WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN
Parkview is one of the oldest suburbs in Joburg, established more than a century ago, with much of its historic architecture still visible. This leafy neighbourhood populated mainly with large houses older than 60 years, makes the perfect platform for raising families and creating happy childhood memories.
Property
Many of the big airy houses here have been renovated to retain older-world charm but to also reflect modern tastes, so if DIY and transformation is your cup of tea, Parkview may well offer you the project of a lifetime.
The ideal person to talk to us about the merits of Parkview is Theresa Gibbon, herself a 20-year resident of the area and the marketing officer for the Parkview Residents’ Association.
“When you buy in Parkview, you buy into a warm and friendly lifestyle, with a lot of support for residents. Join the Parkview Residents’ Association (they have your interests at heart) and you will get access to the WhatsApp and Facebook channels that will ensure you quickly become part of the community. Here we discuss important topics that you may not be aware of – for example, as most of our homes are old, when you buy a house you need to go through the PRA and PHRAG to get approvals on any alterations and additions to your property.”
Safety is often a concern in these well-to-do areas, and Theresa advises that new residents sign up with SafeParkview – the residentrun, proactive armed response security group in the area.
Schools
Theresa’s children went to Parkview Junior and Senior, Parkview PrePrimary, Parktown Boys and Hyde Park High, and were happy at their respective schools. The area is well known to house or to be close to some of the best public schools in Joburg.
Other great schools nearby are Parktown High School for Girls, Greenside High, St Johns, The Ridge, St Katharine’s, Roedean and Kingsmead.
From a convenience perspective, Parkview is well placed, with malls just a few kilometres from each other, friendly corner stores, parks for walking the dogs, and a quick – although sometimes rather congested – commute through to Sandton.
There are great, specialised medical centres in and around the suburb, a golf course right on your doorstep and large enough living spaces to enjoy a uniquely South African outdoor lifestyle.
Explore
If leisurely walks with the dogs, kids or a buddy are some of your weekend pleasures, Parkview has options in spades.
Quiet tree-lined streets as well as the golf club and parks allow for wonderful rambles that Theresa makes plenty use of. “I spend hours walking along our green belts and through Parkview and the surrounding suburbs, including George Hay Park and Zoo Lake, which is also close to Emmarentia Dam. Residents can buy a walking membership for Parkview Golf Club too for a secure and lush walking experience.”
If wine rates higher than walking on your Saturday agenda, you’re covered here too, with many restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars where you can unwind and connect with your friends and family.
“The restaurants are fabulous – Perfect Cup, Trabella, My Bread & Butter, Croft & Co and Blind Tiger are some of my favourites,” Theresa says.
If you’re an expectant mother, or planning to be one, you might like to pop into Genesis Maternity Clinic, a specialised mother-child care unit to assist and empower women through their pregnancies and their own specialised birth plans.
Busy parents can tire out energetic kids at Go & Play in the Parkview Centre, a children’s activity club that entertains and stimulates little ones. Once an appetite has been worked up, Franco’s Pizzeria offers a warm and friendly environment for laid-back suppers for the youngest to the oldest family members.
You won’t need to travel far to do grocery shopping, with all three main supermarket brands under one roof at the centre and any errands are sorted out through well-planned retailers here too – from a CellFix to forex outlets, car wash and vet shop.
Parkview really does pose an attractive option for families. The organisation of the Residents’ Association, the open green spaces, shopping convenience and excellent schooling are all hard to ignore. Add to that the large, old and spacious houses, many primed for a fresh, personalised look, and Joburg residents have the foundations for a home where they can really put down roots.
I love the walkability of Parkview, the large trees, the beauty of the golf course, the friendly shopkeepers and their staff, the great government schools, a friendly library. You can walk down the street and greet 20 people by name! THERESA GIBBON, RESIDENT
EXPERIENCE
- Zoo Lake: beautiful public park and lakes, perfect for picnics and afternoon rambles
- Parkview Golf Club: excellent course for enthusiasts, also open to the public for walking (permit needed)
- Go & Play: indoor play cafe for kids in the popular Parkview Centre
EAT
- Franco’s Pizzeria and Trattoria: your local Italian place, known as ‘the dining room of Parkview’
- Taste of Punjab: authentic Indian food with a cosy and casual outdoor area
- Blind Tiger: fabulous cocktail bar offering Californian fare
CONVENIENCE
- Parkview Centre: home to all three of the biggest grocers, as well as a handy Postnet
- Genesis Maternity Clinic: family-centred and intimate, this midwifery centre focusses on empowerment and informed choices
- Pressed in Time laundry and dry cleaner: ideal for your suits as well as a helping hand for those out-of-control laundry weeks
