🛍️ Root44 has closed. Plus... a R400,000 bicycle?

TOGETHER WITH

One of Stellenbosch's most popular weekend destinations has unexpectedly closed.

Root44 Market, located between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, announced on Tuesday that it will be shutting its doors until further notice. In a heartfelt statement, management said the decision had not been made lightly, adding that jobs have been lost, dreams have been affected and many families will feel the impact.

Since opening in 2012, Root44 has become a favourite weekend outing for locals and visitors alike. Whether you went for breakfast, a glass of wine, live music or simply to wander through the craft stalls, it became one of those places that always seemed full of life.

The closure follows years of disputes surrounding land-use rights and planning approvals. While the long-term future of the market remains uncertain, many in Stellenbosch will be hoping this isn't the final chapter for one of the Winelands' most well-known gathering spots.

Every week we like to ask the important question...

"What does R16.8 million buy you in Stellenbosch?"

This week's answer is surprisingly peaceful.

Nestled along the banks of the Blaauwklippen River in Jamestown, this unique smallholding offers something that's becoming increasingly difficult to find around Stellenbosch: space.

The property features two completely separate homes positioned far enough apart to give each its own privacy. It's ideal for extended families, parents and adult children wanting to live nearby, or even someone looking to earn rental income from the second home.

The main house is built for entertaining, with a swimming pool, built-in braai, wood-fired pizza oven, fireplace and even a bar that could easily become your own private wine cellar. Upstairs, the main bedroom opens onto a balcony with uninterrupted views of the Stellenbosch mountains.

The second home has its own pool, garden and mountain views, and is already tenanted, offering immediate rental income from day one.

Perhaps the biggest luxury, though, isn't inside either house.

It's the setting.

With the Blaauwklippen River flowing through the property, mature trees, two ponds and abundant birdlife, it feels like you're deep in the countryside, despite being only a few minutes from Stellenbosch's town centre.

In a town where land becomes scarcer every year, properties like this rarely come onto the market. Whether it's worth R16.8 million is for the next owner to decide... but waking up to mountain views instead of traffic certainly has its appeal.

There are bicycles...

And then there are S-Works bicycles.

Rumour has it that the Specialized store in Stellenbosch sells more S-Works bikes than anywhere else in South Africa. Whether that's officially true or not, one thing is certain: you'll struggle to walk through Stellenbosch on a Saturday morning without seeing at least a few of them.

The funny part?

Some models start at around R280,000. And if you browse the catalogue long enough, you'll find bikes nudging R400,000.

Four hundred thousand rand.

For something your parents spent years telling you not to leave unlocked outside Pick n Pay.

Now, before the cyclists write in...

Yes, they're incredible machines. They're lighter, faster and packed with engineering that most of us couldn't begin to explain.

But let's also be honest.

For some owners, the biggest climb the bike conquers each week is the ramp into Bootlegger's.

In Stellenbosch, the Saturday morning coffee stop has become almost as important as the ride itself. Somewhere between the flat white, the almond croissant and comparing tyre pressures, a carbon fibre superbike has quietly become part bicycle... part status symbol.

And perhaps that's perfectly fine.

After all, every town has its luxury purchase.

In Stellenbosch, some people collect wine.

Others collect bicycles that cost more than the average family car.

At least they're getting some exercise.

One of the healthiest changes you can make might be to stop treating the news as something you need to consume every day.

The world has always had problems. The difference today is that they're delivered to your pocket every minute, competing for your attention with headlines designed to shock, anger and worry you. That's what gets clicks.

Choosing not to fill your mind with a constant stream of negativity isn't the same as burying your head in the sand. You can still stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.

Be intentional about what you allow into your mind. The books you read, the conversations you have, the people you spend time with, the videos you watch and the news you consume all shape the way you see the world.

If you spend every day feeding your mind fear, outrage and conflict, don't be surprised when that's how life starts to feel.

Protect your attention. It may be one of the most valuable things you own.

16°C / 7°C
A beautiful winter's day with sunshine for most of the day. A couple of light afternoon showers are possible, but nothing that should ruin your plans.

💬 A good day to remember why people put up with winter. Crisp mornings. Sunny afternoons. Coffee tastes better.

15°C / 10°C
A mix of cloud and sunshine throughout the day. Cool, comfortable and ideal for getting outside before the next weather system arrives.

💬 One of those "I'll just pop out quickly" days that somehow turns into lunch, coffee and three unnecessary errands.

16°C / 10°C
Mostly cloudy with a light afternoon breeze, but remaining dry. A classic Stellenbosch winter's day to round off the week.

💬 Friday always feels warmer than it actually is. It's amazing what the thought of the weekend can do.

As always, thanks for reading. If you spot something in town worth knowing, reply and tell us. Half the best Stellenbosch stories begin that way.

See you around town,
Stellenbosch Brief

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