Photo: Keith Jordaan
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The quintessential country town
This used to be the irritating 60km/hour slowdown with two stop streets on the way to the coast.
Maybe a cooldrink stop, but why not wait for Bredasdorp only 16km further on? ... Napier seemed to offer so little.
While Bredasdorp prospered, losing much of its character to the influx of chain stores and suburban development,
Napier was saved in its time warp.
It did, however, attract a smattering of artists, musicians, romantics... and
horse lovers – for beyond
the dry main street lies a patchwork of smallholdings where traditional architecture has largely endured.
Beyond the town rolling hills, which change from season to season, extend to the horizon and the mountain ranges.
Where else will you find young
children trotting through the town's streets, oblivious to city pressures?
The town has already changed, and the arrival of Ilze Vos in 1998 followed by Nick and Lerié Yell
in 2001 created the focus which stripped Napier of its anonymity. Ilze's Napier Farm Stall & Restaurant (and
The Barn venue next door) and the Yells' Vindigo Wine & Decor Company have established an anchor to arrest and spoil
passersby. A tour guide – attracted
by the Farm Stall – decided to establish his roots in the town at the end
of 2002. Quality is an attraction!
Photo: Helen Timm
Click here for businesses & attractions in the area.
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