Paarl

The houses and homes for sale in Paarl in the Western Cape are renowned for their elaborate Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian architecture. The magnificent properties give the town a sense of history and regal significance. Named for the Dutch word meaning ‘pearl’, Paarl refers to the giant granite dome that dominates the skyline, on top of which stands the Afrikaans Language Monument representing all the languages that have influenced the Afrikaans culture. Primarily an Afrikaans-speaking residential area, there are also apartments and flats for sale, as well as smallholdings, farms and agricultural property to be found in the outlying areas.

The third oldest town in South Africa, Paarl is situated in a valley covered in vineyards and is said to have captured the imagination of the evolutionist Charles Darwin when he visited the country in 1836. With such a rich history, the Afrikaans are fiercely

The town boasts some of the best academic schools in the country including Paarl Boys' High School (est.1868), Paarl Girls' High, Paarl Gimnasium High School (est.1858) and La Rochelle Girls' High School (est.1860), in 2007 three of these four predominant high schools were placed in the Western Cape Province's top ten list.

Paarl has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with clearly defined seasons. Summers are warm and dry, and winters are mild and moist with occasional snowfall on the mountain tops.

Interschools rugby is held annually, in July, between Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gimnasium High School. The main event (the u/19A rugby match) attracts over, on average, 20 000 spectators and is televised.

In September the town hosts the Cultivaria Festival, an almost week-long arts and cultural event. Enjoy food, theatre, comedy and art, for old and young alike. South African celebrities such as Nataniël, David Kramer and Chris Chameleon are in attendance.