Westcliff, Johannesburg

About the suburb of Westcliff

Westcliff is one of the most established and affluent suburbs of Johannesburg.  A suburb of wide roads with mature, leafy trees, the properties with magnificent views are usually large and luxurious with big established gardens. Beautiful mansion homes in Westcliff are home to many of Johannesburg's top businesspeople.

Properties perched on the ridge have panoramic views over the northern suburbs and as far out as the Magaliesberg mountains on the far West Rand.  The green expanse of the Johannesburg Zoo is at the foot of the ridge and is a sight to behold.

Interesting facts about the history of Westcliff

As far back as 1892, Westcliff has been home to wealthy mining magnets and prominent, influential individuals. This is reflected in the size and style of the houses.  Westcliff is one of Johannesburg's oldest, most gracious suburbs, with several heritage homes built on the prominent ridge. Westcliff is privileged to have a few historic Sir Herbert Baker houses in the suburb, such as Glenshiel House, which was constructed in 1910. 

Glenshiel House, known as the "jewel of Westcliff," has seven acres of incredible gardens. A lovely rose garden with meandering pathways will be enjoyed on a stroll through the grounds. Glenshiel House is used as a function venue for weddings or corporate events. The property was loaned to the St. Johns Ambulance service for patient convalescence during World War II, and it is now the national home of the Order of St Johns and was declared a National Monument in 1979.

Schools in the area

Westcliff Primary school, St Katherine's Primary school, Parkview Primary school, and The Ridge Preparatory school are all popular with residents of Westcliff. Families with older children often send them to school at St. John's, KES, or Roedean. The Deutsche Schule is also nearby. Jan Cilliers and Helpmekaar skole are in reasonable proximity to Westcliff too.

Medical facilities in the area

Milpark Hospital and Park Lane Clinic are very near Westcliff and are most convenient for residents. There are options in Melrose and Sandton central for day-to-day medical, dental, cosmetic, and sports care.

Shopping centers and malls in the area

Rosebank and Killarney malls are closest to Westcliff, and those looking for more options can pop into Hyde Park corner or Melrose Arch, which are fifteen, and ten minutes from Westcliff, respectively.

Four Seasons Hotel - The Westcliff

Once a recognizable peachy-pink colour, this magnificent hotel and function venue on the ridge was a recognizable landmark. It has been updated and modernized over the years and is now a part of the Four Seasons family.

If you are looking for things to do in and around Westcliff, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel. With restaurants, a spa, and other spoils right in the suburb's heart, The Westcliff hotel is the place to be. Here are our top recommendations for an enjoyable visit:

1. Book a stay at the hotel itself for a tranquil inner-city staycation.

2. Book treatments at the on-site Four Seasons Spa; package deals are particularly luxurious. Skin therapy, waxing and beauty treatments, massage therapy, body care therapy, nail bar service, and gentlemen's treatment options are all available.

3. Enjoy a special treat, High Tea at The View restaurant, with five sweet and savory servings per person and a choice of teas.

4. Enjoy sundowners with unforgettable views and a delicious meal at the Flames restaurant.

5. Relax poolside, and enjoy light lunches, salads, and cocktails (or mocktails) from Apres-Spa.

Distance to airports, main roads, and the CBD

The nearest airport to Westcliff is the largest airport in South Africa, the OR Tambo International Airport. Most residents of Westcliff choose to drive themselves or take a shuttle or an Uber to the Airport, as it is an easy 33-kilometer drive. Another option is to take the Gautrain service from the Rosebank station.

Jan Smuts Avenue is along the eastern border of the suburb of Westcliff, and Barry Hertzog Avenue is along the western border. These avenues are the main routes past Westcliff and into the Johannesburg inner city. In a northerly direction, Jan Smuts Avenue will take you through Rosebank and Melrose and into Sandton. Barry Hertzog Avenue will take you through Emmarentia and Greenside and into the Randburg area.

Weather in Westcliff

Positioned on a ridge with views over northern Johannesburg, Westcliff is a special place to enjoy the spectacular African sunsets. Johannesburg is particularly well known for its sunsets.  The summer months are long, the days are sunny, and the weather is hot. Temperatures reach the mid-thirty-degree Celsius range on the hottest days but are often cooled by brief afternoon rainfall. Winters are short but can be deceptively cold. The sun shines almost every day of the winter, and it does not rain, but the temperatures still fall to the low single digits (Celsius).

Make Westcliff your home, your story.

Rose Rolfe is the property practitioner at Seeff Sandton that handles the sale of homes in the exclusive suburb of Westcliff. You may be starting a new chapter and looking to sell your home in Westcliff. Rose is the best person to advise you on current pricing trends and market conditions specific to Westcliff. If your new chapter is buying a new home in this remarkable suburb, Rose will show you the best properties on the market and work with you to select the one that suits your needs. Rose Rolfe