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Introduction to Somerset West |
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| Nestling under the Helderberg mountains,
the visually stunning town of Somerset West is situated
30 minutes from Cape Town, 10 minutes from the beach and
offers country style living with the advantages of the
city. The magnificent Hottentots Holland and Helderberg mountain ranges are the backdrop and winds down to the
vineyards and a coastline of warm water and sandy beaches. |
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| Property listings
in the Somerset West Area - select from the available listings
below: |
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 Somerset
West and in general the False Bay coastal area was inhabited
by indigenous people, named the Strandlopers (beach Combers).
Most of the land was claimed by the then Governor of the
Cape William Adrian van der Stel, appointed by the Dutch
East India Co who were in control of the Cape, and he
created the farm Vergelegen on which he lived until 1708.
The farm was later sub divided.
During the time the Cape was under British control the
farmers working Vergelegen farms requested permission
to build a church from, the then Governor of the Cape,
Sir Charles Somerset. This was granted and with the subsequent
buildings going up around the church a village was created
and this was named after the Governor Lord Charles Somerset
as Somerset, later to be renamed Somerset West so as not
clash with a similarly named town in the Eastern Cape,
Somerset East. |
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 The
Erinvale Course
Designed by Gary Player, South Africa's famous Grand Slam
champion, is very special. Here, the Golf World Championship
took place in 1996. Well-known South African landscape
architects - sensitive to the golfers' needs - created
the right mixture of culture and nature.
The views across to the Hottentots Mountains are breathtaking.
The first nine holes in the valley of the Lourens River
close to the old wine estates are comparatively easy to
play, although a lot of water and several bunkers require
an accurate drive.
The second nine holes go up the slopes of the Helderberg,
form a wide curve and come down again.
On the whole one of the most beautiful courses, albeit
not the most favourable one. |
Somerset
West Golf Club
The origins of the Club date back to 1903, when a piece
of railway line drawn by 4 oxen, cleared enough bush and
mole-runs to allow for a 9 hole 'course' which eventually
gloried in the name of Paarde Vlei Golf Club. Our greens
are fairly large, and under bent grass they are always
in very good condition (weather permitting).
The course is currently 5166 metres long, and while it
appears flat and easy, it is deceptive. Seven of the holes
have water perils and most greens are guarded by bunkers
or hillocks. |
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A wide range of accommodation is offered from five
star hotels to guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, self-catering
chalets and camping facilities. All the major banks
are represented in the town with foreign exchange credit
card and travelers cheque facilities.
All schools in Somerset West are bilingual and co-ed.
There are three high schools including the new private
Somerset college and four primary schools, one of which
is a private junior school. Somerset West services the
excellent University of Stellenbosch, 15 minutes drive,
and Cape Town University is also convenient.
A large modern shopping mall is within easy reach with
160 shops ranging from large departmental stores to
exclusive boutiques, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas
etcSomerset West boasts two well equipped hospitals,
one being a private clinic, plus four retirement villages
with their own frail care facilities. |
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Wine
Route
Situated directly on the wine route, the Helderberg surroundings
have a lot to offer. The personalities of the wines produced
in the Helderberg area are influenced by the proximity
to the ocean and the cooling summer sea breezes. The soils
too, which are amongst the finest in the region, has a
marked effect on the growing and the nurturing of these
vines.
The distinction and uniqueness of the wines are mirrored
by the viticulturists and winemakers, who craft their
vines and wines in the Helderberg. Their dedication to
their craft is reflected in the numerous awards bestowed
upon the members of the Helderberg Wine Route in recent
years.World-famous wine farms like Vergelegen, Morgenster,
Helderbrau Brewery, Eikendal . Cordoba, and Somerbosch
are in close proximity.. These farms produce top quality
wines that visitors must savour on their visit to our
beautiful region.
Click
here to view and / or print a detailed map
of the winefarms in this area. |
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Vintage Train Rides
Enjoy a vintage train ride up the spectacular Sir Lowry's
Pass rail route. Steam-hauled trains with Class 19D locomotives
to Steenbras and diesel-hauled trains to Elgin.
Coachman's Cottage
Built some 140 years ago, the Coachman's Cottage in Victoria
Road is the only 1819-century cottage still in its original
form in Somerset West. |
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Indibano African Village
The melting pot of Africa. Indibano offers various exciting
tastes and traditional atmosphere, which is truly African.
While at the village, take a leisurely stroll and admire
the exquisite objects d'art and curious available from
internationally recognised African artists.The sculptures
are all made in the traditional medium of wood and soapstone.
While there enjoy traditional culinary delights which
are prepared on open fires. |
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The Helderberg Nature Reserve
Directly at the Helderberg is a huge nature reserve
inviting guests for walks. the Reserve extends from
the lower slopes of the Helderberg at 80 metres above
sea level to the West Peak at an elevation of 1003 metres.
Fynbos, the indigenous Cape flora, makes up the greater
part of the Reserve's vegetation. The area is rich in
bird life and visitors can also get a closer look at
the bontebok grazing in one of the Reserve's lower camps.
Just a 5 min drive away, marked walks are colour coded
and graded and range from 30 min to 8 hour.
Old Dutch Reformed Church
This church dates back to 1817 and it is the burial
place of “Onze Jan”. Die Ou Pastorie - Now
used as a guesthouse and restaurant - Dates back to
1819. Magistrates Court and Police Station - The only
original buildings left in Main Street, Somerset West.
Both buildings were declared National Monuments in 1979.
Spookhill
A visit to this spot often generates intense discussion
on whether the fact that cars roll uphill here is an
optical illusion or one of the world's great-unsolved
mysteries.
Sir Lowry's Pass
Constructed at a cost of 7 011 English Pounds, was opened
on 6 July 1930. A viewing point offers panoramic views
of the entire Helderberg basin and large parts of the
Cape Peninsula. The summit of the pass is also a popular
launching spot for paragliders.
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| Property listings
in the Somerset West Area - select from the available listings
below: |
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| Contact
Details |
Somerset West
167 Main Road
Somerset West, 7130
Tel: +27 (0) 21 851 2633
Fax: +27 (0) 21 851 2637
 Click here to email |
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