Constantia Living
Constantia is one of those areas in Cape Town that has it all – lush green spaces, top quality restaurants, luxury accommodation, gorgeous family homes and, of course, exquisite wine farms that offer breath-taking views and some of South Africa’s best wines. It is one of the Mother City’s oldest suburbs and the Baroque and Cape Dutch influences of the past are evident in the architectural styles of many of the homesteads found along its famed wine route. Property in Constantia is also highly sought-after, especially by people in the market for a spacious family home. Join us as we discover this beautiful area and all it has to offer.
Outdoor Living
It makes perfect sense that one would find wide open spaces of lush greenery, trickling streams and colourful flowers interspersed amongst the splendid Constantia homes, sprawling manor houses and stunning wineries, – Constantia is, after all, nestled in a valley. The numerous green belts dotted throughout the suburb allow you to connect with nature in the middle of suburbia. Winding pathways and grassy parks make for perfect afternoon strolls and fun in the park with your dog. The Alphen Common is one such open space where the dogs can run around, the kids can play and you can picnic in the shade of one the many pretty trees. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a mere stone’s throw away from Constantia and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful botanic gardens. Spend the afternoon discovering the vast array of flora (from Cape fynbos to other rarer plant species), relaxing under the trees, admiring the various sculptures and artworks found throughout the gardens or enjoying a scone and cup of tea at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.
Images: Green belt pathways, Alphen Common and Kirstenbosch
Luxury Living
If you’re looking for that special place to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or indulge in a classy High Tea, Constantia in the place to visit. It offers a range of fine restaurants, such as French-inspired brasserie Pastis and Peddlars on the Bend Restaurant, perfect for families. Constantia is also excellent at combining superb eateries with outstanding, luxury accommodation. The Alphen is a well-known, 5-star boutique hotel where guests can “expect the unexpected”. This elegant hotel dates back to the 17th century and boasts 19 avant-garde, stylish suites, exquisite gardens and three different restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience: 5 Rooms Restaurant, La Belle Bistro and Bakery and The Rose Bar (an outdoor garden lounge). It is a true slice of Cape Town heaven.
Another Constantia gem is the Cellars-Hohenort, a breath-taking hotel steeped in history and embodying sumptuousness and decadence of the highest order. Restored and renovated by renowned hotel developer Liz McGrath, the Cellars-Hohenort offers 5-star accommodation, two high-quality restaurants (The Greenhouse and The Conservatory), as well as a choice of top-notch facilities which include a spa, a putting and chipping green, two swimming pools and a tennis court. This is Constantia living at its best and a genuine example of success in finding the balance between modernising something whilst still remaining true to its roots.
Images: The Alphen Boutique Hotel and The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
Vino Living
Visiting Constantia means having access to some of the most magnificent wine farms in South Africa, if not the world. The Constantia wine route is home to notable estates which include Steenberg Estate, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, High Constantia, Constantia Glen and, of course, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia.
This estate was established by the Dutch Colonial Governor of Cape Town, Simon van der Stel, back in 1685. Lovers of red wine will surely have Groot Constantia on their wine farm wish list as it is known for producing excellent, high-quality red wines, including Merlot and Shiraz. Foodies will also want to visit Simon’s Restaurant to sample one of their delicious meals made from the freshest ingredients.
Constantia Glen is a boutique wine estate perched on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg mountains. It offers incredible panoramic views and acclaimed, bespoke wines – the perfect setting for a wine-tasting adventure or wedding celebration.
The places to visit in Constantia are endless and with its rich history, natural beauty and distinctly rustic feel, it makes it one of the top areas in Cape Town to visit and reside in. Investing in property in Constantia allows you to be a part of the wonder that this area uniquely offers.