Meadowridge

Meadowridge, Constantia Valley

Lying between Tokai and Constantia and next door to Bergvliet, Meadowridge borrows a little from all of its neighbouring suburbs and yet has managed to develop a personality all of its own - particularly noticeable when taking a drive down Edison Road (aptly named after Thomas Edison - he of the incandescent electric lamp invention) over Christmas, where a group of homes have taken it upon themselves to set a new standard in Christmas light decoration.

Meadowridge, as its name suggests, is a green suburb. Its streets are tree-lined; there are plenty of open spaces and parks and several wonderful views of the Constantiaberg Mountains and aspects of Table Mountain. Meadowridge is typical of upmarket suburban living in the Mother City and the lifestyle here is sedate and easygoing.

The Constantia Wine Route is moments away as is Kirstenbosch and there are some good hikes and walks, including the Tokai forest and Constantia Nek, which, if you're willing to pursue the entire walk, takes you all the way to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where you can stop for a delectable morning breakfast or tea.

Access to Cape Town central from Meadowridge is excellent, with quick access on to the M3 and only a 20 minute trip before one reaches bohemian Long Street or trendy Kloof Street.

The beaches of False Bay are only minutes away and offer some wonderfully quaint beaches such as St James and Danger beach. And the little village of Kalk Bay, with its wonderfully arty Main Road, is worth an outing on its own.