Lifestyle on Kloof, with health-care facilities provided by MediClinic Cape Town and Booth Memorial Hospital.
The suburb has many eateries and coffee shops situated close by. In the 1960s the original farmhouse was demolished to build a bowling green, which was later developed into Oranjezicht City Farm. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
To top it all, Cape Town’s famous beaches such as Clifton and Camps Bay are only a 10-minute drive over Kloof Nek. Resident Susi Astengo, a consultant, says: “We literally have the best of the Cape’s offering on our doorsteps. The suburb is almost solely residential so there is a wonderful family buzz. There are loads of green areas, easy access to the mountain for walkers and mountain bikers, as well as a variety of places to eat, drink and shop. Easy access to all major arterial routes makes for simple access to other city areas.”
Since its origins Oranjezicht has offered the ideal Cape Town city address, along with the shelter and seclusion of a small suburb with a big investment heart.
Susi Astengo’s favourite things to do in Oranjezicht
We literally have the best of the Cape’s offerings right on our doorstep. The suburb is almost solely residential so there is a wonderful family buzz all the time. - Susi Astengo, Resident.
Picture: Supplied
1 Eat
The family ambience of Oranjezicht is probably best reflected in Wills Café & Deli, on Upper Orange Street, where traditional English breakfast is a firm favourite, plus a broad range of delicacies including artisanal breads. 021 465 0795. Another family favourite is La Frasca for authentic Italian with all the favourites. The pizzas are exceptional. If steak is your thing, try Nelson’s Eye. It has wowed locals and tourists for more than 60 years. Booking is advisable. 021 423 2601
2 Drink
Gins are the current tipple of the day. The Stack offers an old-world club environment, and its signature is the Stack Cocktail. Cocktails are halfprice daily from 3pm to 6pm. Join the Mount Nelson’s “100- year in the pink” celebrations at their Plant Bar with pink-inspired creations. It’s Hendrik’s Gin o’clock Fridays from 4pm to 6pm until the end of March. 021 286 0187
3 Outdoors
Residents and visitors are spoilt for choice. At the foot of Table Mountain, Oranjezicht offers unfettered access to the global landmark. There are numerous walking and mountain bike trails, and several parks and sporting clubs to use up any excess energy you – or your children – may have.
The Molteno Reservoir, which was built in 1877, remains usable. Cape Town’s first municipal electricity plant, which was commissioned in 1895, was beside the dam. Today it’s a registered national monument.
De Waal Park is home to the Concert in the Park series, featuring some of South Africa’s top artists. Coming up on March 17 is Jimmy Nevis, followed by Freshly Ground on April 7. Access to the park is generally free. Entrance to the concerts in the park is R20 for guests who are 13 years and older.
4 Shop
Support local entrepreneurs. That’s what Fabricate in Gardens Centre, a locally owned retailer, does, representing in excess of 100 local suppliers. The majority are small, independent businesses run by women. A range of products are offered at shop 56. 078 115 1404.
5 Film
Visit the beloved Labia Theatre. Originally the Italian Embassy, it was converted into a live theatre in 1949. They offer a movie and meal special five nights a week for R110. 021 424 5927