WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: NATASHA LASSEN & GOOGLE MAPS
The suburb of Plattekloof was once part of the De Grendel estate, which still cloaks the adjoining slopes with green vines and pastures. Through a town-planning error back in 1956 when the land was first sold for development, Plattekloof swapped prospective names with its neighbour, so the flat valley land got the name Panorama, while Plattekloof has the panoramic views, which residents are quick to appreciate. “In winter the entire city is sometimes under cloud and the mist touches our balcony,” says Wolfgang Riebe, events specialist. “It’s like sitting in a plane above the clouds and in the distance only the top of Table Mountain sticks out.”
The second thing that residents love is the suburb’s position, with easy access to the N1, N7 and airport. “It’s so convenient and central for Stellenbosch, Somerset West and the Cape Town CBD,” says Eileen Pienaar, who grew up in the area. “Anything and everything you need is within 5km.” This includes the Panorama Mediclinic with all its associated doctors’ rooms, clinics and specialists. “It’s really a great place to live,” adds Leandre van Rooyen. “The people are always friendly and helpful. Everything is close: shops, hospitals, doctors, vet clinic, parks, gym, and restaurants.”
Property
Plattekloof was developed in slow stages, with generous plot sizes. Wolfgang recollects visiting friends in Plattekloof 1 as a child, and never forgot the captivating views. He took the opportunity to buy a plot when Plattekloof 2 was developed in 1990. “I chose the best view right on top with a true 180º view from Cape Hangklip to Blouberg – it was a no-brainer – we moved back to Cape Town in 1996 to start building our dream home.”
Many of the properties in Plattekloof were similarly built over the years as the dream homes of their first owners and range from modest family homes to lavish villas set in large gardens. Recent additions to the suburb are mostly secure estates, including exclusive Baronetcy Estate, close to the farmland of De Grendel and backing onto the Tygerberg Nature Reserve.
Schools
Locals who grew up here most likely went to Panorama Primary, which continues to serve their children, followed by Edgemead High School or Tygerberg High. There are several other options within easy driving distance including DF Malan in Bellville, all the Durbanville schools, Curro and Abbotts College in Century City, and Riverside College in Burgundy Estate.
Explore
The Olienhout Street park is a favourite local green space for picnics with a view.
Kids love having plenty of space to play and visiting the ducks in the pond. Below is the Frikkie Knoetze arboretum which functions as a fenced dog park with lots of trees and paths to explore, a favourite social spot for dogs and their owners.
Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers wilder open space right on the doorstep, its entrance on Meyboom Avenue. Conserving an expanse of critically endangered Swartland renosterveld, it has well-maintained paths including a wheelchair path to the picnic spot (accessed from the Welgemoed entrance on the other side of the hill) and lots of wildlife – from birds to bontebok and abundant flowers in spring.
While Plattekloof has its fair share of cafes, steakhouses and coffee shops, mostly located in the two main shopping centres, there’s one dining destination that stands out. “De Grendel is by far our favourite place to eat. It’s right next to where we live and the view, service and food is amazing,” says Leandre.
Other entertainment urban spots such as Grand West and Century City, N1 City Mall, Willowbridge or Tyger Valley are a short drive away.
The CBD is not much further, and it’s easy to escape the city altogether, with the Durbanville wine valley close to home and the Stellenbosch winelands and beaches easily accessible.
”Plattekloof is so central. I travel a lot and the airport is literally 20 minutes away. When it comes to shopping, hospitals, schools and wine farms, I feel Plattekloof is the most central suburb. I never have to sit in traffic as everything is within 10 minutes of me.” WOLFGANG RIEBE, RESIDENT
Agent insight
Pam Golding Plattekloof | 021 558 3438 | pamgolding.co.za
Located close to the CBD, airport and Cape winelands and a stone’s throw away from Century City, Plattekloof offers value for money at one of the best locations in Cape Town. It’s perfect for family living, offering generous-sized homes and plots. For the active family, the area is excellent for an outdoor sporting lifestyle, with numerous hiking trails and the distinguished Durbanville wine route around the corner, along with various top-class restaurants and the best medical facilities in Cape Town. Another attraction is arguably the best view in Cape Town, stretching from Muizenberg all the way to Melkbos with Table Mountain and Robben Island the focal point. With properties in Plattekloof selling for as high as R33m+, investment opportunities are endless.
Pierre Nel 076 967 3766 | pierre.nel@pamgolding.co.za
SHOP
- Plattekloof Village: Pick n Pay, Woolworths, PNA, Brights, Books Galore, services & food outlets
- Plattekloof Spar Centre: SuperSpar, Clicks, Fanaticus Board Games, PostNet & restaurants
- N1 City Mall: retail stores, Wonderland, movies
- Tyger Valley: fashion, homeware, entertainment and restaurants
- Willowbridge: open-air mall with boutiques, restaurants and the Slowmarket on weekends
- Canal Walk: Cape Town’s biggest mall packed with retail therapy and entertainment
PLAY
- The Barnyard Theatre at Willowbridge: rocking musical shows
- Grand West: casino, ice-skating, movies, theatre, concerts and more
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve: hikes, mountain biking, picnics
- Durbanville Wine Valley: wine tastings, wine festivals and restaurants
- Magic Manor: private events venue and close-up magic theatre
EAT
- De Grendel: contemporary fine dining on a beautiful wine estate
- Moksh: traditional Indian curries
- Greens: cafe bistro, wood-fired pizza
- Café Chameleon: inside or outside all-day dining
- Knead Bakery: cafe and bakery
- Bean Authentic Coffee Roasters: coffee, cakes, and light meals with a view
