Bergvliet, Cape Town

Bergvliet, neighbour to Constantia, is overlooked by the Constantiaberg Mountains in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, and was originally a large farm owned by Simon Van der Stel. The original farmhouse, of Cape Dutch design, still stands and is today surrounded by majestic trees and is a haven of calm surrounded by the bustle of a modern suburb.

Bergvliet was originally developed in 1947 for servicemen returning from war, providing simple, affordable housing to middle class residents. The farm was subdivided into smaller properties and the dam and the surrounding area was designated as a bird sanctuary. Die Oog is a natural spring, or ‘eye,’ built 250 years ago to supply the Bergvliet Farm with water.  It is a sanctuary for ducks, herons, kingfishers and a major roosting site for Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hadeda Ibis and the Reed Cormorant. The sanctuary is also a wetland, a breeding area for the endangered Western Cape leopard toad. This area is home to terrapins, tortoises and a water mongoose and is currently designated as public space belonging to the City of Cape Town. It is hoped that Die Oog will be proclaimed a formal nature reserve in the near future.

Great schools and affordable houses

Bergvliet high school

Today, Bergvliet is a quiet, tranquil, well established suburb, full of mature trees and lovely, leafy gardens. Bergvliet is threaded with greenbelts and paths, providing homeowners lots of space to walk dogs, ride bikes or play with kids. Facilities include sports fields and clubs like Bergvliet Sports Club, Meadowridge Sports Association and Soccer Association and a very busy, well supported bowling club. All these provide plenty of opportunities for family fun on the doorstep with close proximity to many amenities, such as churches, shopping centers, a library, playschools and hospitals. Bergvliet is renowned for good schooling only walking distance away from most of the homes within the suburb.  These include Bergvliet Primary, Bergvliet High and Sweet Valley Primary School.  Sweet Valley zoning is highly prized and valued by residents, and can be the sole reason for stiff competition between purchasers when a home is put up for sale. Quick access to the M3 takes one into the city centre in just 20 minutes, making this a very attractive suburb.

A tranquil suburb surrounded by the Constantiaberg Mountain

Bergvliet’s genesis was a simple, original township created to provide affordable housing with schools and shopping facilities close by.  The Bergvliet of today comprises of many lovely homes which have been modernised, open planned and extended to make the most of Cape Town’s superb summers.  Many homes are set in lush established gardens with pools and play space for children.  The encircling Constantiaberg Mountains give many the crème de la crème of Bergvliet positions - a breathtaking view.  The remaining Bergvliet homes that are in original condition are being snapped up by buyers as their prices are lower and allow purchases an entry level into a great area and lifestyle that they can remodel and add value to.  Bergvliet also offers a smaller number of gated security complexes, and small upmarket apartment blocks. These are hugely in demand as they cater to an older resident base who loves the area. Retirement flats and facilities have also been established, just a stroll away from the shops and library.

Perfectly positioned for a happy suburban life

Bergvliet is close to the beaches and one of Cape Town’s greatest assets, the Constantia Wine Route. These days, off road cycling has become very popular and Tokai Forest is within easy reach. Bergvliet High School has a cricket pavilion and on most summer weekends, one would find a cricket match in progress. Shopping centres and malls include Meadowridge Park 'n Shop, Constantia Village and Blue Route Mall, all within easy driving distance. Many restaurants and coffee shops are dotted around the suburb and provide meeting places close to home. There are varied places of worship: a Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic and Dutch Reformed Churches, as well as a shul at Herzlia School.

Bergvliet offers its residents the best kind of suburb living – comfortable family homes, supported by good schooling, neighbourhood shops and cycle paths, and the kind of streets that children can still play in. Bergvliet is a true example of suburban lifestyle, sedate and largely unaffected by tourism and the hub of city life.