Plumstead, Cape Town

Tucked away amongst Plumstead and Heathfield, the Southern Suburbs railway line, and The Vines, lies the little suburb of Diep River. The suburb is named after the river that runs through it, and eventually finds its way to the Rietvlei Reserve. Much of the thatching grass used in the 17th Century by the Dutch East India Company came from this area. The Southern Railway Line was extended from Wynberg to Muizenberg in 1882 and formed Diep River as a stop between. Diep River was popular with travellers who broke their journey at Rathfelders, a coaching Inn which stood on the property where the Eaton Convalescent Home now stands. With the railway line, came post offices and Diep River’s was one of the earliest post offices in the Cape. These post offices serviced the farms in the Constantia and Tokai areas.

Diep River is known for an unusual space occurrence. On the 4th of November 1906, on the farm known as Hermitage, a meteorite weighing 910gm and made of very rare material, L6 Chondrite, fell through the metal roof of a home. A specimen can be seen in the South African Museum in Cape Town.

This small suburb has hidden gems in the streets leading off the Main Road. Victorian cottages that are deceptive from the outside boast modernised interiors and beautiful gardens, all hidden behind the narrow street frontage. As with Wynberg Village, Diep River is sought after as the properties are affordable and are conveniently placed between two railway stations, which makes commuting to the City Centre convenient, Furthermore, the development of the office parks at Westlake provide a commercial area only a short drive away. Major shopping centres serving the area are Constantia Village and Blue Route Mall, which has recently been revamped. Constantiaberg Hospital is on the boundary of Diep River and there is a number of schools in neighbouring Bergvliet, as well Reddam House in Tokai. With Diep River being so close to many important and attractive amenities, it makes Diep River property that much more desirable.

The suburb also encompasses a variety of retirement complexes, located between the Main Road and the railway line, which allow the elderly to commute via a short stroll away. Riverside Gardens, currently on offer, is managed by the CPOA, (Cape Peninsular Organisation for the aged) who have a wealth of experience in caring for senior citizens. The complex is a lifestyle development catering for senior citizens who still enjoy independent living.

A popular landmark in Diep River is Martin's Bakery, a family-run establishment which has been in operation since 1972. A coffee shop and a delicatessen bakery, it produces the most wonderful variety of breads, including wheat free bread, rolls, croissants, tarts, pies and biscuits. They are all baked using natural products and traditional methods and without any preservatives. The delicatessen also stocks locally produced cheeses, dips and fresh vegetables.

Diep River is a brilliant little suburb that is so often underestimated by the public. However, a simple search will show a fantastic array of Diep River properties on offer for those who are scaling down or starting out.