Situated beneath Table Mountain, and tucked between Newlands and Rondebosch lies the exclusive suburb of Claremont Upper. Known as the heart of the Southern Suburbs, Claremont Upper is well known for its thriving commercial and residential hub and prides itself on its continuous growth and development. Lush, vast greenery brings natural life into this expanding area, ensuring residents continue to experience an aura of peace and quiet alongside the vibrant hustle and bustle of the commercial epicentre.
From the soaring trees that offer shaded pathways to the colourful flowers that bloom throughout the suburb, it is clear that Claremont Upper's soil was once fertile land with origins dating back to the 18th century.
In 1652 the Dutch established an outpost on the shores of Table Bay and founded several farms to the south which were named Louwvliet, Veldhuyzen, Questenburg, and Stellenberg. After the colony had been taken over by the British in 1814, the area began to transform into a residential zone as British settlers and officials purchased farms and converted them into country estates. Weltevreden (originally part of Stellenberg) was subdivided, and a portion of it was renamed Claremont, which is derived from the French words "clear mountain" due to several springs that still provide fresh water from the Table Mountain aquifer.
Interestingly, it was the distinguished British astronomer, Sir John Herschel, who officially put the area of Claremont on the map. While residing at Feldhausen (formerly Veldhuyzen), Herschel spent his time mapping the stars of the Southern Hemisphere and was one of few who viewed Halley's Comet through his telescope in 1835. This remarkable achievement was commemorated by erecting an obelisk on the exact spot where his telescope stood and can be viewed in the courtyard of Grove Primary School today.
Comprising many opulent properties with sprawling grounds, tree-lined avenues, and state-of-the-art security, Claremont Upper is home to Herschel Girls School, near to the University of Cape Town and close to many other top-rated educational institutions.
Tucked away within this suburb, beneath the extraordinary presence of Table Mountain and sheltered from the prevailing South-Easter, is a pocket called the 'Hen and Chicken estate'. Named after the delightful view of the proverbial hen and chicks that nature has carved out of the mountain's granite, Claremont Upper's 'Hen and Chicken estate' boasts genteel charm and the most desirable addresses in what is already an affluent area.
Purchasing property in the popular suburb of Claremont Upper, one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the Southern Suburbs, is considered an excellent investment.
Home to Cavendish Square, an award-winning shopping centre and in close proximity to the magnificent Kirstenbosch Gardens and Newlands Rugby and Cricket Stadium, Claremont Upper boasts a feeling of connectedness to the whole of Cape Town, with plenty on offer right on its doorstep.
