Businesses in Villiersdorp
Villiersdorp has a rich agricultural heritage on which the town relies. Visitors can expect to be transported into quintessential country life, mostly free from large centres of commerce and manufacturing. Although, for such a small town visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find everything they might need only a stone’s throw away, in true locally owned and one-of-everything fashion.
Those looking to pamper themselves can make an appointment at one of the beauty and wellness centres and salons in the town. Villiersdorp CBD is lined with small businesses including second-hand and bric-a-brac shops that include clothing, textile, craft, décor and furniture stores. One of the few places in South Africa that produces garments spun from alpaca wool can be found on the outskirts of Villiersdorp. There is a large art community in Villiersdorp, so expect to find several galleries offering everything from painting lessons to framing services. There are also a couple of garden shops and florists which focus on the beloved and beautiful protea. The town has its own 24-hour armed and emergency response unit that offers everything from alarm installations to farm patrols.
For any health queries, Villiersdorp has a medical centre with GPs, a pharmacy, a dentist and an optometrist. There is a large hospital in Caledon, about a 35km drive away. The police station is visible on entering the town and there are also emergency ambulance and fire services. The tourist information centre has moved from the main road into the heritage building that has been declared a national monument. There are nine churches in the town with the oldest one having an underground burial vault.
There are a few schools and centers available for those families with children looking to move to the country. The De Villiers Graaff High School is well known for its historical significance while there are primary and secondary schools for younger children. Those who are serious about a move should consult the local real estate agents for insight into the type of properties on offer.
Villiersdorp is a water lover’s paradise and the Theewaterskloof Dam plays host to an array of watersports and activities. Since the dam was built, the agriculture and micro-climate of Villiersdorp have become more similar to the Elgin Valley and Grabouw. This means that conditions are ripe for deciduous fruit farming and viticulture, unlike most of the geographical region that specialises in wheat and canola farming. Deeply rooted in the farming culture, Villiersdorp is home to one of the largest fruit packing facilities in the country, and its lush valleys house family favourites like Granny Smith and Red Delicious. While known for its apples and vineyards, the town also produces pears, peaches, apricots, and onions. Large packing sheds in Villiersdorp process the fruit and vegetables grown in the area for export and transport to other parts of South Africa. The influence of Theewaterskloof Dam has also aided the production of outstanding wines that are becoming increasingly popular due to their high quality and value for money.
The town pays tribute to the simple pleasures of life by celebrating the outdoors, art, good wines and top-tier fruit and produce. Though the business directory of Villiersdorp is small, visitors won’t have to leave the town to find what they are looking for.