Riversdale at a Glance:
Situated along the N2 highway between George and Cape Town along the Agulhas Coastal Plain and nestled in the shadow of the Langeberg Mountains, lays the secluded town of Riversdale. Properties in the Riversdale area range from large family homes, stately farms, industrial lots and vacant plots that are ideal on which to build your dream home.
Renowned for its harvesting and exportation of Protea and Erica flowers, the town hosts an annual flower show every September that has grown in popularity over the years; in a similar vein, Honeybush, a plant indigenous to the area around Riversdale, has also become a rather lucrative export. Riversdale also boasts an ultra-modern civic centre, offering something for everyone and giving residents and visitors to the area the perfect combination of olden day tranquillity and modern-day conveniences. The town of Riversdale is steeped in rich cultural heritage and home to several historical landmarks, such as the Julius Gordon Africana Centre which houses a collection of antiques and art by Thomas Bowler. The Langeberg Mountains provide many exciting outdoor activities for those seeking adventure, including abseiling, mountain biking, hiking and 4x4 trails and even hang gliding; while the nearby Korentepoort Dam is the perfect location for picnics as well as water sports that include windsurfing, canoeing and fishing.
With a warm and welcoming community set in an ideal location, it's no surprise why properties in the Riversdale area are highly sought after.
Brief History of the Area:
The history of Riversdale begins in 1838 when the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) established a new Parish in Swellendam on a farm set on the banks of the Vet River.
The farm was known as 'Doornkraal' and was subsequently renamed 'Riversdale' after Harry Rivers, the obligatory civil commissioner and resident magistrate of Swellendam from 1834 to 1841; it was during this time, on the 30 of August 1838 that Riversdale was officially proclaimed a town. The congregation was also founded in 1839 and Reverend J C le Fabre Moorrees was selected to be Riversdale's first minister. In 1848, Sir Harry Smith officially proclaimed the magistracy of Riversdale and Major Barnes was appointed as the first official magistrate. On the 6th of June 1849, Riversdale was declared as a municipality and three
commissioners were appointed. Today, Riverdale is the seat of the Hessequa Local Municipality and is also considered to be the westernmost point in the Garden Route region.
Schools in the Area:
- Langenhoven High School
Located at number 1 Le Roux Street in Riversdale and established as a merger between Riversdale Boys and Girls High School in 1942, lays the renowned Langenhoven High School.
Langenhoven High School takes pride in being a school that doesn't focus on a singular area, be it cultural, sports or academic, but rather gives significant attention to all facets of daily school life; Langenhoven High reinforces this ethos by striving to cultivate balanced, well-rounded learners that are prepared for the challenges of life ahead. Langenhoven High School at its core is a school that is small enough to be personal but large enough to make a difference and the strong system of values in place mirrors this ideology, guiding and protecting its learners as they go about their days. The school has many sporting and extra-curricular activities on offer, such as rugby, cricket, and tennis to kickboxing, choir, music and even debating.
All sports and extra-curricular activities are coached at a high standard and encourage learners to find their passion and excel at it, whatever it may be. For those residing in the Riversdale area, there is no better place to send your child than Langenhoven High School.
- Oakdale Agricultural High School
Situated along the R323 Regional Route in Riversdale, lays the widely popular Oakdale Agricultural High School. Established in 1927 on the property of the Oakdale Farm and opened in 1928 with only 6 students, Oakdale has since gone through considerable renovation over the years with many new wings and residences being added to accommodate the annual growth in students. Oakdale High endeavours to offer students the finest standard of formation opportunities, with a careful balance between sport, culture, academics and spiritual values.
The staff and parent community work together in a partnership of support, with the goal of ensuring students at Oakdale High embrace opportunities with both hands and strive to deliver their absolute best in all spheres of daily school life. With a high standard of tradition and discipline, students at Oakdale High are taught to respect their peers, staff, parents and most importantly, themselves.
Alongside the standard academic curriculum, Oakdale Agricultural High School offers 3 additional agricultural subjects, viz. Agricultural Science, Agricultural Management Practice and Agricultural Technology. Oakdale High is privileged to have competent and highly-accredited teaching staff in the Department of Agricultural; all learners from Grade 10 - 12 are encouraged to take at least one to a maximum of two agricultural subjects.
For those looking for a unique school that offers a myriad of great opportunities, look no further than Oakdale Agricultural High School.
- Volschenk Primary School
Positioned at the foot of Sleeping Beauty, the famed landmark mountain and located at number 26 Warden Street in Riversdale, lays the firmly established Volschenk Primary School.
Known by the Riversdale locals as "Die Vollies", Volschenk Primary School is a single-medium Afrikaans school founded in 1942. Volschenk Primary School is committed to cultivating the potential of all its learners, with a concentration on building up their strengths and nurturing their individuality. The school classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and the use of the internet is part of every class from grade 1 to grade 7. Learners receive weekly lessons on the use of computers and there is even an after school Computer Club where advanced computer classes on the entire MS Office package are offered, all to prepare them for the technological world of today. With a staff roster of diligent, well-trained and enthusiastic teachers, Volschenk Primary has
become one of the leading primary schools in regards to culture, sport and academia in the Southern Cape.
For those residing in the Riversdale area and looking for a remarkable place to send your child, look no further than Volschenk Primary School.
Shopping Centres:
Due to its small size and status as a stop-off town, there are no major shopping malls in Riversdale; there is however a small cluster of stores and restaurants in the CBD area which includes the Riversdale Spar on 27 Main Street, where you can grab any of the essentials you may need.
Distance from Key Points:
Due to its secluded location, Riversdale is a fair distance from major key points and locations.
The Riversdale train station can be used to access the surrounding area; alternatively, residents and visitors to the Riversdale area can make use of transport via car or Uber. The Cape Town International Airport is a 287km drive (or Uber ride) from Riversdale.
Restaurants/Entertainment:
In addition to the usual franchised fast-food outlets such as Wimpy and Spur, Riversdale has a couple of upmarket fine dining establishments, most notably:
- De Wingerdt Restaurant
Situated on the magnificent De Doornkraal Wine Estate at number 8 Lower Long Street on the premises of the 4-star De Doornkraal Boutique Hotel in Riversdale lays the prestigious De Wingerdt Restaurant.
De Doornkraal is encircled gorgeous and pristinely preserved historical homes steeped in history, with the main dwelling building being one of the first original structures on the farm. The restaurant is reservation only and beyond its classy and upmarket setting, is an exotic international menu that is sure to tickle the taste buds of even the less than adventurous. Using locally sourced ingredients, Chef de Cuisine Christopher Peppas performs culinary miracles that surge with delicious flavour; menu favourites include the Chicago-Style Hamburger, Marreksh Lamb Tagine, Country-Style Lamb Shank and Yunon-Style Pork Ribs and their popular Thai Beef Curry. De Wingerdt recommends sealing the deal with their decadent Crème Brûlée or Triple Fudge Brownie. For those looking for a fine quality dining experience of the highest standard, look no further than De Wingerdt Restaurant.
Special Attractions:
- Riversdale Golf Club
Located along Tom Stander Drive in Riversdale and nestled on the bank of the Goukou River in the shade of the Sleeping Beauty mountain peak, lies the esteemed Riversdale Golf Club. First established in 1911 and steeped in a rich heritage, the Riversdale Golf Club is one of the top-tier 11-hole golf courses in the Southern Cape.
One of the highlights of the course would be the splendid experience of teeing off on the 8 th hole atop the remnants of the Old Bridge, which was constructed to cross the river during the late 1890s. With friendly service in a welcoming environment, there is no better place to spend the afternoon indulging in some professional golf than the Riversdale Golf Club.
