What is Somerset West known for?
Somerset West and the Helderberg Basin are home to a grand mix of wine farms, top-notch restaurants, majestic golf estates, and adrenaline-inducing adventure activities. At only 45km from the city centre, or between 30 and 60 minutes, it’s a great place to add to your Cape Town itinerary.
Where does the name Somerset West come from?
The town was named Somerset after an English governor of the Cape Colony during the 1800s, Lord Charles Henry Somerset, with the suffix ‘West’ being added after 1825 to differentiate it from Somerset East, another South African town in the Eastern Cape.
Who founded Somerset West?
Willem Adriaan van der Stel
Somerset West was founded in 1822 on part of the historic farm, Vergelegen, which consists of a large estate and an 18th century farmhouse which was built in the historic Cape Dutch style by Willem Adriaan van der Stel.
Who were the first settlers in Cape Town South Africa?
European contact The first European settlement in southern Africa was established by the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay (Cape Town) in 1652. Created to supply passing ships with fresh produce, the colony grew rapidly as Dutch farmers settled to grow crops.
Is Somerset West safe?
Crime rates in Somerset West, South Africa
| Level of crime | 52.86 | Moderate |
|---|---|---|
| Crime increasing in the past 3 years | 67.65 | High |
| Worries home broken and things stolen | 53.57 | Moderate |
| Worries being mugged or robbed | 57.86 | Moderate |
| Worries car stolen | 47.14 | Moderate |
Is Somerset West a good place to live?
Somerset West lies between the Helderberg Mountains, Cape Winelands and False Bay. The town was voted as one of the best places to live in the Western Cape.
Is Somerset West a rich area?
Two of the twenty most expensive suburbs in South Africa, Erinvale and Spanish Farm, offering the most discerning buyers some superb property choices. It is rumored that Somerset West hosts amongst the highest concentration of millionaires per square kilometer in the country.
Is Somerset West a nice place to live?
Somerset West living is blissful and peaceful, leaving residents with a feeling of security and relaxation while enjoying breathtaking views of the Helderberg mountains surrounding the area. This area has a close-knit community that does not take their surroundings for granted.