Bishopscourt, Cape Town

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, Bishopscourt encapsulates the term 'prestigious' owing to its breath-taking views, opulent family residences, gorgeously trimmed gardens and the many great oak trees that line the quiet streets of this luxurious suburb. Set within the heart of the Constantia Valley region, in proximity to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Constantia Wine Route and short 13km drive to the Cape Town CBD, Bishopscourt is a setting straight out of a landscape painting, with several celebrities and even foreign embassies choosing it as their place of permanent residence. These multi-million-rand homes are worth the price just on their exquisite views alone. 

Brief History of the Area:

The story of Bishopscourt begins with Jan Van Riebeeck's expedition in 1658, where he examined the dense forests stretching from the mountain top to the Liesbeek River. In the hopes of creating ease of trade, he eventually set up a wine farm known as Bosheuvel, which soon became one of the finest farms of the day. Bosheuvel was granted in 1658 on loan by commissioner Johannes Cunaeus of the East India Company to Commander Jan Van Riebeeck. After being leased since 1848, Bosheuvel was eventually purchased in 1851 by the first bishop of Cape Town, Robert Gray, who renamed it "Bishopscourt" after the official residences of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town; For a long time after, Bishopscourt retained its original borders, enclosing a total of 213 acres of farmland. The farm has changed hands several times since the 18th century including the likes of Honoratus Maynier (whose tomb is on the premises) and even Cape Governor Lowry Cole, who supervised the abolition of slavery. In 1937 the original farm estate was broken up and only a house and 16 acres were retained. 

Schools in the Area:

Bishopscourt has much to offer when it comes to academic education, being relatively close to a few respected public and private schools. 

Public schools in the area include: 

• SACS Boys High School

Located at the foot of Devil's Peak and Table Mountain, SACS Boys High School is known as the oldest school in South Africa. Technically a semi-private school, it is arguably one of the best schools in Cape Town. SACS offers it's pupils world-class facilities, a balanced education with a robust academic curriculum and equally strong sports programme. The School has a diverse environment that focuses strongly on high values of morality and integrity. SACS Boys High School endeavours to prepare its boys to become successful men who are contributing members in modern society.

Private schools in the area include:

• Herschel Girls School

Situated on a historic campus, Herschel Girls School is an independent Anglican school for girls that offers an excellent IEB-structured academic education; With a fine reputation for music, drama and sport, Herschel Girls seeks to mould its girls into capable and strong future female leaders of tomorrow. 

• Constantia Waldorf School

Established as the very first Waldorf school in Africa, Constantia Waldorf is a co-educational private school that seeks to deliver a modern, comprehensive Waldorf Curriculum designed to cater to the cognitive, emotional and physical needs of its pupils. At Constantia Waldorf, technologies, humanities and sciences are given as much attention as the arts. Furthermore a great variety of extracurricular activities are offered throughout the year which include soccer, dancing and basketball among others. 

• Cedar House High School

Known as a "small school which grows big people", Cedar House's vision is to provide young people with an advanced and expansive IEB-structured academic education. Cedar House High School offers an elevating environment that seeks to celebrate the individuality of all its students, preparing them to take their place as future leaders. 

Shopping Centres: 

Bishopscourt is perfectly positioned in the centre of all the main surrounding shopping centres - from the lively Constantia Village Shopping Centre, which houses several stores and popular restaurants, perfect for an early morning breakfast and shopping excursion - to the award-winning Cavendish Square Shopping Centre (which has been branded as a premier fashion destination) with stores that cater to all fashion, leisure and entertainment tastes. Bishopscourt is also only a 13km drive to the Cape Town CBD, home to St Georges Mall and only a short distance from the renowned V&A Waterfront, ensuring that all shopping needs and requirements will be comfortably met.

Distance from Key Points: 

Bishopscourt is perfectly positioned, giving easy access to a few key locations in the surrounding areas, including the Cape Town International Airport, only 18km away. Bishopscourt is also only a 13km drive to the Cape Town CBD, which houses the Cape Town Train Station and several MyCiTi Bus stops. This central travel hub allows residents and visitors easy access to almost all of Cape Town, all the way from Simon's Town to Blouberg.

Restaurants/Entertainment: 

Bishopscourt also offers a myriad of different restaurant options, including:

• Myoga 

Located in the esteemed Vineyard Hotel lies the renowned Myoga Restaurant. Ideal for a classy casual  lunch or an exceptional dinner with delicious desserts. Myoga caters to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with a variety of sophisticated/unique cuisine options that explore a myriad of flavours in combination with an extensive list of fine wine. Being both internationally and locally acclaimed, with awards like: the Conde Nast Best New Restaurant of the Year, 5-Star Restaurant Awards, 'One Plate' from the Gourmet Guide and the 2018 Haute Grandeur Global Restaurants Awards Winner, the Myoga experience is one that is not to be missed.

• The Gardener's Cottage Restaurant 

Situated inside the tranquil Montebello Design Centre under the shade of old Camphor trees, lies the beautiful Gardener's Cottage. At this Restaurant one can indulge themselves in a delicious breakfast, lunch, tea and even a mix of delightful 'store' products all served by friendly staff members. 
 

• The Conservatory at Cellars-Hohenort

Situated within the breathtaking setting that is Cellars-Hohenort, The Conservatory welcomes diners with a menu of perennial favourites. The food is uncomplicated, perfectly executed and always fresh...In fact, it's so fresh that they often incorporate fresh produce picked from their very own garden into the menu. Whether it be for afternoon tea or a romantic dinner, The Conservatory is somewhere you absolutely need to bring your friends and loved ones.

With regards to nightlife and entertainment in the Bishopscourt area, one could consider:

• The Ster-Kinekor Cine Prestige

Situated inside the Cavendish Square Shopping Centre, is the famed Cine Prestige, designed to create the ultimate premium cinema experience; With large leather recliners, fitted snack trays and refrigerated cup holders in addition to waiters serving premium delights including cappuccinos and red-velvet cake while you relax and take in crystal-clear images and quality surround-sound, courtesy of the cinema's digital projector technology and high-tech speaker systems.

Special Attractions:

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Bishopscourt is also near the lustrous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where one could spend the day among nature in what is arguably one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town's famed Table Mountain, few gardens are able to match the sheer grandeur of this setting. Kirstenbosch is also renowned for hosting its popular Summer Concerts; Relaxing on a hot day with clear skies, picnic food while watching some of the best local music acts that Cape Town has to offer, is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Kirstenbosch secured the Garden of the Year award in 2015 at the International Garden Tourism Awards in Toronto, Canada, presented by the International Garden Tourism Network.

• Liesbeek River

A lovely pastime of residents in the Bishopscourt area, there is nothing quite like a stroll down to the Liesbeek River, which runs from Newlands and Rondebosch eventually joining the Black River in Observatory; The source of the river is two streams - the Protea and Newlands streams - which flow off the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and wind through Kirstenbosch gardens to meet just below Rhodes Avenue. The tree-lined Liesbeek River is an area that Bishopscourt Village Residents Association have recently transformed into a beautiful riverine garden, which includes a re-established ecosystem of over 100 indigenous trees. Overall, this is an enchanting experience and a great suburban walk for anyone visiting or residing in the Bishopscourt area.