In the heart of the Bottelary Valley, on the edge of Stellenbosch, a new kind of village is taking shape. Devonbosch is not just another development; it’s a carefully curated community where the space between buildings matters as much as the structures themselves.
Re-imagining development with purpose Unlike conventional developments, Devonbosch began with a fundamental question; how to restore meaning to the land while building for the future. This philosophy led developers to transform a disused quarry rather than develop pristine vineyards, establishing a foundational commitment to sustainable rehabilitation.
“We wanted to create a place that feels as it’s been there forever, even as it builds for generations to come,” said the development team, which has worked alongside municipal authorities, local entrepreneurs and heritage stakeholders.
A community by design
Phase 1 of the residential units is completely sold out, and all commercial and retail spaces are fully let.
What sets this precinct apart is its approach to community-building; functional spaces where concerts, markets and daily rituals naturally bring people together.
The development deliberately incorporates diverse residential offerings across different price points, from rental apartments to the luxury KLEI Aparthotel. This diversity forms the foundation of a vibrant social ecosystem.
Work where you live
Economic vitality is woven into Devonbosch’s fabric. Work experience is integrated into the precinct.
Cafés, restaurants, fitness studios and tech-forward offices create a self-sustaining economic engine. The Innovation Hub, remote work zones, and creative spaces further enhance opportunities for residents to earn a living where they live.
A soon-to-launch School of Rock, a music school for all ages, exemplifies this vision of a place where artists, coders, fitness enthusiasts, business people and musicians thrive.
Lifestyle and amenities
Devonbosch emphasises participation over passive consumption. Residents can start their day jogging along the Mini-GOAT trail or challenging themselves on the GOAT mountain-bike track. Water enthusiasts can try e-Foil or paddle-boarding on the calm dam.
Unlocked Fitness is the community’s wellness hub, while the retail and dining district includes authentic experiences such as Super Sconto Italian deli, Ischia Italian restaurant and Brickfields Café, where locals gather for everything from quick coffees to post-run breakfasts.
A year-round calendar of events awaits – including trail runs, cycling events and the popular ASICS-sponsored Best Friend Trail Run where dogs and owners race together.
Smart-village atmosphere
Devonbosch’s architecture whispers rather than shouts, what with 4 m-high retail floors that maximise natural light and airflow.
Materials are local, most notably own clay bricks fired next door at Cabrico, a factory started in 1992 with Green Council certification. They lower emissions, shorten supply chains, and support local employment.
The design philosophy extends to infrastructure and mod-cons – wide walkways, cycle paths, shaded green corridors, a super-basement for vehicles, high-speed fibre and smart access control.
Sustainability at Devonbosch goes beyond buzzwords.
A neglected quarry has been transformed into a walkable, water-wise community. Internal gardens regulate temperature, rainwater harvesting systems conserve water, and energy efficiency is pervasive.
This new paradigm of a smart village embraces technology without losing its soul.
• For more information on Devonbosch, contact Ash Muller on 082 574 6747, www.askash.co.za, or ash@askash.co.za.
