Greyton property: House for sale / to buy

Sought After Position. A delightful home ideal for enthusiastic retirees wishing to build up a nest egg in the form of an olive orchard or for keeping some horses.

Lounge/Dining Rooom Open plan kitchen 3 Bedrooms (m.e.s) 2 Bathrooms 1.5 Tandem garage Braai patio overlooking mountains Leiwater dam.

Background Information Greyton

1. Location :

Greyton nestles between the majestic Riviersonderend mountain range and gently curving hills, approximately 150 kilometers or 90 minutes eastbound from Cape Town. From Cape Town follow the N2 to Grabouw, Botriver and before Caledon tturn left into the R406 at the Genadendal/Greyton sign. After 32 km the R406 feeds into Greyton’s Main Street - all along passing through the rolling wheatfields of the Overberg.

A town lost in time with its gravel roads and thatched roof cottages is a great destination for those who want to get away from it all. It is also conveniently only 1/2 hour away from the Caledon Spa & Casino, Caledon Golf Club & the Arabella Golf Club at Kleinmond and a hour from Hermanus, Strand / Somerset West & Stellenbosch.

2. Lifestyle :

Greyton is a tranquil oasis of green which lies between two rivers, with lush colourful country gardens that complement the thatched cottages and oak tree lined lanes. The villagers are friendly and the ambiance is uniquely "Greyton".

For those wishing to live a healthy and safe country lifestyle, Greyton has much to offer. There is a small, but rapidly growing private school, a good range of shops, supermarket, excellent restaurants and a retirement village with frail care facilities. There are two doctors practicing locally and a village pharmacy.

In the tradition of village building, the aesthetics committee ensures continuity of architectural design in all new homes. Surrounded by pretty gardens, Greyton's original buildings and thatched cottages have faithfully been restored to retain their rustic character of the past. Most of the original buildings that date as far back as 1854 when Greyton was founded have been faithfully restored to retain their rustic character.

Mighty oak trees canopy quaint streets and tranquil lanes. Clear water coming from these mountains runs in “lei” water canals throughout the village. Most properties in Greyton have a “lei” water dam on the property that gets filled by the water canal system from where owners irrigate their evergreen gardens in Greyton.

When cows, horses and donkeys occasionally wander through town, perhaps seeking the shade of Greyton leafy gardens, it indeed seems that time stands still in the Greyton village. Within the village old traditions still prevail, onions and garlic stems are plaited and hung and some ploughing is still done by oxen. Everyone in Greyton is however busy doing something, writing or painting, growing and creating things, teaching, selling and consulting - just multiskilling.

Aromatic fynbos all over, bubbling streams and deep gorges and ravines offer a pristine environment, and the Sonderend River Valley has its own awards in horse or bicycle riding, and swimming in the river. There are beautiful hikes in and around Greyton, or take a mountain bike to meander through the village and onto the mountain paths that lead you into cool mountain crevasses with fern-lush ponds. You can also swim in the clear, fresh river at Greyton's picnic sites.

In winter Greyton takes on the feel of a typical alpine village as snow caps the peaks around it. Springtime arrives when the wildflowers display a magnificent array of rainbow colours. Summer days are hot and balmy and ensures pleasant swimming and camping on the banks of the Riviersonderend River and autumn turns the oak-lined lanes into a soft carpet displaying the earthy tones of mother-nature.

3. Things to do

3.1 Outdoor Activities :

3.1.1 Greyton Nature Reserve :
Visitors will be delighted in the many picturesque walks around and in strolling along the hiking trails in the town's own 2220 hectares nature reserve, started in the 1970s by a former director of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town. It is the third largest in the Cape, and contains plants that have not been seen elsewhere since they were first identified by Burchell in 1812. Greyton Nature Reserve is worth exploring with its rugged mountain slopes that rise at its loftiest to 1 565m above sea level. It offers walks through magnificent fynbos and wildflowers, especially during springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom. An interesting path to follow is the one leading to the waterfall in the nearby Noupoort Gorge. The Noupoort leads almost to the summit of Kanonberg.

3.1.2 Hikes :

There are well marked walks in Greyton ranging from an easy stroll to a two or three day hike. A fabulous one-day hike is the Boesmanskloof Trail, 32 kilometres (20miles) through the Riviersonderend Mountains from Greyton to the exquisite hamlet of McGregor (formerly known as Lady Grey). From Greyton the trail follows the gorge of the Gobos River to a point 16 km from Mcgreggor, where it joins an old pass built just before the Second World War. At a leisurely pace, the walk may be completed in five or six hours. Drinking water is plentiful and there are many pools for bathing. During the winter months nine waterfalls, which drop into the river from a great height are clearly visible from the footpath. A large variety of proteas, ericas and disas grow along the trail. There are no huts along the trail and camping-out is prohibited. Private accommodation at Greyton or McGregor is available. Permits are required.

3.1.3 Horseback Riding :

Greyton's only Riding Centre takes visitors, including novices on rides along different routes. One of the routes will take you on a 90 minute ride through the beautiful hills and mountains surrounding Greyton.

3.1.4 Camping :

Swimming, angling or canoeing along the Riviersonderend River provides fun entertainment for all members of the family - or go on a gentle rafting day-trip along the Sonderend River. The campsite with basic facilities is situated on the banks of the Riviersonderend River. On the nearby farm Nethercourt visitors may view the little cave, known as Het Ziekenhuis (the hospital) in which ailing travelers were sheltered in former years.

A small, rustic wooden hut stands on the banks of the river running through Nethercourt farm and is an ideal hideaway place for 2 - 3 nature lovers, wanting to camp out in the country. If you need hot water for a shower you must be prepared to make a 'donkey' (an Afrikaans term used to describe the process in making this type of fire).

3.1.5 Sport :

Other interesting sports to be enjoyed is playing a game of tennis or cycling through the village on your bicycle. The gravel roads in Greyton provide joyful cycling experiences, particularly for children, the maximum speed limit is 40 km/h. The outdoor adventurer can also enjoy mountain-biking and 4x4 trails. Tennis and bowls are available in the village and excellent golf courses are only 40 minutes away at Riviersonderend and Arabella at Kleinmond.

Greyton Bowling Club is the latest welcome attraction for both Greytonians and visitors. Launched in March 2005, the setting for the beautifully equipped clubhouse, bar and green, ranks amongst the most outstanding throughout Boland and Western Province. Membership for bowling and social activities has been extremely encouraging and continues to grow.

Greyton Bowling Club makes the ideal tourism attraction and is of particular interest for visiting bowling teams for midweek or weekend tournaments in addition to relaxing breaks for commercial company staff. An all-inclusive package including selected quality accommodation and restaurant discounts can be arranged.Enquiries; Paul Padmore (President) 028 254 9721 3.1.6 Rose Festival : The Annual Rose festival is held during October/November and should not be missed. This is a spectacular display of cut blooms and offers local and outside crafters an excellent market place.

3.2 Things to Do :

Societies & Clubs Various interest clubs abound, e.g. bridge, yoga or line dancing

3.2.1 Greyton Animal Welfare Society

Volunteers with bakkie and driver who provide the necessary support for domestic animals in the area, particularly the impoverished side of Greyton.Sue Carter: (028) 254The person to contact is Henriette Vlugter, Tel / fax 028-254 9667. 9945.

3.2.2 Book Club
Monthly meetings, books purchased by members, read and then donated to Greyton Library.Jean Nicholls: (028) 254 9473

3.2.3 Greyton Film Club
Showings of popular films in Aartworks Art Gallery.Rowan Millson: (028) 254 9791

3.2.4 Saturday Morning Market

In aid of Greyton Conservation Society.Val Turner: (028) 254 9748

3.2.5 Welcome Club

Every 3 months there is a get-together of all newcomers to the village.Joan Falkenberg: (028) 254 9019

4 Commercial / Business Services

4.1 Shopping

Greyton has numerous interesting shops to browse through – such as furniture and bric-a-brac shops. You can buy retro furniture, original artworks, silk quilts, antiques, designer dresses and home made delicacies.Eco-tique, design and manufacture unique products, using mainly natural materials. Products like the well-known bark-balls have won numerous awards and have become a popular 'must have' décor item.

Inside Story is a typical country homeware store. Visitors can choose from a large variety of products. From beeswax candles, aromatherapy soaps to antiques and furniture.

The regular Saturday morning market should not be missed. Fresh local produce such as organic vegetables, preservative-free cheeses, yoghurt, natural honey, freshly baked breads, cakes and pies, fresh lemon juice and ice-cream (or lemon-curd pancakes in winter!) delightful village-made crafts are all there. It also the weekly gathering of some local residents. You can drink coffee while you meet some very interesting people.

Greyton has sixty-six lodges, b&b's, self-catering cottages and farm and camping facilities.

4.1 Art

Many artists and affluent escapees from the metropolitan area of Cape Town have discovered this place for themselves over the last couple of years and settled here. They largely contributed to the cultural offering of the village and call it nowadays the "Art Capital of the Overberg". Many of the artists operate an open house policy. There are several art-galleries, craft shops and two pottery studios to visit, displaying the unique artworks of these talented artists. Greyton also boasts with a well attended music festival in summer.

4.2 General Postal Agency : Greyton Post Office 028 254 9526

Home Services : Carpet cleaning and tiling (028) 254 9959 Plumber A. Walker (028) 254 9685 T.L.C. Builders (028) 254 9504 / 0827031581 Richcraft - Home Maintenance (028) 254 9109 / 0824224568 Osman Hardware (028) 254 9662 Greyton Electrical 028 254 9495 Garden Services Country Gardens 028 254 9109 / 082 422 4568 Greyton Nursery 028 254 9998 Emergency Services Police 10111 / (028) 251 8080 Ambulance 10177 Greyton Security Services 028 254 9555 Doctor Botha : Medical : (028) 254 9606 Dr Murray Nobbs : Dental Surgeon 028 254 9015 Merle Gibson : Aromatherapist & Reflexiologist : 028 254 9213 Veterinary Clinic : 028 254 9681 Pharmacy & Health Products Greyton Apothecary 083 406 9060 Abdul Osman (028) 254 9662 General Services AttorneysGuthrie & Theron (028) 254 9063 Von Geasau Chocolates (028) 254 9100 Tinkie's Garage : (028) 254 9676 Groenewald's Garage (028) 254 9380 Camping Facilities 082 422 4568 Municipality : (028) 254 9620 Conservation Society : (028) 2549874 Brian Thomas : (028) 254 9011 Architectural Design John SweetnamTerry von Geusau Travel Services Sure Fish Hoek Travel : (021) 782 1148 Taxi Service : (028)251 8366/8181 Finance Overberg Asset Management: 028 254 9013 ShopsBlossom : 028 568 9990 The Inside Story : 028 254 9827 Violet Dream : 084 584 5946 FIGG : 072 551 6319 Greyton Gallery : 028 254 9827Greyt-On-Main : 028 254 9722

Restaurants :

Cafes and restaurants offer shady patios, lush gardens and art filled saloons in which to wine, dine and be refreshed. The restaurants dishes great cuisine. Five of Greyton's restaurants are listed in the latest "Eat Out" magazine. You can choose from Continental a la carte, three or four course meals at Barnards, Pepper Tree, the 254 Restaurant or Greyton Lodge. Or enjoy deliciously healthy light meals, coffee and croissants at The Oak & Vigne or Le Petit Chocolat. The finest German cuisine is served at Greyt-on-Main.

CAFè HERBERT (028) 254 9470 THE BISTRO (028) 254-9876 OAK & VIGNE (028) 254-9037 GREYTON LODGE (028) 254-9876 THE PEPPER TREE (028) 254-9164 GREYT-ON-MAIN (028) 254-9722 254 Restaurant Tel 028 254 9373. Abbey Rose Tel: 028 254 9470 Jam Tin Tel: 083 715 7343 Le Petit Chocolatier cnr Main and Ds Botha St. Wollies Baking Company 37a Main Road. 5.

History : In the tradition of other towns in the region, Greyton was first a farm, Weltevreden, where cattle and the fat-tailed, mohair-coated sheep indigenous to the Cape grazed whatever turf of grass they found beneath the renosterbos. In 1846 Weltevreden was bought by Herbert Vigne. Vibrant stories of passion and polygamy surrounding this Englishman did not endear him to his family, least of all his brother-in-law, Governor Sir George Grey. It is possible that when, in 1854, Vigne subdivided part of the farm into 120 plots for a village, he tried to redeem himself by calling it Greyton. The Governor would not be pacified. A year later he sent Vigne to a post between King William’s Town and East London, where he is said to have frolicked with more than one young women from the indigenous tribes. Disgraced, Vigne returned to Greyton where he lived for 40 years. There seems to have been however no real reason for the existance of Greyton, as it is not situated on any road of consequence. The road to Greyton, the R406, was only tarred a few years back. It has no rail links, and no mineral wealth. It is not a town centre to any farming community; in fact there are no usual advantages that lead to the establishment of a settled community.

Discovered a decade ago by city bound dwellers in search of serenity, the village of Greyton has become a popular weekend retreat and tourist destination – as one of the most tranquil villages in the whole of South Africa. 6.

Historical Attractions :

Many of the present-day hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and shops were original homesteads and have been restored to retain their rustic charm. The town boasts a number of historical buildings such as the Post House, Greyton Lodge, St Andrews Church, Moravian Church, Smouswinkel and many restored cottages.

There is also an Old Cape highway/historic wagon route via Lindeshof to Riviersonderend, where oak and poplar trees indicate overnight stops for wagons.

Greyton Lodge is a historical building, built in 1882 as a trading store. Today it is a comfortable guest house, reflecting a typical English country style, unique with antiques, log-fires and a tea-garden, filled with roses and fruit trees. Visitors can enjoy a meal from the restaurant - award winning wines or relax in one of the 18 en-suite guest rooms.

The Post House was originally the village post office and now a national monument. This 142-year-old country inn has loads of charm.

A historical highlight with a romantic and peaceful atmosphere awaits the visitor in Genadendal, four kilometres from Greyton. It is the oldest mission station in South Africa, founded in 1738 by the missionary Georg Schmidt of the Evangelic-Lutheran Brotherhood of the Moravian Church ("Herrnhuther") near Dresden in Germany Genadendal – "Valley of Grace" – is now a beautifully restored museum village with several workshops, a book store, a guest house, an old pharmacy, a working watermill, a museum and the Mission Church from 1893 with the oldest organ of South Africa.