RIEBEEK VALLEY HISTORY
The Riebeek Valley was first visited in 1661 by Pieter Cruythoff and Pieter van Meerhof on an expedition looking for the fabled city of Monomotapa. Cruythoff named it Riebeek’s Casteel after his Governor, Jan van Riebeeck.
This mountain chain, rising like an island out of the Swartland to 966m above sea level, is a fynbos paradise. The Mountain forms part of the Table Mountain sandstone group and there is a clear fault line in the earth’s crust running west of the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Riebeek Valley was first visited in 1661 by Pieter Cruythoff and Pieter van Meerhof on an expedition looking for the fabled city of Monomotapa. Cruythoff named it Riebeek’s Casteel after his Governor, Jan van Riebeeck.
This mountain chain, rising like an island out of the Swartland to 966m above sea level, is a fynbos paradise. The Mountain forms part of the Table Mountain sandstone group and there is a clear fault line in the earth’s crust running west of the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
During 1917-18, the Dutch Reformed Church bought the building to be used as a School of Domestic Science.
In 1990 retired Prof J Potgieter from University of Fort Hare bought the property and he and his wife, Lynette, spend a vast amount of money on renovating the building. Four owners later, the building eventually become a luxury 4-star Hotel with 28 double en-suite rooms (8 not graded) and 3 conference/functions rooms, private swimming pool as well as an organic pool. Several solar panels for hot water were also installed.
Riebeek West is unique in that two famous South African politicians were born here. In 1870 politician Field Marshal and philosopher, Jan Smuts was born on the farm Ongegund. A barn and the farm was then converted into a house when Jan Smuts parents were married. This barn still exists, but the farmhouse not. The site is now owned by PPC and the house is a museum. Four years later, South African Prime Minister, Dr DF Malan, was born at Allesverloren. The farm is still owned by the Malan family.
RIEBEEK VALLEY TODAY.
The Valley has become the mecca of artists, alternate life-stylers and young self-sufficient professionals who work from home and commute to Cape Town, which is only an hour away.
This is the scene of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields, where an annual olive festival and a vibrant community have added to the town’s appeal and predictably resulted in estate agents calling it ‘the new Franschhoek’.
Riebeek West is all about a laid-back way of life, bread, olives and, wine. A slightly bohemian atmosphere has only contributed to the valley’s appeal. That, and the tranquil existence that offers an unhurried pace and a place to get away; to slow down.
Feel free to contact us for any inquiries regarding accommodation, events,
weddings, conferencing and price structures.
rvhotel@netactive.co.za | 022 461 2756/081 409 6624