Sunningdale, Blouberg

Spreading into the last undeveloped stretches within the Cape Town metropolitan border before the R27 heads up the West Coast, the quiet residential suburb of Sunningdale is a Garden Cities' development. Parks and open green spaces create tranquil breathing space between curving residential streets and brand-new cul de sacs.

On the inland side of the R27, it's only a short drive to the Blouberg beachfront and being that much more affordable than beachfront property, is popular with families of all ages, as well as retirees.

The first phases were developed just over 20 years ago. Then, after a hiatus for city infrastructure to catch up, more phases have been added, with the building of new homes still in progress beyond the recently completed Table Bay Mall.

The first phases of Sunningdale between Parklands and Sandown Road have an established feel with trees and mature gardens, mostly a mixture of single-storey, two- and three-bedroom homes. The middle phases on the north side of Sandown Road are quickly catching up in trees and plantings, including several gated estates and residential streets interspersed with a green belt.

"Sunningdale is neat and quiet with lots of parks and trails for walking and running," says Vanessa Meredith who moved here from Joburg two years ago. "The houses are all quite cookie cutter, all the same colour. It's so peaceful to be able to have a house without high walls or electric fences, and you see everyone out walking their dogs. It feels safe and secure."

With further residential developments already underway beyond it, Berkshire Boulevard is planned as a new artery of retail, business and community facilities and kicked off with the opening of the shiny new Table Bay Mall last year. It will eventually connect with Wood Drive for easier access to Sandown Road and from there the N7.

Elkanah House was established in the early days of Sunningdale with both primary and high school campuses attracting families from all over the Western Seaboard looking for high standards and an IEB curriculum. Sunningdale Primary School is a public school with an excellent reputation and there is a good selection of pre-schools, too.

Neighbouring Parklands offers a further choice of excellent private schools, including Parklands College, CBC St Johns and a new Curro. The well-integrated MyCiTi bus routes allow older kids to travel easily to public high schools in Table View, Milnerton and Melkbosstrand.