July/August 2011 Western Cape Issue by The Property Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2011

Winner of 10 publishing awards

cus S Fo E al LL eci E Sp CH Y SE

Property

Est. 2004, Issue 221

WESTERN CAPE

decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

POWER UP

LIVING ON THE WATER’S EDGE

HOT ECO GADGETS & HOMEWARE

AT BIG BAY

THE GREENHOUSE ORGANIC WINING AND DINING AT CELLARS-HOHENORT

SWIMMING UPSTREAM: A GREEN ARCHITECT

THE GREEN ISSU REDUC E:

CARBON FE YOUR AT HOME OOTPRINT AND PLUS! LAT WORK. GREEN TR EST ENDS

KEYS TO PARADISE TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

MONTAGU RIDGE

9 771810 469004

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

11 0 0 7

amid the greens

RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Montagu Ridge, Fancourt, George. +27 (0)44 804 0000, fancourt.co.za

FANCOURT’S NEWEST DEVELOPMENT

Contents GREEN

their respective industries.

VISIONARY INTERPRETATION Guest Editor, Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South

TREADING LIGHTLY

The hottest, greenest

of getting to grips with the

Eco-sensitive innovations in a

decor items.

Consumer Protection Act.

success of Melrose Arch.

LUXURY

SOLAR FLAIR

Green Star-accredited

Getting the royal treatment at the V & A Waterfront’s newest luxury

on eco-sensitive design.

hotel, the Queen Victoria.

ROOT TO TIP These experts have the goods

RESIDENTIAL Residential estates with a green focus in Cape Town and Knysna.

COMMERCIAL The Vineyard Hotel’s recent green accolade, and a revamp

GOOD, GREEN AND FRESH

to keep your home green and

Dinner at the Greenhouse with

cost- effective to run.

our new editor, Nicky Manson.

Africa, explains the importance

A ROYAL AFFAIR

architect, Matthew Friedland,

for Milnerton’s Centre Point shopping centre.

OFFSHORE The emerging African cities of

WIN!

Gabarone and Lusaka, a quaint

A Bissell POWERwash

villa in Provence, and how to buy

HOT PLATE

POWERBRUSH Select deep

property in the UK discreetly.

A luxury café, a chic beauty

cleaner, valued at R2 999,95!

parlour-cum-diner, and organic

REAL ESTATE

A FEEL FOR GREEN

TRENDS 8

August is Women’s Month. We chat to women who’ve made it in

Cape Town home, and the green

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

Essential eco-friendly gadgets – green universal charger.

HOT STUFF

a clock powered by water, and a

foods, we can’t get enough of.

DESIGN

HOT SHOP

PURE & SIMPLE

SEYCHELLES 68

OUT OF AIRTIME A holiday in minute but

A South Coast beach cottage

magniﬁcent Desroche Island and

eco- friendly wallets and an ode

gets a swish makeover without

new developments.

to Vivienne Westwood.

losing that homely touch.

Designer clothes, shoes,

HOT DECOR & DESIGN Meet the creative genius behind Recreate, and get to grips with hot decor trends.

ON THE COVER

OUR GARDEN OF EDEN

Montagu Ridge at Fancourt. Turn

The Garden Route, a fairy-tale

to page 36 for more details.

come to life, is brimming with

investment potential, thanks to the subdued real estate market.

July/August 2011 | 1

Property

thepropertymag.co.za

EDITORIAL Editor Nicky Manson nickym@medianova.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Bureau Chief Anne Schauffer anne@medianova.co.za Senior Subeditor Yaron Blecher Features Writers Genevieve Fisher (Western Cape) André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal)

DISTRIBUTION

Gauteng Sales Anine Ehlers, Marc Lahoud, Obed Sealetsa, Damion van Alphen Namibia Sales Mynard Slabbert Trafﬁc Controller Liesl Dodgen

ART Art Director Warren Uytenbogaardt warren@medianova.co.za Senior Designer Trudine Scannell Senior Retoucher Tim Lake Junior Designer Madeleine Dreyfuss CONTRIBUTOR Jackie Gray PHOTOGRAPHERS Val Adamson, Sally Chance, Grant Difford, Tim Lake, Natalie Payne, Grant Pitcher, Waldo Pretorius PRINTING Paarl Media

ABC Audited National Circulation – Total Circulation, Jan.–Mar. 2011: 83 663 AMPS (2011A) Audited Readership: 287 815

MARKETING Circulation Director Vanessa Marks Senior Events Manager Mariska Neethling PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTD Managing Director Tony Vaughan tony@medianova.co.za Associate Publisher (Namibia) Mynard Slabbert mynards@mweb.co.za Finance Manager Leanne Cox leanne@medianova.co.za Credit Controller Dominique Bendix dominique@medianova.co.za Online Assistant Catherine Riley Technology Coordinator Jean-Paul Siljeur Receptionist Kashiefa Jacobs Driver Willem September, Joseph Khoza

ADVERTISING Sales@medianova.co.za Group Sales Director Shanee Smart Western Cape Sales Tharien Nel, Michèle Jones, Justin Lyons KwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales Manager Jenni McCallum KwaZulu-Natal Sales Charles Roets

SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2011: Winner – Best Property Publication Nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PICA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PICA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th SAB Environmentalist of the Year & Environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PICA Awards 2007: B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure Mondi Magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse Media Owners Challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended Mondi Magazine Awards 2004: Industry – Finalist Launch Edition: April 2004 WESTERN CAPE 3rd Floor, 33 Bree Street, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 50601, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8002; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)21 421 7891 GAUTENG 8th Floor, Fredman Towers, 13 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2196 PO Box 785828, Sandton, 2146; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)11 884 2830 KWAZULU-NATAL Ground Floor, 55 Gladys Mazibuko Road, Berea 4001 Postnet Suite 329, Private Bag X10, Musgrave 4062; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)31 208 5278 NAMIBIA Phone +264 (0)61 248 161 Fax +264 (0)61 245 942 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Email subs@ramsaymedia.co.za Online magsathome.co.za Local Phone 0860 100 203 Fax 086 670 4101 International Phone +27 (0)21 530 3255 Fax +27 (0)21 531 7303 SMS 41871 with reference ‘Property Magazine’ (R2/SMS) for subscription enquiries EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES General editorial@medianova.co.za Society Western Cape socials@thepropertymag.co.za Society Gauteng socials@thepropertymag.co.za Society KwaZulu-Natal socialskzn@medianova.co.za Hot Property hotproperty@medianova.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE WESTERN CAPE DISTRIBUTION Van Riebeeckshof Copies free-to-home in the following areas Vygeboom (including residential estates): Welgedacht Bakoven/Oudekraal Welgemoed/Doordekraal Bantry Bay Bishopscourt Copies to luxury outlets: Camps Bay One&Only Cape Town Constantia Tintswalo Atlantic De Waterkant The Mount Nelson Hotel Durbanville Twelve Apostles Hotel Franschhoek Hout Bay Manor Fresnaye Cape Heritage Hotel Green Point The Grand Daddy Hotel Hermanus Hippo Boutique Hotel Higgovale Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel Hout Bay The Table Bay Hotel Kenilworth d’Ouwe Werf Hotel Kirstenbosch Erinvale Estate Hotel Llandudno Leeuwenzee Guest House Mouille Point The Lanzerac Hotel Newlands Highlands House Oranjezicht The Cellars-Hohenort Oude Westhof Constantia Woods Estate Paarl The Constantia Plattekloof Constantia Uitsig Rondebosch Steenberg Estate Sea Point Colona Castle Somerset West Stellenbosch Sunset Beach Copies to retailers and subscribers Tamboerskloof

The Property Magazine is no w available on all domestic and international Air Namibia flig hts!

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Retail: CNA Exclusive Books (select stores) Spar Clicks Woolworths (select stores) Airport-based retailers

POWER UP

WESTERN CAPE

Property

LIVING ON THE WATER’S EDGE

HOT ECO GADGETS & HOMEWARE

AT BIG BAY

THE GREENHOUSE ORGANIC WINING AND DINING AT CELLARS-HOHENORT

SWIMMING UPSTREAM: A GREEN ARCHITECT

THE GREEN ISSUE:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON AT HOME FOOTPRINT AND WORK. PLUS! LATEST GREEN TRENDS

KEYS TO PARADISE TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

GAUTENG

SWIMMING UPSTREAM: INTRODUCING THE JEWEL OF SANDTON’S CBD KATHERINE & WEST

GREEN ARCHITECT PROFILE

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DESERT STAR!

NAMIBIA’S DREAM DEVELOPMENT

Hollywood meets shared ownership

KEYS TO PARADISE

Property

Plus free distribution to VIPs in these sectors: Property Media Advertising Marketing National and local government-related industries

PURE AND SIMPLE

Western Cape Cir culation

GORGEOUS DECOR & DESIGN TAKES RECYCLING TO A NEW LEVEL

31 482

Living on the South Coast THE GREEN ISSUE:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON AT HOME FOOTPRINT AND WORK. PLUS! LATEST GREEN TRENDS

KEYS TO PARADISE

FANCOURT’S NEWEST DEVELOPMENT

EXTRAORDINARY:

amid the greens

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

287 815

KWAZULU-NATAL

SWIMMING UPSTREAM:

THE GREEN ISSUE:

MONTAGU RIDGE

National Reader ship

A GREEN ARCHITECT

TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

WHEN TECHNOLOGY & SPACE COLLIDE

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

AMPS Audite d Na Circulatio tional (Jan.–March n 2011)

TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

ON THIS MONTH’S COVERS Western Cape: Montagu Ridge, Fancourt, George. +27 (0)44 804 0000, fancourt.co.za Gauteng: Desert Star, Namibia. +264 61 401 536, desertstar.na KwaZulu-Natal: Beach Cottage, St Helier Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright Media Nova (Pty) Limited. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

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Published monthly in three regional issues: Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Current ABC Audited Circulation (Q1 2011, January–March): Western Cape – 31 482, Gauteng – 32 275, KwaZulu-Natal – 19 906, Total Nationally – 83 663 Web Stats: over half a million hits (548 668); Property Club Members – 24 884 AMPS Audited National Readership (2011A): 287 815

Property

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Select services Showrooms Industry-related businesses and events Namibia-speciﬁc distributions

REGIONAL CIRCULATION The Property Magazine – Western Cape The Property Magazine – Gauteng The Property Magazine – KwaZulu-Natal The Property Magazine – Combined

medianova.co.za

ABC Audited National Circulation (Jan.–Mar. 2011) 31 482 32 275 19 906 83 663

You tell us

Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email readers@medianova.co.za. SKY LIVING I enjoyed the penthouse living article you published recently. I cannot believe that there are people in this market buying properties for R40 million. I think it’s a positive sign for property sales in the future. This penthouse is particularly stunning. But reading further about Melrose Arch’s penthouses currently being built, with some going for R25 million, I see there is definitely a trend towards penthouse living and there are obviously people around with money to burn. Now to win the Lotto … Mark Grossman, Sandown

LETTER o f the Month

TREND DELIGHT I absolutely loved your June ‘Trends’ section. It was so beautifully designed and so informative with regards to all areas of the home that I have hung onto this particular issue with strong arms to keep my daughter, sister, mother … from stealing it. It definitely is a keeper and will be my style guide when next I get the redecorating bug! Sally Frances, Parkhurst

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WINNING LETTER Write to us and you could win a Bugatti Glamour Range kitchenware hamper valued at R1 500! Thanks to a team of specialist designers, the comprehensive range of products is all about quality, beauty and practicality. italianlifestyle.co.za

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GREENBACK PLANET I have read with interest several of your articles where property developers state that the cost of putting up eco-friendly buildings is prohibitive. It is my opinion that this problem applies equally to consumer goods.Why do supermarkets insist on a higher mark-up on eco-friendly products? Your average citizen who wants to do good by Planet Earth quite honestly cannot afford to pay through the nose for such products. Is it a case of supply and demand? That if more citizens were to purchase these ‘green’ products then the price would go down? Currently the message seems to be, ‘You want to be green? Pay the price!’ It’s a very fine line between that and the ‘sin tax’, if you ask me. Alternatively the message is that ‘green’ is a luxury – though we all know that that is decidedly not the case. A company that truly cared about the environment would put environmentally friendly products, price-wise, well in reach of your average consumer. Disillusioned, Parklands

Property

thepropertymag.co.za

DISTRIBUTION

Gauteng Sales Anine Ehlers, Marc Lahoud, Obed Sealetsa, Damion van Alphen Namibia Sales Mynard Slabbert Trafﬁc Controller Liesl Dodgen

ABC Audited National Circulation – Total Circulation, Jan.–Mar. 2011: 83 663 AMPS (2011A) Audited Readership: 287 815

The Property Magazine is no w available on all domestic and international Air Namibia flig hts!

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Retail: CNA Exclusive Books (select stores) Spar Clicks Woolworths (select stores) Airport-based retailers

POWER UP

WESTERN CAPE

Property

LIVING ON THE WATER’S EDGE

HOT ECO GADGETS & HOMEWARE

AT BIG BAY

THE GREENHOUSE ORGANIC WINING AND DINING AT CELLARS-HOHENORT

SWIMMING UPSTREAM: A GREEN ARCHITECT

THE GREEN ISSUE:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON AT HOME FOOTPRINT AND WORK. PLUS! LATEST GREEN TRENDS

KEYS TO PARADISE TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

GAUTENG

SWIMMING UPSTREAM: INTRODUCING THE JEWEL OF SANDTON’S CBD KATHERINE & WEST

GREEN ARCHITECT PROFILE

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DESERT STAR!

NAMIBIA’S DREAM DEVELOPMENT

Hollywood meets shared ownership

KEYS TO PARADISE

Property

Plus free distribution to VIPs in these sectors: Property Media Advertising Marketing National and local government-related industries

PURE AND SIMPLE

Western Cape Cir culation

GORGEOUS DECOR & DESIGN TAKES RECYCLING TO A NEW LEVEL

31 482

Living on the South Coast THE GREEN ISSUE:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON AT HOME FOOTPRINT AND WORK. PLUS! LATEST GREEN TRENDS

KEYS TO PARADISE

FANCOURT’S NEWEST DEVELOPMENT

EXTRAORDINARY:

amid the greens

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

287 815

KWAZULU-NATAL

SWIMMING UPSTREAM:

THE GREEN ISSUE:

MONTAGU RIDGE

National Reader ship

A GREEN ARCHITECT

TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

WHEN TECHNOLOGY & SPACE COLLIDE

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

AMPS Audite d Na Circulatio tional (Jan.–March n 2011)

TIME TO BUY ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine & Country South Africa, on interpreting the new consumer laws

P. LE GRANGE & SEUNS/SONS

ADDITIONAL FREE DISTRIBUTION – NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL Decor houses Banks Top industry-related businesses Golf clubs Restaurants Coffee shops

Property

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Select services Showrooms Industry-related businesses and events Namibia-speciﬁc distributions

REGIONAL CIRCULATION The Property Magazine – Western Cape The Property Magazine – Gauteng The Property Magazine – KwaZulu-Natal The Property Magazine – Combined

medianova.co.za

ABC Audited National Circulation (Jan.–Mar. 2011) 31 482 32 275 19 906 83 663

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HOT PROPERTY

HOT SPACE

A royal affair

The freshly crowned Queen Victoria Hotel at the Waterfront asserts its place amid Cape Town’s five-star-hotel nobility.

ocated along Portswood

to the bespoke scent that wafts

locally sourced. The menu is concise,

the aesthetically pleasing dishes he

Road, a main artery into the

through the passageways. Presented

well priced, and changes every few

creates and the dramatic interiors, this

world-renowned Victoria

with a splendid palette of grey, taupe

weeks as new ingredients become

principle is expertly adhered to.

& Alfred Waterfront, the

and silver with regal purple and lilac

available. Stephen and his team even

majestic Queen Victoria Hotel lies in a

accents, a dramatic three-storey spiral

went the extra mile by sourcing

of the Queen Victoria Hotel is its

precinct of heritage buildings elegantly

staircase, marble-clad walls, glass

a home-grown, 18-month-mature

location, says Newmark Hotels MD Neil

perched between Cape Town Harbour

elevator, crystal chandeliers and the

cheddar called the Queen Victoria from

Markovitz. ‘Although you are in the

and Table Mountain. And, yes, you

South African-designed interior, which

a dairy in Prince Albert.

hub of the Waterfront, it doesn’t feel

guessed it: it has what are arguably

jump out at you, you really do feel as if

the best views in Cape Town. Most of

you have arrived. Francois says injecting some South

Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs courtesy Queen Victoria Hotel

the 35 rooms look out onto either the

The interiors of Dash complement

But the most striking feature

like it. The quiet and calm ambience

the sense of drama Stephen achieves

of the Portswood precinct makes you

with the contents of the oval, uneven

feel as if your are away from the hustle

sweeping mountain or the dock, and

African ﬂavour into the interiors was

plates. The artwork is supplied by the

and bustle,’ he says. When choosing

the hotel itself is a sight to behold.

one of his main aims: ‘Jacques Erasmus

Everard Read Gallery across from the

the site for the new hotel, Neil and

designed some lighting ﬁxtures;

Portswood precinct and every few

his team felt it was important that

transformation into the chic,

there are Gregor Jenkin tables in the

months it gets replaced with new

guests experience ﬁve-star tranquillity.

contemporary, luxury Queen Victoria

restaurant; Louise Gelderblom ceramics

work by local artists. The parquet

‘The Queen Victoria is in an exclusive

Hotel was achieved by a dedicated

and fynbos-print wallpaper,’ he says.

wooden ﬂooring, black leather seats,

position, giving high accessibility to

The heritage building’s

quirky black Gregor Jenkin tables,

Cape Town’s leisure and entertainment

Cohen of Peerutin Architects and

the 36-seat restaurant and bar, Dash,

signature royal-purple bar stools and

nucleus, the Waterfront, which

interior designer Francois du Plessis.

named after the queen’s beloved

otherworldly mirrored wall unite to

ampliﬁes its ﬁve-star offering. Not to

The result is a glamorous enclave of

King Charles spaniel. Executive Chef

create an intimate, provocative space.

mention that every guest is treated like

sophistication and opulence where

Stephen Templeton takes a classic

Stephen believes that dining out

royalty,’ says Neil.

every detail has been considered, from

French approach to cooking and, apart

should be a formal occasion with a

+27 (0)21 418 1466,

the wallpaper decals of Queen Victoria

from the caviar, all the ingredients are

theatrical element to it, and between

newmarkhotels.com

The culinary offering at the hotel is

creative team comprising Tarryn

Dash restaurant wags with class. 2Views from the presidential suite – the Queen Victoria’s positioning within

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more hot new

venues in your area.

the Waterfront is one the hotel’s crown jewels. 3The sweeping spiral staircase leads upwards from the atrium.

July/August 2011 | 7

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

A luxury café, a chic beauty parlour-cum-diner, an eco-focused restaurant and indulgent organic foods that will leave you feeling fantastic in body and soul.

KEITH FRISLEY is the new executive chef at The Terrace at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sandton. With this award-winning chef at the helm, patrons can look forward to dishes that are honest, pure and true to the produce.

Q You used to cook on the Trans-Karoo. Do you prefer working in a less mobile kitchen? I had just started my career then – working on trains – but I got married soon after. I prefer having my feet on the ground because I have someone special to go home to!

Q Your achievements include coming first place in the Golden Chef ’s Hat Awards. Are there any awards you still covet?

It is important for young chefs to take part in competitions as it builds character and conﬁdence. As for me, the only award I am interested in now is having a satisﬁed customer every day and, of course, all the accolades that are bestowed on The Terrace at Fairlawns.

The skinny

Ever wondered what a ‘luxury café’ is? Well, now you can ﬁnd out at the recently opened Skinny Legs & All in Loop Street. Owned and run by twin sisters Jesse and Jamie Friedberg, the all-day café has a mouth-watering menu that focuses on fresh, home-made, unpretentious food inspired by the simplicity of Rose Carrarini’s foodie destination, Rose Bakery, in Paris. +27 (0)21 423 5403, skinnylegsandall.co.za

Q You were apprentice chef at the Hilton. What is the biggest difference between cooking for a large hotel group and cooking for a boutique hotel?

Q Describe a satisfying three-course meal.

Seared tuna loin with soya mayonnaise, cauliﬂower and caramel popcorn; springbok loin with red cabbage, mustard and parsley, and then sinful chocolate with Black Forest ham, hazelnut and cherry. Terrace Restaurant, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. +27 (0)11 804 2540, fairlawns.co.za

Pretty parlour

Green Point’s new Petticoat Parlour is a step back in time to the 1950s. The interiors are inspired by the American diner aesthetic, with candyﬂoss colours and iconic old-school motifs on the walls. Not only is it an all-round beauty salon specialising in manis, pedis, facials and massages, but it is also a place to hang out, drink ‘sodas’ and coffee and nibble on cupcakes. +27 (0)21 434 9484, petticoatparlour.co.za

8 | July/August 2011

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher and Nicky Manson

There is much more attention to detail in a boutique hotel in every way, from taking the call for a reservation to seeing customers off after their stay.

HOT PROPERTY

HOT SHOP

Chocoholics take note

Inspired choices to warm you up from the inside out.

A recent addition to the stable of artisanal Woodstock is CocoáFair. The shop is ﬁtted

THE BEST OF BRITISH

with glass panels, allowing the public to

Vivienne Westwood has

view the art of ﬁne chocolate making.

fashioned a three- piece silk

The chocolate is organic, with most

coat modelled on the Union

ingredients sourced locally. All proﬁts will

Jack to adorn the bottles

be invested in social projects, including

of a limited edition of the

education and training in entrepreneurial

super- premium Chivas

skills and, of course, chocolate making,

Regal 18-Year-Old Gold

giving you even more reason to indulge.

Signature Scotch whisky.

+27 (0)82 539 5214, cocoafair.com

+27 (0)21 408 8800,

food shops at the Old Biscuit Mill in

chivas.com

SUAVE SUEDE Superga has launched a men’s suede boot shoe in various shades, adding a pop of colour to the winter blues. +27 (0)11 608 0023, superga.co.za

The purest of hearts

New to the organic restaurant scene is Wynberg eatery, Organic At Heart. The restaurant grows most of its own veggies, herbs and salads in an organic garden

WORTHY WALLETS

complete with the happiest bees and ladybirds and even guinea fowl, Egyptian

These funky looking wallets from Cape Town-based NGO Mamelani Projects

geese and resident hadedas. Organic at Heart is set in a beautiful national

really add some fun and functionality to the notion of recycling. Made from

monument thatched home, making a meal here good for mind, body and soul.

some of SA’s best-loved grocery packaging, they are the perfect gift for the

+27 (0)21 797 0180, organicatheart.co.za

‘greenie’ in your life. +27 (0)21 448 2725, mamelani.org.za

Cheese with a conscience

Just outside Ficksburg in the Free State is the family-run Uitkyk Farm, home to Green Goose Organics. Foodies around the country cannot get enough of the Goose’s organic Ficksburger reblochon, asiago, halloumi and mature boerekaas. The milk is produced by the happy, 100%-grass-fed cows that

GUCCI GOES RETRO

live on this eco- sensitive farm, so it’s a given that the taste and texture of

Taking its cue from the hard-edged glamour of the late ’70s, Gucci’s

the cheese is ambrosial. +27 (0)82 925 2770, greengoose.co.za

Pre- Fall 2011–12 collection has just hit SA. +27 (0)21 421 8800, gucci.com

July/August 2011 | 9

HOT PROPERTY

HOT DECOR & DESIGN KATIE THOMPSON

Add depth to your surfaces with these items.

of interior design and

has the gift of being

Boho flair

able to transform

colours and an interesting mix of patterns and

the ordinary into

prints. We love these pom-pom scatter cushions

the extraordinary.

and richly coloured glass goblets.

She tells us why

086 010 0987, woolworths.co.za

upcycled- furniture company, Recreate,

Spring/Summer 2011 at Woolies is all about bright

hoarding is not such a bad habit, and gives us her top tips for upcycling old interior pieces.

Q How did the idea for your company, Recreate, come about?

Recreate happened very quickly and hasn’t

really stopped. A combination of a few factors led to the original idea. I always wanted to start my own business. I have a background in and a passion for interior design. And I’m a hoarder with an overactive imagination! Being offered a space to exhibit at Decorex Cape 2009 made the idea a reality – I started Recreate in February 2009 and launched with a range of products at Decorex Cape three months later.

Q How do you implement green strategies in the day-to-day running of your business? Being a hoarder really helps! I don’t throw anything away, from paper to envelopes to bits of string to bubble wrap to old boxes and everything in between. Envelopes are reused as envelopes again. Boxes and other store packets are recreated into our own brand of packaging and price tags. Paper is reused until

Something beginning with ‘M’ Cape Town-based M-Interiors offers a range of

there is not much left to write or scribble on:

furniture pieces as an extension of its interior design

if it looks pretty, I keep it to make gift cards; if

business. There is something about this particular

not, then it’s recycled. All glass jars and plastic

piece, the Orchid dining chair, that makes us go

containers are kept for storage – we haven’t

‘Mmm …’ +27 (0)21 448 8739, m-interiors.co.za

and will never have a need to buy Tupperware or other ofﬁce storage. Need I continue?

Other than giving sentimental old pieces a

new lick of paint and adding modern ﬁnishes

Burning the candle at both ends Yuppie Gadgets introduces the Tanglabra,

to bring them back to life, you can change the

a candelabra that can be twisted into

function of a piece that no longer serves its

curves, loops and knots. The ﬂexible

original or outdated purpose. I constantly ask

chrome stem supports two candles in any

myself: Will it work upside down, sideways, or

position you choose. +27 (0)83 641 7259,

inside out? Does it work hanging on a wall or

urbangadgets.co.za

from the ceiling? If yes, then it could be a light. Does it have a door – if not, why not? Does it have hinges – if not, why not? … And I see it as a cupboard. Does it have a straight surface? If yes, then it could be a shelf. Anything is possible. +27 (0)21 447 0007, recreate.za.net

10 | July/August 2011

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

Q Any tips for people wanting to upcycle their old furniture?

HOT PROPERTY

HOT DECOR & DESIGN

Plush pickings for you to customise your comfort zones.

Sleeping beauties

New to Coricraft is their Sleep Studio, a facility that allows customers to style their bedrooms from a range of seven key looks that include everything

Florence frenzy

from linen and headboards to bed-ends and chests. 086 111 4779, coricraft.co.za

The sights and sounds of Florence are the inspiration for the Firenze Collection by interior design consultancy, Malibu & Resort. We adore these scatter cushions, which are made from silk and have a dupion silk lining. +27 (0)21 419 3533, malibusofts.co.za

Whoa – magnificent

Womag (previously the World of Marble & Granite) has introduced its Phoenix Stone collection. Combining 93% natural quartz with high-grade resins and pigments, it offers the best of both worlds – a range of appealing interior surfaces that are non-porous as well as shock, scratch, heat and stain resistant. +27 (0)21 447 6161, womag.co.za

Wicked wicks

Sobeit Studio in Muizenberg is behind these unusual candles that have been seen at various design hotspots, restaurants and bars around Cape Town. We love the candles’ colours and the tongue-in-cheek approach that Sobeit takes towards traditional imagery. +27 (0)21 788 9007, sobeitstudio.com

This is a stick-up

Our love affair with vinyl wall stickers continues. My Wall Tattoos now offers inspiring quotes and phrases as part of this growing trend. +27 (0)21 802 4215, mywalltattoos.com

July/August 2011 | 11

HOT PROPERTY

HOT STUFF

RECHARGE THE LOT Mobile technology company, Idapt, has announced its latest creation: the Idapt i1 Eco Dual Universal Charger. Made from recycled materials and suitable for most electronic devices, this eco-friendly charger is designed to minimise your carbon footprint while you recharge your gadgets. It meets Energy Star standards and has an ‘auto-off’ function that powers down the device automatically when it’s not in use or when charging is ﬁnished. A car adapter, which comes included, means you can use the charger not only when

EGG TIMER

you’re at home or in the ofﬁce, but also when you’re on the go. The Idapt i1 Eco has two points of charge, a USB port and an interchangeable ‘tip’

Tell the time the natural way with the Gaia Egg

port, making it compatible with over

Water Clock. Based on the latest long-life H2O

4 000 different devices, including

technology, this nifty, egg-shaped gadget is

iPads, iPhones, BlackBerries,

Nintendo PSP, XBOX controllers,

clear LCD display. Simply add water to the body

GPS systems and Bluetooth

of the egg every 6 to 12 months to activate it,

products. Order it online for

and enjoy free energy. The Gaia Egg Water Clock

$24,99 (about R170).

also has an alarm, and a temperature gauge in degrees Celcius. R155 online.

Gaia Egg Water Clock: +27 (0)21 701 2028, sustainable.co.za | Idapt i1 Eco Dual Universal Charger: idaptweb.com

WHAT’S ON Xmas in July with Evita, until 31 July SA’s favourite tannie, Evita Bezuidenhout, will be entertaining guests at her Darling abode, Evita se Perron, with a buffet around a crackling ﬁre. Tannie Evita, alter ego of renowned political satirist, Pieter-Dirk Uys, guarantees a laugh riot. Tickets priced ‘to suit your pocket’. +27 (0)22 492 3930, evita.co.za

Stellenbosch Wine Festival, 28–31 July Franschhoek Bastille Festival, 16–17 July

The 10th Annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival is once again being held at the Paul Roos Centre, where there will be over 500 Stellenbosch wines for visitors to sample

Franschhoek will be celebrating its French Huguenot heritage at its yearly

along with gourmet delights from the region’s top chefs. Educational wine and food

Bastille Festival over this weekend. The Food and Wine Marquee, always

workshops will also be held. Tickets from R120. +27 (0)21 886 4310,

the focal point of the two-day festival, will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

wineroute.co.za; webtickets.co.za

Visitors can sample a wide selection of cuisine, including oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses, charcuterie, hand-made chocolates and local

Robertson Slow Festival, 5–7 August

salmon trout. Not to be missed are the farmers’ market, craft market

Along the popular and scenic Route 62, only 90 minutes from Cape Town, is

stalls, musicians, and children’s activities. For those wanting to appreciate

Robertson Wine Valley, place of the annual Robertson Slow Festival. Guests will get

French heritage in comfort, the Screening Room at Le Quartier Français

to sample the honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality that’s synonymous with the

will be screening French movies the whole weekend. Day pass: R100/day.

valley’s wine-making community. If slow food and good wine are your idea of a fun

+27 (0)21 876 2861, franschhoek.org.za; webtickets.co.za

time, then you won’t want to miss this. +27 (0)23 626 3167, robertsonslow.com

12 | July/August 2011

PROMOTION

REGAL tastes Having cooked for members of Britain’s royal family, Salt & Pepper Catering guarantees you’ll dine like royalty.

HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM, JAMES AND GUSHELAH SHIPTON,

are committed to providing topnotch catering for exceptional events via their business, Salt & Pepper Catering. James reveals how their passion for catering began

when

they

cooked

for

royalty in the United Kingdom, why he loves to braai and what his most popular dishes are at the moment. How did Salt & Pepper Catering come to be? My wife Gushelah and I both had the privilege of working in the United Kingdom for a prestigious catering company, Party Ingredients. We catered for royal events, such as the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday, the Queen’s golden wedding anniversary and the Queen’s Annual Tea Party, held at Buckingham Palace for 2 000 guests. Our dream to have our own catering company began there, and we started Salt & Pepper Catering in January 2004. What is your favourite dish to prepare? Any food that is cooked over an open fire. I love to braai, particularly in Cape Town in the summer. Which dish is the most popular with your customers? Food trends are changing all the time and our clients are always looking for something different. At the moment our bowl food and mini meals menus are popular. Dishes that are often ordered include the smoked duck breast with poached baby pear and blue cheese brûlée; and the salad of chargrilled calamari with cannellini beans, wild rocket and chilli. How important is the use of organic products to you and in what ways do you exercise green principles? When possible we make use of green practices in our kitchen. We try to make use of local suppliers and use as much seasonal produce as we can, avoiding imported products. We also try to recycle as much as possible. In our kitchen there is very little waste, if any. Any leftover food is donated to children in need. What is your food philosophy? Our philosophy and approach to food is quite simple: freshness, quality and seasonal produce form the basis for all our menus. We pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients, and all of our dishes are produced in our own kitchens. We firmly believe that we are only as good as the last meal we served, that we always offer good value for money and that each customer is as important as the next. +27 (0)21 982 3727, saltandpeppercatering.co.za

July/August 2011 | 13

PRIME PROPERTY

AND

SIMPLE Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Sally Chance

Shake the sand from your feet and stars from your eyes – this little gem is architect Joy Brasler’s beach cottage.

t began as a simple shed. Well, that’s what Joy Brasler calls it, and if you pare away the layers, its uncomplicated lines and shapes are there at its heart. It remained that simple shed for eight years, with all the carefree attributes and basic drawbacks of the old South Coast beach cottages: little ’50s windows, one bathroom for all, sunfilter curtains, everybody’s second-hand furniture and what Joy describes familiarly as ‘boerewors’ carpeting throughout. But there comes a time when this lifestyle needs to move up a few notches, when more privacy is needed, layers of comfort are required and amenities need to be introduced, or at least tailored. Realistically, our needs have

shifted quite substantially in the last decade, particularly in the realm of communications, security and sustainability, and these were important drivers for Joy’s reinvention of ‘the shed’. The KZN South Coast is, above all, unpretentious, and there can’t be many coastlines worldwide that offer kilometre after kilometre of perfect, tucked-away escapes such as this one. Half an hour from Durban, light years from the city, when the gate of St Helier’s cottage glides shut behind you, you’re invisible to everyone other than those at sea. The ocean (and that includes worldrenowned dive site, Aliwal Shoal) and all of

its moods are the permanent live theatre, and the curtain is always up. Joy’s design concepts were premised on the family’s determination to retain the existing scale of the house: ‘We didn’t want a vast, double-storey mansion; we love the “bungalow” thing and the ease of it.’ That meant she could stretch the shed, but not raise it. For Joy, the relationship of building to landscape and sea was a constant consideration. Most properties fronting the coastline are set on sloping or undulating plots, so level land is limited. Dunes are telling features of the landscape, so while Joy reshaped the land to gain additional space, she retained these

signature contours wherever possible. It felt important to collaborate with the landscape, so together with friend and passionate landscaper, Dennis Dyas, she created a dune. Joy says, ‘I remember shaping that dune with our hands, and when had we finished, we asked each other how it looked. It looked as if it had always been here, as if nothing had happened.’ Perfect. Dune and local foliage were sourced tirelessly by Dennis – ‘He even scoured the muti market for bulbs,’ says Joy – and he replicated elements of the landscape with extreme attention to detail. The rear vegetation-covered dune not only creates privacy and a water-wise, wind-resistant

Opposite The wall on the far left is built from stone sourced from a local quarry and encloses a relaxed, feet-in-the-sand outdoor eating space. Alongside it is the deck, where multipurpose shutters provide ﬁltered light for life on the outdoor deck, while the pool and sea beyond colour in the vista.

July/August 2011 | 15

PRIME PROPERTY

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The rear vegetation-covered dune not only creates privacy and a water-wise, wind-resistant environment, but has also become part of something bigger: plant material has become a living element of the architecture.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

16 | July/August 2011

PRIME PROPERTY

Opposite, clockwise from top Sunrise to sunset, the house is wide open to the sea; the uniformity of the smoked-oak laminate flooring and panelling contributes to the calming lack of clutter; double bunks times two – always room for friends to overnight. This page, left to right The elemental indoor/outdoor bathroom; a vast mirror ensures this bedroom retains a sense of place.

environment, but has also become part of something bigger: plant material has become a living element of the architecture. The west side of the house is berthed into the dune, and where the new shower rooms extend out from the old structure, Joy has created towering cathedrals that will soon be covered in foliage. Effectively, with tactile wood decking and panelling, there’s a joyful outdoor feel to the showers, and the foliage will provide green privacy. One of the key features of the cottage’s revival was the guest suite, and Joy chose to level the front garden and excavate beneath. From the rear of the property there’s a particularly Japanese approach to the front, with grassed stairs leading up onto the perfectly flat lawn and defined incisions down to the lower level. The intention was for the guest suite to be ‘another world’, and it is – descend through the upper lawn and

there, bedded into the contour, is a private, self-contained haven with its own deck and glorious sea views. Joy admits to a certain sense of freedom when it came to establishing a limited footprint: ‘My own property, I could explore unproven technologies in a way I can’t do with clients. I could question my design, ask myself whether things could be handled in a more minimalist way without losing amenities. The bigger things are, the more service, cleaning, moving is needed.’ A shrug. ‘Makes me wonder why the typical house is so big, because it feels so perfect here, and we can run it by ourselves.’ Joy played with ideas and materials, installed solar panels, submerged rainwater tanks and concealed dumps in the deck for recycling glass, plastic and so on. The solar control (shutters) doubles as security, and there’s maximum use of cross-ventilation in the home. Effectively,

when all the doors are open, the living room is another veranda. Joy loves the Swiss-Army-knife analogy for the house, and it’s clear why. With the shutters in particular, the cottage is designed to open up, unfold, discharge people, fun, all the elements needed for the day … and then later, fold down compactly for security or when they’re not there. Inspired quite simply by the setting, the ocean, the interiors have a quiet, understated palette. The furniture inside and out is the same, and everything, bar small detail, is standardised and customised. Texture is as much a player as colour and shade, so surfaces include honed Carrara marble, beach pebble floors, grey oak, sandblasted timber and ‘chunky carpets for rolling around … like a pebble beach’, says Joy. ‘The palette is deliberately subdued – everybody arrives with noisy cossies, children, mags, pool

toys and kikois. It’s a stage for all that.’ It’s true that we see these weekend hideaways as something outside of our real lives. Joy prefers the idea that this is their real life: ‘It’s where we play Monopoly with the kids, do some real parenting and treat each other well, as opposed to the rush and precision that defines our Monday-to-Friday lives. Coming here is a grounding experience, feet in the sand, a place where we pick mussels, cook together, entertain far more than at home, and relish the simpler elements, like fire, water and sunsets.’ And then, on cue, the hallmark South Coast train. It’s kind of familiar and comforting, and although it’s below the sight line, it’s there, close, tucked into Dennis’s wonderful world of indigenous plants, and marks time that otherwise would pass entirely unnoticed were it not for the changing light over the ocean.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for a look at other

With thanks to …

extraordinary homes across the country.

Joy Brasler Architects, +27 (0)31 208 7810

July/August 2011 | 17

he views from this private beachfront estate, Water’s Edge, are awe inspiring, with majestic Table Mountain on the left and Robben Island to the front. Separating you from the sea are small stretches of beach and nature reserve, with Cape Town’s iconic attractions being almost tangible from this position. This was the starting point for the owners of this property, who live in Europe but holiday regularly in Cape Town. The couple bought the double plot with the intention of building both a main house for themselves as well as a guest house to accommodate their large families on holiday. Stephan Fuchs of Germany-based Fuchs Wacker Architects, and local practice, Craft of Architecture (COA), collaborated on the project: Stephan did the sketches, and COA interpreted them and did the groundwork. For Ian Gray and Victoria Wood, respectively the co- founder of COA and the project architect, the biggest challenge when interpreting the brief was to stick to a slick, minimalist aesthetic while retaining a beach house character. ‘The clients

LIVING ON THE

EDGE

Opposite top Tabor Construction (formerly De Rooy Construction) is renowned for delivering top-quality builds in the luxury and new homes market since 2005. The family-owned business has a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff who ensure customer satisfaction by delivering quality building end products. Tabor Construction regards every one of

Big Bay is big business when it comes to luxury houses with world-class views. A double-plot home captures all the glamour of new residential estate, Water’s Edge.

its projects as important, be it a building project, a renovation, a remodelling job or repairs, and ﬁnishes each job to the highest standard. Opposite bottom With its simple, clean lines, this modern beach front home maximises the beach lifestyle and views while offering a wind-protected pool and garden. Focusing on passive design principles, Craft of Architecture (COA) also layered the house with an extensive sliding timber shutter system that allows the building to be manipulated to suit the

Words Genevieve Fisher

changing sun and weather patterns.

ON SHOW

Tabor Construction, +27 (0)21 551 6495

knew exactly what they wanted, and they have an impeccable eye for design,’ Ian explains. ‘The desired aesthetic was very much based on a simple design style, which is very uncluttered and seemingly effortless.’ Victoria adds, ‘What people don’t realise is that achieving this minimalist look is often a lot more complicated than it seems, and most features in the house we had to custom-make ourselves or had to import.’ The home has a total living area of roughly 600m2, including the adjoining guest house. The main double-storey house has three bedrooms and two master bedrooms, both with bathrooms en suite, as well as a sauna room leading onto the courtyard and pool with a 6m wide pergola of Canadian cedar fitted by Nkoba Marine. The main house is spacious and the indooroutdoor flow is almost seamless, as there are sliding glass doors stretching across the entire open-plan living, dining and cooking areas, which lead onto a deck that seems to go on for kilometres. The thing about Big Bay that has the potential to put a damper on any holiday trip is the Cape’s notorious southeaster. The design team solved this problem by designing the pool courtyard area as a buffer, so that not a breath of wind is felt. ‘The pool courtyard is its own little enclave and is completely wind proof. We know

this, as we worked through the summer on the house and the “Cape Doctor” was howling, yet the courtyard was peaceful,’ says Victoria. Another thing that was solved expertly by the design team was the estate’s restriction on windows being placed in the southern facade: ‘We installed lengthy skylights on the second floor, extending through the passageway and connecting the kids’ bedrooms to the one master bedroom. This solved the potential problem of minimal light, and we used the south walls for extra cupboard space.’ But the most striking aspect of the home is the ample amount of wood that has been used. Western cedar and afromosia, to be specific. The exterior sides of the ground floor sliding doors all have sliding cedar shutters for privacy. ‘The great thing about cedar,’ says Ian, ‘is that it’s an incredibly lightweight timber that is also very durable when exposed to the elements. This makes it ideal for external cladding, and allowed us to design large shutters that do not need to be varnished and that will develop a distressed look over time, which adds to the uncomplicated beach house feel.’ When you walk through the house, you see wood everywhere you look, from the floors to the wall cladding to the solid timber staircase rail. The timber work, done by Franz Panzer of wooden floor

Kiwi Timber Decking, +27 (0)11 477 4000

COA, +27 (0)21 685 8881

July/August 2011 | 19

ON SHOW

Nkoba Marine, +27 082 926 0458

ABOUT COA ... Ian Gray and John van Wyk founded Craft of Architecture (COA) five years ago after spending four years together as directors of a design firm responsible for large-scale projects in the Middle East. They immediately asked Michal Korycki to join them, and set about moulding a practice concentrating on work in southern Africa in a reaction to what was becoming a ‘soulless’ endeavour in the Middle East. By melding the vast experience gained in delivering massive projects abroad with a desire to be more personal and creative in its approach, COA now delivers simple, creative solutions for both small and large projects. COA prides itself on its intellectual capability to produce innovative, cutting-edge ideas and solutions, encompassing all building types, ranging from single residential, resort and hospitality, corporate brand architecture, infrastructure and bridges through to large commercial and urban design projects. Their services incorporate all stages of design and contract management, reinforced by strong in-house presentation abilities that allow clients to envisage or market the vision during the early conceptual stages of the design process.

Professionals list: COA – Architecture +27 (0)21 685 8881, mail@coasite.com, coasite.com Edifice Consulting Engineers – Engineering Consultants +27 (0)21 919 9405, info@edifice.co.za, edifice.co.za Excellent Aluminium Systems – Aluminium Windows & Doors +27 (0)83 266 3120, sales@excellentaluminium.co.za, excellentaluminium.co.za Nkoba Marine – Marine Style Architectural Balustrades +27 082 926 0458, nkoba@mweb.co.za, nkoba.co.za Stable Marketing – Wooden Flooring Specialists +27 (0)21 593 5540, info@stablemarketing.co.za, stablemarketing.co.za Tabor Construction – Builders +27 (0)21 551 6495, tabor@mweb.co.za

20 | July/August 2011

Stable Marketing, +27 (0)21 593 5540

ON SHOW and decking specialists, Stable Marketing, is impeccable. Another standout feature is the openplan kitchen, fitted out by Reto Kitchens with Euro Appliances devices and gadgets. perched on the counters. The central granite block, supplied by Mazista Tiles, is the most dramatic feature – it is 1,7m × 3,1m in size and is made up of two slabs. The two master bathrooms are also sights to behold. Still Bathrooms sourced the products, including the cocoon-shaped baths, which are as elegant as they are minimalist, and whole sheets of glass that have been used for the shower cladding.

The symmetry of the house is flawless. Not to mention that it functions like a well-oiled machine. According to Victoria, this is because the synergy between the project team members was amazing: ‘We all worked so well together, and the contractors on the project, Klaas de Rooy (who is the client’s uncle) and Hans de Kwaadsteniet of Tabor Construction deserve a special mention as they are to a large extent responsible for the successful result. From the beginning, both of them brought a lot of passion and positive energy to the client’s vision and in turn to our achievement.’

Excellent Aluminium Systems, +27 (0)83 266 3120

Opposite, top Nkoba Marine structurally engineered and installed the 6m-span poolside pergola in the courtyard, as well as the first-floor sunscreen and architect designed balustrades. Nkoba Marine used stainless steel tubing beams for strength and clad them with attractive cedar wood. Opposite, bottom right Stable Marketing, established in 1984, specialises in the supply, manufacture and installation of high-quality solid timber product. Its scope of work on this house included this solid afromosia stairway, as well as the sauna, wall cladding and sliding screens in western red cedar, Ipe decking (without visible screws) and solid afromosia flooring (with machine installed oil wax) specially constructed for underfloor heating with hot water. Right Impressive windows and doors from Excellent Aluminium, a distributor of Schüco, have become an emblem of urban life. They symbolise architectural creativity and endow a building with an unmistakable character. In terms of energy efficiency, they offer the best thermal insulation and integrated ventilation. Below Edifice Consulting Engineers was responsible for all aspects of structural engineering design on the project. Edifice Consulting Engineers is committed to offering its clients a personalised service, providing innovative and cost–effective solutions that will ensure an end product that will not only be delivered on time, but also will exceed client expectations.

Ediﬁce Consulting Engineers, +27 (0)21 919 9405

July/August 2011 | 21

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GREEN BUILDING

Treading lightly ‘Green’ is not a new buzzword, but it certainly is still current, and residential and commercial properties are now being built with green measures and initiatives firmly in place. Words Nicky Manson, Photographs Tim Lake Additional photographs courtesy Melrose Arch

HOT TIP Save money o! utility bills a n household run nd costs with the ning of eco auditohr elp and consultan s ts.

hen it comes to reducing the country’s carbon

So it makes perfect sense that for our Green issue we visited GBCSA

footprint, the ﬁrst name that comes to mind is the

CEO Bruce Kerswill at his newly built home, which personiﬁes the best of

Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). With

green architecture and design. Bruce also shares some tips on how you

the backing of the South African Property Owners

can make your own home greener. And when it comes to commercial

Association, the GBCSA is responsible for creating an awareness of

buildings, Melrose Arch is considered the frontrunner of new-urban

how buildings, neighbourhoods and cities increase our carbon footprint,

developments in South Africa. We explore how this popular Gauteng ‘live,

and for the development of rating tools that will help us to reduce the

work, play’ node is helping its residents and commercial tenants reduce

environmental damage caused by urbanisation.

their energy consumption and carbon footprints.

July/August 2011 | 23

The GREEN HOUSE effect Bruce Kerswill heads up the Green Building Council of South Africa, so its only natural that his newly built home sets the standard in sustainable, eco-friendly residential design.

Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs Tim Lake

ruce Kerswill is fervently evangelical

of architects, contractors and engineers. And do

concrete was reclaimed from the previous house

about being sensitive to our natural

ample research, of course. ‘Working with the team

that stood on the property. What isn’t apparent

environment in everything he does.

of professionals that I did, there were very few

to the naked eye is the way in which the design

Two years ago, Bruce, executive

challenges. The pool of skills and expertise available

complements the green functionality of the home.

chairman of the Green Building Council of South

through the professional team made the process

The south-facing windows, for instance, are double

Africa (GBCSA), decided to build his family a home

so much easier and the enthusiasm and excitement

glazed, to retain heat in winter, while the glass doors

that was as eco-friendly as possible, to serve as

for the project from all parties involved made it a

in the north facing conservatory conserve heat in

an example to others. ‘Through my work with the

pleasure,’ says Bruce.

winter..The discreet, intelligently designed gutter

GBCSA I spent a lot of time dealing with people

Standing in the landscaped garden, the ﬁrst

system along the exterior walls catches rainwater,

and organisations, trying to persuade them of the

thing you notice about the house is its size. With

which ﬂows through various box ﬁlters before it

merits of green building, and I felt it was important

a generous ﬂoor area of 540m2, the double-storey

is channelled to the 10 Jojo tanks at the back of

that I put the green building principles that I am so

house in Newlands looks more like a chic boutique

the house, which can hold 50 000L of rainwater

passionate about into practice within my own home.

hotel than a residence, let alone a functional,

at any given time. Patches of roof garden planted

I also felt it was important to showcase what can be

eco- friendly one. The second thing is its aesthetic

with indigenous ﬂora assist in insulating the home,

done on a domestic front and to show other South

appeal, which can be attributed to Rohan Young

encourage biodiversity and are watered via a drip

African homeowners how they too can “go green” in

of Young Architecture, who worked in consultation

system that minimises evaporation.

their homes,’ says Bruce.

with Venon Collis of Collis and Associates the

Almost anything is possible, says Bruce, provided you work with a professional and enthusiastic team

24 | July/August 2011

One of Bruce’s favourite features of the home

sustainable systems consultant. Much of the building

is the natural-looking swimming pool. ‘We enlisted

material, such as the bricks, wooden beams and

the help of Jerome Davis from Aqua Designs, who

GREEN BUILDING

BRUCE’S TIPS FOR GREENING YOUR HOME • Get help from a professional to guide you through the process of greening your home. • Consider your budget, as well as your focus area, such as the kitchen, the living room or the garden. • Look at reusing materials wherever you can, as this can save you a lot of money. • Look at ways to decrease the use of electricity. Use gas for cooking and wood for heating, for example. • Collect or save water by using rainwater barrels and low-ﬂow shower heads. Monitor how much water you use in your garden, when you use it for how long, as this will help you save water. • The most important things to consider are your behaviour and consumption patterns. You can throw a whole lot of technology at greening your home but if your usage is not being monitored, then it’s pointless. Watch how much water and electricity you use. Switch things off when you are not using them. Just by changing your behaviour, you Clockwise from opposite left The home is a symphony of sustainability; not a drop of rain-water goes to waste; the kitchen

can make a difference to greening your home.

has solid bamboo cladding, countertops of reconstituted CaesarStone and FSC-certified flooring; most building materials were reclaimed from the first house on the site; gas for the hob is generated in the biodigester (bottom left); solar panel meters.

designed a pool that has two sections,’ he explains.

solid bamboo cladding on the cabinets and recycled

and reconstruction’. He says, ‘We took down the

‘The swimming area drains into the reed bed with is

CaesarStone countertops, as well as a gas hob

previous house layer by layer and labelled all the

own natural ecosystem, like a mountain stream.’ He

fuelled by an underground biodigester in the

materials in each layer, which took six weeks. No

adds, ‘Although the water looks murky and brown it

backyard. Dual-ﬂush toilets help conserve water.

bulldozers were used and the materials we didn’t

is drinkable.’

Bruce’s favourite feature within the home is

need were given to the builders for their personal

the ﬂooring. Here, a layer of recycled under-felt is

use. The result is that much of the timber and

make full use of natural light. Rohan has placed large

topped with timber that’s been approved by the

old bricks from the previous home have been

windows across the upper half of the living spaces,

Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC. ‘I love the entire

incorporated into the walls and beaming in this one,

and these catch the sun at all the best angles as

house. But if I had to choose my favourite feature

even the fencing of the old pool has been employed

the day progresses. When it comes to artiﬁcial

it would be the wooden ﬂoors, which are made of

for reinforcing. The mortar used is comprised of

lighting, the house is ﬁtted out with LED dimmable

FSC-certiﬁed timber, and the variety of other woods

two-thirds of sand from the site and one-third

lights, and all electronic appliances and ﬁttings are

used throughout the house that were recycled from

builder’s sand. We also identiﬁed the valuable trees,

the original building on the property,’ says Bruce.

transported them to another location and when the

The interior of the home has been designed to

installed by MLT Drives. (The energy from the panels

What adds substantially to Bruce’s home’s green

garden was being landscaped by Clare Burgess,

is channelled to an inverter in a back room and from

credentials is that the majority of the materials

replanted them in it,’ he said. Malcolm and Rohan

there is distributed to the rest of the house.)

were recycled from the old house that stood here,

say that this project has motivated them to be more

including building materials, the pool fencing

aware of eco-friendly practices in their respective

environment into account in one way or another.

and the trees. Building contractor Malcolm Grant

ﬁelds and that they’re very excited about green

In the kitchen, for example, green features include

describes the process as one of ‘deconstruction

building. Call it the ‘green house effect’.

Every element of the interior takes the

July/August 2011 | 25

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GREEN BUILDING

OVERARCHING GREEN GOALS

Melrose Arch is a prime example of just how eco-friendly a development founded on the principles of new urbanism can be. Words Nicky Manson Images courtesy Melrose Arch

Above The newly launched Forty on Oak, the third phase of the residential component of Melrose Arch, is now selling off plan. It offers residents a trendy, futuristic lifestyle where they’ll

not only enjoy being at the centre of one of Jo’burg’s hottest social spots, but also the beneﬁts of living in an eco-sensitive, pedestrian-friendly zone.

elrose Arch was built according to

With people living closer to each other, walking

efﬁciency were also put in place, to reduce direct

the precepts of new urbanism, a

more and taking advantage of public transport,

consumption. A district cooling plant harvests

design movement that promotes

cities have powerful environmental advantages.’

waste heat from the chilled-water generators

pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods

How and where you build residential dwellings,

and distributes it, running cooled water to all commercial tenants and homeowners.

that mix residential, working and recreational

ofﬁce space and retail space, restaurants and public

areas. Eco-friendliness is one of new urbanism’s

areas also makes a difference, and Melrose Arch,

core concepts. Since its inception in 1996, the

Johannesburg’s greatest example of a mixed- use

Melrose Arch are automatic meter readings for

Melrose Arch Brain’s Trust, comprised principally

environment, has taken these into account

water and electricity, while piped gas from Egoli

of Osmond Lange Architects, Arup Consulting

effectively and created a secure pedestrian lifestyle

Gas is used to minimise the reliance on electricity.

Engineers and Bell Page and Pilling (now WSP)

that results in decreased vehicular use.

‘This has all resulted in undoubtedly the most

wanted to maximise the energy efﬁciency

Several initiatives that were introduced at the

Other green measures undertaken throughout

energy-efﬁcient mixed-use precinct in the RSA,

inherent to the new urbanism approach to energy

beginning of the construction of the Arch, and

and the load factor of an average 73% is testimony

consumption. John Norquist, former president

which are still in place, include ‘contra-cyclical

to the vision of these pioneers in green building

and CEO of the Congress for New Urbanism, once

tenant usage on energy demand’, meaning that

design,’ says Nigel Pilling, former director of WSP

summed up its beneﬁts perfectly: ‘We would use

the Arch’s entertainment and hotels’ energy usage

Consulting Engineers.

less energy, living closer together. High-rise cities

does not coincide with the ofﬁces’ and shops’.

like Philadelphia and New York rarely come to mind

Thermal efﬁciency in the design of the facade and

development of hotels, shops and ofﬁces and

as models of environmentalism, but they should.

the roof and other design guidelines for energy

the successful completion of Phases 1 and 2 of its

Following on from the Arch’s massive

July/August 2011 | 27

GREEN BUILDING

Top Concept stores of high-street fashion and other consumer brands add to the exclusivity of Melrose Arch. Top Central to the philosophy of new urbanism is ‘walkability’. Residents are able to stroll pedestrian-friendly streets that are free of polluting automobiles.

residential development, Phase 3, named Forty on

Criteria include: being built to last, being able to

homeowners to monitor their energy usage, Forty

Oak, is now under way, and aims even higher when

accommodate change, and being situated in a

on Oak residences will be ﬁtted with technology

it comes to reducing its carbon footprint. Forty

neighbourhood that will remain desirable. These

that feeds energy consumption information to

on Oak offers a pristine environment, perfectly

all apply to Melrose Arch, and the developers are

residents directly via their cellphones.

maintained and secure, and in close proximity to

pulling out all the stops to establish the Arch as a

amenities, shopping, banking services, al fresco

green lung in Johannesburg. ‘“When” – not “if”’ they

‘live, work, play’ ethos, in step with our times. And

dining and so much more. ‘It’s a privileged lifestyle,’

receive this rating,’ says Guy, ‘Forty on Oak will

so it makes sense that Melrose Arch as a whole

says Melrose Arch General Manager, Guy Gordon.

be SA’s ﬁrst residential development to have this

encourages a green, sustainable lifestyle. But that

‘We have adopted the lessons learnt from our ﬁrst

accolade. We are conﬁdent we will achieve this.’

is just one aspect of a more holistic approach, says

The beauty of living in Melrose Arch lies in its

Josef Quraishi of Amdec: ‘One must sustain that

two residential phases and have assimilated them

Forty on Oak will build on the existing

successfully into Forty on Oak, for the betterment

green infrastructure to further reduce energy

energy, and urban revival is just as important. We

of the residential offering.’

consumption: special building materials will be used

endeavour to bring sustainable and new urban

to reduce noise pollution; natural cross ventilation

practices into this project.’ These practices include

concept of living, a different concept of lifestyle,

will be incorporated to minimise the need for air

employing a dedicated Gautrain route, bus stops

where the pedestrian dominates.’ One of the

conditioning; gas ﬁreplaces and solar-controlled

and a taxi rank within Melrose Arch. Melrose Arch is

most exciting things about this residential phase

glazing will be ﬁtted as alternative sources of

certainly serving as a benchmark for new urbanism

is its aim of achieving a Four-Star Green Star

warmth; energy-efﬁcient internal lighting and light

and a move in the right direction – a move towards

SA rating. The Green Star rating tool is a way to

ﬁttings will be used; and ﬁttings in bathrooms and

sustainable green business and lifestyle practices

measure the performance of individual buildings

kitchens will be designed to address high water

that other developments in SA would be wise to

in reducing energy and resources required in the

consumption. Sustainable building materials will

emulate.

construction and long-term running of the building.

be used, and will be locally sourced. To encourage

melrosearch.co.za

Amdec CEO James Wilson says, ‘It’s a different

28 | July/August 2011

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THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

he drive along the N2 from Cape Town towards the Garden Route is one of the most idyllic stretches of road in the country. Reaching as far as Port Elizabeth, the 741km drive through the Overberg gets more and more enchanting as Table Mountain grows tinier and tinier in your rear-view mirror. This is particularly so in winter, after the first rains, when the hills are coloured every shade of green imaginable, accentuated by deep purple and orange fynbos and dotted with herds of cattle and quaint, colonial padstals. It really is beautiful, and feels a lot like the English countryside, like the land of Peter Rabbit and Co. Eventually, as you pass Mossel Bay, out pops the Indian Ocean on your right, and on the left the landscape starts to change dramatically. Along Kaaimans Pass on the way to Wilderness, the flora comes alive. The greenery is wild and untamed, the forest canopies seemingly unending. Adding to the drama is the little

strip of highway you’re on, flanked by the blue and white ribbons of the ocean. You know you are now driving along the Garden Route, and the feeling of insignificance against the vast grandeur of nature this part of the world offers is overwhelming. It is this intimacy with nature that draws property investors here. Whether they’re buying a property in the forest or on the expansive beaches, the Garden Route is many urbanites’ first choice when they’re looking to buy either a second home away from the city or a peaceful place to retire to. Many ‘swallows’ fall in love with the area too, and take their sabbaticals there. But, believe it or not, the Garden Route property market is depressed, despite the picturesque setting and some of the healthiest, shiniest people you are bound to meet. The great news for property investors is that, even here, it’s a buyer’s market, and golden opportunities await you in Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Our Garden of

Eden

Words Genevieve Fisher

The Garden Route is SA’s Garden of Eden. But its real estate market is in the coils of a recession, and forbidden fruits that were once out of the reach of ordinary buyers now beckon.

This page Pezula Private Castle on Noetzie Beach, Knysna.

July/August 2011 | 31

the NEIGHBOURHOOD

Above A contemporary beachfront mansion in Wilderness, on sale through Pam Golding Properties (PGP) for just under R11 million. Opposite, clockwise from top left Knysna Heads is one of the most popular suburbs on the Garden Route for holiday homes; the impressive entrance to Tsala Treetop Lodge; expansive views of Knysna Forest from the chic lounge of one of the six Tsala Treetop Villas; each one of the 10 Tsala Treetop Suites has its own infinity pool; a luxury seaside home in Wilderness; Honeymoon Castle, Pezula; a Wilderness home on sale for R3,3 million (PGP).

Wilderness As the name implies,Wilderness is, well, wild, but the houses, many of them huge villas, slot in comfortably with the beaches, forests, trees, rivers and streams. Stephen Murray, branch manager of Pam Golding Properties in George, says that this is what makes Wilderness unique. ‘The diverse natural surroundings make this a superb location for property investors,’ he says. Properties range from smaller homes that are hidden among the rolling hills, lakes and mountains and start from around R2 million, to modern homes that are located in two of the luxury beach estates facing the ocean and that fetch anything from R1,85 million to R9,5 million. Away from the sea, the areas of Hoekwil and Wilderness Heights offer expansive smallholdings where trees and flora grow abundantly and where prices of plots range from R1 million to R3,9 million, depending on size and views. Homes with a sea view, particularly those in upmarket areas such as Constantia Kloof, can fetch anything from R3,6 million and R4,3 million, while beachfront homes are priced from R7,5 million to over R10 million, making them the most lucrative, from an investment perspective. Stephen says land is no longer available along the 19km beach, and this has pushed up prices dramatically. The area also has some of the most pristine beaches, including Leentjies Klip,

32 | July/August 2011

the surfers’ paradise of Victoria Bay and the lagoon. Wilderness is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream because there are many activities on offer – canoeing, abseiling, paragliding, kitesurfing and more. The nucleus of the Wilderness community has to be Milkwood V illage, on Beacon Road, where bistros, sidewalk cafés, quaint shops and restaurants are housed in a charming setting of stone and timber. ‘The ambience of the village is warm and relaxed, particularly on Friday nights, when it comes alive with the popular night market where locals and visitors converge to enjoy good food, wine and live music,’ says Stephen. Knysna Knysna is a vibrant town. Its timber trade was established by the Thesen family in 1870 (Thesen Island is named after them) and this element of the area’s rich history is evident in the many log cabins dotted along the hills at the entrance to the town. Poking out from the verdant undergrowth, these quaint wooden structures add to Knysna’s fairy-tale ambience. As in the rest of the Garden Route area, it is a buyer’s market here, says Alan Evans, principal of Seeff Properties Knysna. Because of its pretty lagoon and forests, Knysna has always been primarily a secondhome investment area, with the most popular suburbs for holiday homes being

Knysna Heads, Leisure Isle, Belvedere and Brenton, says Alan. Houses here are big, especially at the Heads, and vary in style from contemporary mansions to the more unusual Spanish villas. Average prices for homes in these more established areas range from just R900 000 to R2 million, which is jaw dropping when you consider that many of them could easily match homes in Cape Town’s Clifton in terms of grandeur. It’s a sad sign of just how badly Knysna has been hit by the recession. On the marina development of Thesen Islands, the outlook is somewhat brighter. The 550 homes that have recently been built there have maintained their value because they are close to Waterfront Knysna Keys, with its speciality stores, coffee shops and fine restaurants, including Lush, and Ile de Pain, which is renowned for its freshly baked breads and pastries. Thesen Islands offers security and an easy lifestyle. It incorporates 19 small islands linked by bridges, and feels like a town within a town. All the houses have been built in a beach-cottage style and there are quaint walkways and paths with security guards cycling along them. Knysna was also quick to catch on to the golf estates trend that took root across South Africa in the past decade. ‘The explosion of golf estates nationwide saw Knysna latching fast and furiously onto this kind of lifestyle, with Pezula Private Estate (previously known

as Sparrebosch Estate) and Simola attracting second-home buyers from big cities, as well as swallows,’ says Alan. With its first two phases already sold out, Pezula has seen a marked reduction in the price of entry-level plots in recent years. ‘A 400 000m2 plot with magnificent forest views now fetches just under R1 million,’ says Alan, ‘one-third of its value’. The average price for a home on a security estate ranges from R2,5 million to R12 million.Another golf estate worthy of mention on the way to Knysna, just outside George, is Fancourt, home to the worldrenowned Links Course which hosted the President’s Cup in 2003. Given its history as a timber port, it is no wonder Knysna is chock-a-block with wooden-furniture and decor shops, especially in the the town centre, where you’ll find Kluyts & Co. and Rustic World of Wood. Knysna has some of the loveliest wooden products and interior decor items, all available at a fraction of the price you would pay at national furnishers or boutiques stores in bigger cities. Knysna also has some of the country’s most alluring five-star luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Pezula Hotel Resort & Spa is worth mentioning, mainly because you can’t get a better location for a time-out. The views from the chalets are panoramic, as the estate is perched on the eastern Knysna head. There’s Noetzie Beach with its famous

the NEIGHBOURHOOD

‘It is this intimacy with nature that draws property investors here.’

July/August 2011 | 33

The NEIGHBOURHOOD

Above left Homes snuggle in between the verdant golf course greens at Pezula Private Estate (Seeff Properties); views of the ocean and the Tsitsikamma mountain range from Brackenridge, a private residential estate in Plettenberg Bay; Schoongezicht Country Estate with its Mediterranean-style homes perched on a hill (RE/MAX Plettenberg Bay).

castles, three of which are owned by Pezula (the main castle is currently for sale), and the Field of Dreams, the soccer pitch where the notorious French standoff occurred during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The peace and tranquillity here are somewhat surreal for a city dweller, and a tour of the castles emphasises the area’s ambience of enchantment. Pezula Hotel is home to the renowned gourmet restaurant, Zachary’s – when you eat here, you’ll understand why Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray has received numerous accolades for prioritising organic produce on his menu. Further out of town, on the way to Plett, is Tsala Treetop Lodge, a unique fivestar establishment that takes full advantage of the dramatic Knysna forest. The entire lodge is built on stilts, and the chalets hover above the treetops. When you look out of the chalets’ glass walls over the emerald expanse of the forest canopy, you’ll find it hard not to associate the scene with Jack and his beanstalk.

Plettenberg Bay Ah, Plett! The jewel in the crown of the Garden Route! Why, you may ask? Well, where the other areas and towns are quirky and endearing, Plettenberg Bay is chic and glamorous. It is where the wealthy come to play, particularly over the December holidays, when the members of the mass exodus from Cape Town and Gauteng converge on the small seaside town. Like Wilderness and Knysna, Plett too is suffering from a depressed real estate market, with prices for entry-level homes being more or less equal for all three areas. However, it is at the top end of the market that Plett emerges victorious. Pam Porter of Leapfrog Properties says, ‘It is difficult to pin down an average price range for homes in Plett, because pricing depends on many variables, most importantly location, views and proximity to the beaches.’ The views are spectacular no matter where you are in the hilly suburbs. ‘Entry-level residential homes start at around R1,2 million and the more top-end ones

can fetch around R25 million,’ says Pam. ‘There is a full range of property types to suit everyone’s needs in Plett, from apartment living to residential and smallholding living.’ Plett’s high-end apartments represent one of the city’s main distinguishing points from Wilderness and Knysa. Apartments here are a lucrative investment, tying in with Plett’s lock-up-and-go lifestyle. Here, too, the price range is vast, from R400 000 right up to R5 million, says Pam. She points out another interesting trend: last year, while prices were plummeting at the lower end of the market, the amount of vacant land purchased by investors increased. ‘Investors see the purchase of land as an affordable way of entering or remaining in the property market. It allows them time to either gradually build a home, or accumulate the funds to do so.’ Like many of the towns along the Garden Route, Plett offers a full range of outdoor activities, particularly water sports, as well as nature trails and abundant wildlife, the best of which is to be found

at Robberg Nature Reserve. It also has its weekend markets, a huge hit with the locals, who enjoy some of the best produce from the surrounding areas. In December, when all roads lead to Plett and it’s ‘the place to be’, things can become frenetic. But the rest of the time it is very different – ‘idyllic’, according to Pam. ‘After living here for eight years, I still feel awe every morning as I drive into town. It is very beautiful. We have a moderate climate with sunshine almost all year round (we can go to the beach in winter). Security is the least of our worries. And the community is very friendly and supportive,’ she says. If the Garden Route had been the place where Adam and Eve met and fell in love, they would’ve bought a home when the market favoured buyers, somewhere on a hilltop overlooking the beach and hidden by the wild beanstalks, and in their backyard they would’ve kept a furry rabbit named Peter. And they would have lived their lives as shiny, healthy people. ‘The End.’

With thanks to … Leapfrog Properties, Pam Porter, +27 (0)44 533 6741, leapfrog.co.za Pam Golding Properties, Stephen Murray, +27 (0)44 874 6619, pamgolding.co.za Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, +27 (0)44 302 3333, pezula.com Seeff Properties, Alan Evans, +27 (0)44 382 5919, seeff.com

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more information

Tsala Treetop Lodge, +27 (0)44 532 8228, hunterhotels.com/tsalatreetoplodge/

on the top neighbourhoods in South Africa.

34 | July/August 2011

show development

View from

the ridge Fancourt golf estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residential property offering now includes the newly launched, contemporary and environmentally friendly Montagu Ridge. 36 | July/August 2011

Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs courtesy Fancourt

On Show

Opposite The contemporary architecture of a Montagu Ridge house, built on one of the stands, allows for an easy indoor-outdoor flow. This page, top left to right Montagu Ridge Villas – no expense has been spared, with luxurious finishes throughout. Bottom left to right Views of the Outeniqua Mountains and Montagu Golf Course from the living area and bedroom.

short drive away from George airport stands South Africa’s most renowned golf and lifestyle estate, Fancourt, whose residential estate has consistently featured at the forefront of luxury developments. Whether it is the Cape Dutch, Links Ridge, Colonial Lodges, Oaklands Village or Links Avenue – all of which are set on 613ha and interspersed between three world-class golf courses – there is something to suit every investor’s taste, budget and lifestyle. New to the collection of investment properties at Fancourt is Montagu Ridge, consisting of custom-built villas and vacant plots. Montagu Ridge overlooks the ninth fairway of Montagu Golf Course and provides panoramic views of the estate and the Outeniqua Mountains beyond. It is named after Ernest Montagu White, who in 1903 bought what was then the only residence on the estate, the Manor House. He named it Fancourt, in memory of his father, Henry Fancourt White. (In February this year, the Manor House was refurbished and launched

as the stylish Manor House Boutique Hotel, where the family heritage is reflected in the name of the fine-dining restaurant, Henry White’s.) Ernest Montagu White spent many a southern hemisphere summer here, and this tradition of luxury and leisure is carried through today to the slick, contemporary homes on Montagu Ridge. There are 25 vacant stands for sale, ranging in size from 900m2 to 1 490m2 and priced from R3,9 million. Investors may design their own homes within design guidelines that maintain the integrity and environmental aspects of the development. (Guidelines would include the incorporation of low-pitched roofs and incorporate large glass windows, in keeping with the look of the development.) Adjacent to the plots stand the Montagu Ridge Villas with their luxe finishes and flawless flow between interiors and exteriors. Currently there are 10 built villas, and the developer plans on building just 26 more, making Montagu Ridge an exclusive investment. Buyers may choose between

bespoke villas with either two or four bedrooms. The two-bedroom villas are sized at 280m2 and priced from R4,5 million, while the four-bedroom villas are 353m2 in size and start from R6 million. Of the 10 built villas, 2 have been reserved for fractional ownership. Both are fully furnished (Ping Piccolo did the interior design). For R320 000, you can get three weeks of leisure time in an exclusive twobedroom villa, or in a four-bedroom villa for R350 000. Prices include full Fancourt Family Membership. What sets the Montagu RidgeVillas apart from other residential offerings at Fancourt is their sleek architectural aesthetic. Designed by Brink Stokes Mkhize Architects, the villas are contemporary and minimalist in style, with flat roofs and expansive wooden decks. Floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the views of the lush estate and dramatic mountain range. The ample use of glass and the clean lines admit a lot of warmth and natural light into the villas, where no expense has been spared in the use of sumptuous

finishing. Timber flooring, CaesarStone kitchen countertops, Whirlpool appliances, solar heating, and underfloor heating in the bedrooms unite to provide sheer comfort. The grounds are attractively landscaped with indigenous plants, creating gardens that practically maintain themselves. This convenience speaks to the broader appeal of Montagu Ridge Villas: investors can enjoy a lock-up-and-go lifestyle, assured that their homes will be safe and well maintained in their absence. Montagu Ridge has its own entrance and exit, and investors have access to all of the estate’s amenities, including the Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses, the gym, spa, tennis courts, golf academy, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and leisure centre. Fancourt’s close proximity to George gives residents easy access to Garden Route Mall, private school, Glenwood House and George Airport. Fancourt is on the famed Garden Route, putting Knysna, Plett and Wilderness, with their superb beaches and adventure activities, close to the estate.

With thanks to … Pam Golding Properties at Fancourt Golf Estate, +27 (0)44 804 0074, fancourt.co.za

July/August 2011 | 37

GREEN DESIGN

flair

Words Jackie Gray Photographs courtesy Matthew Friedland

It takes guts to go against the flow and swim upstream. Yet there are those who revel in doing so. Matthew Friedland, green architect and eco champion, is one such person.

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GREEN DESIGN

o’burg-born Matthew Friedland is a Green Star-accredited architect. But, strangely, he never intended to become an architect. He started out studying history and the Classics, trained as an opera singer and guitarist, and then travelled the world. At age 25 he decided to ‘get serious’ and enrolled for three courses at Wits university and was accepted by the School of Architecture and Planning. That’s when the green architecture bug bit him. While his fellow students were busy admiring the aesthetics of the buildings, Matthew would be exploring how the buildings functioned and how they could be made more efficient. He wrote a thesis on how to re-educate his peers in eco-friendly and sustainable design techniques. Matthew went on to work for a number of top practices, including Albonico Sack Mzumara (now Albonico Sack Metacity, or ASM), Bentel Associates International (BAI) and TC Design Architects. Some of the developments he worked on were the Braamfontein Regeneration and Faraday Taxi Rank & Market projects, science exhibits at Sci-Bono, Bedford Square, the Standard Bank data centre in Samrand and the Massmart warehouse at Raceway Industrial Park. In 2009 Matthew went solo and opened New Leaf Architecture. But it was slow going. ‘Despite all the progress which has taken place in the green arena over the years, South Africa’s building industry is still hugely conservative when it comes to implementing such protocols,’ says Matthew. ‘This aspect, coupled with the fact that many green building products and methods are still expensive, has made it difficult to attract clients who are open to the process and who can afford truly eco-friendly buildings.’ House Fleming proved to be the exception. House Fleming is located in Memel in the Free State. Working closely with the owner of the house, a builder by the name of Andrew Fleming, Matthew was able to combine a number of green technologies and principles into a single, super-efficient, eco-friendly structure. The region’s extreme seasonal fluctuations presented the biggest challenge: in summer, temperatures in Memel can peak in the high 30s, and plummet to -17ºC in winter. To deal with this, Matthew used rammed earth for the northern and eastern walls. For the southern and western walls he used a concrete-filled

air conditioning. (Last summer Matthew tested the lounge space and found that a 6ºC –8ºC temperature difference was maintained, even with all the doors open.) Hot water is sourced via large solar water heaters. Further energy savings have been achieved through the use of LED lights, which are powered by a solar photovoltaic array. To save water, Matthew specified water-efficient toilets with a 3/6L flush, and flow restrictors for all the taps. Waste water is treated with biological and chemical filters until it becomes potable again, and this method combined with rainwater harvesting (still to be implemented) will make the house completely water independent. Matthew has also created an artificial wetland at the back of the house. According to Matthew, most homes in SA allow for a certain amount of heat to be gained and lost through the shell. In summer, the loss of extra heat isn’t a problem, but it isn’t preferable in winter and can be extremely wasteful from an energy conservation point of view. Matthew typically uses an insulated shell with double glazing as the starting point for all his designs – just one of the many thing he learned from working on House Wozniak. Built in Chartwell North Estates in Jo’burg in 2005/6, House Wozniak features a standard brick shell and is designed to fully utilise the sunlight in winter and keep it out in summer. Matthew says that, given the mild climate, relatively little insulation is necessary for the house. A shallow floor plan means maximum sunlight and cross ventilation. ‘House Wozniak’s bedrooms, dining room and lounge were placed on the north side so as to capitalise on winter sun. I placed the toilets and kitchen on the south side, which is in line with standard design practice as mandated by SANS 204. A generous roof overhang keeps out summer sun and provides glare-free views.’ Matthew also placed as few windows as possible in the west facade, to avoid overheating the house on summer afternoons. Other designs by Matthew under the New Leaf banner include House Liddle in Meyersdal Eco Estate, and Eco House X, designed in collaboration with Grahame Cruikshanks. House Liddle is a high-tech green house where Matthew employed many of the methods he used on House Fleming. The only differences are that House Liddle has a super-insulated shell, and large amounts of double glazing

‘While his fellow students were busy admiring the way buildings looked, he would be exploring what made the buildings tick and how they could be made more efficient.’ polyblock system. In winter the rammed earth gathers heat from the sun, while the polystyrene blocks prevent heat loss in winter. (Rammed earth is a sustainable and ancient building technique – the Great Wall of China, for example, is made from rammed earth with stone cladding.) Wide overhangs keep the rammed earth cool in summer and draw heat out of the house. Double-glazed windows also help to control heat gain and heat loss. Still more comfort is achieved in House Fleming through the use of insulated slabs on the ground floor and water-based under-floor heating that’s fed by an air source heat pump. (Matthew says the house is so thermally efficient that the heat pump hasn’t had to be connected yet.) A high-efficiency stove with double flue is the only other source of heat. Every room in House Fleming is designed to maximise cross ventilation, eliminating the need for energy-wasting

40 | July/August 2011

have been used. Eco House X remains to be built, but the plans alone are exciting to see. They show a space-age, modular, prefabricated house. It will have a super-insulated shell, and will be fully independent in terms of water and power. And it is the first house to have a solar air heater specified in the design. Because of the current global financial crisis, Matthew has had to shelve his freelance work. He currently works as a site architect and planner in the Northern Cape offices of Jo’burg-based TPS.P Architecs, but hopes to regenerate New Leaf some day. His message for the architecture and building fraternities? ‘It’s not enough to just have energy-efficient buildings, but that true eco-friendliness can only be achieved through the integration of all aspects of a build – preferably from grassroots up. +27 (0)72 407 1111

GREEN DESIGN

Opening page Bathroom in House Fleming. The careful mix of eco-friendly building materials and methods is apparent in the earthy textures of the wall. This spread, clockwise from top left House Fleming: the breezy living area; view through an ornate grill to Memel’s veld; the house rests comfortably and unobtrusively amid the natural surrounds; 50mm of polyurethane in the roof and 25mm of recycled ceiling boards help to keep the house super-insulated. House Liddle: site elevations – luxury meets eco-friendliness in exclusive Meyersdal Eco Estate. Eco House X: plans drawn up by Matthew Friedland and Grahame Cruikshanks for a modular, off-the-grid home. House Fleming: an aesthetically pleasing green building.

The lighter side of Matthew Friedland … Hats: freelance writer, editor and lecturer. Hobbies: fencing, mixed martial arts, ballroom dancing, guitar. Favourite restaurant: Maxwell’s in Parkmore. Favourite getaway: Cape Town in summer. Currently reading: Capitalism as if the World Mattered; The Railway Children Favourite website: stumbleupon.com

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     HackerNobilia

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New Adv

WOMETNH’S MON G

TIN APPRECIAN’S WOME IONS T CONTRIBU A TO R SA. STRONGE

Women in INDUSTRY Cape Town’s top women in the real-estate and home-fitting industries tell us how women are doing great things in theses respective fields.

‘B

ehind every great man there is a great woman.’ So the saying goes. But when it comes to real estate and other agencies and interior fitting companies, it should be, ‘behind every great woman there are more great women’! In the past, the role of real estate agent was typically occupied by women whose first priorities were their families, and was a job they did part-time between school lifts, sports runs and managing their household. The same

could be said of other industries, for example the interior fitting field, where work was seen more as a hobby than a woman’s prime occupation. Today, these are full-time corporate positions that require dedication and passion. We speak to women who keep these industries rolling in Cape Town: the agents of RE/MAX Living, Seeff Southern Suburbs, and the managing director of Barrow Flooring. Happy Women’s Day!

DESIGN

Q&A How did you get into your ﬁeld? I wanted to introduce a uniquely Swedish product, Pergo, when I came to SA from Sweden. Do you feel men and women are equally represented in your industry? The building industry has always been male dominated, historically. But nowadays women are very comfortable being in a ‘man’s world’. What unique qualities do women bring to your line of work? The ability to marry aesthetics with practical solutions.

BARROW FLOORING Gunilla Barrow, Managing Director Barrow Flooring is well known for supplying the widest range of flooring in South Africa. It is also the country’s exclusive distributor of Pergo laminate flooring and Universal multi-layer wood flooring. In line with its own recent brand makeover and new, modern image, Barrow Flooring has introduced vinyl and engineered wood brand, Magnum, to its range. Barrow Flooring’s vast client base includes Cell C, Volkswagen (worldwide), Woolworths, Vida e Caffè, Protea Hotels, Hilton, Radisson Blu and Southern Sun, as well as private homeowners.

0800 444 000 | barrowﬂooring.co.za

ON A FIRM FOOTING With its sexy new look, Barrow Flooring is walking the talk at Katherine & West, Ipanema, Radisson Blu and other prestigious developments across South Africa.

real estate SEEFF southern suburbs Top left: Constantia Team – (from left) Barbara Stephenson, Faith Knight, Lana Redman, Shelley Kruger, Deidre Tracey, Nikki Edenborough. Bottom left: Rondebosch Team – (from left) Vanessa Clarke, Linda Knoop, Barbara van der Westhuyzen, Charmaine Scott- Wilson Seeff Southern Suburbs, including the branches of Constantia, Rondebosch/ Claremont and Newlands, is an integral part of a powerful real estate brand. We understand that our business is primarily about people, the absolute requirement to understand our client’s needs, and providing unsurpassed levels of service. This has resulted in continued market share growth, while promoting the Seeff core values: integrity, passion, experience, excellence, creativity and family. Seeff Constantia, +27 (0)21 794 5252. Seeff Rondebosch/Claremont, +27 (0)21 683 0731. Seeff Newlands, +27 (0)21 686 8518 seeff.com

Q&A

THE SMART MOVE …

Women with business sense.

How did you get into your field? We all share a passion for people and property. What unique qualities do women bring to your line of work? It is in our opinion that women have more patience, more perseverance and tenacity in dealing with all the different aspects of being a property agent. What do you do for fun? Due to the crazy hours that the industry demands, fun time is often spontaneous, and includes sporting activities and socialising. What are the challenges facing the Southern Suburbs property market currently? Historically, property owners in the Southern Suburbs upgraded from suburb to suburb, with Constantia or Bishopscourt being the ultimate destinations. This contributed to a fluid market and a steady increase in property value. Now the demand for larger properties has diminished and many owners have chosen to upgrade what they have. The ‘better area’ syndrome has become less important. The global economic downturn has driven the market into its shell. The only buyers out there are those that really need to buy. The demand for property has dropped, and because of the pressure of debt, the supply has increased, turning the traditional annual increase in property value into a decrease. Some properties are not worth what they were in 2006. This is a scary thought for owners, but it is also scary for agents, who often bear the brunt of the seller’s disappointment. Pricing property for the current market is therefore the agents’ biggest challenge. Their desire to do right by the seller conflicts with their need to be frank about the property valuation.

REAL ESTATE RE/MAX LIVING Back, from left: Bev Eisele, Karryn Cartoulis, Jeanette Collocott, Petra Davidan, Megan Davies. Front, from left: Gerlinde Moser, Manuela Morini. (Also: Harriet Engelbrecht, Marlene Allul.) Dominant in the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard, RE/MAX Living has consistently delivered outstanding service and obtained sterling results year after year. A founder member of RE/MAX, the ofﬁce has grown into one of the largest in the city and has a staff complement of some 60 property professionals. RE/MAX Living City Bowl, +27 (0)21 423 4488. RE/MAX Living Atlantic Seaboard, +27 (0)21 433 1555. remaxliving.co.za

Q&A Are men and women are equally represented in your industry? Women are playing a unique and dominant role in residential real estate. In the past, traditional companies employed many housewives and part-timers, who would ﬁt their work in with their home and family schedules. Today, all successful agents are full-time professionals. For many years the RE/MAX agent proﬁle was male-dominant, but the scales have tipped and there are now more women agents than men.

SUCCESSFULLY MOVING PROPERTIES

ORANJ

Together, this team of exceptional women have sold over R240 million in property in just over 12 months.

SVL_Property Mag ad_(w)250mm X (h)150mm_11-02-179-D_CPT_Hires.pdf 2011/03/07 08:39:31 AM

ONCE IN A

www.remaxliving.co.za

Amazing spac 2000m² erf. T completes this

Petra Davida RE/MAX Livin

ORANJEZICHT

R15 000 000

HOUT B

ANTIQUE COLLECTORS AND CONNOISSEURS OF ART

ABOVE THE

CMY

Feast your eyes on the exquisite architectural details of a bygone era. Display your art collection and antiques in the right ambience. Irreplaceable at this price! Can anyone build a home of this size and quality at R7000 m²? Gerlinde Moser 082 569 4644 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

ORANJEZICHT

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POA

GREAT ADDRESS WITH 360° VIEWS

Ideal family home 485m² habitable space in perfect position. 5 Beds, 5 Baths, pool, garage and a garden landscaped roof terrace with 360° breathtaking views, make this a desirable property. Jorg Hassenbach 082 922 3337 RE/MAX Living 021 423 4488

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Boasting a glo five star hote more. This spectacular in Rainer Kloos RE/MAX Livin

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ASK THE EXPERTS

ROOT TO TIP These experts have the goods to keep your home green and cost-effective to run.

Photographs Tim Lake

more than ju

GO GREEN WITH THE

Our ability to add value is an art form that has taken years of experience to perfect. At STBB we build long lasting relationships and give you hands-on-advice to protect your rights of ownership.

stbb_1057

PAPERWORK.

www.stbb.co.za Cape Town 021 406 9100 | Claremont 021 673 4700 Fish Hoek 021 784 1580 | Tygervalley 021 943 3800 | Tableview 021 521 4000 Somerset Mall 021 850 6400 | Johannesburg 011 853 8300

ASK THE EXPERTS

OGGIE HARDWOOD FLOORING

ON TAP

SAINT-GOBAIN

WORLD GAIA TRADING

Nick Gluckman, Owner

Julia Barton-Hill, Marketing Manager

Lisa Reynolds, Technical & Speciﬁcation Director

Greg Walton, Director

How does your company help others live a greener life? After a lengthy process, Oggie finally achieved the coveted full Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification in June 2009. Although full compliance with FSC standards is expensive, we’ve absorbed these costs – our customers don’t pay more for high-quality, fully green flooring. Describe your newest and most popular products? The full range of WoCA Denmark maintenance oils and soaps. These are vegetable based and completely free of VOCs. WoCA oils penetrate the wood and harden to form a protective surface, which becomes part of the floor. So tough, in fact, that WoCA oils are used to protect the wood flooring at Eurostar’s St. Pancras International terminal. How can one tell if a wood product is genuinely green? It’s simple. Look for a supplier’s FSC certification number. Without it, claims of being green are meaningless. Surveillance Générale of Switzerland does regular audits for the FSC throughout the supply chain to ensure compliance by certificate holders. Some of your more recent, prestigious projects? Oggie’s hardwood flooring has been used in a variety of exciting projects this year, including wine farms, game farms, boutique hotels, corporate head offices and top-end residential projects.

How does your company help others live a greener life? Our 38 ON TAP franchisees nationwide sell a wide variety of water-saving taps and shower heads that can help you save up to 60% on your water usage, as well as energy-saving heat pumps, solar heating systems and grey-water systems. We have bathroom and kitchen products to suit your needs and your budget. ON TAP will also recommend qualiﬁed, Eskom-registered installers so that you may claim for your Eskom rebate, ensuring that your going green initiative is well worth it. ON TAP has the support of many international brands, such as Duravit, Hansgrohe and Kale, who all have in place environmental policies for manufacturing. Our ‘Water Wise’ logo helps customers to easily identify all green products. We also provide free advice and information on local and international bathroom and kitchen brands that are geared towards green living. Some of your more recent, prestigious projects? The ﬁve-star Pepper Club hotel in Cape Town and the revamp of Beacon Isle Resort in Plett. Describe your newest and most popular products? One of our popular products, the GeyserWise switch, allows you to control the temperature and timing of your geyser inside your house without even touching the geyser, helping you save electricity.

How does your company help others live a greener life? Saint-Gobain manufactures insulation products for the domestic, commercial and industrial markets, along with energy-saving lightweight construction and mortar systems, through Gyproc, Isover and Weber in SA. Isover Aerolite glass wool insulation is manufactured from up to 80% recycled glass, and in its lifetime saves more than 100 times the energy that is used in its manufacture. Gyproc’s gypsum-based RhinoWall and Rhinolite products and Weber’s tiling products and mortars are made from natural resources, and are VOC free. Some of your more recent, prestigious projects? Saint-Gobain’s energy-efﬁcient systems have been speciﬁed in several upmarket homes, as well as in prestigious projects, such as the Pearls in Umhlanga, Freedom Park, King Shaka International Airport, the Mall of the North and the Sandton Holiday Inn. Our products have also been used by Habitat for Humanity in housing projects in Diepsloot, and in Cosmo City in a project with Cornell University. Describe your newest and most popular products. For homeowners, Aerolite and Geyser Packs are the most popular products for making a quick and affordable reduction in energy consumption and a decreased impact on the environment.

How does your company help others live a greener life? We have sourced, imported and distributed eco-friendly products for the last three years, focusing on eco-friendly alternatives for regular daily use and providing ways for consumers to partake in their own personal journey of contributing to a healthier planet. We specialise in lighting, including solar and LED lamps. Besides the economic advantages our lights offer, the reduction in power usage will result in a lower electrical generation requirement, which ultimately has a positive outcome for all of us. Describe your newest and most popular products. For exterior use, our Sentry-108 is a powerful all-night LED floodlight with an internal battery and 10W solar panel, available through large retailers like Builders Warehouse. The unit is ideal for lighting up an area of around 150m2 and requires only a small amount of DIY to fit. Our internal LED range has proven to be a big hit. Our 6W warm-white unit is the ideal replacement for the traditional 50W halogen. We supply this lamp in 220V and 12V. The lamps also have a dimmable option. The other options are 3W and 9W, all of which are available in warm white and cool white. LED lighting has come a long way in the last five years: the first lamps had fewer colour ranges and were not as stable as those available today.

PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

+27 (0)21 510 2846

+27 (0)21 556 7911

+27 (0)12 657 2800

+27 (0)21 791 0821

oggie-sa.co.za

ontap.co.za

lisa.reynolds@saint-gobain.com

worldgaia.com

48 | July/August 2011

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ENTER THE

timeless world OF BOX LIVING

160 Si r Lowry Rd, Woods toc k , C a pe Town

| T: 021 465 6480

www.box l i v i ng.c o.z a

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THE PROPERTY DINNER

GOOD,GREEN and FRESH Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs Tim Lake

The Greenhouse was the appropriate venue for introducing our new editor to some of Cape Town’s top professionals. Glasses clinked, plates were wiped clean and issues of a green nature took centre stage.

he Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort hotel in Constantia is a culinary haven where Chef Peter Tempelhoff ’s dishes epitomise luxury on a plate. Many of the guests at this Property Dinner were new to the Greenhouse experience, so it was a fitting opportunity to introduce them to another new element of the evening, The Property Magazine’s recently appointed editor, Nicky Manson. The guest list was a mix of some of the most influential personalities in the property, architecture, PR and interior design industries, and conversation pivoted on green initiatives. After Media Nova MD Tony Vaughan said his piece, the affable Nicky impressed everyone with her commitment to bringing a refreshing new energy to the magazine. And with this the starters of local water buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad arrived, served with the tangy Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc. A hush fell over the tables as guests concentrated on what was happening on their palates – a rare sensation of tastes and

textures. Tony Romer-Lee, CEO of The Collection by Liz McGrath, said the clean and flavoursome tastes could be attributed to the fact that Chef Peter grows many of the ingredients on the hotel grounds, in its organic garden. ‘We have 9 acres of garden, a nursery and veggie garden. The food on the menu comes from here as well as being locally sourced. The wines are mostly from the Constantia region and therefore have a low carbon footprint,’ said Romer-Lee. And as the discussion around the green movement got more involved, I turned to my left to Anya van der Merwe, a director at Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects, who told me the firm had recently completed the new, five-Green-Star-accredited Allan Gray building in the Clocktower Precinct at the V & A Waterfront. ‘I’m currently on the team that is writing the public building rating tool commissioned by the Green Building Council (GBC),’ said Anya. ‘It’s an interesting process, as I’ve been on both sides: implementing green initiatives in public buildings, and now writing the guidelines for this procedure.

I believe in going green and think that today it’s what the internet was when it first came into awareness, namely, people are dabbling in it, but in the future no one will do things any other way except green.’ When the main course arrived – slow-cooked sirloin paired with the Yardstick Pinot Noir 2010 – guests couldn’t wait to tuck in. It was interesting to learn what green strategies the guests implement in the day-to-day running of their companies. ‘We are a small business and work from my home,’ said Marina Nestel of The Little Black Book PR and events company. ‘My staff and I are all on profit-share, so we have to keep a close eye on how much we consume, as it will ultimately affect our share.’ PR guru, Marcus Brewster, said he has been using the term ‘green paper’ for ages. ‘I have a drawer of paper in my office which is filled with what we call “green paper” – one-sided printed paper of old minutes and status updates, which we use for notes and such. This has been a structure we’ve had in place since Marcus Brewster Publicity started 15 years ago. We’ve saved hundreds of trees!’ he said.

Guest list Marcus Brewster Marcus Brewster Publicity, Dirk Elzinga Convention Industry Consultants, Genevieve Fisher Media Nova, Michèle Jones Media Nova, Nicky Manson Media Nova, Audrey Matthews Ronnie Matthews Estates, Annette Nel Luxury Brands, Jeremy Nel Luxury Brands, Tharien Nel Media Nova, Ivo Nestel, Redeﬁne Properties, Marina Nestel The Little Black Book, Tony Romer-Lee The Collection by Liz McGrath, Trevor Shapiro dhk thinkspace, Paul Simpson RED Real Estate Developments, Christo Smeda Admakers, Kim Smith Weylandts, Anya van der Merwe Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects, Tony Vaughan Media Nova, Chris Weylandt Weylandts

July/August 2011 | 51

the Property Dinner

Dirk Elzinga, MD of Convention Industry Consultants and ex-manager of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), said that, historically, the exhibitions and conventions industry had been careless of the environment, but today it has done a 360º turn: ‘From exhibitors to convention centres, such as the CTICC, they’re becoming extremely green, and the convention packages they are offering are too.’ The green movement is also gripping the real estate industry, on the residential side as well as on the commerical side. Audrey Matthews, director of Ronnie Mattews Estates, said the demand is there but not the supply: ‘When I come across a home that has eco-sensitive features and intelligent home systems, buyers, no matter what their priorities are, green or not, are interested. In the future it will become non-negotiable for homes on the upper end of the market. The question is, how quickly can properties be converted to meet the demand.’ Paul Simpson, CEO of RED Developments, said the biggest question he faces in the construction of a retail space or centre is, how do you make

a project a commercially viable one, and at the same time implement green initiatives? ‘The design of a building has to be smart. For example, the orientation of the building to the sun, to provide sufficient light and heat. It starts from the bottom up – you shouldn’t have to throw solar panels on a roof to make it green,’ he said. Trevor Shapiro, MD of dhk thinkspace, elaborated, ‘Instead of fitting out a building with green technology, which is expensive and often inaccessible to many businesses, the greenest thing you can do is reuse and work with what you already have.’ As the conversation about going green heated up, the dessert added a final taste explosion of toasted almond bavarois, paired with Vin De Hohenort 2007. Weylandts MD Chris Weylandt and Annette Nel of Luxury Brands shared similar sentiments about the importance of the green movement and the responsibility each one of us has to be more environmentally aware. ‘Green sensibilities have to become second nature. Whatever decision you make regarding your way of life needs to be informed by green issues. It needs to become the norm,’ said Chris. Annette agreed and said that it’s a question of changing our behavioural patterns. ‘We have to be conscious of our behaviour and need to be more aware of, for example, switching off the lights when they’re not needed, and recycling our rubbish. This is something I’ve been teaching my kids, and they actually enjoy separating the garbage. Everybody needs to do their bit,’ she said. With new friends made and new taste sensations experienced, guests filtered out of The Greenhouse, retaining lots of green food for thought.

The Wines Klein Constantia

Brut 2007 A blend of mostly Chardonnay with a little Pinot Noir. The nose shows aromas of fresh apples and the palate is rich and intensely flavoured. Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Pungent aromas of guavas, citrus blossom and passion fruit greet the nose. Flavours are piercing and vibrant with a richly textured finish. The overall sensation is one of crystalline fruit expression with an underlying refreshing character. Yardstick Pinot Noir 2010 Classic Pinot aromas of musk, perfume and bright red fruits lead onto a palate that is both fresh and subtle. Its clean acidity and fruit flavours refresh the palate, finishing on a long, harmonious note. +27 (0)21 794 5188, kleinconstantia.com The Cellars-Hohenort Vin de Hohenort The hotel’s small vineyard was exclusively planted to four clones of Muscat de Frontignan grapes with an age of 17 years. In 2006 this delectable, natural, sweet wine was the first to be made from this grape. The palate is rich, creamy and full bodied, with a superb minerality, elegance and finesse. +27 (0)21 794 2137, cellars-hohenort.com

52 | July/August 2011

THE PROPERTY DINNER

5 4

Menu Starter Local water buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad with avocado mousse, dehydrated heirloom tomatoes, olive oil powder, dehydrated black olives Wine: Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Main Slow-cooked Karan beef sirloin with pomme fondant, Jerusalem artichoke purĂŠe, red onion marmalade, young turnips and carrots Wine: Yardstick Pinot Noir 2010 Dessert Toasted almond bavarois with bitter chocolate square, rooibos reduced milk ice cream, rooibos tea poached pear Wine: Vin De Hohenort 2007

The Greenhouse The Cellars-Hohenort, 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia. +27 (0)21 794 2137, cellars-hohenort.com

16 Marina Nestel 2Tony Romer-Lee 3Tharien Nel 4Kim Smith 5Trevor Shapiro, Nicky Manson 6Annette and Jeremy Nel 7Tony Vaughan 8Ivo Nestel 9Chris Weylandt

Christo Smeda 11Dirk Elzinga 12MichĂ¨le Jones 13Paul Simpson 14Audrey Matthews 15Marcus Brewster 16Anya van der Merwe.

July/August 2011 | 53

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T ES U G R O IT ED us sm ra aE nd Li

Real estate

residential, commercial, offshore

Visionary

interpretation The introduction of consumer protection laws is laudable only insofar as they are accessible to and understandable by the citizens they’re meant to protect.

Main photograph 123rf.com Profile photograph Natalie Payne

t was in 1985 that the Estate Agent’s Board commissioned two Unisa professors to compile a manuscript covering all aspects of the nature of the estate agency business and its management. I was appointed as manager of my first sales team in 1989 and have used that publication as a solid business guideline for many years. The general approach in those days was: ‘Whatever the situation, the salesperson responsible for a marketing plan starts by identifying the target market for the property and determining a marketing mix for the marketing of the property.’ The Four Ps (Price, Product, Place and Promotion) were followed by a diagram illustrating all the different marketing projects of the firm and the estate agent. At the time the part of the graph which fascinated me the most was the circle surrounding all those components and in which was written: ‘Economical Environment; Political and Legal Environment; Internal and External Factors; Social and Ethical Environment’. I am convinced that those factors in the outer circle have played a major role in the property market since my first entry into the real estate sector in 1986. The old system of Parliamentary sovereignty came to an end in 1994, overtaken by a supreme Constitution. Customary law started to be recognised by

our courts. The death penalty was ousted and ‘ubuntu’ – which implies both rights and duties – became the word of the moment. So political direction was indeed a factor that has influenced the sale of property since 1986. Prior to 1994, I once drove home at 9 p.m. after finalising a property sales agreement. The streets were empty and I had the feeling of being abandoned. Those were the dark days of fear, before the elections of 1994 started to transform the country. The economical and social factors had their influences as well. The world became a smaller place with more Joneses to keep up with. Shortly thereafter came the new millennium, property markets around the world boomed, and SA was not left behind. There we were, ‘experiencing the same excitement more than a century after the true gold rush’. And then once again a recession set in and SA was not left out either. Technology was not a major factor of influence in 1990. It surely had its own impact on business overall, but another factor that is highly influenced by the political direction of a country is legislation. It must be in the light of the aforementioned political, social and economical background that the legislator spent some time promulgating the new Consumer Protection Act in order to assist the ‘struggling’ Rainbow Nation. This Act has brought about its own

challenges and the man in the street is not the only one confused. The Constitution (S39 (2)) guides us through a process of interpretation that must promote the spirit, purport and objects of the Bill of Rights. When interpreting legislation the courts can now take surrounding circumstances into consideration. When interpreting the law, they must find out the purpose of the law. So, the Constitution is the supreme law, ubuntu is the underlying principle and the consumer is king. I have no doubt that in good time our learned judiciary will interpret the Act and find its purpose, the contract lawyers will soon come up with exact clauses for consumers and suppliers, and the law will once again have its own time. If I do ever get the opportunity to speak to the legislator, there is just one question I would want to ask: why make a law to protect the consumer that states that suppliers and service providers must use simple language, while the entire nation is struggling to understand the legislator himself? Can the legislator not use simple language to educate the nation, or am I reading something into the Constitution that is not there? Ask me today what I think about the property market in South Africa and I’ll tell you: in the political environment, ubuntu remains the barometer, so it is up to the Rainbow Nation itself; the economic cycle

can only go up (easy to say when you’re at the bottom), technology will make us less social (humans need interaction with humans to be healthy) and the legislator will be active (expect new laws). I have interacted with many people from different spheres during my 25 years in property and the thing that scares me the most is the ignorance of the educated consumer. Estate agents are often faced with clients who refuse to assist them with gathering all the information needed for the sale. Getting a copy of a title deed from a potential home-seller is like asking to find a needle in a haystack. The many opinions still floating around only add to the confusion. I believe we need to get an exact message out soonest, and not only to the less-informed or less-educated consumer. And then we just might succeed in not only protecting the consumer, but also getting consumers to understand and abide by the law.

Linda Erasmus CEO, Fine & Country South Africa July/August 2011 | 55

RESIDENTIAL Real Estate

Your Move Chairman: Lew Geffen of Sotheby’s International Realty (South Africa) Property sales along Cape Town’s Atlantic

A buyer’s market only affords the players with cash on hand to play the game. Today’s buyers should learn from today’s sellers. – Linda Erasmus, CEO Fine & Country South Africa Village greens

Seaboard have

Concordia Cottages, just outside Knysna and overlooking the lagoon, is a new development of 15 homes

slowed dramatically

that are practically independent of the national grid. The developers, Knysna locals Jonathan and Estelle

this year, after a

Hodgson, consulted Specialized Solar Systems (SSS) for help with alternative-energy solutions for

surge in 2010 – and

Concordia Cottages. The result is a development that, by using solar power, low-energy lighting and

the sales that are taking place are mostly of

high-tech electrical controllers to produce energy-efﬁcient homes, sets an example of how people don’t

properties that have been on the market for a

have to compromise their lifestyles just because they use less Eskom electricity. (Solar power provides

long time and are now being sold for much less

the primary electrical supply, with Eskom being the secondary supplier.) SSS came up with an electrical

than their original asking prices. The only real life

layout for the units that contain just four

in this market is coming from investors with the

circuits. The street lights of the complex

means and foresight to buy trophy properties in

are completely solar powered and can stay

this famed location, at a huge discount.

on all night after charging for just three

Deeds Office figures show a significant

hours. In addition to being eco-friendly, the

increase in the number of sales in Atlantic

cottages are spacious and attractive. The

Seaboard suburbs last year, with house sales

double- storey cottages offer 102m2 of living

in Fresnaye up from 31 in 2009 to 63; in Green

space, a 15m2 patio and a large carport. The

Point, from 30 to 75; and in Bakoven, from 33 to

units have two downstairs bedrooms, a loft,

45. Camps Bay saw a spectacular increase in

a third bedroom (or study) upstairs and a

the number of sectional title units sold, from

single bathroom. Priced from R665 000,

27 in 2009 to 112, and there were also notable

including VAT. +27 (0)44 878 1126,

increases in the number of apartment sales in

specializedsolarsystems.co.za

Clifton, Green Point and Mouille Point. But PropStats, which tracks sales as they happen, records a definite sales slump in the first five months of 2011. In Bantry Bay the total sales listed were just 9, compared with a total of 63 registered during 2010. In Clifton, just

Suburban bliss

Property marketing agency Adlab Advertising has acquired the sole marketing mandate to advertise the

12 sales were made between January and end

award-winning Buh-Rein Estate. Containing several smaller estates, Buh-Rein is more like a suburb than your

May, compared with 44 registered in 2010. The

typical residential estate. It is situated on 8 762ha of rezoned land between Durbanville and Kraaifontein and will

numbers paint a similar picture in Fresnaye,

ultimately include 3 241 apartments, 133 freestanding homes and 137 townhouses. CEO Riaan Roos of property

Green Point and Mouille Point. But the most

group MSP Developments says the estate’s target market is the middle-income housing bracket of R650 000

dramatic decline occurred in Sea Point: just

and below. Buh-Rein Estate will incorporate large natural spaces, including 20 parks and a central green zone.

91 sales were recorded in the ﬁrst ﬁve months of

Pedestrian and cycling paths will connect the parks with other amenities while the wide, pedestrian-friendly

2011, compared with the 767 registered during

streets will encourage residents to walk rather than drive. An on-site shopping centre owned by anchor tenant

2010, when investors were still snapping up the

Shoprite/Checkers will cater to residents’ shopping needs. Construction of Precinct 1 began in March this year

bargain ﬂats and holiday homes that panicky

and will bring six sectional-title complexes to market. These smaller estates will comprise 28 to 53 units each for

owners had dumped during the recession.

a total of 252 units. Apartments in Phase 1 have two bedrooms, one bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and a living

Once this stock was absorbed, and prices

area leading to a balcony. Units are priced from R442 900, inclusive of VAT and bond and transfer costs. Mettle

began to rise once more, these buyers lost

Property Solutions Securitisation (MPSS) is ﬁnancing the R1,5-billion project, which will be complete in four to

interest, and that is what is happening on a

ﬁve years’ time. 086 112 3522, adlab.co.za; buhreinestate.co.za

bigger scale right along the Atlantic Seaboard: wealthy investors are cherry-picking those multimillion-rand properties where they can negotiate a substantial price reduction, and largely ignoring the rest. There were 20 Atlantic Seaboard properties sold for more than R10 million in the ﬁrst ﬁve months of 2011, and the average price reduction was 16% – some were discounted by as much as a third. The

te is Buh-Rein Esta by being marketed ng. Adlab Advertisi

average length of time they had been on the a year or more. The message is clear: if you have an Atlantic Seaboard property that you want or need to sell soon, get help from an experienced agent, to make sure your price is in line with what savvy investors are prepared to pay; otherwise you could be in for a very long wait. Lew

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

market was 231 days, but half had been listed for

COMMERCIAL Real Estate

Conserving commercial energy JHI Properties is busy metering utility consumption in Fourways Golf Park with a view to improving on current usage patterns. Landlords are under pressure to ensure their properties are as energy efﬁcient as possible because tenants are asking wiser questions before committing to or renewing a lease, says JHI Senior Manager, Sean Liebenberg. Sean says there are several energy- saving interventions that can be implemented at low-to-medium cost. ‘These incorporate structural, mechanical and electrical strategies, which seek to achieve on average about 11%. There is also human or managerial interventions, such as behavioural changes, which can see savings of up to 5%,’ he says. Structural interventions include better use of natural light and better building insulation. Mechanical interventions look to installations; for example, modern lift drive gears can generate power for the elevator. Using central heating systems instead of individual space heaters is another way of conserving energy. Electricity savings can be achieved

Silver service The Vineyard Hotel & Spa’s recent accolade, the Green Leaf Environmental

through the use of energy-efficient light fittings and bulbs, installing smart lighting in parking lots and installing occupancy sensors or timers to conserve electricity when an areas is vacant, using reflectors, and reducing or dimming artificial light during the day. +27 (0)11 911 8000, jhi.co.za

Standard, honours its ongoing environmental efforts. The Green Leaf Environmental Standard is an international benchmark that measures green accommodation, business, products, conferencing facilities and green events. The Vineyard Hotel & Spa recently completed an independent and impartial on-site audit against the Green Leaf Environmental Standard Hotelier Framework 2011 and scored more than 75% compliance, earning it ‘Silver’ status. ‘We’re one of only six hospitality properties in the Western Cape with Green Leaf status,’ says Chris van Zyl, the hotel’s group environmental manager and horticulturist. ‘It would be great to see this number increase. Limiting the impact we have on the environment has become a non-negotiable component of our business and an integral part of our success and future planning.’ +27 (0)21 657 4500, vineyard.co.za

Razing a Point

Centre Point Shopping Centre in Milnerton is going to be demolished and rebuilt. The redevelopment is set to begin in January 2012 and the newer, more modern building that rises in the existing centre’s place will open its doors to the public by October 2013. The revamp is expected to change the face of the Milnerton CBD completely by generating new business, creating employment and triggering further investment to keep pace with residential developments in and around the area. Plans include three levels of secure, covered basement parking and 10 000m2 of retail space over two ﬂoors,

The rental market remains tight. Landlords have to review their offers in order to attract good tenants. – Linda Erasmus, CEO Fine & Country South Africa

including Pick n Pay and Clicks, a food hall, full banking lobby, clothing shops, and restaurants overlooking Table Bay. There are also plans for an apartment block to be developed on the western edge at a later stage. The block will offer 60 apartments with views of Table Mountain and Table Bay. The redevelopment of Centre Point Shopping Centre is being led by Public Investment Corporation Real Estate Managers. +27 (0)21 658 3900,

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

picream.gov.za

July/August 2011 | 57

Blend Eventlife – your turnkey events solution

Blend Eventlife is a leader in the events industry, offering professional and experienced solutions to all your event needs. Our team of passionate individuals strive for perfection and excellence in the market, constantly raising the standard of service and expectations. Blend Eventlife offers a turnkey event solution, specialising in full event management, portable bar solutions, food bars, event infrastructure and staffing.

Call us now for a quote on 021 706 0642 / 082 520 3937 www.blendeventlife.co.za info@blendeventlife.co.za / shirley@blendeventlife.co.za

FRANSCHHOEK

R7.9 Million

STUNNING HOME IN VINEYARD ESTATE Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 4 3 Garages

A very spacious home with unpretentious elegance offering 4 en-suite bedrooms, entertaining open plan kitchen to living areas with vaulted ceilings. 2 Lounges and dining area leading to large covered patio and pool. Additional study and games room. [O] 021 876 4592 JEANINE ALLEN 082 410 6837 WEB 236 014

FRANSCHHOEK R4.95 Million DELIGHTFULLY FRANSCHHOEK Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2

Refreshingly crisp and light 4 bedroom home with a well designed kitchen and living area to the garden and pool. Separate TV room with a compact study. Property is fully alarmed with external beams for peace of mind - a very stylish central property! [O] 021 876 4592 MELINA VISSER 082 419 9928 WEB 234 854

FRANSCHHOEK

R8.95 Million

EXCELLENT GUEST HOUSE INVESTMENT Bedrooms 9 Bathrooms 9

Thoughtfully renovated and well managed Victorian Beauty situated in the centre of the Village. 9 en-suite bedrooms with four-poster beds and sumptuous olde world charm, reception area, country style kitchen & lounge with fireplace. Upstairs deck with amazing views and lovely guest pool. . [O] 021 876 4592 MARIANNE 082 921 3248 WEB 238 131

FRANSCHHOEK

R29 Million

EXCELLENT WINE FARM WITH CELLAR

63 Hectares with manor home, cottages & other

This is your opportunity to buy a fully operational wine farm affording you the luxury of a lovely manor house, with a managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and guest cottages set amongst rare protea species against Wemmershoek mountains, with 20 Hectares under vine & a modern 64 ton cellar. [O] 021 876 4592 DAWIE PRETORIUS 082 491 0218 WEB 192 750

ATLANTIC SEABOARD Office 021 439 1060

www.rawson.co.za WESTERN SEABOARD

Office 021 554 5723

POA

GREEN POINT

R7 700 000

FRESNAYE

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 4

Garages 4

Web Ref: SP1339

R6 500 000

GREEN POINT

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

Garages 1

Web Ref: SP1346

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3

Garages 2

Web Ref: SP1267

THREE LEVEL DESIGNER LIVING. Spend your days on the balcony with rim flow pool, whilst you indulge in the panoramic views. Tasteful kitchen with granite tops and discreet storage. Solar panelling that sustains all through winter and garaging for 4 cars.

TRIPLE STOREY LOCK AND GO. This 3 storey house with basement and 2 NEWLY REFURBISHED. Positioned below Signal Hill, this sunny home offers floors above consists of entrance foyer, family room, study, 3 en-suite bed- sweeping views of Table Bay. Consisting of fully fitted kitchen and dining area rooms, laundry, open plan kitchen, dining room and living room, pool, decks which leads out to pool and garden area. Plus lots more! and balconies.

Tracy Kitching: 083 740 1880

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

R6 500 000

SEA POINT

R4 450 000

BANTRY BAY

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5

Garages 2

Web Ref: SP1352

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

R3 395 000

SUNSET BEACH

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

Garages 3

Web Ref: SP1342

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3

Garages 2

Web Ref: PL1236

LUXURY AND STYLE. All bedrooms are fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms, under floor heating and air-conditioning. The downstairs landing consists of an open plan living area and kitchen with scullery.There is a separate living area with fireplace that opens up onto and open balcony with magnificent views.

PRIME POSITION. Perfectly located, beautiful home with 3 en-suite bathrooms, stylish open plan kitchen, high ceilings, fire place and wooden floors. There is a lovely entertainment terrace with a plunge pool. BONUS: 3 garaging/parking. Central wind free position.

LEAGUE OF IT’S OWN. 4 bedroom home with open plan kitchen, lounge, dining room and entertainment areas. Indoor pub area that is great for entertaining as well as an outside patio area. French doors leading outside to a well-established garden and sparkling swimming pool.

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

Henry Schwulst 082 921 2176

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

R2 600 000

SEA POINT

R2 175 000

WEST BEACH

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 2

Bathrooms 2

Garages 1

Web Ref: SP1296

R1 150 000

PARKLANDS

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2

Garages 2

Web Ref: PL1428

SOLE MANDATE Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2

Garages 2

Web Ref: PL1427

LUXURY AND STYLE. With sea views from your windows you will definitely get the best of everything from this spacious 123m² upmarket apartment. The Ceasar Stone kitchen is in a class of its own. The open plan lounge and dining room lead out onto a spacious balcony and is great to sit and watch the waves.

LOW MAINTENANCE FACEBRICK HOME. Situated in the heart of West FAMILY HOME. Spacious family home with enclosed entertainment area and Beach. Offers ample living space with large sunny bedrooms, dining room and built in braai. Open plan kitchen with scullery. Wrap around garden with 2 lounges. Outdoor braai which leads onto a rock pool and large grass area swimming pool. Situated in quiet crescent. for the kids to play.

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

VIRTUAL TOURS POWERED BY

FOR RAWSON PROPERTIES FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES CALL TODAY! 0860 729 766

Errolene Stanbridge: 079 692 4420

YOUR HOME FINANCE SOLUTION

AREA NAME WEST SOMERSET

R0995 000 000 000 R5

AREA NAME WEST SOMERSET

R0995 000 000 000 R4

THE

COLLECTION

R0 000 000 R2 R0400 000000 000

EXPANSIVE ENTERTAINMENT GOURMET KITCHEN

Built-in bar, braai, pizza oven, fitted study, formal lounge, 3 bedrms, HEADING 3 bathrms, extra workroom, 2-bedrm flat with own entrance, Lorem ipsum rental dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing sed do eiusmod R4 300 p.m. income, 3 garages sit & pool. Low elit, maintenance. im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Stella Marais 082 893 sed tempor incididunt ut 3865 labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. Web ref: 300330775 RE/MAX Helderberg 021-852 6464 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

SOMERSET WEST

AREA NAME

EXCEPTIONAL HOME IN BEL’AIRE ESTATE HEADING

Associate & contact Di Havardname 082 497 7685 no RE/MAX name &021-852 number 6464 RE/MAXOffice Helderberg

TEAM PIETER Associate nameKOTZÉ & contact no RE/MAXOffice Helderberg RE/MAX name &021-852 number 6464

More than 0.7ha to buildsit your haven on of the Lorem ipsum dolorofsitprime amet,land consectetur adipisicing elit,the sedbanks do eiusmod Lourens surrounded Vergelegen & Morgenster Farms. Property im temporRiver ad minim veniam,by quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur withtempor matureincididunt trees & mtn views is you todolor develop an excl. est. sed ut labore et ready magnaforipsum sit amsit adipiscing.

www.remax.co.za AREA NAME WEST SOMERSET

PRIME HISTORIC RIVERSIDE INVESTMENT HEADING

R2 295 000

R0 000 000

CREATE YOUR OWN OASIS!

A house to renovate lovingly to retain the old-style farmhouse ambience. 5 bedrms, 2 bathrms, beautiful wooden floors & stretch of stoep.

HEADING

SOMERSET AREA NAME WEST

Web300338867 ref: 123456 Web ref:

R2 R0600 000000 000

CNR Property WITH EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT

Well-built home in prime secure estate. O/plan living with 3 en-suite HEADING bedrms, 3 living areas with in- & outdoor braai areas. A magnificent Lorem ipsum dolorlaundry/scullery, sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed dogarage. eiusmod kitchen with sep. a guest cloak & dble auto im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur TEAM PIETER KOTZÉut labore et magna ipsum Pieter Kotzé 082 3adipiscing. 555 789 sed tempor incididunt dolor sit amsit Web ref: 300354336 RE/MAX Helderberg 021-852 6464 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

SOMERSET WEST

AREA NAME

R1 950 000

R0 000 000

EASY LIVING … SCHONENBERG ESTATE

3 bedrms & 2 bathrms, o/plan lounge with high ceiling & dining room leading onto a patio & easy-to-maintain garden. Spacious kitchen plus scullery. Dble automated garage with direct access in secure estate!

HEADING

Lorem ipsum dolor sit 320 amet,1520 consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Adri McFarlane 082 im temporHelderberg ad minim veniam, quis6464 nostrud exertion dolore consectetur Web amet, ref: 300339215 RE/MAX 021-852 sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Elmaré Dorandolor 083 255 3744 Lorem ipsum sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod RE/MAX 021-852 Web amet, ref: 300350194 im temporHelderberg ad minim veniam, quis6464 nostrud exertion dolore consectetur sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number

Web ref: 123456

Helderberg

www.remax.co.za |

Characterful living area withsit fireplace, a feature with Lorem ipsum open-plan dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sedkitchen do eiusmod sep. laundry/scullery, 3 en-suite bedrms, study,dolore outdoor entertainment im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion amet, consectetur & braai areaincididunt onto pool, dble garage. Views of dolor Stellenbosch sed tempor ut labore et magna ipsum sit amsitvalley. adipiscing.

SOMERSET AREA NAME WEST

Pieter Kotzé 082 3 555 789 Web ref: Web300212946 ref: 123456

R0500 000 000 000 R2

SECURE ESTATE CLOSE TO ERINVALE GOLF ESTATE

Modern, light finishes. Living & dining room, 3 bedrms, 2 full bathrms, HEADING Italian imported kitchen, pool & double garage. North-facing patio. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Linda van Nes 082 532 3383 et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. sed tempor incididunt ut labore RE/MAX Helderberg 021-852 6464 Web ref: 300352096 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

SOMERSET WEST

AREA NAME

R2 295 000

R0 000 000

SECURE LUXURY LIVING IN SCHONENBERG EST

3 bedrms, 2 bathrms (mes with sep. toilet), family, dining, kitchen with scullery, private lounge, 2 bedrms leading onto patio with lovely views. Double garage.

HEADING

Lorem PIETER ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod TEAM KOTZÉ Johan Gouws 082 412 7200 im temporHelderberg ad minim veniam, quis6464 nostrud exertion dolore consectetur RE/MAX 021-852 Webamet, ref: 300352728 sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & numberHelderberg: 021-852 Web ref:6464 123456 www.remax-helderberg.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Web ref: 123456

FOR OVER 50 000 PROPERTY LISTINGS VISIT Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

www.remax.co.za

ORANJEZICHT

www.remaxliving.co.za (U ,_[YHVYKPUHY` 9LHS ,Z[H[L 6MÄ JL

R27 000 000

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

Amazing space – large family home situated on tranquil “forest like” 2000m² erf. Triple volume spaces and magnificent flow to heated pool completes this extra-ordinary picture. Petra Davidan 082 490 6329 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

CAPE TOWN

R2 500 000

CONVENIENCE – STATE OF THE ART FINISHES

Ultra modern 2 bedroom apartment. Open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area with views. 1 Parking bay in secure complex. Hannelore Harms 082 337 6992 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

BO-KAAP

Web ref 445483

R1 250 000

HIGGOVALE

Web ref 306606

R6 750 000 EX VAT

PRICED TO SELL!!

Best price per m² in Higgovale. Urban Oasis, Ultra modern 4 bed all en-suite cluster home, set in a Tranquil leafy garden with pool. Table Mountain views as well as City & Bay views from private Jacuzzi !! NO TRANSFER DUTY Petra Davidan 082 490 6329 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

GREEN POINT

UNIQUE HOME WITH UNLIMITED POTENTIAL

SPACE TO BREATH AND ENTERTAIN

Nick van Huyssteen 082 566 3336 RE/MAX Living 021 423 4488

Martin Freedman 082 356 6280 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

2 beds & 1 bed flat with bath, located close to famous De Waterkant Village with all its new developments. Floor plans, council plans and recent engineers report is available. A business departure application has also been submitted. Web ref 367824

Living

Cape Town July.indd 3

Web ref 445247

R1 499 000

Cute apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a huge paved patio for entertaining. Parking for 2 cars. Modern block with pool and large courtyard. Web ref 450055

ORANJEZICHT

R12 500 000

SYMPHONY OF LIGHT AND SPACE

Superbly situated. Magnificent contemporary home with high quality finishes. State of the art kitchen, perfect flow to outdoor area and pool. 6 Bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, study & separate staff room. Double garage. Xandra Bolliger 082 646 8948 RE/MAX Living 021 423 4488

DE WATERKANT

Web Ref 449225

R4 200 000 EX VAT

FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY – A RARE FIND

In the very best part of De Waterkant – Position, Peace and Tranquility. 3 Beds-mes, fireplace, private garden, 2 off street parking. Can develop further, R5 Zoning. Petra Davidan 082 490 6329 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

HIGGOVALE

Web ref 414709

R8 995 000

DEFINITELY THE RIGHT NEIGHBOURHOOD

North-facing home of great proportions. Entertainers lounge. 4 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, guest flat. Spacious kitchen. Fabulous views & pool. 4 garages & parking for 8 cars. Gerlinde Moser 082 569 4644 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976

Web ref 450813

City Bowl and Atlantic: 021 423 4488 www.remaxliving.co.za | www.remax.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

2011/07/06 8:47 AM

AREA WESTNAME BEACH

R0 700 000 000 000 R6

AREA NAME BIG BAY ESTATES

R0 550 000 000 000 R3

THE

COLLECTION AMID THE UPPER ECHELON HEADING

www.remax.co.za AREA NAME 3 PLATTEKLOOF

Associate contact Adrian vanname Varik& 082 459no 6767 Nicky Jones 082 371 7881 RE/MAX nameAssociates & number 021 521 3100 Web300334028 ref: 123456 RE/MAXOffice Property Web ref:

R0 000 000 R16 R0900 000000 000

3-STOREY WITH LIFT!

Mind-boggling views of the magnificent Table Mountain & coastline HEADING with your only neighbour the peaceful nature reserve! Entertain at the Lorem ipsum dolor sit&amet, sit adipisicing elit,±3 000m². sed do eiusmod well-appointed pool braaiconsectetur area. Double plot, size of im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Mimi Dellisincididunt 082 469 ut 6068 sed tempor labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. RE/MAX De Kloof 021 939 8161 Web ref: 300351319 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

Upper Constantia

AREA NAME

Occasionally in lifesit you come across something so unique special Lorem ipsum dolor amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed and do eiusmod thattempor it’s impossible to resist: 4 bedrms, 3 bathrms, dining im ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolorelounge amet, and consectetur areas, studio, entertainment flatlet, & garaging 5 cars. sed tempor incididunt ut laboreroom, et magna ipsum dolor sit for amsit adipiscing.

R12 000 000

R0 000 000

EXECUTIVE HOME IN PRIME LOCATION

Tastefully updated 4-bedroom (all en-suite) home on 2 100m2. Ideal for the entertainer. Exceptional flow. Extras: Guest cottage, large office, triple garage & top security. No transfer duty.

bloubergstrand AREA NAME

R3 250 000 R0 000 000

OOZING CHARACTER & CHARM!

Upmarket home, incl. the furniture! 4 bedrooms (2 en suite), 3.5 bathHEADING rooms, kitchen, laundry, 4 reception areas, tropical garden, pool & koi Lorem views, ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit, sed do eiusmod pond, & state-of-the-art securitysitinadipisicing sought-after La Paloma! im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Gail de Jager 083 261 sed tempor incididunt ut 1682 labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. RE/MAX Property Associates 021 521 3100 Web ref: 300349994 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

RIEBEEK VALLEY R1 100 000 incl VAT

AREA NAME

R0 000 000

Lock up & Go … Invest for retirement

OPULENT ESTATE RESIDENCE HEADING

Impressive home. Expansive open-plan living areas with Lorem ipsumentertainer’s dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod granite kitchen to enclosed sunny patioexertion & dining & BBQ unit. Sep. TV im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud dolore amet, consectetur lounge, pool, storeroom & laundry, 4 beds, 3 dolor baths,sitdbl garage. sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum amsit adipiscing. Warren Leslie 713 6624 Associate name082 & contact no RE/MAXOffice Property RE/MAX nameAssociates & number 021 554 9638

Web ref: Web300352215 ref: 123456

000 000 bloubergstrand ext. 1 R0 R2 975 AREA NAME 000

PACKED WITH POTENTIAL!

Spacious older home in popular street, offering 4 reception areas, HEADING 4 beds, 2 baths & double garage. Sparkling pool with rock feature Lorem ipsum dolor sitwith amet,views consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod & large roof terrace of the sea. im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Monica Clark 082 5544 241 et magna ipsumLize 082 737 5077 sed tempor incididunt ut labore dolorClark sit amsit adipiscing. RE/MAX Property Associates 021 521 3100 Web ref: 300351314 Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

RIEBEEK VALLEY

AREA NAME

R1 950 000

R0 000 000

HUGE FAMILY HOME

And rent it out! 2 beds, 2 baths & stylish finishes. One hour from Cape Town, the characterful Riebeek Valley has a lifestyle to match. Come see for yourself!

Total 425m². Pizza oven in outside room … Your future restaurant? Main house with stunning Oregon, & sep. 96m² flat, large entertainment rooms, indoor/outdoor braai, dbl garage, aircon & large loft.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit082 658 amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Christiaan Steytler 0071 im temporPremier ad minim021 657 veniam,3560 quis nostrud exertion dolore amet,300349571 consectetur RE/MAX Web ref: sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit8204949 amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Daniel Christen 082 im temporOaktree ad minim quis nostrud exertion dolore consectetur RE/MAX “Inveniam, The Valley” 022 4481749 Webamet, ref: 300304159 sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit8204949 amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Daniel Christen 082 im temporOaktree ad minim quis nostrud exertion dolore consectetur RE/MAX “Inveniam, The Valley” 022 4481749 Webamet, ref: 300280202 sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing.

Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number

HEADING

Web ref: 123456

Western Cape

HEADING

Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456 www.remax.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Web ref: 123456

FOR OVER 50 000 PROPERTY LISTINGS VISIT Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

www.remax.co.za

SO 53% LD !

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM UNITS AVAILABLE

Luxury Apartments all with magnificent views Secure your Stake in the Cape - From R 1 595 000 to R 8 500 000 VAT incl. (No transfer duty) Located in trendy De Waterkant. 10% Deposit secures. For more information contact Rob Stefanutto 083 556 6861 or Graeme Bunce 076 323 7647. Directions: Follow boards from Somerset Road into Napier Street into Jarvis Street at the Sotheby's International Realty office.

3 Marine House, cnr Main & St John's Roads, Sea Point, Cape Town. Tel 021 434 1223 admin@sirseapoint.co.za Shop 12, The Promenade,Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Tel: 021 438 1827 info@sircampsbay.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za â&#x20AC;˘ www.sothebysrealty.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Web 680100

Sole Mandate

Silvertree Estate

Web 656923

Asking R6 400 000. This home offers 5 bedrooms plus study Magnificent main bed en-suite with views. Spacious lounge, dining room, open plan kitchen and double garage. Separate outside room with bathroom. Estate Specialists: Rouvaun 071 671 0821 and Nancy 082 600 6207.

Zwaanswyk Asking R17 500 000. Modern Masterpiece with Magnificent Views Spectacular, contemporary home set in a unique position overlooking the Tokai Mountains, Forest Reserves and the valley below. Double-volume entrance hall and 3 reception rooms, open plan kitchen, wrap-around covered porch, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, TV Room, games room, rim-flow pool, landscaped indigenous garden on 2 levels, adventure jungle gym under large trees. An incredible family home offering an enviable lifestyle! View with Dawn Bloch 072 496 9458.

Web 591088

Newlands Asking R6 600 000. A seldom found opportunity An outstanding family home in the heart of Newlands. Close to leading schools, sports grounds, UCT and Kirstenbosch. Can also function as a fully equipped executive level guest house. View with Dave Burger 083 458 3333.

Web 332366

Sole Mandate

Upper Constantia Offers from R9 950 000. Unbeatable value in the exclusive “Hohenhort” area. Over 5,000m², tennis court and cottage! Timeless elegance, sumptuous reception rooms, 5/6 beds plus a large, separate, fully self-contained cottage, all combine to create an idyllic family home. Semi open-plan, offering superb flow from all the reception rooms and bedrooms, with beautiful treed vistas. A gorgeous garden, with mountain views, is an exquisite backdrop to the sunny patios, pool and flood-lit tennis court. Asking R10 395 000. View with Ingrid 082 490 6246, Phyl 082 593 1624 and Steve 084 4714722.

Web 654867

Sole Mandate

Rondebosch Offers from R5 900 000 / Asking R6 300 000. Impeccable design Stylish architect designed home. Superb entertainment flow, 3-4 bedrooms, 3 en-suites, 3 receptions, pool, separate guest cottage, study. 3 off-street parking. View with Lynne 083 516 5671 and Eileen 082 410 7204.

Web 667480

Dual Mandate

Web 526973

Upper Claremont

Bishopscourt

Priced from R5 995 000 (Incl.VAT). Brand new development

Asking R10 000 000. Historic family home or small guest house

Located in a prime position close to leading schools. North facing

Possessing a rare ambience this much loved home, currently run as a very successful boutique guest house, offers versatile accommodation with six

townhouse-style homes set in a complex of 4 offering excellent security,

beautiful suites, expansive living areas, and an English country garden. View by appointment with Barbara Manning 083 407 3656.

accommodation, position and value. View with Elaine Dobson 082 413 7369.

2nd Floor, Buchanan Chambers, cnr Pearce and Warwick Roads, Claremont. Tel: 021 673 1240 ssho@sothebysrealtyss.co.za Westlake Lifestyle Centre, Tokai, Cape Town. Tel: 021 701 2446 info@sothebysrealtyss.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za • www.sothebysrealty.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

property_ad_new.ai 6/23/2011 2:06:25 PM

CMY

Seychelles

investment, real estate & leisure

Out of

airtime

Words AndrĂŠ Fiore Photographs courtesy Desroches Island

They say there is connectivity on Desroches Island, but, guaranteed, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even try it.

68 | July/August 2011

SEYCHELLES

ar, far away from the world of clattering keyboards and frenzied communication lies a place so calm, so quiet and so alluring that you almost want to laugh. More some lazy protrusion of the earth’s circumference, a mere shrug of a shoulder just above the water line, than a man-sized island, Desroches forms part of the Amirantes archipelago in Seychelles and offers an experience beyond any expectations. All 6,2km of it. Although only a 40-minute flight from mainland Mahé, the step down onto this hideaway resort takes you worlds away from any form of life as we know it. Here it is always summer. Here, silence is bettered by gossiping cicadas, sighing doves and the comic whoosh-plop of plummeting coconuts. Here the sands are so white, the palms so perfect and the views so pristine that when they’re framed by a window or quiet architectural lines, you catch yourself thinking someone’s popped a picture on a wall. Total and complete relaxation doesn’t come easily to most, but here they’re a given. And wholly geared towards making this happen, the Desroches Island Lodge, operated and marketed by Seasons in Africa, is the playground perfect. Owned by Collins International (which leased the island in 2008, renovated the existing hotel and built the first set of villas), accommodation at Desroches ranges from private beach suites just 25m from the sea to four- or five-bedroom villas, the largest sprawling some 750m2 – suitable for couples, families and friends. As well as an outstanding hotel experience, Desroches offers ownership and co-ownership options on some of the existing beach retreats and on the newly launched second-phase villas. With a total of just 60 villas and 20 suites

in the entire development, exclusivity is set to be maintained, and the opportunities for absolute seclusion remain. ‘With an exceptionally appointed, superbly decorated five-bedroom villa at the water’s edge,available for $3,25 million (around R22,4 million) this is one of the best offerings in Seychelles,’ says Desroches Sales and Marketing Manager, Sarah Jensen. The additional option of placing one’s retreat in the hotel rental pool offers comfortable financial returns and levy-free terms. Design by architects Sieg de Beer and Lisa Rorich features a delight of secluded spaces, communal relaxation areas, an intriguing use of levels and screens for added privacy, maximised outdoor living with linked walkways, cloistered gardens, expansive decking and glorious pools, and a host of open-plan bar, kitchen and dining facilities. Bedrooms typically boast signature bathrooms that open onto private gardens with secluded plunge pools, outdoor showers and freestanding bathtubs. In a palette of muted azures, greens and blanched sea whites, the decor incorporates Seychellois favourites, such as breezy drapes with organic weaves, together with rattan, rope, stone, fine linen, cool cotton, and magnificent wooden furniture and structures crafted at the island’s alien tree elimination project. With suites so sensational, there’s a great temptation to lounge like royalty (Will and Kate did), but the lure of the kitchens is just too much.The choice is dazzling.The options overwhelm.There are breakfasts with tea and dim sum, romantic in-villa dinners complete with a private chef or two, fairy-tale seaside picnics (bubbly-baskets-and-sarong style), sophisticated pairing menus, starlit banquets taken barefoot just metres from the water and including such marvels as their tandoori

oven, Asian buffet, Malaysian curries, lamb on the spit, whole-cooked pigs, fresh fish, oysters, crays and Moreton Bay bugs. There is the delicatessen, the pizzeria, the outdoor grills, the chocolatier, and then a whole array of truly wicked desserts. And after fine dining and an earnest appreciation of the very fine international wine selection, what’s left to do but relax? A gentle tour of the island by bicycle (no strain or stress here: it’s completely flat and there are no cars whatsoever) or in a golf buggy leads explorers to the giant-tortoise breeding programme, the turtle nests, the furniture workshop, the organic veggie garden, the Creole village and restaurant, along soothing

paths through the magically lit forests and to beach after beach of powder-fine sand. For those with more energy to spare, the extensive water sports centre offers snorkelling, scuba diving past rays and turtles to reefs wild with colour and sea life, windsurfing, kayaking, hydro biking, and sunset cruises to some of the best fly and game fishing spots in the world – sailfish, job fish, rainbow runner, bonitos, tuna … With so much to do, you hardly notice it’s happened. Relaxation has done its thing. There is no cell signal on Desroches, although there is internet access, they say. But somehow, in the face of all this, the need to log on, times out.

With thanks to … Desroches Island, +27 (0)13 737 6626, desroches-island.com Seyunique, +27 (0)11 453 2933, seyunique.co.za Air Seychelles, +27 (0)11 452 0244, airseychelles.com Seychelles Tourism, +248 4 67 13 00, seychelles.travel Creole Travel, +248 29 70 00, creoletravelservices.com Dei Gratia PR, +27 (0)21 554 3591, dei-gratia.co.za

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more fabulous

Opposite The exceptionally appointed beach retreats lie just metres from waters teeming with life. This page

getaway destinations.

The superb lodge amenities will soon be complemented by a Malacchi spa.

July/August 2011 | 69

SEYCHELLES

Location, location, location A stunning landscape, luxurious accommodation and now … romancing your loved one with ﬁne dining against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Banyan Tree Seychelles has embraced the notion of ‘destination dining’, introducing exclusive dining experiences that epitomise the romance of travel. Whether

Frégate Island Private’s rainwater harvesting system will see 30 000L/day collected – or 60% of the island’s water requirements.

it’s champagne on the rocks, a moonlit dinner, a grill on the sand or dinner at the romantic beach gazebo, your options for exploring nature and experiencing dining pleasure are practically limitless. Set in picturesque Intendance Bay, Mahé, Banyan Tree Seychelles is a private, all-villa private pool resort that encompasses powder-white beaches, palm trees and tropical forests. +27 (0)11 463 8195, banyantree.com

Raindrops keep falling … Frégate Island Private, a 3km stretch of pure luxury, is an exclusive eco resort and

‘Destination n dining at Banyas le Tree Seychel epitomises the el.’ romance of trav

a driving force behind an increase in environmental sustainability and harmonious co-existence with the natural environment. As part of its ecological initiatives, the resort has planted 100 000 trees since its reforestation programme started in 1998, and in 2008 it introduced a solar-powered ﬂeet of buggies for guests’ use. In its latest green quest, Frégate Island Private has completed Phase 1 of its rainwater harvesting system, which will see 30 000L/day collected, or 60% of the island’s water requirements. Phase 2 of the project will raise the amount of water collected to 6 000 000L/year – enough to sustain the entire island. +49 69 86 00 42 980, fregate.com

Edenic hit Construction work is well under way on the residential marina development of Eden Island, near Mahé, where some $30 million (about R200 million) in real estates sales has been made this year alone, mostly to international investors. Eden Island offers freehold title homes, including one- to three-bedroom apartments, duplex maisons, and luxury villas. Owners of these prime properties will have the use of four private beaches and electrically powered vehicles (EPV). Each property is air conditioned, has a fully ﬁtted kitchen and offers sensational views of the ocean, beaches, islands, forests or mountains. There’s an array of leisure facilities on offer, including private moorings. A retail centre is also being built for residents’ convenience. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion at the end of 2011. Villas are priced from $2 million. The cherry on the top? Owners of Eden Island property qualify for residency of Seychelles. +27 (0)21 762 2617, edenisland.sc

The half of it To show the country’s commitment to becoming a global leader in environmental conservation, the Government of Seychelles has announced that a further 15,72km2 is to come under its protection. Seychelles’ land territory totals 45 500ha (excluding reclaimed area), meaning a little over 50% of the land will now enjoy government protection. ‘We will become the ﬁrst country in the world that has half of its territory protected as national parks and nature reserves. This will ensure that our most beautiful islands remain in the hands of all Seychellois, for many this precious natural heritage, both for sustainable development of a small island nation, for tourism development, as well as the protection of our planet for our children,’ says President James Michel. Last year Silhouette National Park and Recif Island Reserve were created. The new protected areas include Curieuse National Park, South Island Farquhar National Park, Goëlettes Island (Farquhar) and Banc de Sable Special Reserves, among others. The environmental protection measures are expected to become law this year, sustaining the islands’ eco-tourism drawcard.

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Compiled by Nicky Manson

generations to come. We will show the world how important it is to preserve