Hunters Retreat and Rowallan Park are neighbouring suburbs between Cape Road and Kragga Kamma.
These are two of Port Elizabeth’s most-established family suburbs and are favoured for their leafy streets and laid-back environment.
Residents have the benefit of being close to several shops and businesses due to the proximity of Hunters Retreat and Rowallan Park to bustling Cape Road, a commercial node in the Bay.
The two areas are also close to Kragga Kamma, which means an outing to the countryside to experience the wildlife of the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve or the scenic Maitland Beach is within easy reach.
Menee Fitchet has been living in the area for just over a year and a half and says she loves the tranquillity.
“It’s very peaceful and quiet and, so far, we have felt really welcome,” she says.
Port Elizabeth College lecturer Lesleigh Moodaley agrees, “I love the quietness of the area.”
Property
Lesleigh was drawn to the area by the size of the properties.
“The main attraction for me was the huge palm tree in front of the house, as well as the size of our backyard, which makes it a pleasure for my kids to play in safe and secure surroundings.”
She says their house is standard for the area, and with all the new developments taking place “the value of property has definitely increased”.
According to Menee, the area has an established feel to it.
“There are quite a few older homes. In terms of the outdoors, I would say that there are at least two ‘mini forests’ in Rowallan Park that I know of,” she says.
“I love how spacious it is and just how homely it feels,” says Menee of her home.
“I also like the garden and the backyard, which has ample space to accommodate our three dogs and a cat.”
Lesleigh, who lives with her husband, seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, says although there have been a few changes to the area, the peacefulness has remained.
“The area is still very quiet, with friendly and caring neighbours, while a lot of development has taken place in the surrounding areas.”
Schooling
There’s only one school in the area and that is Rowallan Park Primary, a landmark for many years. This parallel-medium school for boys and girls from pre-primary to Grade 7 also offers aftercare facilities and is attended by about 900 pupils.
Other schools that aren’t too far away include Curro Westbrook, Kabega Christian Independent School and Morningside High School.
Explore
One of the biggest developments in recent years for the area is Baywest Mall, which has had a positive impact on the area and made residents’ lives quite a bit easier.
“The mall is only a five-minute drive from my house, which is really convenient for me,” says Lesleigh.
Menee loves to explore her area in her free time.
“I enjoy just taking a drive with my loved ones and do some sightseeing of the area, whether it be during the day or at night. I find it soothing to roam the peaceful streets,” she says.
“One thing I would like people to know about our area is that it’s surprisingly safe, very quiet and peaceful.”
DO

Take a drive to nearby Kragga Kamma Game Park.
Head to the Baywest Mall for a stint of shopping or to watch a movie.
Visit Maitland Beach to take in the sights of its magnificent dunes, engage in some watersports or an exhilarating walk.
Play a round of golf at the Kragga Kamma Golf Club.
SHOP
Besides the Baywest Mall there are sufficient smaller shopping complexes in the area. Rowallan Park and Hunters Retreat have a Spar, a Tops at Spar, Pep, pharmacy, doctors’ consulting rooms, smaller shops and a barber.
EAT
Little Swallow Chinese Restaurant: a favourite for generations
Lochies Family Restaurant: great value for money
RocoMamas: smash burgers, ribs and wings
Bayleaf Bistro: light lunches while shopping
Biloxi Spur: family-friendly eating
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