Area Profiles

History Franschhoek, meaning French Corner, is a quaint town nestled in the Franschhoek mountains with a distinct French village ambiance.  One of the oldest towns in SA, Franschhoek was founded in 1688 and was named after the French settlers who fled France as refugees when in 1685, the French King, Louis XIV, banned their Protestant faith.  They soon began establishing farms and businesses which is why a tapestry of French flair is still so prevalent in the area.  Today Franschhoek is known as the Gourmet Capital, and is home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country. Location Franschhoek is approximately 80 kms from Cape Town's central...

History  Paarl,one of the oldest towns in South Africa was founded in 1687 and is an admired farming village at heart. In Dutch Paarl means pearl, originating from the glistening outcrops of granite rocks that shimmer like pearls after the rain.  Paarl's majestic granite rock is the 2nd largest granite outcrop in the world.  In honour of Paarl's legendry red wines, it is also known as the 'Red Route'. Location 55 kms from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Towns central business district, Paarl is far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of city life but still accessible enough to accommodate your modern lifestyle. Paarl homeowners live in unspoiled...

History The Stellenbosch lifestyle offers the best of both worlds where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cape and indulge in the vibrant social culture. Stellenbosch was one of the first established towns of South Africa and is home to the world-renowned Stellenbosch University. It's surrounded by the Cape Winelands vineyards and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg.  The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses and gardens. The University attracts students from far and wide, to...