Our rich history
In 1658, the French Huguenots arrived in the Western Cape and began to settle on farms in the area. The fertile soil and the Mediterranean-like climate of this region provided perfect conditions for farming. The settlers planted orchards, vegetable gardens and above all, vineyards. Thus began Paarl’s long and continuing history as a major wine and fruit producing area of South Africa.
Paarl Mountain
Paarl Mountain’s 500-million-year-old domes are one of the world’s largest granite outcrops and often compared to the towering Ayers Rock in Australia. The mountain is formed by three rounded outcrops, Paarl, Bretagne and Gordon. Paarl Rock itself is a popular Mecca for rock climbers, with the most spectacular views from the top of Paarl Rock and from within some of the crevices.
In the pioneering period of rock climbing in South Africa, however, the mountain was ignored because of its steep smooth faces. The first climbing routes up the rock were pioneered in 1969 by J.W.Marchant and G. Athiros.
Paarl Wine Route
The town and its surroundings attract many visitors with an array of activities and interests. There are magnificent Cape Dutch buildings (17-19th Century), scenic drives, hiking trails, excellent restaurants and the Paarl wine route, with its many wine tasting opportunities.
The old Spice Route Paarl, which was initiated in 1997 by Charles Back, the owner of this estate as well as of Fairview, provides an opportunity for visitors to appreciate and taste local delicacies from the Western Cape, like biltong, draft beer or red and white wines from the surrounding wine yards in Malmesbury and Darling.
Back's vision was "to offer local and international tourists a selection of hand-picked artisanal producers who put as much thought, skill and passion into their products as Spice Route wine maker, Charl du Plessis, puts into his wines". Besides that a range of art galleries and the traditional way of organic dark chocolate production can be explored.
The heritage of the Spice Route farm goes back to the historical mariners who used to trade Eastern spices to Europe along the "Spice Route" for spice trade in the 15th century.
Some Interesting facts :
The biggest town in the Cape Winelands District
Paarl is the third oldest European settlement in South Africa and has a population of over 150,000 which makes it the biggest town in the Cape Winelands District. Like many towns in the Cape Winelands, Paarl is home to a prosperous community, with many well maintained and attractive Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and streets lined with old oak trees.
Paarl is home to the longest main road in South Africa! A drive down the 12km Main Road provides commuters with a trip down memory lane. The buildings lining Main Road present a mosaic of the most superb examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture. Add to this the rich heritage of well preserved historic buildings scattered through the town, the large number of top-quality restaurants offering traditional Cape cuisine, accommodation for tourists in hotels and on farming estates, and the inevitable wine industry - and you no longer have an argument in favour of visiting Paarl but an obligation to do so.
The Oldest Olive Groves
Paarl is home to some of the oldest olive groves in the country. De Hoop Farm has played a pioneering role in South Africa’s olive industry. The ancient avenue of olive trees dates back to the earliest plantings on the farm. At the turn of the previous century De Hoop’s olive oil was voted the “best olive oil in the empire” at a London show.
Wine Headquarters in South Africa
As far as the Wine industry is concerned, Paarl boasts the headquarters of the industry in South Africa, the co-operative Wine Growers' Association (KWV) and the Paarl wine route. The KWV is a South African institution that over the years has acquired an international reputation because of its unique achievements and its imprint of quality on the industry.
Other attactions include the Ostrich Farm, Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Butterfly World and much much more.
Longest Main Road
Paarl is the third oldest European settlement in South Africa and has a population of over 150,000 which makes it the biggest town in the Cape Winelands District. Like many towns in the Cape Winelands, Paarl is home to a prosperous community, with many well maintained and attractive Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and streets lined with old oak trees.
Paarl is home to the longest main road in South Africa! A drive down the 12km Main Road provides commuters with a trip down memory lane. The buildings lining Main Road present a mosaic of the most superb examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture. Add to this the rich heritage of well preserved historic buildings scattered through the town, the large number of top-quality restaurants offering traditional Cape cuisine, accommodation for tourists in hotels and on farming estates, and the inevitable wine industry - and you no longer have an argument in favour of visiting Paarl but an obligation to do so.
Afrikaans Language
Paarl is home to the only monument to a living language in the world. Situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain the Taalmonument, or Afrikaans Language Monument, was unveiled in October 1975. The main 57 meter column symbolises the Afrikaans language while the other columns, domes and walls represent the European, African and Malay languages that contributed to Afrikaans. A trip to the Taalmonument provides visitors with a unique cultural experience and some of the best views in Paarl.
Olive's country
Paarl is home to some of the oldest olive groves in the country. De Hoop Farm has played a pioneering role in South Africa’s olive industry. The ancient avenue of olive trees dates back to the earliest plantings on the farm. At the turn of the previous century De Hoop’s olive oil was voted the “best olive oil in the empire” at a London show.
Wine Industry
As far as the Wine industry is concerned, Paarl boasts the headquarters of the industry in South Africa, the co-operative Wine Growers' Association (KWV) and the Paarl wine route. The KWV is a South African institution that over the years has acquired an international reputation because of its unique achievements and its imprint of quality on the Industry
Other attactions include the Ostrich Farm, Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Butterfly World and much much more.
One of our recent listings is a perfect example of the rich history of Paarl and how it is preserved for future generations.
Historic Grande Old Lady
A Historic Grande Old Lady originally built in 1780 and tastefully expanded over the last 30 years whilst preserving its yesteryear’s architectural charm and grandeur. The current owners masterfully preserved old worldly charm and style with some modern touches. Original yellowwood ceilings and stinkwood beams are masterfully combined with modern-day luxury to create an ambiance of romance and mystique.
This homestead is nestled in perfectly manicured gardens filled with loungers and fountains which is rounded-off with breath-taking views of the Paarl Mountains.
This is a successful guesthouse / boutique hotel and conference venue with 32 double en-suite rooms, 4 conference rooms (180 delegates can be seated cinema style, 120 in banqueting style and 100 in classroom style). Being a high in-demand conference venue in the area this guesthouse has numerous, existing and longstanding relationships with a number of well-known corporate companies. All catering for conferences are done on site under the leadership of a seasoned chef.
This establishment boasts with 4 kitchens, including a state-of-the-art main kitchen. Lemoenkloof is well known for its outstanding cuisine and catering.
Whilst interviewing the owner of this beautiful property we got a glimpse of the love and dedication that goes into operating an establishment as successful as this one. The current owners are protective of the environment and this can be evidenced in their attempts of reducing the carbon footprint. The entire property is fitted with solar geysers, heat pumps, smoke detectors, CCTV cameras (16) and alarm system, a strong borehole (2,000 l /h), 50,000l YoYo tanks for the capture and use of rainwater together with filtrations systems. Furthermore there is a 120 KVA generator so that guests are never left in the dark!
In summary this is a picturesque, superbly maintained property with loads to offer. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, the rooms are elegant and stylish, the gardens well planned and exquisite, the pool area pristine and absolutely perfect for corporate cocktail functions.
This property is sold as a going concern :
Audited financial statements are available to serious and qualified buyers only. Historic and current YTD financials indicate a profitable establishment with a healthy Return on Investment (ROI). Average occupation rates are roughly 49% which leaves some scope for increased profits. The current owners are willing to assist the new owners in the management of the facility for a defined period of time to ensure a smooth transition. 16 permanent staff members are employed ranging from Chef & Catering Manager, Bookings and housekeeping and grounds men / maintenance staff. The entire property consists of 4 erven which was consolidated into two erven measuring ± 4069m2 in total. The estimated value of the furniture and equipment is around the R10m mark – a professional inventory is in progress.