Words: Robyn Anthony | Images: Werner Hills
Walmer Heights, as the name suggests, is situated on the upper end of Walmer. It lies alongside Buffelsfontein Road and is next to the suburb of Miramar. Known as one of Port Elizabeth’s prettiest suburbs, Walmer Heights is known for its luxury homes with large, well-maintained gardens as well as family homes and trendy, modern complexes.
Resident Graeme van Zyl recently moved into the area. “I moved into Walmer Heights in February from Miramar. However, I lived in Miramar from 1999 and my house was just 800m down the road from where I am now. So I’ve been in the area for nearly 20 years,” he says.
What first attracted Graeme to the area was its tranquillity. “Back then it was like living in the country. There were very few developments and no traffic, but it was close enough to town that it didn’t feel isolated.”
Property
Graeme says there have been many changes in Walmer Heights and surrounding areas over the years. “There has been the establishment of the King’s Courts complex, Builders Warehouse, the Woolworths complex, the upgrade of Buffelsfontein Road, the Caltex service station, A1 Auto-1, Medicross Walmer, Prestons up the road and the SuperSpar,” he says, adding that even though there has been a lot of development, Walmer Heights has remained a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood.
“It’s a pity that there’s some crime in the area, but I will challenge any place that claims not to be affected,” he says. “In saying that, though, there’s a strong sense of community, with residents maintaining vigilant watch, helping the neighbourhood to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.”
Graeme says there’s a good mix of homes in the area. “The houses range from middle to upmarket properties with varying erf and house sizes. I feel there’s a good balance of different lifestyle classes which complement each other.”
He says his family also love the area. “We consider it a lifestyle change from our place in Miramar and are enjoying it as a family.”
Schooling
While there are no schools in Walmer Heights, parents don’t have to travel far to find exceptional schooling. There’s St Dominic’s Priory School in Miramar and Mount Pleasant Primary School on the way out to Sardinia Bay. Further along in Walmer, there’s Walmer West Primary, DF Malherbe High School and the prestigious Theodor Herzl schools.
Explore
The prime location of Walmer Heights makes it an ideal area to live. There are several shopping complexes and malls within a 5km to 8km radius, including Walmer Park, Moffett on Main, the Fig Tree complex and King’s Court. There are also restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs and pubs close to Walmer Heights.
As a keen cyclist, Graeme likes that within a few kilometres he can be out on the open Seaview Road or on Marine Drive. “Also, the beaches of Sardinia Bay and Schoenmakerskop are just down the road and the retail centres are nearby. You also have golfing options, with Walmer Country Club and Sardinia Bay Golf Estate, quiet roads and open parks that allow for kids’ playtime out of the house.”
The Port Elizabeth International Airport is a 10-minute drive away from Walmer Heights and Kings Beach, Pollok Beach and Hobie Beach are a 15- to 20-minute drive away.
“I would recommend the area as it’s already fully developed, so it’s pretty much a settled community. Within a 5km radius, you have every amenity at your disposal, from schooling to medical facilities, retail, sea fronts and more.”
Graeme van Zyl, resident
Eat:
- The Joneses Family Caffe and Bistro, Walmer: for family-friendly dining
- The Barn & Barrel, King’s Court: for chilled drinks and tapas-style eating
- Como Caffe, Heugh Road: for New York-deli-style cuisine
- The Hussar Grill, Walmer: for aged steaks and wines
- Royal Siam Thai Kitchen, Walmer: for authentic Thai cuisine
Shop:
- Builders Warehouse
- King’s Court Shopping Centre
- Walmer Park, Walmer
- Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre, Walmer
- 17th Quarter, Walmer
- The Miramar complex, Miramar
- The Mount Pleasant complex, Mount Pleasant
- The Figtree complex, Springfield
See:
- Grab a drink with the locals at Barn & Barrel at King’s Court or at The Duck in nearby Mount Pleasant.
- Enjoy a seaside excursion to Schoenmakerskop or Sardinia Bay.
- Watch stock car racing at Victoria Raceway.
- Visit Planet Paintball and Paintball Heaven for adrenaline-pumping adventure.
