When the first governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, in 1685 had his pick of the land to choose for his home, he settled on several hundred hectares of the most beautiful scenery at the back of Table Mountain.
The historic vineyard that he was to establish in the valley at Groot Constantia became famous all over the world and has lent its name to the elegant suburb of Constantia that we know today. This valley is home to South Africa’s oldest vineyards, prize-winning wines and gourmet restaurants as well as leafy streets and sprawling estates, landscaped gardens and stylish properties have made Constantia a prestigious and sought-after area to live in.
For holidaymakers coming to Cape Town and looking for stylish country living with a touch of class, villa accommodation in Constantia should be the first choice.
Constantia accommodation comprises of grand mansions and luxurious villas with verdant gardens and swimming pools surrounded by breathtaking vistas of mountains, forests and trees. It is a lush, natural paradise – only 20 minutes from the city centre of Cape Town.
Have a look at the listings below for a selection of homely villas and self-catering rental options in Constantia. Or give us a call for free and helpful advice on how to go about finding accommodation in Constantia.
Why Constantia?
The Western Cape is a region of magnificent natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, the sea and picturesque vineyards. Its capital is Cape Town, the city at the tip of the African continent - a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Constantia in Cape Town is a slice apart, however, the ideal destination for those who prefer to be out of the hustle and the bustle of the city and away from the prying eyes of neighbours. Many holiday rentals in Constantia are not visible from the street at all, nestling amongst trees and tree-lined avenues and rose gardens that are not readily found in other parts of Cape Town.
Constantia feels like a village in many ways, with markets and cottagey shops, pubs and antique dealers; farms producing fresh produce and delicacies and historic wine estates where gourmet lunches and picnics become a part of everyday life. For hiking and biking enthusiasts, the scenic roads and trails are a must and perhaps wine lovers, first and foremost, will enjoy a holiday stay in Constantia.
Constantia wine farms
South Africa’s oldest wine route is found on the south-eastern slopes of Table Mountain, a valley of fertile terroir fanned by the coastal winds of False Bay. Surrounded by mountains and trees and beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, the Constantia wine region is one of the top attractions for visitors coming to Cape Town.
Closer than the Cape Winelands - that lie one to three hours outside of Cape Town – the Constantia wine route consists of several stunning wine farms where wine tastings, cellar tours and gourmet meals are fabulous ways to spend a few hours on hot summer afternoons.
Some of the top wine farms are:
Groot Constantia
This is the largest and oldest of the wine estates and has some of the finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The original manor house dates back to the 17th century and there is a museum and shop as well.
Wine tasting and cellar tours are recommended for wine lovers as the Groot Constantia brand has several excellent wines.
Klein Constantia
Formerly a part of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia has become a wine farm in its own right, occupying an important section on any Constantia wine tasting tour. Its location is magnificent, on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg with lovely ocean views. Wine tasting is popular here and the bistro is a good place to grab a bite to eat.
Buitenverwachting
The name of the farm means "beyond expectation" and it too was once part of the Groot Constantia estate. It lies close to the sea and has several vineyards as well as a restaurant, bistro and even a coffee shop with artisan coffees made from freshly roasted coffee beans.
Restaurants in Constantia
There are several fine restaurants in Constantia, with from bistro-type informal dining to extremely fine, gourmet meals. On the Eat Out 2017 list of top restaurants in South Africa, three are restaurants based in Constantia.
The first, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia, is a new restaurant with an ever-changing menu that has delighted food critics. The Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort has been open for several years with traditional dishes with surprising twists in a gorgeous setting. La Colombe is famous for delectable cuisine and is well-known on the Cape Town restaurant scene.
Other things to do when in Constantia
Constantia has a wonderful location in Cape Town, making other excursions to nearby villages like Hout Bay a mere drive over the mountain. Holiday homes in Constantia are also close to the ocean and are especially fortunate to be near the warmer False Bay water, so outings to the beach and to the soft, white sands of Muizenberg can be reached within about 15 minutes by car.
An activity that is very popular in Constantia, is hiking. There are various trails in the mountains and forests, ranging from mild hikes to more serious paths for intrepid hikers. Some of these are situated in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, where interesting outings like the Elephants Eye Cave Walk await.
When considering holiday rentals in Cape Town, Constantia should feature high up on the list of possible destinations. The location is simply splendid and the standard of living is superb. Few other villas to rent in Cape Town have the kind of space and graciousness of a Constantia villa.
While it may not be on the Atlantic Seaboard or have a sea view, staying at a Constantia villa will be considerably more quiet than staying in the busy suburbs of Cape Town, especially during the holiday season. Accommodation in Constantia is recommended for families and groups who appreciate discretion, high levels of privacy and lush, spacious gardens.
Still not sure? If you would like some advice regarding your luxury holiday rental or how to arrange a self-catering stay in Cape Town, why not email us or give Cape Town Villas a call? Cape Town holidays are our passion and we know all the secrets when it comes to accommodation, attractions and the best spots to visit – all of which we would love to share with you!