|
 The
town of Riebeek Kasteel is situated on the R311 about
75km NNE of Cape Town. Situated on the slopes of the
Kasteelberg (Castle Mountain), a 946m high solitary
rock of Table Mountain sandstone, sentinal amidst the
rolling wheatfields and vineyards of the Swartland,
this tranquil village of Riebeek Kasteel is covered
in the softest hues of pink and white during spring
when the peach orchards are in bloom.
Riebeek Kasteel was named after Jan van Riebeeck and
the Kasteelberg and appears for the first time in the
journal of the surgeon, Pieter van Meerhof, in 1661
while he was on a discovery expedition. Riebeek West
is situated 4km from Riebeek Kasteel on the R311 in
the direction of Moorreesburg and is closely linked
with Riebeek Kasteel. Riebeek West, like Riebeek Kasteel
used to be a district of the Swartland congregation
of the Dutch Reformed Church at Malmesbury, but later
became independent. Riebeek West is noted for the fact
that two of South Africa's major political figures were
born here. General Smuts was born on the farm Bovenplaas
in the 1870 and Dr DF Malan on the farm Allesverloren.
 Also
within easy driving distance is the Cederberg, Paarl,
Stellenbosch and Franshoek. In the Whale-watching season,
Hermanus and other viewpoints can be reached within
acomfortable drive ~ as is the same for the beautiful
spring flower- viewing areas.
The people here are a hospitable mix of potters, purveyors,
artists and farmers who take much pleasure from sharing
an anecdote and glass of wine or two. Enjoy walking,
mountain biking, and horse-riding trails or bird-watching
amongst the olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields
of the picturesque Riebeek Valley.
The Riebeek
Valley Hotel |
PROPERTY TO BUY: 
Discovered
by Van Riebeek's men and cultivated in one way or another
since then, it was Initially an important vegetable growing
area to replenish the sailing ships. ;)
;)
;)
Bathed
in almost continuous sunshine and unpolluted air,
this unique little village has become an oasis to
writers, painters, and those seeking the beauty and
serenity of this little garden of Eden. 
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