Areas | Grahamstown | Eastern Cape

Grahamstown property in the Eastern Cape is rich in British history and its architecture is beautifully preserved. So much so, that Grahamstown has been named as one of the best-preserved Victorian colonial towns in the world.

Known as a City of Saints, Grahamstown is a diocese of the Anglican Church in South Africa, as well as home to numerous other churches and faiths, and its plethora of spires and buildings of worship create a haunting and striking skyline.

Grahamstown houses in popular suburbs such as in Oatlands, Hillsview, Kingswood, Sunnyside, Somerset Heights, Oatlands North, Westhill, Cradock Heights, Fort England, Claire Valley and Stones Hill provide accommodation ranging from charming historic cottages to modern, upmarket manors on the pedestrian route.

You can also find houses on Grahamstown farms and smallholdings in various sizes in rural country settings. Grahamstown flats are ideal for students and small families seeking central, reasonably priced accommodation.

Grahamstown rental property in the form of guest houses and lodges is often an affordable alternative to booking rooms in hotels and bed and breakfasts. Browse Pam Golding Properties listings to find houses and flats, or contact us now on 046 6222 778 to arrange a viewing of our Grahamstown property.

The Grahamstown Flower Festival has grown out of the Albany Horticultural and Lilium Society’s popular annual Spring Flower Show and enjoys strong support from the local horticultural community over many decades.  The festivals Gardens of Grahamstown competition is sponsored by Pam Golding Properties in association with the Umthathi Training Project and caters for four categories of gardens – small, medium, large and Township gardens.  The winning gardens, as well as other Grahamstown homes and gardens, will be open to the public over the weekend of the festival.

Click here to download your entry form to the Grahamstown Garden Comptition

Completed entry forms may be dropped off at the Pam Golding Properties office at 51 African Street, Grahamstown, or emailed to info@grahamstownflowerfestival.co.za

Category 4 entrants may drop off their entry forms at the Umthathi Training Project Office. The closing date for entrants is Friday 7 October 2011.

Grahamstown flats and houses in the suburbs of Westhill and Oatlands are popular owing to their proximity to Rhodes University, which coincides with the city centre. Also nearby are St Andrews College, Diocesan School for Girls and Kingswood College which are two highly reputable private schools. Grahamstown real estate in these areas consists of town houses, a variety of stately homes and a handful of flats. The suburb of Kingswood is adjacent to Oatlands and slightly removed from the city centre, offering property of numerous sizes that are available for Grahamstown rental.

Grahamstown is also situated in the midst of farming country, where pineapple, sugar beet and aloe ferox crops are grown, and sheep, cattle and game are farmed. Stock farms, game farms and agricultural farms are available for purchase, and many of these properties have residential facilities for sale such as farm houses, ranch like properties and game lodges. Rent in Grahamstown or view Grahamstown houses by browsing Pam Golding Properties real estate listings. Contact our sales office on 046 6222 778 with your direct enquiries.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS DOORSTEP
R5,495,000

Magnificent victorian home set on large grounds with wonderful living areas opening onto an extra length swimming pool for training. Garden cottages for your guests. Place for family to entertain.

Not only does Grahamstown supply access to excellent institutions of learning, but it hosts some of the most popular annual festivals on the African continent. Known as a centre for education, arts and culture, the city nevertheless maintains its small-town atmosphere, making Grahamstown real estate a sought-after commodity on the property market. Annual festivals include:

• Grahamstown Flower Festival (October): Run by the Albany Horticultural Lillium Society, the Grahamstown Garden and Home Club, the Botanical Society and Pam Golding Properties, this festival features an exciting programme of flower arranging, garden stalls and workshops. Major attractions over this weekend, are the homes and gardens that locals open up to the public for viewing.
  
  
• Makana Freedom Festival (April): This festival is held to commemorate the Battle of Grahamstown, during which Xhosa troops under Chief Ndlambe and the prophet Makana attacked British troops in Grahamstown and sustained heavy losses.
  
  
• National Arts Festival (July): Attracting thousands of visitors to Grahamstown's theatres, outdoor auditoriums and streets, this festival is a cultural banquet of theatre, dance opera, jazz, classical music, fine art and creative workshops.
  
  
• National Schools Festival (July): Organised by the Grahamstown Foundation, this festival follows hot on the heels of the National Arts Festival and encourages learners and their teachers to engage in artistic, dramatic and social enrichment via an interactive mix of lectures, theatre productions and workshops.
  
  
• SciFest Africa (March): The biggest science, technology, engineering and mathematics festival in sub-Saharan Africa, Scifest attracts students, teachers and academics to listen, interact, understand and brainstorm subjects involving scientific thinking.

Grahamstown is a renowned educational centre both for secondary and tertiary learners. Scholars and students have access to some of the greatest influences in arts, history and sport, while academics, tutors and teachers flock to the city to write dissertations, teach classes and encourage learning.

A large portion of learners living in the city comprises students attending the prestigious Rhodes University, which was founded in 1904. Also home to a handful of South Africa's most successful private and government schools, Grahamstown continues to produce graduates who are excellently schooled.

Popular schools and tertiary institutions in Grahamstown include:

• Diocesan School for Girls (DSG): One of the oldest and most prestigious schools for girls in Grahamstown, DSG is closely linked with St Andrew's school for boys, particularly in the preparatory school, while from Grade 10 onwards classes are fully co-educational. DSG offers a wide range of subjects with emphasis on the acquisition of life skills, and encourages qualities of respect and responsibility.
  
  
• Graeme College: Accommodating boys from grades 1 to 12, Graeme College is a non-denominational school that focuses on a variety of academic options. Established in 1872, it is also a very old school, and strives to combine the wisdom behind tradition with modern education in its quest to develop young minds.
  
  
• Hoërskool P.J. Olivier: An Afrikaans-medium school that provides compulsory English and Xhosa instruction in its primary school, Hoërskool P.J. Olivier encourages multilingualism and balanced cultural education. Located on a hill overlooking Grahamstown, this government school spans from Grade R to Grade 12.
  
  
• Kingswood College: One of the only co-educational private schools in the Eastern Cape, Kingswood College offers classes under Methodist instruction from Grade R to Post Matric for boarders and day scholars. Equipped with a successful music school, and set in beautiful grounds, Kingswood College is poised to offer children excellent, Christian-based instruction.
  
  
• Rhodes University: A globally recognised university that celebrated its centenary in 2004, Rhodes continues to produce industry leaders and intellectuals. Comprising approximately 6 000 students – half of whom live in the university's residences - and 1 200 staff members, Rhodes University provides an intimate and safe academic setting. Faculties at Rhodes are strong in the Humanities, Commerce and Science sectors, while Law, Pharmacy and Education are other popular areas of study.
  
  
• St Andrew's College: The brother school to the DSG, St Andrew's College is an exclusive boys' boarding school that runs from preparatory level to matriculation. Founded in 1855 by Anglican Archbishop Armstrong, St Andrew's maintains strong Christian ideals - schooling boys for their future lives and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
  
  
• Victoria Girl's School: A day and boarding school, Victoria Girl's School accommodates girls from Grades 8 to 12 and is government supported. Founded in 1892, and named at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the school is situated in impressive, Victorian buildings.

Popularly known as Frontier Country, Grahamstown was the site of struggles between Xhosa and British forces who fought up and down the Sunshine Coast during the 99-year-long Frontier Wars. Today, more than 70 heritage sites are scattered throughout the town and its surrounds provide a comprehensive view of the city's rich historical past.

In particular, the Albany Museum Complex, which consists of 7 buildings associated with Rhodes University and houses the Observatory Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum, Fort Selwyn, the Old Provost military prison and the National English Literary Museum. Another must-see historical attraction situated on the university grounds is the International Library of African Music, which houses the largest archive of African music in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pealing bells can be clearly heard from the town centre owing to the Cathedral of St Michael & St George, which hosts the highest spire in South Africa and an organ that makes the church rafters ring. Up on Gun Fire Hill overlooking Grahamstown, the 1820 Settlers National Monument is a place of cultural heritage, education, conference and production.

A temperate, Mediterranean climate combined with accessibility to beaches and lowveld gives Grahamstown an ideal position for adventure and leisure activities. Surrounded by breathtaking game and nature reserves, Grahamstown attracts wildlife, outdoor and exercise enthusiasts from every corner of the earth. Nearby game reserves include:

• Great Fish River Reserve
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Kwandwe Game Reserve
• Esingeni Luxury Tented Camp
• Thomas Historical Nature Reserve
• Shamwari Game Reserve
• Kariega Game Reserve

Adventure activities include hiking, skydiving, biking & 4x4 trails, while those less inclined towards chasing an adrenaline rush can enjoy historical tours in Grahamstown, as well as in cities such as Fort Brown, Bathurst and Salem. Discover Bushmen rock art, art relics and artefacts on a walking tour in the Valley of the Ancient Voices, or arrange comprehensive overland tours to experience the Big Five using Amahlati Excursions.

Adelaide
Part of the Frontier Country, Adelaide is a small town near Grahamstown in the Winterberg Mountain range. Steeped in British architectural influences, Adelaide property is attractive in part owing to its natural, undisturbed setting and in part because of its large plot sizes and affordable price tags. Set in a farming district, Adelaide and its neighbouring town, Fort Beaufort, produce beef, mutton, wool and citrus products.

Paterson
Mid-way between Shamwari Game Reserve and Addo Elephant Park, the village of Paterson is a nature lover's paradise. Near Alicedale and Nanage en route to Cradock in the foothills of the Zuurburg Mountain range, Paterson real estate provides accommodation in untouched bushveld country.

Riebeeck East
Riebeeck East is a small sheep and game farming community that has received attention lately for its efforts in conservation and support for local wildlife. The only place in Africa where malaria-free, Big Five game-viewing opportunities may be had, the town is also conveniently close to Grahamstown and public and private game reserves. Riebeeck East properties range from farms and small holdings to guest lodges and town houses.