Living in Groenvallei

Groenvallei is a well-known suburb of Sedgefield, Western Cape, South Africa. It is often confused with 'Groenvlei', which is a different area, 5km east of town. (Groenvlei being the area surrounding the popular resort of Lake Pleasant)

There are two areas in Groenvallei, namely the original development, and then the later development, known as Groenvallei Ext 2. The latter is governed by a Home Owners Association, which oversees inter alia the aesthetics of the various properties.

Ext 2 also has a waterborne sewage system, and all cabling is underground, making it a more upmarket, sought after area.

Groenvallei is a popular neighbourhood, which has a green belt and dune as a backdrop. Often when the weather changes, it can be sunny and clear in Groenvallei, yet grey and misty 'over the dune', being the Smutsville area and beyond that, Myoli Beach.

Concerns

In recent years, the housing scarcity in the Smutsville community has become dire. There has also been an influx of foreign nationals, most of whom have work permits. Unfortunately, municipal budgets are insufficient to adequately provide for accommodation. This has resulted in informal settlements arising, and the construction of somewhat unsightly erections on the dune. Unfortunately, these are visible from certain vantage points on some roads through Groenvallei.

Potential buyers do at times voice their concerns and hesitation in buying property in the suburb for this reason.

However, these fears are largely unfounded. Although there is a stairway over the dune, it is used as a shortcut to town by residents who do not have transport. The tarred road leading to Smutsville is the same one that leads to Myoli Beach, and is some distance away.

The beauty of the Groenvallei dune area, together with the abundant bird life and active neighbourhood watch, coupled with the well priced housing available, make the suburb incomparable for those looking to invest and/or purchase value for money.

The Facts Speak for themselves - what do the Residents say?

(original comments by posters available on request)

We asked a few residents in the area what life is like in Groenvallei, and the following are some responses...

Gail: "We have lived in Groenvallei for 5.5 years now. We love living here because it is a very neat, well kept suburb. The homes, gardens and verges have a park like feel. It really is greener than the other areas in Sedgefield and seems to have far less wind. In the 5.5 years we have had no security concerns, and I know for a fact that none of my neighbors have either. There is a lovely community spirit, with children riding bicycles and the elderly walking their dogs in the mornings and late afternoons. We have never regretted buying here."

Gina: "Living in Groenvlei for the past years ensured living in a tranquil environment close to nature, having peace of mind especially living alone. I enjoy personal safety and enjoy daily safe walks with dogs without being or feeling threatened in any way. Neighbours are looking out for one another and would alert security companies as needed.

Just some x-tra

Most of the empty plots in the lower part of Fraser St are sold, and houses built, plus the Lake View Estate development which is a secure residential complex close to Lake Pleasant. This development also stopped unwelcomed thoroughfare, as well as at the top of Galjoen Crescent the thoroughfare to the N2 is closed off with a wall between the last 2 newly built houses and the perimeter wall of Lake View Estate. This development has installed cameras on various points of the perimeter wall facing the dune and N2. Neighbourhood watch has installed at 2 points cameras in Fraser St covering the street both ways as well as possible escape route to the dune facing Stingray St. There is good cooperation between the security companies, neighbourhood watch and SAPS as final points for reporting."

Heather: "Some if the reason i am happy living here. I have lived here for 23 years and my immediate neighbours have all been here for 20 plus years. In all that time I only experienced 1 minor break-in. Most of the people who have left the area have moved to retirement centres because they require more help and not because they were unhappy here. People are friendly and helpful and look out for each other. Dog walkers meet on a daily basis to chat while the dogs play. Gardeners work for 2 or 3 homeowners and we seldom see new faces. With the new complex there is no longer a shortcut to and from the highway."

Christa: "The area is quiet and peaceful and people are friendly and helpful."

Marthie: "After more than sixty years living in a big city. Groenvallei is a lovely experience I find it quiet, save with caring neighbour's and where you can take your dog for a walk."

Roselyne: "I really believe this is a wonderful place to invest in and/or live. It is very quiet, all the neighbours without exception are very pleasant and non-invading. I walk with several ladies who own and live in around my own place in Fraser Street and one could not wish to get better local people. The bird life is wonderful and I enjoy them every day, especially the Loeries which come most days to feed. I do not know the names of all these hungry birds!"

Corlani: "I have been a resident in Groenvallei for a couple of years. What I love most about it is that the community is still so close and it is safe. Everyday just before sunset all the fur babies goes for walkies and meet their friends. The residents are also keen gardeners and always ready to swop plants or exchange the latest mole stories. There are dedicated members that does a neighbourhood watch and we have never had any crime happening around us. It is a peaceful valley with a lot of bird life... where neighbours still share some of their homemade soup on a rainy day... a forever home to be grateful for."

Fiona: "Why do i love living in Groenvallei?

The community is genuinely a neighbourhood... friendly and caring looking out for one another warm... cups of tea or pancakes on offer without an invitation. The abundance of pups being happily walked and the camaraderie built up by their owners, ever willing to stop and chat, and the beautiful glimpses of lake pleasant as you drive down Fraser Street. The uninterrupted dawn chorus, the peace of mind knowing I'm safe and have made the right choice."

Colin: "I moved to Groenvallei 6 years ago. I first moved from London to Johburg and then got sick of the rat race and moved to Hartebeespoort Dam near Pretoria. But I was still spending time stuck in traffic, so made the huge decision to move to Groenvallei. Best decision of my life and have never looked back. Looking forward to many more years here."

Neighbourhood Watch, Graham Ulrich:

"Mike Hofhuis and I are current directors of Groenvallei Meedingsride Neighbourhood Watch, non-profit company. Members of the NHW are added to a WhatsApp group and receive info of situations. Members is only R100 per year (Mar to Feb.)

If you would like to join, the email address to use is [email protected] Drop us a line, and we will send forms, info, and bank account info. We would like to add a few more cameras but need paid-up members to do so."

Written by Carrol Harrison, Southcoast Real Estate