Mount Pleasant is a popular Port Elizabeth family suburb and there seems to be no shortage of community pride in this leafy neighbourhood.
About the area
From residents who can still recall childhood excursions building forts in the suburb’s wide open spaces, to those who stay in touch despite relocating – Mount Pleasant has built quite a fan base.
The suburb is also one of the few with a dedicated Facebook page and this page, run by an UK-based former resident, is over 1,700 members strong.
Situated near the outskirts of the city, Mount Pleasant creates a barrier, of sorts, between the residential parts of Walmer and the farms and smallholdings of Seaview. Homes in Mount Pleasant range from traditional family homes which have stood the test of time, to new modern townhouse complexes.
The quiet streets are often characterised by cyclists or people walking and running, but the biggest draw-card seems to be the suburb’s proximity to the rest of the city. “Everything is close to home, from the Spar and pharmacy down the road to the airport only 10 minutes away,” says Mount Pleasant resident Jacky Hulsman.
Hulsman moved to Mount Pleasant two years ago and, despite still working in her home town of Uitenhage, she says living in a place she finds extremely convenient is worth the commute. Fellow resident Sharon Cornish calls the area a haven, “close enough to the hustle and bustle of Port Elizabeth but we are basically on the outskirts, so we have much less traffic”.
“What we love most is how close it is to Sardinia Bay and Schoenies. It takes you only two minutes and you are surrounded by smallholdings which transports you right out of the city,” Cornish says.
Mount Pleasant is only a 20 minutes’ drive from the main beaches of Port Elizabeth and 10 to 15 minutes from the wilder coasts of Schoenmakerskop and Sardinia Bay.
We have some great markets in the area and there is always live music to look forward to at a local restaurant
Sharon Cornish, resident
Best in food:
- Fish Finder: A charming beach house styled restaurant with a relaxed vibe and great seafood
- Mike’s Kitchen: A popular franchise with an emphasis on family-friendly fun
- 78 Restaurant and Bar: Quality breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a modern setting
- Cape Town Fish Market: A South African favourite offering fresh seafood
Accommodation nearby:
- La Cigale Exclusive Country Estate: Self-catering chalet/townhouse accommodation in Sardinia Bay
- Blue Skies Country House: Country-themed accommodation in Sardinia Bay
- L’auberge Country Hideaway: A guest lodge in Sardinia Bay
- Butt Nothing: A naturist/nudist accommodation in Sardinia Bay
Top schools:
- Mount Pleasant Primary School in Mount Pleasant
- St Dominic’s Priory School in Miramar
- Charlo Primary School in Charlo
- DF Malherbe High School in Walmer
Theodor Herzl Pre-Primary, Primary and High Schools in Walmer
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
