Ahf.co.za
Title
Appaloosa horse farm & accommodation in Noordhoek - South Africa
Description
Although close to Cape Town it has managed to maintain its rural charm, especially in the low density horsy parts. Its residents welcome tourism but unite successfully when it comes to fight developments deemed too urban. Meanwhile, vineyards and vegetable farming are returning to Noordhoek. Yet still more characteristic for the local flora is the indigenous Cape Fynbos - including groves of scarce Milkwood and Yellowwood trees covering the slopes of surrounding mountains and stretching down to the coastal plain and wetlands area.
The suburb of Noordhoek (meaning "north corner" of the old farm Slangkop stretching all the way from Kommetjie to Noordhoek) is a vibrant rural and artistic community village just 25 minutes south of Cape Town. It is considered to be the last remaining truly rural area and country village in the Cape Peninsula. An article in the Wynberg Times of May 1902 describes the village: "nice farm-houses scattered all over, surrounded by cultivated gardens growing nearly every kind of vegetable".
It is evidenced, by the excavation of skeletons in Noordhoek, that the valley was occupied by Khoi nomads. In 1857 the area was divided into six portions, most of these were bought by the de Villiers family. The farmers grew vegetables to supply the ships in Simon's Town.
