More than 300 years ago Jan Cornelis Mostert bought a piece of land along the Eerste River.Mostertsdrift was one of Stellenbosch's first farms – a piece of fertile land along the  Eerste River.At the time Stellenbosch was little more than a farmer's community – in the first year eight families moved in and two years later ano...  Continue reading

Where does the name Merriman Street come from?John X Merriman was a British politician who became Prime Minister of the previous Cape Colony in 1908. Here he is seen sitting on the stoep with his wife, friends, servants and dogs.He wasn't a life long Stellenbosch resident, but is often associated with the farm Rustenberg, whe...  Continue reading

The peaceful neighbourhood of Karindal is one of the most beautiful in Stellenbosch, and also the closest to Jonkershoek.Located next to the Eerste river and the 'hangbrug', it is an ideal area for walking the dog or simply getting some fresh air. The two cul de sacs, Bergvliet and Otterkuil are here as well.The old Lanzerac ...  Continue reading

One of our blog readers asked about the origin of the name Du Toit Station.A few important Du Toit'sI poked around in some of the old books. There were quite a few important Du Toit's in Stellenbosch's history: Dr D.F. du Toit, mayor and one of the first professors at the Victoria College Donald du Toit, co-founder of the V...  Continue reading

The word 'Jonker' literally translates as 'young man' or bachelor. So why is this valley called Jonkershoek? (as well as the street leading to it)?Mountaineering, fauna and flauraJonkershoek nature reserve is one of the most popular places in the Western Cape for those who love the outdoors.The reserve covers almost 11,000 he...  Continue reading

Hans Endler and FW Jannasch are two of the big names in Stellenbosch’s cultural history.The Endler hall is where most of the big classical music conserts in Stellenbosch are held. Endler street is close to Stellenbosch high and primary school. Fismer and Jannasch are the names of two smaller venues in the conserve, where lunc...  Continue reading