Somerset West History

The great town of Somerset West

A town encircled by exquisite mountains and hills covered in vineyards, with views of the nearby ocean, sandy beaches, this is Swest, (Somerset West for purists). It is a veritable paradise for all who appreciate scenic beauty, wine and fruit, decadent cuisine, hospitality, good taste and sense of history.

Beginnings

Somerset West was named after the British Governor, Lord Charles Somerset, in 1819. In 1817, four farmers who owned different parts of Vergelegen (meaning roughly “remote”) in Somerset West, asked the governor’s permission to build a church around which a village would be established. Permission was granted and the Somerset village was born. It later became Somerset West (1850), to prevent confusion with another town South African town Somerset East.

The magnificent Vergelegen Homestead, once the opulent dwelling place of Simon van der Stel. (© Vergelegen.co.za)
One of Vergelegen’s many marvels in the form of a handcarved entrance. (© Vergelegen.co.za)	An exquisite detail of a tapestry within the main house. (© Vergelegen.co.za)

Atmosphere

Somerset West has expanded greatly over the past decade, yet its splendour remains intact. The town is more industrious than ever and has become the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg Basin.

Quaint buildings in side streets are delightful features of our historic town filled with delightful boutiques offering wine, flowers, chocolates, books, fabrics, jewellery, antiques - anything you find essential and everything you require for afternoon’s diversion. There are historic buildings and monuments (the first church built is still in use and so does its now “pastorie” or parsonage, now Die Ou Pastorie guest house).

The old church’s parsonage, now a luxurious country house and restaurant. (© Anka Studios)	A charming feature of a converted cottage on the popular Bright Street. (© Anka Studios)

Climate

Somerset West enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate. Winter can be unpredictable since its rainy periods are often interjected with many sunny days. Somerset West summers are dry and hot tempered by soothing sea breezes. Spring and Autumn are idyllic, with mild days and warm evenings.

Helderberg Mountian makes an imposing backdrop to the Helderberg Nature Reserve. (© Anka Studios)

Lifestyle

Somerset West offers excellent educational institutions from pre-school to tertiary level. As a holiday destination it is superb: close to all the famous attractions that make the Cape one of the top 3 holiday destinations in the World. Somerset West caters for sport lovers with golf courses, sport clubs (soccer, croquet, bowls, squash, tennis, cricket, hockey, pistol shooting, golf driving range) as well as establishments offering horse rides, cycling, running, mountain biking, hiking. Then there is ballroom dancing, modern dancing, ballet, yoga, pilates, martial arts, painting, drawing and even acting. Or perhaps a quiet walk in Helderberg nature Reserve is exactly what you need? The list of activities grow daily!

Find out more about the Demographic Profile, Employment Profile, Housing Profile and Service Profile of Somerset West compiled by the City of Cape Town in the 2001 Census. Click here for more information.