The Riebeek Valley and Shiraz Estate
‘Lifestyle choice’ has become something of a buzz phrase over recent years, but it certainly speaks to a growing feeling that there must be something more to life than the hamster wheel of daily drives on heaving roads, increasing numbers of people, congested places and stressful lives.
Idylls such as the glorious Riebeek Valley - a lush lowland and a smattering of towns, including Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, basking under the beautiful Kasteelberg Mountains - are beckoning seductively. Officially part of the Cape Winelands, it is brimming with vineyards, olive groves, wheat fields and tranquil pastures. The best bit, however, is that it is a mere 90km from Cape Town, and even closer to Cape Town International Airport.
Often referred to as one of the Cape’s best-kept secrets, this delightful area has much on offer. If wineries and olives are your thing, Kloovenberg offers both. For a more intimate experience, (book in advance), try Mullineaux and Roundstone. Allesverloren offers beautiful Portuguese-style wines and also their own port, and Garagista and Flagship are local microbreweries. For olives only, try Olive Boutique, and don’t forget the annual Olive Festival.
The area has a number of eateries serving good, wholesome food using local ingredients. The Royal Hotel, situated in the middle of Riebeek Kasteel, is the local flagship hotel, steeped in history, and with a genteel stoep on which to enjoy one of their 100 gins and a delicious dinner. Just outside the village, The Barn – recently re-opened – offers fantastic, modern cuisine in a glorious setting. In Riebeek West, The Old Dalby is perfect for comfort, in both atmosphere and cuisine. There are countless other opportunities for aromatic coffee, snacks, ice cream and meals, too numerous to mention here.
As if wine, olives and gastronomy were not enough, the area is also known for art. With over 15 South African artists living locally, there are exhibiting galleries, as well as an annual art festival and solo studios event, attracting talent and visitors from far-afield.
With so much on offer in the valley itself, it is hard to imagine why one would want to venture further, but an additional benefit of living in this area is that, within less than an hour’s drive, you have a host of diverse spots to visit and enjoy. These include Darling, Wellington, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, the West Coast National Park and Blouberg, and offer vineyards, the coast, flora and fauna. For golfers, perennial visitors to and lovers of the Cape, Malmesbury, (Malmesbury Golf Club, Mount Royal), is a mere 30 minute drive.
For many people, a change of lifestyle brings with it the opportunity for new challenge and personal growth. The tourist industry in this area is burgeoning, and people are always on the lookout for unique and beautiful accommodation. Businesses are configuring themselves differently, and with many people working independently, conferences and team events are becoming increasingly necessary. Similarly, weddings and celebrations are often most memorable for their setting, and the nascent wellness industry needs an appropriate level of serenity and unblemished nature for hosting events.
This is a prime area in which to develop a multi-purpose venue, which can cater to some or all of the above. One such venue, recently voted in the Top 30 Weekend Getaways, (insideguide.co.za/cape-town/weekend-getaways/), is the magnificent Shiraz Estate, comprising impeccable guest accommodation, adaptable conference space and glorious grounds, with options for further development. This beautiful property offers a real opportunity for a new owner to shape their personal dream for a different life.
Engel & Volkers offers a bespoke service, and can guide you through the purchase of this very special, unique property.
Please contact Paul Turner, License Partner, on 084 986 5924, for more information.
