Noordhoek, Western Cape

Sleepy Hollow

Noorhoek is situated at the southern foot of Chapmans Peak. It remains Cape Town’s rural treasure, surrounded by sea, mountains and vast prized wetlands. This charming coastal suburb is reached by driving some of the most spectacular roads in the Western Cape – via Chapman’s Peak Drive or over Ou Kaapse Weg.

Noordhoek has a distinct farm atmosphere and the lifestyle of its residents is tranquil, relaxed and unhurried. Here you will find horses, pigs, cows, hens, ducks, geese and rabbits roaming around in gardens and open public spaces. Famed for its long white sandy beach, it is also not surprising that Noordhoek is often called “Cape Country by the Beach”. Visitors may notice more horses than cars in the area - one of the most popular pastimes here is horse riding on the beach.

Noordhoek is also home to an award-winning wine estate and offers gourmet dining as well as pub grub at the popular Noordhoek Farm Village. Cape Town city centre is approximately a 25 minute drive away and one can easily reach Hout Bay and other neighbouring suburbs such as Kommetjie or Fish Hoek from here.

Noordhoek has become sought-after for its laid-back holiday appeal – a sleepy hollow in an ever-busy metropolis that is Cape Town. Visitors will exclusive beach apartments and self-catering accommodation here.

Places to Visit

Things to do and see

• Noordhoek Beach
• Long Beach
• Witsands Beach, Misty Cliffs
• Drive Chapmans Peak
• Cape Peninsula Loop
• Hoerikwaggo Hike
• Cape Point Vineyards
• Noordhoek Farm Village
• Aegir Project Brewery
• Noordhoek Community Market
• Silvermine Nature Reserve & Trails
• Cape Point Lighthouse
• Long Beach Mall

Climate

Noordhoek receives approximately 877 mm of rain annually with the majority of its’ rainfall occurring during the winter months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 165C and 26˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 6˚C and 16˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport, 42 km away via the N2 and M3. Car hire facilities, Uber and metered taxis are available at the Airport.

History

Noordhoek, translated means Northern Corner, and the area was first named so in 1743. There is however, a small mystery about how Noordhoek came by its name. While there is no doubt that it goes back to the time of the earliest white settlers, it is not entirely certain whether the name simply refers to the northern corner of the Fish Hoek/Kommetjie valley, as we have assumed, or as some have suggested that it is a reference to the powerful north winds which sweep off the Atlantic Ocean in winter. The most likely and accepted explanation is that the name refers to its geographical position.

Archaeological remains confirm that the original inhabitants in the area were the Khoi nomads and “Strantlopers” who lived off the land and what the sea provided.

Noordhoek farm was proclaimed in 1743 by governor-general Van Imhoff who granted the land to Christina Diemer who married Frederik Russouw. The first permanent European inhabitant of the area was Jaco Malan who built a house not far from the present gateway to the Noordhoek Manor House. In 1857 the area was divided into six portions, most of these were bought by the de Villiers family, who have been associated with the Valley for many years.

Noordhoek was, and still is today, a farming community. During the era of sailing ships Noordhoek was well known for many years for providing the ships calling at Simon’s Town with fresh vegetables.