Diep River, Constantia Valley

Diep River in Cape Town, named after the river of the same name that runs through the neighbourhood, lies wedged in between Plumstead, Heathfield and The Vines, its back to the railway line. On the whole the little suburb is not well known and, possibly because of this, has pockets hidden deep in the area that are particularly beautiful, with effortless gardens and homes, whilst others, closer to the Main Road, give a false impression of Diep River as less than savoury.

Diep River is secretly coveted by its neighbours. It is close to two railway stations (Steurhof and Diep River), making a commute in and out of Cape Town a lot more simple than many other suburbs, and, it has Martins bakery on the Main Road. Martins bakes anything from rye ciabattas, through ouma breads, to scrumptious tarts, biscuits and pies. It is a one-stop-shop for all your bread needs, as well as functioning as the local coffee shop for those meeting friends and business acquaintances.

Together with areas like lower Wynberg, Rondebosch East, Goodwood and Sea Point, Diep River is one of the areas touted by estate agents to soon 'take off', as prices here are still reasonable. Just around the corner from Diep River, on the Main Road, is the newly and partly refurbished 3 Arts Theatre, once again open for business in theatre. People who have lived around here for years remember coming here for double bill movies and parties, and rumour has it that Depeche Mode rehearsed here back in 1994 for their world tour - quite a history for one old building.

In the lower reaches of Diep River you will find Rietvlei Reserve, with a sanctuary on one side and a recreational area on the other.