Durbanville, Western Cape

Durbanville at a glance

HISTORY:
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. Durbanville was originally known as Pampoenkraal (from the Afrikaans words pampoen meaning pumpkin, and kraal meaning corral - an enclosure for livestock). 

LOCATION:
Being only 14kms from the Cape Town International Airport and 25kms from the city centre, the Northern suburbs offer easy access to the modern lifestyle.  Situated centrally between the Mother City and picturesque Stellenbosch it also offers breath-taking views over winelands and mountains.  The Northern suburbs of Cape Town include Tygerberg, Plattekloof, Century City and Durbanville.  

CLIMATE:
The Northern suburbs experience winter rainfall and windy conditions, the warm summers are mild with temperatures between 25 - 30 degrees.  Enjoy long summer nights with sunset being approximately 8:00 pm  

SCHOOLS:
There are numerous schools to choose from, whether you're looking for private schooling facilities, government schools, home schooling or even boutique schooling options, the Northern suburbs offers it all. DF Malan High School, Riverside College, Fairmont High, Stellenberg High, Exelsior Primary, Dunatos Remedial School, Boston Private School, Oakdale Montessori are a few of the schools in the area. From pre-school to matric, the Northern suburbs offers every type of educational curriculum. Just 25 kms from the University of Cape Town and 30 kms from the sought-after Stellenbosch University, your child's educational needs are taken care of. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES:
The Northern suburbs offer some of the finest medical facilities.  The Louis Leipoldt Durbanville and Cape Gate Mediclinic's are amongst the best in the country. 

SHOPPING:
With Willowbridge and Tyger Valley shopping centres being centrally located, and Century City just 15 kms from the centre of the Northern suburbs, all your shopping needs are taken care of.   

WHAT TO DO IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS:
Enjoy High Tea in a rose garden or hiking amongst the most beautiful mountain ranges and fynbos.  Join the Tyger Valley Mountain Bike Club and cycle over 170 kms of trails cut across 21 farms.  Relax and unwind at the Meerendal Farmers Market and Willow Bridge Market or indulge in lunches and wine tastings at any number of wine farms.  Appreciate arts at the Sanlam art gallery and dance to live entertainment at the Barnyard Theatre.  Spend family days at the Milnerton Beach and water park.  Have loads of fun at the Cool Runnings toboggan track, the 1st in Africa, this fun summer take on a snowy winter sport offers hours of epic thrills for young and old.  Discover 16ha of wetlands at Intaka Island, found right in the middle of Century City.  Ice skating, jumping around a trampoline park or getting active at the indoor sports arena are just some of the opportunities that await you and your family in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town. 

RESTAURANTS:
From relaxed family restaurants to special occasion dinners, the restaurant scene in the Northern suburbs caters to everyone. Zibaldone Restaurant, The Hussar Grill Willowbridge, Pizza Vesuvio, Cattle Baron Tyger Waterfront, Shakespeare's Restaurant, Sushi Box are some of the popular restaurants in the Northern suburbs. 
The homestead of Evert Opstal is a much-loved historical gem in Durbanville.  The Evert Opstal Restaurant is found in the wine cellar of this local landmark.  Housed in one of the oldest buildings in South Africa this homestead has been traced back to 1680.  The menu combines Cape Dutch heritage with the focus on contemporary cuisine for a culinary treat. 
 
SAFETY:
The Northern suburbs have very active Community Safety Forums working closely with private security firms and local police to ensure you and your family are safe.  The number plate identification system linked to control rooms in the area is a great safety feature for residents of the Northern suburbs. 
 
To make the move to live in the Northern suburbs contact your local property consultant at Harcourts Dunn.