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.