Stellenbosch Real Estate and Area Info
Stellenbosch is located in the Western Cape Winelands region and surrounded by towering mountains and hills lined with vineyards. The oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel. With its fertile soil, the Dutch East India Company intended to grow vegetables in the valley and supply the ships en route to the East Indies. The first farmers settled on the Eerste River in 1683, with the first colonialists from the Netherlands, Germany, France and Britain. It is the Cape Dutch architecture that has proved the most distinctive over the years. The early townspeople were encouraged to plant oak trees and the area became known as “Eikestad” or ‘town of oaks’.
Stellenbosch has developed into a vibrant university town, with the growth a direct result of the University of Stellenbosch, renowned as one of the world’s top learning institutions. Today, there are more than 600 farms and 123 wine cellars in the area, producing some of the best wines in South Africa. The dramatically beautiful environment, street cafes, restaurants, mountain trails, plethora of outdoor pursuits (hiking, fishing, horse riding), wine estates and access to some of the Cape’s best beaches nearby makes Stellenbosch an idyllic place to live.
Major suburbs:
Mostertsdrift – this is the oldest suburb in Stellenbosch, located just behind the historical centre of town and nestled in a protected valley on the banks of the Eerste River. Some refer to it as the Constantia of Stellenbosch, as there is a healthy demand for property in this tree-lined, peaceful suburb that far exceeds the supply. This translates into an unlimited capital appreciation potential and makes it almost impossible to overcapitalize here.
Karindal – this suburb lies above Mostertsdrift and is a favourite with families. The streets are quiet and there is easy access to the world famous Lanzerac Hotel and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which also places property in high demand.
Uniepark – this has been established as a popular residential area for academic staff at the University of Stellenbosch and continues to grow in popularity due to its proximity to schools and the university. It also promises fantastic mountain views and quiet, peaceful surroundings.
Brandwacht / Dalsig – this area is wind-free, offering lovely views and a rewarding country lifestyle, while only a short stroll from town and close to prominent schools. Popular with young families, the area is known for its spacious homes and well-established gardens. This address is second only to Mostertsdrift and houses are seldom available in this prestigious part of Stellenbosch.
Paradyskloof – this is a residential suburb for the young at heart, catering for a wider market, with a number of walled security estates. It offers a sense of space and features some lovely mountain views. The presence of shopping centres, health spas and restaurants make it a convenient place to live.
Die Boord – this is a large suburb with a broad selection of accommodation and is another favourite with families due to the proximity of schools, shops and medical facilities. The neighbourhood is known to be cheerful and friendly and borders on the Eerste River, where the most prominent homes are situated.
Onder-Papegaaiberg – this area is extremely popular as a result of its fantastic value for money, accessibility to recreational sites, such as parks and theatres, as well as restaurants. It is located below the Papegaaiberg near Middlevlei Wine Estate and KWV Bergkelder. Popular with young professionals and families, buyers tend to purchase older homes and renovate them to suit their requirements.
De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate – this is a premier golf estate and security development in Stellenbosch that comes with Cape vernacular architecture, majestic views of the Helderberg Mountains, vineyards, club houses and a golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. This is the ultimate in luxury lifestyle for upmarket buyers.
De Wijnlanden Residential Estate – this is an excellent value for money option when it comes to property investment, as the security estate provides large stands and the opportunity for spacious family homes with vineyard and mountain views.
Welgevonden Residential Estate – this provides a wide range of cost-effective accommodation and is located just outside of Stellenbosch. It tends to be popular with students and young professionals.
Die Weides – this is an old suburb that boasts many character homes, many of which have been converted into student residences.
Farms and Smallholdings – there is a wide variety of smallholdings and farms to suit every pocket and requirement in Stellenbosch. There are large established wine estates, mid-sized equestrian estates, olive, vegetable and fruit farms, spectacular 2 hectare smallholdings with vineyard and mountain views, smallholdings located on main arterial roads, which have established trading stores and are well suited for further commercial development, as well as true blue lifestyle estates with exquisite homes and views.
Commercial – there are farm stalls and trading stores located in the countryside close to high traffic tourist routes, as well as stalls and smallholdings located in the strawberry, apple and vineyard areas. There are also buildings available for commercial, office, restaurant, residential development or other purposes in some of the best locations in the Cape Winelands region.
