Claremont Area Profile

Claremont real estate has evolved out of what was originally an agricultural area and developed from grain and grape farms. These farms were established by the Dutch below the south-eastern slopes of Table Mountain in 1657.

In the 1800s the British settlers bought the farms and established estates such as Veldhuysen (Feldhausen), Weltevreden, Stellenberg, Sans Souci and The Vineyard. Gradually a village developed which was named Claremont. Sir John Herschel, a famous British astronomer and amateur botanist who fostered culture and education, lived on Feldhausen Estate. The girl's school 'Herschel' and two streets, Herschel Road and Herschel Walk are named after him. Sir J.C.Molteno, the Cape Colony's first prime minister owned Claremont House from 1863 to 1886.

In 1886 the municipality of Claremont was formed. More estates were subdivided, more houses were built and the streets were named in 1903 and 1904. In 1913 Claremont was incorporated into the municipality of the city of Cape Town.

Today Claremont property plays an important role in both residential and commercial properties in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.

Upper Claremont is one of the fastest growing nodes in the Cape Town property area. The centrality of Claremont allows for easy access to all essential amenities, highways and main routes. Table Mountain is an impressive backdrop to the leafiness of Claremont. Although Claremont enjoys stunning views of Table Mountain it does not fall within the "rain belt" right under the mountain. Parts of Upper Claremont are fairly sheltered from the strong south-easterly winds during the summer months.

Because of its close proximity to the University of Cape Town and numerous excellent schools and colleges such as Grove Primary, Herschel Girls' Schools, Western Province Preparatory, Greenfield Girls Primary, Abbott's College, SACS and Westerford, Claremont is a very sought-after residential suburb.

Claremont houses range from small quaint cottages close to Cavendish Square to medium priced family homes to luxurious mansions in "Hen and Chicken Estate" catering for most needs. There are a few gated security complexes such as Bosch Heuvel, Eyton  Square and Eyton Terrace. New apartment blocks have been built in the Claremont CBD area.

Cavendish Square and Cavendish Connect form the hub of the shopping area in Claremont. A number of exclusive boutiques line Cavendish Street behind Cavendish Square. For the sports enthusiasts, there is the Virgin Active Gym, the internationally famous Newlands Cricket Ground and the Newlands Rugby Stadium as well as tennis and bowling clubs. Golf is offered slightly further afield.

Claremont is in close proximity to the Baxter Theatre, which is situated in Rondebosch. There are also numerous places of worship catering for all religions and beliefs. The local hospitals are the Kingsbury and the Claremont Hospital which offers a 24 hour emergency service. There are also many good restaurants and eateries. Arderne Gardens on the Main Road is the home to many exotic trees and shrubs and is the favoured venue for wedding photographs. For the young and trendy, Claremont Main Road offers many clubs and a great nightlife. The world famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Memorial, Newlands Forest and Constantia Winelands are all nearby.

Claremont real estate is a mix of old and modern, gracious Victorian homesteads, quaint semi-detached cottages, Georgian townhouses and ultra modern apartment buildings.