Observatory property is in one of the oldest suburbs in the Cape Town property area, affectionately known as "Obs" by the locals and named for its proximity to the South African Astronomical Observatory which is situated on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. Observatory properties are in high demand for their proximity to Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town and easy access to transport and Cape Town.
Being an older suburb, it has many fine examples of quaint Victorian architecture painted in a myriad of colours giving the suburb its unique personality. These homes take the form of small semi-detached cottages and range to Victorian and Cape Dutch Villas. Amble through the area and you will find much to make your mind drift to a bygone era.
Observatory recently became part of the City Improvement Development Initiative and this has seen an attractive upgrade of the central civic area with the old Observatory School now boasting a complete face-lift as the Community Centre. This magnificent building is a fine example of Cape Dutch Architecture and fronts onto a paved and tree covered public open space. On the first Sunday of each month this centre plays host to the "Holistic Lifestyle Fair" which offers all things esoteric including psychic readings, artistically unusual clothing, jewellery, massage and health foods.
Annually, in December, the main streets of the central part of Observatory real estate come alive with the advent of the "Obs Festival". This is a colourful celebration of life, fun and artistic endeavours which typify the essence of the area.
Nightlife abounds in cosy pubs and restaurants scattered along the Lower Main Road while central surrounds add colour to an already diverse suburb. Daytime coffee shops and other speciality quaint and unique eateries are within easy walking distance of most Observatory houses. Small boutique shops offer artistic clothing and accessories but for those needing to purchase the necessities of life there are supermarkets within the area.
Groote Schuur Hospital, made famous by Dr Christiaan Barnard who performed the world's first heart transplant, is the most famous Observatory real estate. The sprawling buildings which are also home to the University of Cape Town Medical School is located below de Waal Drive on the lower slopes of Devils Peak.
The N2 Freeway allows easy access to the city centre Westbound and Eastbound to Cape Town International Airport. The M3 motorway, Southbound to the University of Cape Town and the Southern Suburbs property area has it's beginning in Observatory while the M5 motorway South and North bound is quickly accessed. This makes Observatory property very convenient for reaching all destinations in and around the Cape Peninsula.