Constantia is a green, lush slice of heaven boasting old wine farms, and beautiful surroundings.
About the area
The first thing you notice about Constantia is how green it is. Despite increased development in recent decades, the old wine farms, the forest stretching down from the mountain, the green belt areas and commons preserve the feel of the rural agricultural valley that for hundreds of years supplied Cape Town and the Southern Suburbs with everything from wine to fresh flowers. Long country walks along the green belt enjoying the prolific birdlife, large tree-filled gardens, mountain and forest hikes and easy access to horse-riding and mountain biking trails more than makes up for the slightly longer commute into town, and residents who choose Constantia value that semi-rural lifestyle.
Not that the conveniences and luxuries of life are too far away. Shopping is easy and varied at Constantia Village and High Constantia shopping centres, with everything from supermarkets and delis, to upmarket boutiques and chic decor shops. The Alphen Antiques and Collectables Market is a delight for the treasure hunter twice a month, and the monthly night market at Constantia Waldorf School is a popular community event. Other schools in Constantia include Reddam House and Herzlia Primary, and many families travel the short distance into the other side of the Southern Suburbs for a whole range of top schooling options.
If mountain biking on Tokai Forest trails or at Uitsig bike park isn’t enough to keep kids entertained, the beach is just a short hop over Constantia Nek to Hout Bay, or budding surfers might prefer Muizenberg. And adults who enjoy a more leisurely tempo have food and wine excellence galore, with top restaurants including La Colombe, the Greenhouse and several more in neighbouring wine estates offering the best in food, atmosphere and mountain views. Those stunning views are much appreciated as the backdrop to everyday life for Constantia residents too, whether they are walking the dogs, running errands or doing the school run.
“It’s a beautiful, green valley still closely connected with its history as a rural agricultural area supplying the city. I love the old wine farms, the flower sellers still growing on land that traditionally supplied the Adderley Street flower market, and the ability to walk for miles on the green belts.” Katherine Lawson, resident.
Best in food:
- Buitenverwachting Restaurant: for fine food in a beautiful setting
- Jonkerhuis at Groot Constantia: for family breakfasts and lunches
- The Cellars-Hohenort: for elegant high tea including low-carb options
- Green Vine Eatery at Silvermist Wine Estate: for family-friendly lunches with fabulous views
- Foxcroft (by the La Colombe team) opens at High Constantia in October
Things to do:
- Walk, cycle or ride the extensive network of green belt routes.
- Visit Constantia flower sellers in Brounger Road to buy the freshest cut flowers.
- Take kids to The Rainbow Puppet Theatre on Saturdays at Constantia Waldorf School.
- Zipline with SA Forest Adventures at Silvermist Wine Estate.
- Golf at Steenberg or Westlake Golf Clubs
Top schools:
- Constantia Waldorf School
- Reddam House Constantia
- Herzlia Primary School Constantia
- Norman Henshilwood High School
- American International School of Cape Town
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a journey through the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town here:
