Hear from the locals, why they choose to live in Plattekloof.
Plattekloof is one of the Northern Suburb’s gems. Backing on to the Tygerberg Hills, this suburb offers panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Bay. The area was once part of the De Villiers Graaff family trust and still maintains that exclusivity in its many luxury homes and security estates.
Driving along the busy Plattekloof Road, you can glimpse the sea and mountains while going about daily tasks. Seeing this natural beauty regularly at a distance is something to behold. Then there’s the accessibility and convenience of living a community-oriented lifestyle. Plattekloof Village Shopping Centre has a great variety of amenities which are in close proximity, and cater, to everyday needs.
Many also choose to live in Plattekloof because of its outdoor sporting lifestyle. There are numerous mountain bike and hiking trails throughout the area, and the distinguished Durbanville wine route. A firm favourite is the Tygerberg Nature Reserve which can be enjoyed by sports fanatics and nature lovers alike. The reserve covers an area of 309ha, is home to 562 plant species, and over 137 birds. This is an ideal spot to have a picnic or afternoon stroll to appreciate nature and the panoramic views. If you’re lucky you might also glimpse a Cape fox or honey badger. There has been a rise in property interest and development in recent years, which has contributed to the busy atmosphere and popularity of Plattekloof for everyone from first-time buyers to retirees. A two-bedroom townhouse in Plattekloof starts at around R1,3m and yet in the same suburb you might find a state-of-the-art six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home with modern finishes for R25,9m. Locals are spoilt for choice in this suburb which also has its own security estates – where friends meet for a run (or stroll) while feeling safe along the way. Living in Plattekloof is really all about experiencing a calm existence in a leafy suburb with the city as a backdrop.
I’ve been living in Plattekloof for eight years and the best part is the stunning view I have of Table Mountain. I’m part of Cape Town here and I feel that Plattekloof is central no matter where you want to go.
Gillian Bettendorf, resident.
Best in food:
- De Grendel: for fine dining, or the cheese platter and wine tasting with a view.
- Greens: for cocktails and the best in pizza.
Sporting trails
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
- Majik Forest
- Mountain biking in the Durbanville valley
- Contermanskloof
- Meerendal
- Hillcrest Farm
Accessibility
- Alongside the N1 highway
- Only 10km from N7 highway
- Only 12km from Durbanville wine route
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
