Founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, Govenor of the Cape, much taken by its beauty. This broad and fertile valley is an ideal location for a settlement. Stellenbosch (Van der Stel’s bush) is the second oldest town in South Africa and is undoubtedly the most scenic and historically preserved.

Stellenbosch had become known as the ‘town of oaks’. Oak lined streets next to water furrows complement the many fine examples of elegant and meticulously restored Cape Dutch, Victorian, Georgian, Regency and Cape Dutch Revival architecture to be seen in the charming town centre and on the surrounding wine farms. Most of the buildings date from the 19th century.

From the start, wine and its production were an integral part of the growing community’s life and culture. The Stellenbosch wine region is one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and very highly regarded.

Stellenbosch is also home to the University of Stellenbosch, known as “Maties” and is a world-renowned academy institution and is also one of the oldest tertiary education centres in South Africa.

Situated only about 35km from Cape Town and about 10-30km from some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. The town boasts a mild Mediterranean-type climate with warm, dry summers and wet, chilly winters.

Stellenbosch is the ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands, Cape Town and the Peninsula. The area has also many tourist attractions and many national and international industries have their headquarters here.

Events and activities take place throughout the year – from music, wine and art festivals to international sporting events. This tranquil and friendly town is a prime tourist and conference destination.

Places to go:

ART: Sasol Art Museum, University Gallery, Rembrandt van Rijn Gallery

MUSIC: The Conservatoire (most modern in the country, but houses the oldest music school)

THEATRE: Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, Spier Amphitheatre

DINING: (dining out is a special experience ranging from traditional Cape to fine European cuisine)

WINE: (many cellars located in the winelands are open to the public and many wine estates offer picnic baskets as part of the wine tasting experience)

MUSEUMS: Toy and Miniature Museum, Stellenryck Wine Museum, Village Museum

NATURE: Jan Marais Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Botanical Garden

GOLFING: The Stellenbosch Golf Club, Devonvale Golf Course, De Zalze Golf Course

SPORTS: Coetzenburgh Athletics Stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, (parachuting, hot-air ballooning and horse back riding are among the large variety of sporting facilities in the area. You can even fly-fish at the well-stocked Idas Valley trout dams)

OTHER: Rhenish Mission Church, “Kruithuis”, Oom Samie se Winkel (100th birthday), Neelsie (University Campus)

The town of Stellenbosch has a very last century European feel to it and is an excellent choice to find your ideal real estate property.