Milnerton

Location
Surrounded by picturesque wine and wheat farms, the suburb of Durbanville is a well-loved destination. The long stretches of rolling green hills, multiple vineyards and old-world farmhouses all work together to produce scenes worthy of a coffee-table book. Just 20 minutes to the north of Cape Town, Durbanville is one of the oldest municipalities in the Western Cape Province.

History
The history of the area is the perfect companion for the imagery in a book, as the story is one of common hope, courage and bravery that dates back to the early days of the 19th Century.

Durbanville was founded in the early 19th century around a freshwater spring and was primarily a watering station for travellers between Cape Town and the interior. Originally called Pampoenkraal (pumpkin fold), Durbanville was named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, governor of the Cape Between 1834 and 1838. 

Durbanville came to be as the result of a need for fertile land. Settlers, desperate for somewhere to grow and nourish their crops, stumbled upon the perfect land; the land we call Durbanville today. Like the region’s beauty, their legacy continues, even after almost 300 years.

Wine farming began in Durbanville as early as the 17th century, when the first farms in the area were allocated and vineyards planted with Cape Madeira, the most popular white grape of the time. A number of these farms now form part of the Durbanville Route and award-winning wines, grown by generations of winemakers and ranging across the red and white cultivars to individual cellar blends, can be sampled on the route.

Property market
Large family homes and quaint starter homes are in abundance in Durbanville. You’ll be able to find homes ranging from approximately R1.5 million to R5.5 million. The average cost of a house is R2.5 million and the majority of recent buyers are between the ages of 20 and 40, making this a young, vibey place to live and raise a family.

Attractions
This part of the world lies in a beautiful valley that is home to one of the most closely guarded secrets in Cape Town – the Durbanville wine route. Exploring the wine route will require a day or two all on its own. There are so many farms to choose from and each one has many great things to offer its visitors. Some have unique pairings, such as chocolate and wine or pizza and wine. There are 12 farms in the valley and all are worth exploring.

The Durbanville nature reserve deserves a mention, as one can picnic in this area - originally cleared of Port Jackson and laid out with paths by the National Council of Women, who uses the nature reserve to promote, protect and further the interest in the unique fynbos that grows here.

The local craft market held on the first Saturday of every month is held at Rust-en-Vrede, in Wellington Road at the cultural centre, a Cape Dutch complex that dates back to 1850. The building, which deserves a visit in its own right, was originally a prison, a magistrate’s court, a school and finally a private residence. Today it is home to a coffee shop, a clay museum, with works by prominent South African ceramists, and a gallery that exhibits contemporary artists.

The wine farms are not just for great wine tastings, many of them are also home to beautiful restaurants. Altydgedacht is home to Eat@Altydgedacht – a rustic daytime eatery, open for breakfast and lunch. Experience the farm while sitting under the trees or inside the 300-year-old barrel room. You can sample home-made meals or delicious platters while enjoying the range of Altydgedacht’s award-winning wines.

Along with the wine route comes the kind of culture and tradition that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Sweet little shops selling home-baked goods, handmade clothes and traditional foods can be found on almost every corner in Durbanville.

Durbanville is a popular area for mountain biking, and has a number of trails to tackle and has something to challenge riders of all skill levels. There are routes on most of the wine farms with Meerendal, Bloemendal and Hillcrest being popular choices. There are also trails at Majik Forest, Contermanskloof and Hoogekraal.

A gem in the area, the Durbanville Nature Reserve is filled with fynbos – endangered and unique to Cape Town. The nature reserve is perfect for nature and animal lovers, and bird watchers should be on the lookout for the Cape sugarbird, lesser double-collared sunbird and Cape spurfowl. There are walking trails and wheelchair-friendly pathways. There are also picnic spots for those who want to relax with friends or family.

Tygerberg Nature Reserve is a great little hideaway just outside of Durbanville in Welgemoed and is heaven for outdoor fanatics. This nature reserve is perfect for hiking, trail running, bird watching, picnicking or simply just a walk through nature. 

Durbanville Rose Garden is a gorgeous 3,5-hectare piece of land filled with 500 varietals and 4 500 rose bushes. There is a tea garden, beds of miniatures, beds of medal winners and so much more on offer. It’s a truly beautiful and tranquil place.

Amenities
Naturally, Durbanville has evolved and expanded over the years to include some of the Western Cape’s top schools, shopping centres and tourist attractions.

Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre an elegant piazza which caters to the most discerning shopper. The 90 stores in the unique retail mix include Harley Davidson, the first Yuppiechef physical store and the popular Barnyard Theatre. Willowbridge also boasts the popular Willowbridge Slowmarket – open every Saturday. This is one of the leading gourmet food markets in Cape Town. Here, you’ll be greeted by an urban cosmopolitan street market scattered in the cool confines of this local hotspot. Products have been grown, raised, harvested, caught, preserved or transformed by the producers themselves, so you’re guaranteed to find something fresh and delicious.

If you’re looking for something a bit more commercial, then Tyger Valley Shopping Centre boasts over 250 stores, with everything from flagship retailers, trendy eateries and décor to furniture, toys, medical care and much more.

Reddam House Durbanville was founded in January 2017 and caters for children from 1 year old to Grade 12. The school offers a fresh, dynamic, vibrant and inspiring education approach. They strive to provide each child with the most exciting, dynamic and inspirational holistic education, based on the best international practice accumulated through years of experience in the international world of education.

Fairmont High School promotes finding out who you really are and what is important in your life.  They encourage passion and commitment in tackling tasks. Fairmont is rated as one of the consistently performing academic institutions in South Africa. Academics they endeavour to uphold their high standards and the resulting sound academic performances from year to year.

Mediclinic Durbanville offers local, national and international patients a broad spectrum of professional medical services. In February 2017, Mediclinic Durbanville became the first hospital in the Mediclinic Group to receive the Kartin Kleijnhans Quality Trophy from COHSASA.

With a solution for every potential homeowner on any budget, Durbanville truly is the perfect place for absolutely anyone to settle down. Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you find your dream home