Words: Robyn Anthony | Images: Fredlin Adriaan
The peaceful family suburb of Fernglen is situated along Cape Road, between Sunridge Park and the William Moffett Expressway. While there are a few shops in the vicinity, Fernglen is largely residential. The majority of properties here are freestanding homes, with a few townhouse complexes, making the area ideal for families and retirees.
Property
Carol Brand, a stay-at-homemom and housewife, who also does admin for her husband Jan’s financial services business, has lived in Fernglen for six years. What attracted her and her family to the area was the proximity to Alexander Road High School, which her two sons attended. Carol says the area is very quiet and is home to many pensioners and retirees. “I’m starting to hear more children’s laughter as the retired folk move out, though.”
The houses in the area were all built about 40 years ago, “so the rooms are big enough for collecting clutter,” Carol says with a chuckle. She adds that most of the houses have been renovated over the years and now Greenacres and The Bridge, and you need simply nip down the William Moffett Expressway to reach shopping centres such as Moffett Retail Park, Moffett on Main, 17th Quarter, Walmer Park and the Fig Tree complex.
Explore
Because the area is so peaceful, many residents can be seen out and about with their families or walking their dogs. Young and old residents also enjoy playing squash at the nearby Londt Park Sports Club or participating in games and activities at the Parks Rugby Club. Carol enjoys visiting The Pastryworks, a popular bakery, to buy decadent treats for her family.
Schooling
There are no schools in Fernglen itself, but there are many good schools nearby, including Herbert Hurd Primary School, Newton Park Primary School, Alexander Road High School in Newton Park, Sunridge Primary School in Sunridge Park and Framesby High School in Framesby.
“I would definitely recommend the area. It’s a very friendly suburb; we still know our neighbours’ names. It’s also conveniently close to Greenacres, Moffett Retail Park and Baywest.”
Carol Brand, resident
Shop:
The Pastryworks is a popular stop in Stella Londt Drive. German-born owner, chef Ralph Gottschalk, has worked around the world and has a cooking school in Fernglen.
Sunridge Village, Greenacres, The Bridge, Moffett on Main, Moffett Retail Park, 17th Quarter and Walmer Park are not too far away if residents are looking for retail or speciality stores.
Eat:
- Cafe Capellini Restaurant and Cappuccino Bar, Sunridge Park: for great coffee and service
- San Fernando’s Grillhouse and Woodfired Pizzeria, Sunridge Park: for wood-fired pizza
- Silver Cloud Spur, Newton Park: for family-friendly eating out
- Nearby shopping centres such as Moffett Retail Park, Greenacres and The Bridge, as well as Walmer Park: cafes and fast food outlets.
See:
- The Londt Park Mini Train: on the first Sunday of every month.
- Londt Park Sports Club: where visitors can practise their swing on the driving range, play squash and baseball or try their hand at archery.
- The Baakens Valley: for mountain-biking, walking the dogs or going for a stroll with the kids.
- The annual book sale by the frail care centre at the Stella Londt Home for the Aged: where visitors can buy books for as little as R5.
