Paarl, Western Cape

Paarl at a glance

History 
Paarl, one of the oldest towns in South Africa founded in 1687 is an admired farming village at heart. Paarl, in Dutch means pearl, originating from the glistening outcrops of granite rocks that shimmer like pearls after the rain.  Paarl's majestic granite rock is the 2nd largest granite outcrop in the world.  In honour of Paarl's legendry red wines, it is also known as the 'Red Route'.

Location
55 kms from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Towns central business district, Paarl is far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of city life but still accessible enough to accommodate your modern lifestyle. Paarl homeowners live in unspoiled natural beauty with miles of picture-perfect fynbos overshadowed by the mighty granite rocks.

Climate
Summer brings loads of sunshine, winter brings lots of rain and Paarl residents enjoy both seasons with all the adventures and experiences on offer. With highs of 30 degrees and lows of 15 degrees in summer you can make the most of the long, warm sunset evenings sipping Pinot Noir by the poolside.  With highs of 20 degrees and lows of 6 degrees in winter, why not enjoy a glass of merlot around your fireplace.

Schools
Paarl has some of the best schools in South Africa.  Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gimnasium go head-to-head in their annual Derby Day to tackle it out for the school rugby champion title. For your young ones, Noord-Eind Primary and Courtrai Primary come highly recommended. For your teenagers, Hoerskool Labori, Paarl Girls High and La Rochelle Girls High would be schools to consider, Paarl Girls and La Rochelle also offer primary school education. Other schools include Carnegie House Independent School and Heritage House Independent Primary School.

Medical Facilities
Some of South Africa's finest doctors practice in Paarl at Mediclinic Private Hospital, Medicross and St Stephen Health Care Hospital. Various clinics such as the iCare4U clinic, Sub-Acute Clinic and Paarl Family Health Clinic are on call to take care of your family's health.

Shopping centres
Shop at Laborie Centre, Rembrandt Mall, Paarl Mall and The Precinct.

Things to do
Exciting social events that take place in Paarl are The Nederberg Wine Auction, where wine merchants, collectors and socialites from all over SA and abroad flock, where you and your family can delight in a carnival atmosphere with interesting food and wine stalls, giving you the opportunity to indulge in SA's top wines.
The Berg River canoe marathon, one of the worlds most demanding canoe races, is an annual winter highlight and,
The Winelands Classic Golf Tournament.
Make memories while enjoying picnics and wine tastings on exquisite wine farms, quadbike or horse ride or take the family on a day trip to the nature reserve.

Homes in Paarl
Paarl has enjoyed a boost in residential developments for the estate minded investor and has a lot to offer prospective home buyers looking for exclusive country estates.  The top luxury lifestyle estates being;

Val de Vie (Valley of Life) This is a polo estate, voted the most secure luxury estate in SA. Val de Vie hosts royalty and celebrities alike with its equestrian paradise and vast stretches of luscious green fields.  Val de Vie is also home to a popular swimming school, established by Olympic medallist, Ryk Neethling.

Pearl Valley Golf Estate features a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and is a sought-after destination for famous golfers from around the world offering absolute opulence for the discerning homeowner.

Le Parc Residential Estate offers a park like family environment with an on-site nursery school, orchards, vineyards and running/cycling trails.
Prospective buyers are spoilt for choice with many more well established, 24 hour guarded security estates to call home.

If estate living is not for you, Paarl has a variety of eclectic free-standing homes to choose from.  Ranging in design from the original Cape Dutch style architecture to early English and Victorian style homes and now showcasing modern Art Deco all giving Paarl its unique character.

To find your perfect home in Paarl, contact your trusted real estate advisor at Harcourts Winelands