Harfield Village’s appeal is easy to appreciate, with its narrow tree-lined streets and home full of character.
Narrow tree-lined streets, green parks with views of the mountain, characterful homes with high ceilings, wooden floors and tin roofs, many dating back over 100 years, and a buzzing “high street” of coffee shops and delis, Harfield Village’s appeal is easy to appreciate. The houses and plots may be smaller than neighbouring suburbs, but the close-knit community and intrinsic architectural charm attract young families and couples of all ages. Once considered Claremont’s poorer cousin, the whole area has grown in prestige over recent years and the establishment of nearby Palmyra Junction retail and lifestyle centre has added another level of convenience.
For residents, it’s the local community that is the biggest attraction. “The suburb’s numerous parks are frequented by nannies enthusiastically socialising while their small charges play on the swings and slides,” says Jocelyn Warrington, a resident of 15 years. “The Harfield Village Carnival remains a popular annual event, the neighbourhood’s children descend on residents in droves at Halloween and, come Christmas, Carols by Candlelight in Hampstead Heath is well attended.”
Tucked between the railway line and two main road arteries, the suburb is both insulated from the rest of the city – with little through traffic – and connected to it with convenient public transport, its own train station and the M5 close enough for a relatively easy commute into town. Harfield Village is also very well situated for schools. “I could walk my daughter to and from playschool,” says Jocelyn, “and, now that’s she’s older, the excellent schools of the Southern Suburbs are a short drive away.”
The community comes together over security, with the Harfield Village Community Improvement District and the HarLyn Neighbourhood Watch actively involved in patrolling, alongside the professional security companies, and keeping a close relationship with the local SAPS.
I love the close-knit community feel of the suburb. Second Avenue, with its string of laid-back, affordable restaurants, coffee shops and delis reminds me of the buzzing high street of a traditional English village and I enjoy the fact that the homes are not new builds and retain their lovely architectural character.
Jocelyn Warrington, resident
Best in food:
- The Avenue Grill: for steaks
- Loco Lounge: for an eclectic ever-changing menu
- Da Vincis: for pizza
- Cafeen: for excellent cafe fare
- Brad’s Grill: for steaks and calamari
Things to do:
- Vist the Harfield Village Carnival in March.
- Watch cricket and rugby at Newlands stadiums
- Vineyard Oval market on Wednesdays at Kenilworth Racecourse
- Chic shopping at Cavendish Mall
- Bargain hunting at Access Park factory shops
Top schools nearby:
- Herschel Girls School
- Western Province Preparatory School
- Greenfield Girls Primary
- Michael Oak Waldorf School
- Cedar House
- The Grove Primary School
- Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory School
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Bishops Diocesan College
Estate agent insight into the Harfield Village area
What do you love about Harfield Village?
There are so many reasons to love this iconic and heritage-protected area. Character cottages, (some spanning over 100 years), narrow tree-lined streets with British origins, numerous churches, schools and parks, over 10 restaurants in Second Avenue alone, a train station, SAPS, vets, Medicross and plenty more amenities all within walking distance. Further enjoyed is a local is lekker approach to business and awesome community spirit, along with the fantastic work done by the Harfield Village Association and Friends of Harfield Village Parks.
Lew Norgarb: Norgarb Properties
Best things about Harfield Village for families?
With every facility a family could want or desire, from schools and pre-schools to parks and multiple restaurants, Harfield is an ideal area in which to raise a family. For any family two of the most important needs are health and security, both of which are catered for in Harfield, which is just minutes away from police services, hospitals and veterinarians. Excitement in the area reaches its pinnacle in March when Harfield puts on its annual carnival, where people can eat, dance and have a blast.
Lee Gautschi: Lee Gautschi Properties
How would you spend a free day in the area?
I would start with an early morning walk with the dogs to Hampstead Park, followed by a delicious cappuccino at Twigs with Beans. On Second Avenue, there is also the August Deli to pick up a few fresh goods, or a visit to The Village DVD for the latest movies. My afternoon would include a relaxing massage at Ambiente Skin and Body, followed by sundowner cocktails at Banana Jam Cafe. I’d end the day with a long dinner with friends at any of the varied choice of restaurants in the area.
Jonathan Bronkhorst: Heads Property
Take a journey through the Southern Suburbs here:
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
