What To Expect Architecturally From The Cape Town Properties For Sale

By Author: ricky ponting
Total Articles: 87
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The Cape Town property market is an intriguing mix of historical architecture, mixed with modern town houses, multiunit apartment blocks, and beach villas. Its heritage architecture is a direct effect of its status as a halfway point between the only eastern overseas route between the Western Europe and the Orient until the advent of the Suez Canal. The Cape was colonized by the Dutch and then the British as you can see from the influences. Its most popular tourist destination is the glamorous V&A Waterfront Complex, which was built recently in the late 20th Century on what was once a Victorian wharf and an 18th century military setup, the Chayonnes Battery. Cape Town property is a wonderful mix of eras with contemporary bungalows nestling with all glass office complexes next to Georgian mosques and Moravian churches. Some of the various kinds of architectural styles that are prevalent here are
Cape Dutch Style
From its architecture it is quite clear that that you get in the Cape Town property market makes this city the continents least African metropolis. Since the 17th century when construction began here ...
... on the Castle of Good Hope, the cities main influencer has been European. What can be called a signature style is called the Cape Dutch here. Outside Cape Town in the wine lands examples of this type is prevalent in the quaint gabled and thatched manor houses.
In the city this translates into some of the best samples of the Cape Dutch form, The Koopman-De-Wet House and the city center's Rust-en-Vreugd. Drive through the Bo-Kaap district and take a gander at the modest terraces there as well.
Collage on Long Street
The only place in South Africa where you can find the whole historic range of architectural variety of the Cape Town property market is in the Cape Peninsula. A fine example is Longs Street, a famous street in the area, which has the whole gamut. A pensive walk down this street will give you an idea of what historical form of Cape Town property fits you need. A collage of houses that show both Dutch and English influences line the streets on both sides.
Placed next to a Victorian three storey, which is on of the cities most popular backpackers lodging is the 18th century Palm Tree mosque.
At the end of Long Street as we approach the harbor and next to an art nouveau office building, is a grand example of early 19th century form in the Dutch Mission Church.
Nearby is an old town house built in the Baroque style on a square surrounded by Art Deco buildings from the 20's and 30's. Mingling amidst these are modern skyscrapers, though unassuming by North American expectations, these add a flavor of otherness to what we anticipate of Africa.
Unique Suburban essence
The Cape Town property market of the suburbs that are closest to the city centre like Observatory, Sea Point, Woodstock and Green Point, were constructed in the late 19th century. As a buyer you will find a unique suburban essence here, with architecture that is basically Victorian but with interesting additions like verandahs and trimmed balconies with intricate ironwork that will protect the façade from the ravages of nature.

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