Words: Robyn Anthony
Walmer Downs is a beautiful, quiet residential suburb between the William Moffett Expressway and the Baakens Valley in Port Elizabeth.
It has wide roads, flanked by large pavements and tall trees planted generations ago. These give the entire suburb a leafy, peaceful look and feel. Sue Speyers has been living in Walmer Downs for the past two and a half years and loves the area.
“Although the suburb is very quiet and peaceful it’s close to major roads which means great convenience as far as shopping, eating out, medical services and so on are concerned,” she says.
Property
According to Sue, there’s been quite a lot of development in the area. “When I first lived in PE as a child there were no houses in this area. The area was first developed on the Glen Hurd side, thereafter houses were built in Walmer Downs in the late 1960s and early 1970s,” she explains.
There are many homes, both old and new, as well as some fantastic townhouse complexes, a retirement home and Aurora, a renowned medical and care facility. “There are quite a few townhouse complexes with similar homes. It’s mostly freestanding houses, three to four bedrooms with large, well-maintained gardens,” she says.
Sue’s home in a complex is spacious with lots of windows which “makes it light and sunny”. The houses are face-brick with aluminium window frames which means low maintenance.
Play
Walmer Downs is close to the Baakens Valley which is a great spot for picnics, hiking, cycling and exploring for young and old alike, as long as you go in a group.
There is a variety of birdlife in the valley, a popular place for avid bird-watchers or nature lovers to visit. It’s also conveniently placed between Greenacres and Walmer Park shopping centres, two of Port Elizabeth’s main malls. The Figtree Centre is also just a few minutes’ drive away and offers restaurants such as Ocean Basket and Spur, as well as shops and major chains like Food Lover’s Market and a Spar.
Schooling
There are only two schools in Walmer Downs, namely Walmer West Primary and Merryvale School for Specialised Education. There are, however, many schools nearby including DF Malherbe High School, Theodor Herzl Primary and High School, and Clarendon Primary School.
I love the convenience of the area and also the security of living in a complex. I would definitely recommend the area to anyone in the market.
Sue Speyers, resident
Do
- Get some exercise on the Baakens River Mountain Bike Trail.
- Check out the off-road cycling track from William Moffett down into the Baakens River Valley.
- Run off some energy at Paintball Heaven.
- Settlers Park is a great destination for bird watchers.
Shop
- Walmer Park Shopping Centre
- Moffett Retail Park
Eat
- Bocadillos: an artisan bakery also specialising in fresh fish
- Rose Garden Tea House: scrumptious baked goods
- Banneton Bakery: try the fresh wood-fired bread
- Jack’s Bagels: famous for their juices and fresh bagels
