In the 1860s the estate was leased to the British Colonial Government so as to act as a country residence for Cape governors, during which time it is thought that Newlands Village was established.

Next door to SACS is the Montebello Design Centre located within the historic stables of Cecil Michaelis's estate and bequeathed to the University of Cape Town.

The Liesbeek River runs through Newlands, past the Vineyard Hotel, and was the original water source used to make the first European-style beer in southern Africa.

The distinctive southern half of Newlands, bordering the suburb Bishopscourt, is known as Fernwood, after a farm estate which used to occupy this area.

[citation needed] The fresh water springs in Newlands have played an important role in the development and history of the area.

[11] Other reasons given for its closure by the municipality were that the council found water collection difficult to regulate at the site, and there had been complaints from locals about noise and traffic congestion.

[12] The water at the springs has played an important role in the brewing industry, with South Africa's first licensed brewery being set up in the area at Papenboom in 1694.