" Travel is food for the soul, restores our balance, links us to our global community and allows us to be witness to various cultures,climates,languages and foods. We come to realise our small part in the global nature of our earth,which is part of the greater Universe" Judelle Drake
Rhodes Memorial in Cape Town is a must visit to view this memorial built in 1912 in memory of Cecil John Rhodes (1853 - 1902) Designed by Sir Herbert Baker this remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Bradclin House was established in 2004 and continues to host a wide mix of guests, both local and International. Living in the 1st Garden City of Pinelands, we are proud of our suburb With a unique atmosphere and easy access to all of Cape Town, this small suburb is a great place to stay or visit.
Our home was built around 1948 and we are only the 3rd owners of this property. Pinelanders tend to stick around! With many alterations over the years the house is totally changed and we now also have our 3 guest units.
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| Camps Bay Tidal Pool |
Our very long standing Councillor, now retired, Brian Watkyns wrote the article below on the history of our suburb of Pinelands. For those interested in history, this is an enjoyable read.
"Pinelands, a suburb of Cape Town, has the unmistakable atmosphere of its own, with thatched roofs tree lined streets and open spaces. Pinelands was the first Garden City developed in South Africa and the third in the world. It was also the first planned town in South Africa, with the original names proposed to be Midwood.
The Garden City concept of creating an urban area with a
rural atmosphere was based on Ebenezer Howard’s concept. Howard’s concept was championed by a
councillor and leading businessman Richard Stuttaford. He persuaded the
Government to grant part of a government owned forest plantation on the farm
Uitvlugt for the purpose of building affordable housing. Partially using his
own funds, he set about building affordable houses – another first for South
Africa. The need for affordable housing had become plain in the aftermath of
the Spanish Flu epidemic and the downturn in the economy.
In 1875, the farm homestead had been used to house one of
South Africa’s first political prisoners, King Langalibalele. Langalibalele was
moved from Robben Island and placed under house arrest at the farm for thirteen
years. In 1901 the area was used to build an isolation plague hospital during
the Bubonic plague which swept the world. Some of the medical staff looking
after the patients died from the plague.
At the time, Rudyard Kipling was visiting Cape Town and was moved to
write a poem: “For those who died at Uitvlugt”. The hospital led to the
establishment of the Valkenberg Hospital.
Around the same time the largest clay brickfields in the Southern
Hemisphere was established where the BP petrol station now stands. While there
were rich deposits of clay, the soil was mainly white sand. For this reason,
camels imported from Tenerife for work in the Kalahari Desert were trained on
the Uitvlugt farm before being sent to their final destination.
In 1922 the first houses were occupied in the town now named
Pinelands. Originally three roads were
built, with care taken to minimise removal of the forest trees. The town
steadily grew in size and within a few years electricity and water borne
sewerage was introduced. A strong Civic Association was created to work closely
with the Local Area Board which legally managed the town. Public transport took
the form of a private bus service to Mowbray and by train from either
Raapenberg station or Pinelands station, and at a later stage Oude Molen
station. Due to the thatched houses, a voluntary fire service was formed until
the Cape Town Municipality could provide the service. When servicemen returned
from active service after World War 2, the provision of housing was seen as
priority. In Pinelands, a new extension
was opened with affordable housing for these servicemen.
By 1948, the town had reached municipality status and the
new Pinelands Municipality replaced the Local Area Board. The first mayor was Frank
Gardener and Deputy Mayor was Mrs Olive
Smith . Four years later, when the apartheid system was being introduced
into legislation, Pinelands Municipality unsuccessfully petitioned the
government not to declare Pinelands under the group areas act. When an
adjoining suburb Maitland Garden Village was threatened by forced removals
under a group areas declaration, Pinelands stood with the residents against the
removals which the government then abandoned.
In 1996, the Pinelands municipality was incorporated as a suburb of the
City of Cape Town, and in 2000 became part of the Cape Town Metropolitan
Council.
Originally no commercial properties were permitted in
Pinelands, but this ruling was challenged and changed over time. The first shop
was a Co Op at Central Square owned and run by residents although a tearoom,
known as the Wattle House, had operated for some years and there was also a
small commercial operation in the Dagbreek area. Pinelands now boasts a highly
successful shopping mall, Howard Centre, which was opened in 1953 and at the time was one of the
first pedestrian shopping malls in South Africa. Pinelands remains one of the
few suburbs in South Africa where there are no liquor outlets.
Accordant with the Garden City concept, Pinelands has a
large number of open spaces and play parks. The Garden of Remembrance – to
honour those who have died in battle – hosts a play area for children and a
small trim park. Coronation Park play area is home to the steam roller that was
used to build the early Pinelands roads, as well as a tractor that was used to
mow Pinelands’ open spaces.
The place of Pinelands in the planning history of South
Africa was first acknowledged in 1982 when the houses, road and open space in
The Mead and Meadway were declared a national Monument. This was marked by the unveiling of a
commemoration stone. Later in 2015, the original area of Pinelands was declared
a heritage area.
100 years after the first resident moved into 4 Meadway, the Pinelands Ratepayers and Residents Association created a Pinelands history webpage to mark the centenary, with stories written by Brian Watkyns who represented Pinelands for 40 years.
You can
find the webpage at https://pinelandshistory.co.za/
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| The view from Bradclin House Pinelands |
Cape Town offers many various Adventure Experiences in and around the city.
Try as many as the budget allows or choose just one and enjoy the incredible experience.
There are numerous operators and most cater for all ages. Weight restrictions from 15kg to 135kg - check with your chosen operator re any weight concerns. Take a running leap off Signal Hill with assistance and your experienced guide in tandem and enjoy the incredible views over the ocean as you sore up high, catching the thermals. It is thrilling experience and the huge numbers taking off on any given day, in good weather, are testament to the popularity of this Cape Town Experience.
Another cool option in exploring the city is via Scootours - a scooter with thick tyres and impressive brakes! No motor - just your own foot power. Ideal for young and old. Freewheel downhill from Signal Hill towards Bo-Kaap on an off road track. You are then collected and taken up to Table Mountain for the next run off the lower slopes of the mountain.
With many other activities to choose from we list a few below
Please do check their websites for up-to-date information
Snorkel with Seals - there are a number of companies offering this activity in Cape Town.
Children should be 15 years or older, all participants must be good swimmers and not suffer with sea-sickness. Cape Fur Seals weigh between 100 to 350 kg - very inquisitive and often playful.
For those who don't want to venture into the water, seals can be seen up close in both Hout Bay and Kalk Bay Harbours. Whether one considers this a good or bad practice remains debatable.
The seals in Hout Bay Harbour are fed by locals as a money earner and tourist attraction.
Water Bikes Simonstown is another fun activity to enjoy. Guided tours are available to "bike" to the penguins or just to admire the marine life and scenery from your lofty height on the bike, Due to the height of the bike, you won't get wet and the activity is suitable for anybody over 1.5m tall and weighing not more than 110kg. Find them at Simonstown Pier. This is both a winter and summer activitiy, weather permitting.
"Situated in Constantia Nek on the Silvermist Estate this adventure activity is not to be missed if you are seeking an adventure filled activity.
Cape Town Ziplines forms part of the well-known SA Forest Adventures Adventure Brand. SA Forest Adventures is known nationally and internationally as one of Africa’s leading Adventure Companies.
The adventure begins with a brief safety introduction at our office with in the Silvermist Estate. From here guests will embark on a hair raising guided 4 x 4 drive into the mountain high above Constantia with a spectacular view of Cape Town. Cape Town Ziplines boarders on the Table Mountain National Park Reserve. You will be surrounded by the natural beauty, fauna and flora while walking and zipline between the 12 platforms. You could almost mistakably think that you are inside the Table Mountain Nature Reserve as you take in the amazing scenery.
The Zipline experience offers you a tour of the cables starting high in the mountain and slowly descending down the slopes. Our platforms offer visitors the most amazing panoramic views of Cape Town".
Zip along in open top Jeep Wranglers in the Witzand Aquifer Nature reserve. Just 40 mins from Cape Town
"Cape Town is unique due to its high concentration of local flora and fauna species. Our nature reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural resources and biodiversity heritage.
The Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is famous for the Atlantis Dunes which cover 500 hectares of the reserve. It is a flora and fauna-rich landscape which is home to endangered Cape Flats dune strandveld and the critically endangered Atlantis sand fynbos as well as an abundance of wild life, including: steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and caracal. Below the surface, a large underground natural aquifer supplies the surrounding communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with potable (drinking) water.
The reserve also offers 4x4 fun, quad biking and sand boarding."
There are many more activities like Catamaran cruising, Cobra Car Rentals, Cape Side Car Adventures, Helicopter flights and much more.
Cape Town is an incredible city with much to offer any visitor - whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a more sedate traveller, there is always much to see and experience.
This is not a city for a short stay - you will want to return again and again!.
Arderne Gardens is a tranquil spot in the centre of Claremont, Cape Town.
For those interested in history or gardens, this is a spot to enjoy. Entry is free of charge.
The gardens were started in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne who hailed from Cheshire in England.
The family collected plants from all over the world and this garden became well known for its beauty.
The gardens did go thru a period of neglect over the years as ownership changed - in 1979 the gardens were declared a National Historical Monument. Much of the work today is able assisted by "Friends of the Arderne Gardens" and they welcome both new membership or donations.
Saturdays see many wedding parties taking their wedding photos in these gardens - it has become quite a tradition!
For those interested in the Arboretum, there are 6 Champion trees - chosen for their heritage significance, biological attributes, and age.
Cork Oak, Aleppo Pine, Norfolk Island Pine, Turkish Oak, Queensland Kauri and the Moreton Bay Fig (above)
Guided Torus can be booked - view the official website for further information.
https://www.ardernegardens.org.za/
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| African Penguin Simonstown on a nest |
The penguins at Boulders, Simonstown are amazing and well worth visiting when in Cape Town.
The colony is spread across the beaches and many wander into the residential area of Simonstown.
So please do take care, especially at night - check under your car - there may be a penguin or two hiding underneath!! In the morning some of them can be seen wandering back down to the beach!
Seeing nature from such close quarters in an urban environment is very special, come rain or shine.
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| African Penguin Boulders Simonstown, Cape Town |
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| African Penguins Simonstown There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species. Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board. Some nests are holes on the beach, surrounded by many other penguins. Nests are fiercely protected if another penguin dares to come to close. During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed by their parents - they are just very vocal in their demands! This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!
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| The view across the bay in Simonstown |
Cape Point is a must see destination when visiting Cape Town!
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| Beautiful buck in Cape Point Wild life can be spotted in many areas of the park but you need to keep a look-out as they are often fairly elusive. These beautiful buck looked happy and calm. It is advisable to drive thru the park in your own vehicle - that way you can explore the entire area at your own pace and enjoy much more of the park. Although, for those with a short time only, the Red Bus or other Tour Operators are 100% The latter just don't go to all the various spots so one does miss much of what Cape Point offers. Whatever, you do, enjoy this amazing part of Cape Town! |
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| View of Cape Point way in the distance |
Cape Point, located within Table Mountain National Park, remains one of the most beautiful places to visit. Enjoy the bracing air, apparently the purest in the world! Breathe deeply and enjoy the experience.
"The air at Cape Point is among the purest in the world, and thus it is home to one of Global Research Watch’s (GAW) atmospheric research stations. GAW is a global network established by the World Meteorological Organisation to monitor trends and changes in the Earth’s atmosphere".
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| Surfing at Black Rocks Cape Point |
Vergelegen Wine Estate, founded in 1700 is more than just wine. The estate offers numerous gardens that are ideal for wandering at various times of the year.
The views of the mountain range in the distance just enhance the exploring of this estate.
Various tours can be booked - Heritage and Garden, Cellar and Vineyard plus an Environmental Tour focusing on sustainability and the environment with possible sightings of Nguni cattle, Eland and Bontebok.
The ancient trees date back many years - the White Mulberry dates back to 1700, the Old English Oak is over 300 years old and the 5 Camphor trees were declared a National Monument in 1942.
An impressive call to nature that has been well preserved and looked after by the many generations of owners at Vergelegen.
Kruger National Park - this iconic destination in South Africa is world famous and just begs to be explored over and over again. Many vis...
