NEIGHBOURHOOD
PROPERTY | Spotlight on Mount Pleasant
Pleasant surroundings, pleasant neighbours –no wonder it’s called Mount Pleasant
Tucked between the smallholdings and farms in Seaview and the residential part of Walmer, lies the beautiful area of Mount Pleasant and Salisbury Park, near the outskirts of the city.
Qualified pastry chef and owner of Ginger Pops, Rebecca Lilley and her husband Greig Timkoe have been living in the area for the past three years and says the greenery and general friendliness of the area was a big drawcard.
“Living an eight minute drive away from Sardinia Bay beach is a huge bonus too,” says Rebecca.
The area lies between the residential parts of Walmer and the more rural farms and smallholdings of Seaview and has seen a few changes since their arrival.
“There are a lot more houses that have been built since then, plus a few new restaurants and business have since opened.”
Rebecca’s business started because of her love of baking for friends and family.
“I enjoyed making speciality cakes for friends and family so the transition into baking cakes as a business was natural. I started out from my mom’s kitchen with a tiny oven baking 12 cupcakes at a time, and through word of mouth and support from friends and family, I managed to build my business.
“I then delved into the temperamental world of the French macaron and it has been my favourite part of what Ginger Pops offers. I also offer small classes on cake baking and decorating now,” she says.
Another thing about the area that Rebecca loves is the peace and quiet.
“It is pretty peaceful with lots of people walking their dogs, jogging, cycling or just strolling. There is always the odd braai happening and generally really chilled.”
According to Rebecca there is a surplus of trees and greenery in the area.
“I also love the general friendliness of people in the area, and the short distance to the beach!”
She believes Mount Pleasant is a great place to invest in as there are schools, shops and medical centres in the area and nearby.
“Crime is one of those things you still have to be careful of though, no matter where you are. We have friends who have had multiple break-ins and other neighbours who have lived there 20 years without one, so best to just take necessary precautions.
“There are lots of dogs in the area so it’s easy to tell if there’s abnormal activity on the street at night,” she says.
Home sweet home
The homes in Mount Pleasant range from traditional family homes to new modern townhouse complexes.
“I love the design of our house as well as our garden and where it’s situated. We have lovely neighbours and friendly cows visiting once in a while to cut the grass,” says Rebecca.
Many of the houses on the Salisbury Park side of the suburb are similar.
“They are mostly divided plots of newly developed houses, the other half of Mount Pleasant side is older with quaint and long standing homes with large gardens.”
A favourite aspect of their house is the layout of the rooms.
“I love the high ceilings with exposed rafters. It gives the house a really open feeling. We also get a lot of sunlight in our home which my cat especially loves.”
Hidden Gems
According to Rebecca there are quite a few hidden gems in the area.
There is Raak2 for great coffee and she highly recommends Bend Nutrition and Wellness.
“The Little Tea room on Buffelsfontein is a must for delicious scones with Jimmy’s Books next door,” she says.
Another gem is All about Beauty on High Street for the “best massages - all the 25kg bags of cocoa deadlifts I do make this necessary!”
Perfect Sunday
Rebecca enjoys gardening and says her perfect Sunday would include experimenting with food and having friends and family over to enjoy it with.
“It’s such a beautiful area, with easy enough access to town, medical centres, schools shops, petrol stations, restaurants and so on,” she says.
Where to eat
Raak2: makes the best coffee
Fish Finder: fresh seafood
Shanna’s Portuguese Grill: the wide variety and the ribs are a must
Little Tea room: has the best scones
Eagle Ridge Spur: great for kids
Mike’s Kitchen: for family fun
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