Tokai

Tokai is a lush and tranquil village-like suburb overlooked by the Steenberg and Constantiaberg mountain ranges. It nestles in a corner of the verdant Constantia valley on the Constantia Wine Route, watched over by the enigmatic "Elephant's Eye" cave (so named because of its apt position on the elephant shaped Constantiaberg Mountain).

Tokai's history is a mosaic of fascinating legends, exciting events and flamboyant personalities. Purportedly named after Tokaj - a range of hills in Hungary, it speaks of the endeavours of prominent men and women, a colourful motor racing era (Pollsmoor, 1935 - 1939), and the South African origins of various fields such as forestry, mink & chinchilla farming and reformatories. Tokai is also home to two of the most beautiful and historic homes in the country a reminder of the days when the valley was more-or-less dedicated to wine farming. Although much of the original agricultural land has, over the years, given way to residential homes, Tokai retained its relaxed and rural ambience, which keeps it in demand by families of all age groups.                                                                                

TOKAI TODAY - FACILITIES & CONVENIENCES

Despite its rural ambience - nestling between False Bay and the magnificent Silver Mine Nature Reserve and Table Mountain National Park (Constantiaberg section) - Tokai is close to all modern conveniences and facilities. It has over the years become almost completely self contained featuring numerous attractions such as: the unique arboretum; 2 golf courses; a full golf estate (Steenberg); Reddam private school; Zwaanswyk School, and the primary school in adjacent Kirstenhof. The extensive and diverse Westlake Business Park is mere 5 minutes away, making Tokai the ideal residential choice for those working there.

One of the few suburbs still offering equestrian facilities, it also offers forest and mountain hiking; mountain biking; the Blue Route Mall (currently being extensively upgraded to ultra-modern standards, and offering a mix of shops and services from national retailers to speciality shops; banks; post office and cinemas, restaurants and coffee bars to satisfy all the needs of residents. There is also the up-market Steenberg shopping centre, Medi-Cross Medical Centre; numerous related medical-related services such as Ophthalmologists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, a mobile Emergency Medical Treatment service (based in Tokai) and Veterinary Clinics. The Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic Private Hospital and the Victoria Provincial Hospital are also within easy reach. Other facilities and attractions include health spas, wine estates and a fully equipped library.

Access to the M3 Freeway is immediate without traffic bottlenecks allowing for 25/30 minutes access to the CBD; 20 minutes over Constantia Neck to the Atlantic Seaboard beaches and 8 minutes away from the Southern Seaboard and False Bay Beaches.

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE

Tokai offers a wide choice of quality properties ranging from large equestrian properties, prestigious upmarket security and golf estates, extensive mansions, comfortable family homes, smaller village style cottages and compact maintenance-free townhouses, cluster homes and apartments - not to mention retirement villages and complexes. Most of the properties range in age from newly built to 35 years old, with a few of the historical homesteads dating back to the turn of the century and beyond. Property prices range from a little below R1m for an apartment to R25m for a luxurious golf estate lifestyle.

SAFETY & SECURITY, TRANSPORT ETC.

The pro-active Tokai Residents Association (TRA) ensures a safe, clean and green environment and monitors legal compliance with new developments in the area, while also encouraging resident participation by providing a forum for consultation and interaction with Local Government structures with the aid of an active and dedicated Ward Councillor. The efficient and very well organised Tokai Neighbourhood Crime Watch and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), through close interfacing with the SAPS and suburb-dedicated security/armed response companies, endeavour to keep Tokai a crime free and safe environment for all who live and work here.

Independent taxi companies operate a regular service between the nearest public transport and various convenient drop-off and pick-up points within Tokai

THE RESIDENTS

Tokai residents are an eclectic mix of academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and business people - architects, doctors, dentists, lawyers, teachers, nurses, bankers, accountants, engineers, retirees and semi-retired couples to mention a few of the diverse specialists calling this area home. Tokai is the ideal suburb in which to raise your family or retire/semi-retire to, being central and close to all 21^st century amenities and yet, due to its rural ambience, a place with a sense of "Home Sweet Home Far from the Maddening Crowd".

• Residential Sale Property Ranging from R1,395,000 to R13,000,000

• Residential Let Property Ranging from R18,000 to R40,000

• Commercial Sale Property Ranging from R5,012,074 to R5,100,000

• Commercial Let Property Ranging from R75 to R75