Fresnaye Area Information

Fresnaye at a glance

Set directly on the slopes of Lion's Head, Fresnaye overlooks Sea Point to the north and Bantry Bay to the south-west. The panoramic views from the heights of Fresnaye are magnificent, giving residents sweeping scenes of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay and Robben Island. It is an affluent suburb with some of the most luxurious and expensive properties available in the Cape Town area, popular with tourists and locals alike.

A brief history of the area

Fresnaye was originally an Estate of 200 acres, acquired in the early 1800s, and belonging to Ryk Le Sueur, a barrister, and French aristocrat from Bayeux in Normandy and descendant of the French Huguenots. The original name was Winterslust, and the farmhouse was at that time, the only building on the mountain slopes, other than HeerenHuis near Bantry Bay, built in 1776. Fresnaye was set in vineyards and orchards, and referred to as "A Garden of Eden" at the time. The French named streets reflect its heritage.

Climate

Fresnaye's prime location at the base of Lion's Head means that it is sheltered from the relentless southeasterly winds late in the year. It's pleasantly warm in summer and cooler in winter but doesn't have the exposure to the harsher elements present in other suburbs.

Schools in the area

Parents in Fresnaye are spoilt for choice when it comes to top schools offering the very best education for their children and these institutions all offer excellent learning opportunities. Reddam House is based in Green Point, while there are also a number of foreign language schools located in the CBD, like The French and German schools. Camps Bay Junior and High School are both well-regarded, while Ellerman House in Sea Point is also an option.

Healthcare in the area

Nearby hospitals include Netcare's Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, with the Mediclinic not far away. A multitude of medical facilities can be found within neighbouring Sea Point, whether it be a GP, aesthetic practitioner, physio or psychologist.

Shopping centres

Shoppers can stock up on amenities and indulge in some retail therapy at the nearby Galleria Shopping Centre, Palmhof Centre or Adelphi Shopping centre, with a myriad of other delis and local bakeries like Arthur's Mini Super and Coco Safar close at hand. The V&A Waterfront Mall is just a short drive away.

Distance from key points (Airports/CBD)

Fresnaye is around 20-30 minutes from the Cape Town airport and short 10 minutes away from the Cape Town CBD.

Restaurants

Fresnaye itself doesn't have any restaurants or shops (part of its beauty is the way it remains unspoilt) but the restaurants in Sea Point and Camps Bay are a quick drive away. Residents love La Mouette for special occasions, Kleinsky's for legendary bagels, La Perla for classic Italian dining, and Harvey's at Winchester Mansions for log, lazy jazz brunches.

Special attractions

Fresnaye is beautiful enough that you might not want to leave. So when you must venture out, there is easy access to all of the Atlantic Seaboard's beaches, as well as the Sea Point promenade. It is also a short trip from the city centre, meaning that getting to museums, art galleries and the V&A Waterfront takes only a few minutes. Fresnaye is within walking distance from the four Clifton beaches, as well as the Sea Point swimming pools. Sunsets over the Atlantic Seaboard are the best in the Cape Town, Fresnaye's elevated position means you're printed to enjoy them at their most glorious.

Make Fresnaye your home. Let it be your story.

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