Ida’s Valley, located to the north of Stellenbosch against the dramatic Simonsberg, is a rare example of the physical characteristics and human activities that, in combination, are characteristic of the Cape winelands rural cultural landscape.
Douglas Houston gives a vivid description of the natural state of the valley vegetation, before modification by settlers and tracks the changes through time while introducing the people involved.
The premier jewels in this setting are the three Cape farmsteads: Ida’s Valley, Rustenburg and Schoongezicht (all of which have been restored).
Much of the valley has been formally protected as a heritage resource since 1976.