Living in Claremont and Kenilworth, it’s easy to love the leafy streets and vibrant community spirit. But beneath the familiar surface lies a rich tapestry of history and hidden gems. As your local property experts, the Chas Everitt real estate team loves uncovering these stories. Here are 10 lesser-known facts that celebrate the unique character of our wonderful area.
- An Astronomical Landmark: The Herschel Monument in Claremont isn’t just decorative; it marks the exact spot where Sir John Herschel set up his powerful 20-foot telescope in the 1830s to map the southern skies.
- Champion Trees: The treasured Arderne Gardens, a Provincial Heritage Site, is home to one of the most diverse collections of exotic trees in South Africa, including six magnificent “Champion Trees”—some of the largest of their kind in the country.
- Racing & Rare Frogs: Kenilworth Racecourse is more than a track. Its infield is a vital 52-hectare conservation area protecting critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and one of the world’s tiniest amphibians, the Micro-frog.
- A Woman’s Design: The beautiful St. Saviour’s Church in Claremont was designed by the talented Sophia Gray in 1850, wife of Cape Town’s first Anglican Bishop.
- An Irish Connection: The name “Claremont” was given to the area in the 1840s by a British civil servant who named his estate after “Claremont House” in his native Ireland.
- Secret Japanese Garden: Tucked away inside Keurboom Park is a tranquil, beautifully maintained Japanese Garden, offering a perfect spot for quiet reflection.
- Historic Watering Hole: The Vineyard Hotel stands on the grounds of Lady Anne Barnard’s country cottage, which she had built in 1799.
- The Original Health Spa: The site of Kingsbury Hospital was originally the Claremont Medical and Surgical Sanatorium, a pioneering health facility opened in 1897.
- Vanishing Trams: Main Road was once serviced by an electric tramway system that connected Cape Town to Wynberg before being decommissioned.
- Milling History: The Liesbeek River, which flows through the area, powered several early mills, including the historic Josephine Mill, which you can still visit today.
How many did you know? Our suburbs are full of fascinating stories that make living here truly special.