Bathurst Property & Home Sales

Bathurst at a glance

If you're looking for the sweet life, you'll find it in Bathurst. This small but charming town is nestled along the scenic Kowie River, just 15 kilometres northwest of Port Alfred. Known for its vibrant pineapple agriculture, the town's air is perfumed with this juicy fruit as its trucks pass through. Bathurst also proudly holds the title of being home to the largest man-made pineapple building in the world. 

With an array of restaurants, pubs, shops, outdoor activities, and historical sites, Bathurst has something to delight every visitor. Over the years, the area has created a colourful and eccentric community of farmers, artists, academics, retirees, and semigrants seeking a peaceful escape in the Eastern Cape.

On the property hunt, you'll find a wealth of options. With cosy cottages, fertile farms, fixer-uppers, or large plots to build your dream home, Bathurst is ready to welcome you to the area with open arms. 

Bathurst's airports/routes: travel effortlessly

While residents value its tranquil country atmosphere, the town still remains close to key amenities and areas. King Phalo Airport is a little over an hour and a half (140,8 km) via the R72. Bathurst is 14 minutes from Port Alfred via Port Alfred Road/R67 and 36 minutes from Makhanda (Grahamstown) via the R67. 

Bathurst's weather: discover the patterns

With a relatively warm all-year-around climate, it's no wonder Bathurst's pineapples are bursting with flavour. In summer, average temperatures can go up to 26°C, while winter cools down to a maximum average temperature of 20°C. Being on the cusp of winter and summer rainfall regions, Bathurst receives some rain throughout most of the year. 

Bathurst's history: uncover the backstory

The area has a strong settler history. Founded in 1820, colonials left England in search of a more prosperous life in South Africa. They formed the village of Bathurst as a frontier town, naming it after Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst, Secretary for War and the Colonies. The town's distinctly English feel remains as much of the original settler houses and other buildings have been preserved.

Bathurst's thriving pineapple industry has deep roots. The settlers struggled to grow crops when they arrived until the first pineapple was successfully planted in 1865 and became a crop staple. Also at the heart of the town's history is The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn. It was built in 1821 by Thomas Hartley, a blacksmith from Nottinghamshire. Although it has changed hands in ownership over the years, it remains the oldest continually licensed pub in South Africa.

Bathurst's schools: set your child up for success

Your little ones can take their first academic steps with confidence at Bathurst Primary School. For even more options, you can look to neighbouring Port Alfred. The area's schools include Port Alfred Primary School, Port Alfred High School, and Calico Academy, the first school in the area to offer the IEB curriculum. Parents can also send their children to well-respected boarding schools in Makhanda. 

Within Port Alfred, Bathurst residents are able to study further through Stenden South Africa. This is a leading private higher education institution offering full degree programmes in disaster management and hospitality management. 

Bathurst's healthcare: get treated by the best

Bathurst residents only need to take a short trip to access Port Alfred's range of healthcare providers. Port Alfred Hospital, the nearest hospital (17 minutes), has a 24-hour emergency unit and provides services in anaesthesiology, dentistry, general practice, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and radiology. For further healthcare, you can travel to Settlers Hospital in Grahamstown (40 minutes).

Bathurst's shopping scene: enjoy some retail therapy

With an eclectic mix of shops on Port Alfred Road and Kowie Road, you'll find plenty of essentials and hidden treasures in the area. The Village Green Centre offers collectables and antiques. There are page-turning reads (Fables Bookshop), IT services (Tekserve), stunning art (The Corner Gallery), ceramics (Richard Pullen's Studio), and delicious meats and convenience shopping (Bathurst Butchery). For a typical mall experience, you can head to Port Alfred's Rosehill Mall or The Postmaster's Village. 

Bathurst's special attractions: have a fun day out

As a town, Bathurst is brimming with plenty of fun things to see and do. The Big Pineapple has a museum dedicated to the fruit and pineapple products for sale. Staying informative, the Bathurst Agricultural Museum is an interesting visit to learn about agricultural equipment, machinery, and tools. The Wesleyan Chapel and St John's Anglican Church provide further insight into the area's settler history. 

With centuries-old hospitality, The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn is a must-visit for accommodation, good food, and ice-cold drinks. The Toposcope, on a lookout point, commemorates the 1820 settlers and their descendants. On a Sunday, you can head to the Bathurst Farmer's Market for a lovely family outing. 

With an unofficial town tagline of "there's no thirst like Bathurst", the area unsurprisingly has four popular drinking spots: The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn, The Ploughman Pub, the Porcupine Bar at Summerhill Guest Farm, and Bathurst Arms. For a meal, you can stop by Lara's Eatery & Deli, That Coffee Place, The Pizza Place, or The Little Bistro.

Find a home that inspires you in Bathurst

If you're in search of wholesome country living, Bathurst will captivate at every turn. The area is steeped in history, filled with quaint shops, and populated with friendly townsfolk. You can make an effortless move with Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty. Simply browse our properties for sale, and get in touch today.