Zwaanswyk, Cape Town

Situated at the foothills of the illustrious Constantiaberg mountain range and bordered by the suburbs of Steenberg, Kirstenhof, Constantia and the SAFCOL pine tree plantations to the west, lies the upmarket residential suburb of Zwaanswyk. This high-class equestrian suburb stretches from the top of Tokai Road, behind the Steenberg Golf Estate and up the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountain range. This suburb offers residents majestic views of the Stellenbosch, the Great Drakenstein, Franschhoek mountains and even the distant False Bay seas. Living in the secluded suburb of Zwaanswyk offers its residents a feel of exclusivity and privacy and recently the entire suburb was secured by an electrified perimeter fence - while primarily erected to ward off prowling troupes of baboons, it now serves as an additional (and effective) security measure in conjunction with regular security patrols, CCTV surveillance and 24-hour dedicated armed response to ensure the utmost safety of residents residing in the Zwaanswyk area. Properties in the suburb reflect the air of luxury that Zwaanswyk exudes, with palatial mansions, modern villas, equestrian estates, smallholdings and even vacant tracts of land on which to build the home of your dreams. The affluent charm of Zwaanswyk stretches far beyond its stately borders as it is conveniently situated nearby to priority amenities including good schools, like Reddam House, as well as modern shopping facilities, medical facilities, many fine restaurants, bars and leisure activities including two leading golf courses, namely Westlake and Steenberg. With numerous streams and the pine plantations running through the area, several green belts have formed, providing the ideal spaces for recreational activities such as walking, dog walking and cycling. For those seeking more of an adventure, the Tokai Forest and Silvermine Nature Reserve as well as the Constantia Winelands are only a short distance away. With so much happening in and around the suburb and boasting unrivalled safety and security, it is no surprise as to why residential properties in the exclusive Zwaanswyk area are highly sought-after. 

Brief History of the Area:

The history of Zwaanswyk begins in 1688 when the famed Steenberg Estate (originally known as Zwaanswyk) and considered to be one of the first farms in the entirety of the Western Cape was granted to Catherina Ustings, who later became known as Tryn Ras. In 1740 the Cape-Dutch homestead was erected and its additional outbuildings and veranda were added at the beginning of the 19^th century. On the 7^th of October 1983, the manor was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation and despite the prevention of an interior overhaul, the new owner of the estate crafted something magnificent. Today the estate has been transformed into the Steenberg Wine Farm and the proud farm manor has been renovated into a luxurious hotel known as the Steenberg Hotel & Spa. Steeped in heritage and complete with majestic views, the Steenberg Hotel & Spa also houses two signature restaurants, namely Catharina's Restaurant and Bistro Sixteen82, which serve up exceptional cuisine to its patrons. In keeping with true historic tradition, an immaculate winery on the premises known as the Steenberg Wine Estate produces some of the finest Méthode Cap Classique and Sauvignon Blanc in the entirety of South Africa and are available to sample through premium wine tastings, making the suburb of Zwaanswyk and idyllic destination of leisure that is immersed in rich history.

Schools in the Area:

Zwaanswyk is situated in proximity to several respected public and private schools.

Public schools in the area include:

• Zwaanswyk High School

Located just outside of Zwaanswyk at number 370 Main Road in Dreyersdal, Bergvliet, lies Zwaanswyk High School, a co-educational high school which endeavours to serve learners from different communities. Zwaanswyk High School is grounded on the idea proposed by American Educational Psychologist Maurice Elias, that "a school that prepares learners for academic and life success has a democratic, inclusive spirit". The staff at Zwaanswyk High School mirror this vision and are fully committed to providing the finest education and opportunities to all learners, ensuring the foundation for access to tertiary-level education and a promising future is established. In 2017, under the guidance of new Principal, Ms Shandre Otto, Zwaanswyk High School achieved a 98% pass rate, with 66.2% of those Matriculates attaining a Bachelor's Pass. Each year the school strives to improve these results. At Zwaanswyk High School, learners are treated respectfully and acknowledged as individuals, cultivating a sense of purpose and self-confidence within them. Parents are welcomed as partners and are encouraged to give their full support and assistance, playing a pivotal role in their children's education. Zwaanswyk High School instils sound moral values and principles in its students, preparing them to take their place among successful and contributing members of modern society. 

Private schools in the area include:

• Reddam House Constantia 

Located just outside of Zwaanswyk along Reddam Avenue in Constantia and cradled by the majestic mountains, lies the prestigious Reddam House Constantia. As a top-performing IEB school offering a premium private education, Reddam House Constantia places an emphasis on excellence that permeates every sphere of daily school life. The school is fully equipped with world-class facilities that include music, art, drama and dance studios, science and computer labs, expansive sports fields, a cricket oval and AstroTurf, a well-resourced library and a massive assembly hall. An exciting new development to the Reddam premises is their new aquatic centre, currently under construction. Reddam seeks to nurture talent, self-assurance and individuality by offering many challenging academic, sports and arts programs aimed at enriching its students and filling them with confidence and a sense of personal individuality. Offering an internationally recognised and respected IEB curriculum in a relaxed, safe and self-disciplined setting, Reddam endeavours to instil its students with a thirst for learning as well as a sturdy system of values. With expert guidance in an optimal learning environment, Reddam House Constantia supports and inspires its students, equipping them to comfortably face and overcome the challenges of life and become successful, contributing members of modern society.

Shopping Centres:

Zwaanswyk is in proximity to several popular shopping centres, including the Steenberg Village Shopping Centre, which is located just outside of Zwaanswyk and nestled along Reddam Avenue in the adjacent suburb of Tokai, amidst the famed Constantia Wine Route. The tranquil, village-like ambience of the centre marks it as more than just a shopping destination, but also a favourite meeting venue for family, friends and even business executives. Steenberg Village Shopping Centre boasts a choice of many popular restaurants that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of patrons, these include Jakes In The Village, The Hussar Grill, Rock Thai Sushi and Basilico, one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town. Steenberg Village Shopping Centre offers its patrons a large variety of stores, with anchor stores including Woolworths Food, Pick N Pay, MTN and Carlton Hair. Other stores include Sorbet, Wellness Warehouse, Wayne Hodgkinson Optometrists, The Write Shoppe, Raynor Jewellery Design Studio and many more. Despite its relatively small size, the Steenberg Village Shopping Centre caters to all the needs of its patrons and is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours engaging in some retail therapy, a quick coffee or even lunch or dinner at your leisure. 

Another frequented shopping centre located just outside Zwaanswyk in the adjacent suburb of Tokai, the popular Blue Route Mall, is located at number 16 on the corner of Tokai & Vans Road in Tokai. Blue Route Mall endeavours to offer its patrons a world-class retail experience with the finest quality service levels; Patrons may indulge in retail therapy across two full floors complete with over 120 stores - some of which include major brands like Woolworths, American Swiss, Carlton Hair, Checkers, Foschini, Mr Price and more alongside other well-known brands like BT Games, Sunglass Hut, Dis-Chem, Forever New, Incredible Connection and Cape Union Mart among others. Take a break from your busy shopping excursion to enjoy a hard-earned meal at one of the popular eateries or restaurants located in Blue Route Mall's well-equipped food court, home to Jakura Sushi & Asian Cuisine, Kauai and Ocean Basket to name a few. Blue Route Mall also houses several banking establishments such as Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank and many mobile stores like Cell C MTN and Vodacom Shop, catering for any consumer needs its patrons may have. Finally, for those looking to pass the time relaxing, Blue Route Mall is equipped with an 8-screen Ster Kinekor cinema complex. With panoramic views of the Constantiaberg Mountains and easy access from all major routes, as well as multi-level underground paid parking, there is no better place to spend the afternoon engaging in some light browsing or some serious retail therapy. 

Distance from Key Points: 

Zwaanswyk is situated in proximity to several key locations, including a quick 7km drive to the nearby Steenberg train station, which gives visitors and residents easy access to the rest of Cape Town and the CBD. The Cape Town International Airport is only a 31km drive (or Uber ride) from Zwaanswyk.

Restaurants/Entertainment: 

• The Skotnes Restaurant & Bar

Located just outside of Zwaanswyk at number 4 Steenberg Road in Tokai, lies The Skotnes Restaurant & Bar, named after the legendary South African artist and teacher Cecil Skotnes. As the culinary arm of the Norval Foundation, The Skotnes is at home in the world of art, overlooking the foundation's serene wetland and Sculpture Garden as a seamless integration of both nature and art. In command of the restaurant is Executive Chef Phil de Villiers, who along with his skilled staff earned the restaurant the status of "Highly Commended" in the Best Everyday Eatery Awards 2018. The Skotnes ensures that all its ingredients are sourced from local suppliers to uplift the local communities. The Skotnes menu pays homage to quintessential South Africa cuisine in its humblest possible presentation while adding unique variations on the flavours to create truly delicious meals. Menu favourites include the Skotnes Full Breakfast, Beef Burger and Cape Malay Chicken Tacos; For those looking for something sweeter, The Skotnes delivers to its patrons a selection of delicacies that include delicious Baked Cheese Cake and sensational Banana Bread. With impeccable service, welcoming and efficient staff and an extensive wine list, The Skotnes Restaurant & Bar offers its patrons an exceptional experience that is not to be missed out on. 

• The Hussar Grill (Steenberg)

Located just outside of Zwaansywk in the adjacent suburb of Steenberg, at Shop F8 along Reddam Avenue in Steenberg Village, lies the popular Hussar Grill. Situated alongside the luxurious Steenberg Golf Estate, The Hussar Grill in Steenberg is reminiscent of an English gentleman's club, owing to its mahogany wood-paneling, leather upholstery and even a library corner - You'll feel as if you've stepped into a Charles Dickens novel. The Hussar Grill offers a premium dining experience and is the ideal place to indulge in a flawlessly aged steak and a glass of fine wine before retiring to the bar with a decadent cognac. Menu favourites include the Fried Crumbed Camembert, Trio of Snails, Sirloin, Ribeye and T-Bone steaks. Those looking for something sweeter can indulge in a decadent Crème Brûlée or The Hussar Grill's speciality Chocolate Vodka Martini. With exceptional service and an extensive wine list, there is no better place to spend the evening out than The Hussar Grill (Steenberg).

Special Attractions:

• Steenberg Golf Club 

Located just outside of Zwaanswyk in the adjacent suburb of Tokai and set in the heart of the serene Constantia Wine Route surrounded by the Silvermine mountain range, lies the prestigious Steenberg Golf Club. Officially established in 1996, the Steenberg Golf Club is an 18-hole Peter Matkovich championship course and is kept in high regard as one of the finest golf courses in the whole of Cape Town and South Africa, even being voted the 2^nd Best Golf Resort in the world by Conde Naste. The Steenberg experience begins when you drive through the rich vineyards and ancient oak trees and arrive at the renowned clubhouse, however, the charm of Steenberg Golf Club does not end there, extending to two popular restaurants, premium winery and the boutique Steenberg Hotel & Spa, all situated on the estate premises. For those looking to spend a day indulging in wining, dining, relaxing or indulging and of course golf, there is no better place to do so than the Steenberg Golf Club.