CAPE TOWN: Our insider's guide to Newlands

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The minute one drives into the suburb one feels at home. The fragrance of jasmine fills the air - it’s almost as if all the surrounding noble trees lift any stress off your shoulders.

Resident Tayla Duarte believes there is a beautiful energy around her. “As one drives into the suburb one feels at home. The fragrance of jasmine excites the senses; it’s as if all the surrounding noble trees lift any stress off one’s shoulders.

“Streets reverberate with families going about their business: youngsters walking to school; joggers meandering through leafy streets. There is such a wholesome family community vibe here. This is why we chose this area to raise a family of our own.”

Newlands is divided into distinct sub-suburbs, says Vineyard Estates principal agent Anton du Plessis.

“And even those have different sections. The area between Kirstenbosch and M3/Paradise Road, bounded by the Liesbeek River, is known as Fernwood; that above Rhodes Avenue is called Upper Fernwood,” he says.

Lower Fernwood is characterised by fairly level erven - generally larger than 750m², while Upper Fernwood erven are around 500m² - mostly on an incline.

Homes in Upper Fernwood, a sub-section of Newlands, are generally on smaller erven, but

the views of Table Mountain more than make up for it. Picture: Supplied

Directly adjacent to the M3 is Hiddingh, with plots averaging 600m² to 700m².

For families with children attending South African College Schools (Sacs) or Westerford High School it’s a safe cycle ride along prescribed paths and without major roads to cross.

Newlands Village, one of the most expensive areas in the southern suburbs, has significantly smaller erven on average, with plots as tiny as 200m² being common, says Du Plessis.

The area is replete with historic buildings and cottages, renowned restaurants and pubs, as well as boutiques and coffee shops. It is an area of immense character - favoured by overseas buyers. It has multiple businesses within its boundaries.

It’s not often one finds an operating brewery in the centre of such an elite residential suburb, but Newlands has it all. South African Breweries was established in 1820 and sources its primary ingredient directly from the water which cascades down Table Mountain. An unmistakeable aroma of fermenting malt often hangs over the area.

Grand homes in Almond Street and Rhodes Avenue have with spectacular vistas. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)

Newlands Rugby Stadium, South Africa’s oldest - the first official game took place in 1890 - is the world’s fourth oldest. It is about to be redeveloped into a multi-use precinct.

In 2011 a panel of the game’s experts voted Newlands Cricket Stadium - with a 130-year legacy - as the number two test venue in the world. And if the cricket becomes a bit tedious one can turn attention to some of the most spectacular views of Table Mountain from almost any seat at the grounds.

Newlands is surrounded by all the facilities a family requires: some of the country’s most prestigious preparatory and high schools - along with the University of Cape Town - are on its doorstep.

Aside from trendy Cavendish Square there are oodles of boutique shops to cater for every shopper’s whim.

“Newlands encompasses a reasonably large footprint, with many referring to Upper and Lower Newlands. It even extends past the cricket stadium and Kelvin Grove Sports Club down Palmyra Road. However, whether you’re in upper or lower, the word Newlands adds huge value to your address,” says Du Plessis.

Tayla Duarte’s favourite things to do

The minute one drives into the suburb one feels at home. The fragrance of jasmine fills the air – it’s almost as if all the surrounding noble trees lift any stress off your shoulders. - Nate and Tayla Duarte, residents

Picture: Supplied

1 Outdoors

Newlands Forest, part of the Table Mountain National Park, is a magnificent place to walk or run. It’s dog-friendly – but you must have a permit and you’re limited to two pets. It’s also home to the Volunteer Wildfire Services, an organisation doing a sterling job in the Cape’s fire-prone summer.

The National Botanical Garden at Kirstenbosch is acknowledged as one of the world’s best and is well worth a visit: 021 799 8783

The entrance to splendid Kirstenbosch Gardens. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)

2 Eat

Claiming to be the oldest pub in the country, Foresters Arms offers a comprehensive menu. A favourite watering hole for sports lovers, so be prepared for a frenzy on game days; 021 689 5949. For something a bit more delicate, Thaiyashi will do the trick; 021 685 9692

3 Drink

Sipping a glass of rosé in the gardens of the Vineyard Hotel while watching the sunset should be on everyone’s bucket list; 021 657 4500. Tiger’s Milk offers a wide selection of beers on tap, many craft iterations as well as own brand; 021 671 1296

4 Shop

Exhibiting a colourful history, the Montebello Design Centre is home to a broad spectrum of designers, innovators, artists and crafters. It also hosts collaborative design spaces for young innovators; 021 685 6445