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BEACH FRONT PROPERTIES
Blue Flags boost value The high quality and appeal of South Africa’s coastal areas has once again been confirmed by the international Blue Flag programme.
Run by an independent non-profit organisation based in Denmark, the programme endorses beaches around the world that offer good water quality, high standards of cleanliness and security, and sound environmental management. National tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced on 11 October that 36 South African beaches had attained the coveted Blue Flag status for the coming summer season (1 December 2012 to 31 March 2013), including 23 in the Western Cape alone. Pam Golding Properties’ MD for the Western Cape metro area, Laurie Wener, says South Africa’s growing success in the Blue Flag programme reinforces the value of the region’s coastal property. “We are fortunate to have some of the most magnificent scenic property in the world around the Western Cape coast,” she says. “Prime coastal property comes at a premium all over the world, and it is no different here in Cape Town. Yet it is still possible to acquire homes either directly on the beachfront or within easy walking distance – and at prices far more competitive than one would pay for beachfront homes in Europe, the US or Australia.” Annien Borg, MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, adds that obtaining Blue Flag status is a significant achievement. “This is a highly credible international rating, providing peace of mind for international visitors to the country as well as reinforcing the appeal of coastal suburbs for local buyers. What makes South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches particularly special is their accessibility – many of them are located within urban areas or not far from them, meaning that properties on or near the beach can be utilised for permanent residence, and not just holiday and leisure use.” Among the beaches achieving Blue Flag status in PGP’s Overberg region this year are Bikini Beach (Gordon’s Bay) and Grotto Beach (Hermanus). Located in Gordon’s Bay at the very foot of the Hottentots Holland mountain range, Bikini Beach
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is a small, sheltered enclave with approximately 20 homes, some of which have been in the hands of individual families for over four decades. Residents include professionals, retirees and leading businesspeople, some residing there all year round, while others use the homes as weekend and holiday getaways. The property mix includes several older homes, as well as a number of properties that have been completely restored and modernised in recent years. As a result, prices can range anywhere from around R4,5 million to R15 million. Recent sales in the area (across all agencies) have included R1,5 million for a 400 m² vacant plot and R7 million for a house. The beach offers safe, warm swimming and is within walking distance of the harbour, where many residents moor yachts. Whales are regular visitors in season, and there is a strong culture of watersports. The beachfront also offers panoramic views of Cape Point, the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, the Durbanville Hills and Hottentots Holland mountains, as well as several Somerset West wine farms. Grotto Beach in Hermanus has the distinction of being South Africa’s longest-running Blue Flag beach, having received the award for the 11th time this year. It is also one of the longest beaches in the Western Cape, extending several kilometres beyond the Hermanus lagoon mouth, all the way to De Kelders in Gansbaai. The area is world-famous for its whale-watching, and in season, southern right whales often bask just beyond the breakers. Grotto Beach is dominated by holiday homes, most of them locally owned. Properties include a number of beautiful beach houses, with prices varying from around R4 million for older homes set farther back from the sea, to over R15 million for those on the front row. Vacant beachfront plots of around 1 000 m² can fetch anything from R8 million to R10 million, depending on proximity to the beach, views and privacy. PGP’s sales in 2012 have included six properties located on or just behind the front row, with four of these selling for over R12 million. The most recent of these was a home whose garden leads directly down to the beachfront; it sold for R15,2 million in September.
R5 690 000
R2 350 000
Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2 | Garage 1
Starter home with private garden.
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STELLENBOSCH
Kantoor 021 887 4740 Welgevonden 021 889 9774 DIE BOORD
Ouwêreldse sjarme. Pragtig gerestoureer. Uitstekende ligging! STELLENBOSCH
This Mediterraneanstyle home is on a hill overlooking Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay. It has four bedrooms and spacious entertainment areas, including covered patios overlooking the ocean. It is on the market exclusively through PGP, priced at R17 million. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Jané 082 331 1664 Marí 082 R3927 100 3248 000
www.annabasson.co.za
R3 400 000 WELGEVONDEN
Slaapkamers 4 | Badkamers 3 | Motorhuise 2
R1 150 000
R6 250 000
The perfect home for relaxed living. Lots of extras. STELLENBOSCH
R1 880 000
Slaapkamers 2 | Badkamers 2 | Parering 1
Kompak, maar met hope akkommoda- Uitstekende belegging! Noordfront met groot privaat tuin. Twee Kampuswoonstel. Gemoderniseer en uiters netjies. Noordfront. sie. Gerieflike binne- en buiteleefareas. slaapkamers, 1 badkamer en 1 motorhuis.
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R1 600 000
Slaapkamers 2 | Badkamers 2 | Parkering 1
Uitstekende waarde vir geld. Ruim woonstel met praguitsigte.