Colleen Glen is on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth and is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a country-living experience.
The look and feel of this area is distinctively rural and boasts some of the picturesque countryside the Eastern Cape is known and loved for.
For resident Inga Spence, the natural surrounds were a definite plus.
“The lifestyle and space, and the fact that there were no immediate neighbours, rules and regulations, were also big drawcards for me,” Inga says.
Nearby suburbs include Seaview, Beachview, Maitlands and Greenbushes.
“Our view, along with quick access to the vet, petrol station and general store, are some of my favourite things about living in Colleen Glen,” she says.
Property
Colleen Glen’s homes and guesthouses typically boast arresting views of the countryside, mountains, and even the Indian Ocean in some places.
Situated beyond Kragga Kamma, Colleen Glen comprises smallholdings and farmlands scattered among large stretches of beautiful bush.
“All the properties are classed as smallholdings, mostly zoned for residential use,” says Inga. “If someone is looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, is interested in small farming activities and little traffic, then this is definitely the area to invest in.”
Schools
There are not many schools in Colleen Glen. There is Colleen Glen Primary and Altona Primary a bit further away in Greenbushes, mostly attended by children who live in the local townships.
Inga says high-school pupils living in Colleen Glen usually attend Woodridge College & Preparatory College or Collegiate Girls High School either as day pupils or weekly boarders.
There’s even a school bus that fetches students from Cows Corner to transport to Woodridge.
Explore
There are a number of restaurants in and around Colleen Glen, as well as antique stores and event venues.
In operation for many years, the Elephant Walk is a popular spot and combines a country restaurant and tea garden with a deli, antique store, and play area for the little ones.
The Island is a protected nature reserve in Seaview, just minutes from Colleen Glen. It’s equipped with braai areas and picnic facilities and offers hiking and walking trails within its boundaries.
The views are magnificent, and the multitude of birds and playful monkeys are sure to entertain visitors.
A little further towards the sea, you’ll find the Seaview Predator Park.
Maitlands and its massive sand dunes, ideal for sand boarding, are also only about 10 minutes’ drive from Colleen Glen.
Property prices
For a typical property in this area such as a four-bedroomed house you can expect to pay around R2,7 million. Prices for a smallholding are in the same range.
Monthly bond repayments, over a 20-year period, would be in the region of R26,000 per month.
SEE

The Save-a-Pet Boot Sale: every first Saturday of the month in the car park of The Elephant Walk Restaurant at Cow’s Corner;
The Seaview Predator Park: home to a number of wild cats – including lions, tigers, cheetahs, panthers and lynx – zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, warthogs and an array of antelope;
Maitlands: close by and a popular choice for families wanting to spend the day enjoying the beach;
The old Maitland silver mines and hiking trails are also easily accessible;
Colleen Glen has various venues for weddings and functions such as Broughton Country Estate.
EAT
Open Sky: family-friendly restaurant and function venue;
The Elephant Walk Restaurant: delicious country meals in a tranquil setting;
Broughton Country Estate: fine-dining experience in its well-appointed restaurant;
Thunzi Bush Lodge: variety of picnic-basket options in a safe and secluded part of the Maitlands Valley for both day visitors and overnight guests.
SHOP
Baywest Mall is only 12,5km away and offers a wide range of retail and speciality stores;
Rest-a-While Farmstall: low-waste store that provides local goodies;
Weltevrede Succulent Nursery: wholesale cacti and succulent nursery;
Second Time Around: amazing antiques at great prices...