Greyton

Herbert Vigne, a sophisticated and well educated young man from London was related by marriage to Lady Anne Barnard and Sir George Grey. He bought the farm Weltevreden in 1846. Vigne laid out the town of Greyton on this farm in1854. The new little village with its 120 plots were named after Sir George Grey, also governor from 1854 till 1864. Has Herbert Vigne ever anticipated to leave behind real estate worth much more than just a plot and dwelling? He left behind property you can own in Greyton that undeniably equals quality of life in abundance! This will make you the proud owner of real estate in an almost Old English type of village. The properties in Greyton lie in a peaceful and tranquil village surrounded by the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains.

Clear water coming from these mountains runs in “lei” water canals throughout the village. Most properties in Greyton have a “lei” water dam on the property that gets filled by the water canal system from where owners irrigate their evergreen gardens in Greyton. Mighty oak trees shadow over the original thatched cottages and leafy lanes. One hears the water being carried in the water canals through town while walking these streets and enjoying the breathtaking mountain views at the same time. Most of the original buildings that date as far back as 1854 when Greyton was founded have been faithfully restored to retain their rustic character. When cows, horses and donkeys occasionally wander through town, perhaps seeking the shade of Greyton leafy gardens, it indeed seems that time stands still in the Greyton village. Discovered a decade ago by city bound dwellers in search of serenity, the many Greyton accommodation cottages and the area itself, have become a popular weekend retreat and tourist destination for accommodation seekers. It takes one hour from Cape Town to enter the most tranquil village in the whole of South Africa.

The many Greyton accommodation establishments, such as the b&b's, guesthouses, self catering units, restaurants and coffee shops in town all cater for the traveller to Greyton. Once in Greyton there is plenty to do. Walking, horse riding, mountain bike trails, river canoeing, tennis, swimming and fishing in the Sonderend or Gobos Rivers. The serious hikers enjoy the 17km challenging hiking trail through Boesmanskloof to McGregor. Spectacular gorges, waterfalls and Fynbos await you on this trail. One of the main attractions in Greyton is the Saturday Market at the Market Square. It is here where you meet the local people and the local artists of the village. It is also here where you buy local art and local products such as baked goods, crafts, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, books, shrubs and trees and many more. After Saturday Market the visitor will delight in the many walks in and around the village. The surrounding nature reserve with its water streams, birdlife and aromatic fynbos will most definitely take your mind off anything that bothered you while travelling to Greyton. In winter, especially when it snows on these surrounding mountains, a fireplace burning with a glass of red wine will keep you company.