Oranjezicht, Cape Town

Cape Town has a signature: The iconic Table Mountain. Living in Oranjezicht is to have this beautiful wonder of nature as a constant point of reference and inspiration. It changes its face with the time of day and with the weather, providing a sense of place and a special splendour to the area.

With the city and the harbour below so close by, yet for many a surprise as it feels very remote when you reside in one of the gracious houses along the quiet shaded streets of the Oranjezicht village. Oranjezicht is nestled against the north-facing slopes of the Table Top, roughly between the Platteklip Ravine and the Table Mountain Cable Way, sheltered on one side by Lions Head and the other side by Devils Peak, resulting in a very habitable and moderate climate all year long.

One can to this day enjoy the Oranjezicht City Farm, where volunteers sell fresh produce in Upper Orange Street, a reminder of the history of the original farm, owned by the Van Breda family and later subdivided and developed. Cross the street, and relax on the veranda of The Ou Meul Bakery where young and old meet for a good cup of coffee, a nice glass of wine or the best bread and pies, all while savouring the beauty of the ever-present Table Mountain.

Locals tend to be out and about early mornings and late afternoon, running, cycling, walking dogs on the mountain paths, many from along the Platteklip stream. It is even possible to hike to the top of Table Mountain. All just here, from your home. And then there are the beautiful parks, De Waal Park, Van Riebeeck Park and on our doorstep the beautiful Company Gardens.

The Mount Nelson Hotel, another Cape Town icon, opened its doors in March 1899. This was the first hotel in South Africa to offer hot and cold running water. Still widely spoken about are the hundreds of years of history behind the famed pink walls. The Mount Nelson high tea is an institution and Sunday lunch in the lush gardens a joy.

There are top schools in close proximity - St Cyprians, Herzlia, Jan van Riebeeck, Deutsche Schule Kapstadt.

A lot can be written about how convenient it is to live in Oranjezicht: Access to the area is easy from all directions, convenient shopping is close by at the Gardens Centre, Cape Town Medi Clinic with an ER is located here, top restaurants are in abundance in the vibrant Kloof Street. The city offers more: art galleries, nightlife, interesting culinary experiences. And if you have to, the well known Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town is only a few minutes drive away.