Imhoff’s Gift
Background
There is a Long history attached to his area, beginning
in 1741 when the Dutch East India Company being concerned with regard to the
number of shipwrecks occurring in Table Bay,
ruled that from the 15th of May until 15th August in each
year the alternative anchorage at Simonstown should
be used. Following the arrival of Baron von Imhoff in
1743 he made two grants of land in the area, one in Sunnydale area and the
other being the property known today as Imhoffs Gift, the grant being in favour
of Christina Diemaar. The farm had to provide fresh
vegetables and other produce for the Simons Town anchorage.
Present day
Today
the original farm house (known as Imhoff Farm) along
with its out buildings is a great tourist attraction, used for a variety of
shops that sell the local arts and crafts as well as products from India and Indonesia. There is a well known
Surfboard shaper and lovely restaurant and a tea garden. An ideal setting for a
family outing, offering camel rides, beach rides, snake park and a cheese
dairy. Neighbouring the farm is a residential area of approximately 250
properties known as Imhoff’s Gift. This area abuts the national parks. The Wildevoelvlei
has an outlet into the sea – being open with the salt water flowing in and
out. The environmental area therefore
has abundance of birdlife – kingfishers, flamingos, - 80 species and more in
total. Some of the properties are uniquely situated on the water front and offer
an incredible setting with the vlei and the nature
reserve to look over. Most of the properties have sea views, elevated views of
the vlei, and a good view of Chapman’s peak. The area
has a homeowners association with a design manual for the dwellings.
