12 JUNIE
WINELANDS, BOLAND, WEST COAST: ‘TURNOVER HAS GROWN TREMENDOUSLY’
Seeff rakes in awards
Seeff’s operations across the Winelands, Boland and West Coast have once again achieved great success in the agent and branch awards for the past year. “Through commitment and dedication, Seeff has grown its turnover and market share tremendously over the past few years,” says managing director for the areas, Pierre Germishuys.
“We have a wonderful group of agents that are dedicated to ensure the best possible outcome for sellers and buyers. From residential sales and rentals to commercial and agricultural sales and rentals, our agents have shone as top achievers over the past year.” Seeff boasts with 46 agents in Worcester, Ceres, Tulbagh, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, Stellenbosch, Croydon, Vredenburg, Langebaan and Lambert’s Bay. At the Seeff annual agent awards held on 30 May at the Langebaan Country Estate, Boland Seeff was honoured with the following awards: ) Sales Agent of the Year (highest rand-value) was awarded to Melina Visser from Franschhoek. ) Sales Agent of the Year (highest nuber of units sold) was awarded to Nelia Retief from Tulbagh. ) Sales Agent of the Year (highest commission %) was awarded to Marelize Huysamen from Langebaan. ) Rookie Agent of the Year was awarded to Hettie Denysschen from Stellenbosch. ) Rental Agent of the Year was awarded to Elmarie Esterhuizen from Worcester. ) Admin Person of the Year was awarded to Pamela Prins from Paarl. ) Office of the Year was awarded to the Franschhoek office. Boland Seeff also took top honours
Seeff’s Winelands, Boland and West Coast teams celebrate their success. at the annual Seeff National Awards, held at the end of May at the Arabella Hotel and Spa in the following categories: ) The Franschhoek, Paarl and Tulbagh offices were awarded Marketers of the Year. ) The Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offices were awarded for their Interior and Exterior Branding. “We pride ourselves on being a team of winners. In our Client Satisfaction Survey we received 90% on all critical points of service including
communication, timely response, knowledge and expertise, attention to needs, problem handling and overall client service.” Germishuys says “an overwhelming” 100% of their clients say they feel comfortable in recommending Seeff to their friends. “What our clients liked best are our friendly and personal service, attention to needs, problem resolution, professionalism and expertise – all the qualities needed from a top real estate agency.”
Marelize Huysamen from Langebaan was awarded Sales Agent of the Year (highest commission %).
Melina Visser from Langebaan was awarded Sales Agent of the Year (highest rand val ue).
Nelia Retief from Tulbagh was awarded Sales Agent of the Year (highest number of units sold).
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Districtmail
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
12 Junie, 2014
This threebedroomed Cape Dutchstyle home is located in Morningside, Somerset West. De signed and built in 1975, the home has panoramic views of the Helderberg mountain. It is on the market exclusively through Pam Golding Properties, priced at R1,85 million.
This Cape Dutchstyle home in Somerset West offers high ceilings, shuttered sash windows, gleaming Rhodesian teak floors and an authentic late 19th century stone fireplace. The three bedroomed home is on the market through Pam Golding Properties at R4,3 million. The prop erty also includes a quaint 80yearold thatched cottage and a sparkling swimming pool.
Cape Dutch grace in Somerset West For those who dream of owning the quintessential Cape home, there can be few architectural styles that match up to their aspirations more than a Cape Dutch manor house.
The style is synonymous with the region, representing the gritty determination and hard work of early farmers as well as the warmth and character of a family homestead passed down through the generations. While many Cape Dutch style homes have been lost to urban development over the years, the Cape Winelands region still offers a high concentration of such properties, and particularly the Helderberg ar-
ea. Pam Golding Properties (PGP) reports that Cape Dutch style homes remain among the most sought-after for family buyers in Somerset West who aspire to gracious living in a distinctive historic setting. PGP’s area manager for the Helderberg region, Louise Varga, says the Cape Dutch style was prominent in South African architecture of the 17th century, during the early days of the Cape Colony. “It has its roots in a blend of European styles,” she says, “including medieval Dutch, German and French architecture as well as Indonesian elements. Typical features have always included whitewashed walls and thatched roofs.” Originally the typical layout was a single-storey home with three
rooms – but as families grew more affluent by the 1800s, floor plans became more elaborate and houses larger and more ornate. H- or Tshaped designs became the norm, while the ornate rounded front gable began to appear more and more frequently. Vergelegen in Somerset West is thought to be the oldest surviving example of the style, with its manor house dating back to the early 1700s when Cape governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel first developed the property. Today, Cape Dutch homes are highly prized among property buyers, with even modern replicas of the style appealing to those who want a unique home with historic character, heritage and olde worlde
charm. The family-oriented lifestyle of the Somerset West area, with its sweeping mountain and ocean views and highly-rated schools, only adds to that appeal. PGP agents Natasha Wright and Thea Albertyn say suburbs such as Morningside and Nature’s Valley offer several examples, and while such properties seldom come onto the market, when they do, they tend to attract attention from far and wide, including international buyers. “Depending on the size, age, area and condition of the home, prices can vary quite significantly,” say the agents. “For example, in 2009 PGP sold a Cape Dutch property in Helderrand for R2,15 million, while a similar home in Briza fetched
R3,9 million in 2010.” PGP currently has several examples of Cape Dutch-style architecture on the market, including a three-bedroomed cottage in Morningside, bordering the sought-after Nature’s Valley area. Designed and built in 1975 by the current owners, the home has panoramic views of the Helderberg mountain and lies close to a number of historic sites including Lourensford and Vergelegen wine farms, as well as the modern Erinvale Golf Estate. Notable features of the property include a full length patio shaded by a grape vine, as well as a private and fullyenclosed braai area. Occupying an erf of just under 1000 m², the home is on the market at R1,85 million.
BOLAND SOLD
Districtmail
HELDERBERG
Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland
12 Junie, 2014
SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe, hoĂŤ-impak keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland
021 841 4285
021 887 2840
021 870 4600
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Districtmail 12 Junie, 2014
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
HELDERBERG
Districtmail 12 Junie, 2014
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Districtmail 12 Junie, 2014
SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
Do I Buy or Do I Rent?
reserves will be required. But are there any benefits to property ownership? Consider that, with every single bond instalment you make, you are repaying your capital debt. Sure, a large part is initially interest – but your outstanding debt reduces every month. At the same time, in every property market cycle, there will always be growth in your Let’s look at property rental property value. Yes, markets do first. In most cases renting a drop, as we experienced in 2008 property will cost you less than – 2010. But they recover, as they owning that same property. If always have done. So, when you you take into consideration the take a medium to long-term bond repayment costs, rates view of property, your asset inand taxes, maintenance and in- Talking Property with Steve creases in value. surance costs – these will al- CaradocDavies In simple terms, over 5 or 10 most always exceed the cost of renting the same property, initially. Remember years your property will increase in value, whilst that rentals increase and within a few years you your debt reduces. The difference between the may find your rent exceeds your bond instal- market value of your property and your outstanding bond represents your wealth. It’s a way of ment. Renting also gives you flexibility. At the termi- forced savings. If you had been paying rent for the same time nation of your lease you are able to move on without the concern of having to sell your property. you’d have absolutely nothing to show for it. It And if the property needs maintenance then the could be argued that there are other investment vehicles that will give you a greater rate of return landlord covers this cost. It’s important though, to consider that when in the short term. But there are also many other you are paying a rental, every payment you make investments that have shown a much lower reis an expense. In other words, aside from the obvi- turn – think of the stock market crashes not so ous benefit of the accommodation you enjoy, you long ago. The difference with property ownership is that have nothing left to show for your rental payyou can finance it. Use the bank’s money. Banks ments. Now let’s consider property ownership. There have an improved appetite for lending against are costs that are incurred when you purchase property – something they will never do for stocks a property. These include transfer duty, bond reg- and shares. Additionally, one of the most significant beneistration costs, attorney fees, and the like. These fits to purchasing is that you own your home. It’s are expenses which are unavoidable. In many cases, when you purchase a property yours. And that is a tangible and significant beneyou will need to have sufficient funds for a deposit fit not to be ignored. If your circumstances allow, in addition to the costs already mentioned. Banks invest in property to benefit you both now and have little appetite for 100% finance – so your cash in the years to come.
Buying vs. renting - it’s a question many tenants ponder. There are advantages and disadvantages to owning property that need to be considered. For most people, their property becomes their biggest financial asset – so it would be good to evaluate the benefits.
An artists impression of the Schonenberg Club House which opened its doors to residents this month.
State-of-the-art facilities for retirement village Schonenberg Retirement Village is abuzz with the opening of its new clubhouse and health-care centre which opened on 1 June. These milestone buildings have been planned with the utmost care by the developers of the Village, ensuring that every need of the Villagers has been thought of and accommodated. The clubhouse is 950 m² and consists of a large dining facility with a top restaurant-quality kitchen, together with a library, hairdresser, pub-and-braai area, formal lounge, administrative offices and an indoor swimming pool and gym area. The clubhouse is set to be the life and soul of this highly successful development and already a number of events are being planned to take place in the facility. Adjoining the clubhouse is the state-ofthe-art, 27-room health-care centre which was completed at the same time. Delighted residents have already moved in to the facility which consists of 14 frailcare rooms with communal dining facili-
ties on the ground floor. Upstairs are 13 assisted-living, self-contained units designed for residents who are more independent but still want the extra support provided by a health care centre. These include regular caregiving if required, laundry, room cleaning and a meal a day. Units come fitted with a kitchenette including a fridge, microwave and stove, and have room for a bedroom section, small lounge and separate bathroom. All units are fitted with nurse call and panic button facilities and are designed to make life as easy as possible for the elderly with well-located grab rails and access to sunny balconies wherever possible. “It is such an exciting feeling to be able to open the doors to these fantastic facilities after so much planning. Whilst we have always had a successfully running temporary clubhouse and frail care facility, our promise to all residents is now being fulfilled and their trust in us rewarded.” says David Welsh the development manager of the Village.
BOLAND SOLD
HELDERBERG
Districtmail 12 Junie, 2014
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Eikestadnuus
12 Junie, 2014
SOLD STELLENBOSCH BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
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Eikestadnuus 12 Junie, 2014
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SOLD HELDERBERG BOLAND
BOLAND SOLD
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Paarl Post
SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND
12 Junie, 2014
Two lifestyle farms in the Cape Winelands up for auction BKB Properties will auction off two adjacent lifestyle farms in Wellington on 24 June. Both have huge income potential as well as attractive features for the lifestyle farmer. The first farm consists of 79,1 ha undeveloped land with natural fynbos, and The Witte River running adjacent to the property border. The land is ideal for growing olives, buchu, and setting up a nursery. The area also contains a multitude of hiking and running trails and the land is zoned for agriculture. The second farm contains the main dwelling of about 290 m²,
which consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and other amenities. The second dwelling of about 179 m² is in a fair condition and has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a swimming pool, a 55 m² store and acres of natural fynbos. Water is obtained from The Witte River and the land is also zoned for agriculture. The properties are situated in a scenic area at the foot of the Bainskloof pass with the Hawequas Mountains forming an impressive backdrop. Both portions will be sold separately and as one unit. The Wellington Valley lies in the heart of the Western Cape Wine-
lands, a mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town. With the Berg River flowing along its western border, and the mighty Hawequas Mountains standing guard on the eastern side, this area is lush, bountiful and spectacular. Wellington’s economy is based on agriculture such as wine, table grapes and deciduous fruit, as well as a famous brandy industry. BKB’s Willie Van Rensburg comments, “These farms are ideal for lifestyle farmers who want to operate commercial enterprises. The area is beautiful and the land fertile.” The auction takes place at 11:00 on 24 June on-site in Wellington.
The first dwelling on the farm consists of four bedrooms, two bath rooms and other amenities.
Wellington boasts with beautifully restored Cape Dutch home
A front garden view of this R2 995 000 Cape Dutch style home in Wellington
The Rawson Property Group’s Wellington franchise is selling a beautifully restored Cape Dutch home, the original structure of which dates back to the 1890s. Sited in Burg Street, part of the historic residential core in Wellington, which has long been considered the “best” of Wellington’s residential precincts, the home has spacious reception and living rooms, three large bedrooms, a modern farmhouse kitchen and ancillary space in-
cluding a self-contained flat in the garden and various other rooms. In the garden there is also a large swimming pool and the erf has many mature Oak and other trees, which provide shade to the home throughout Wellington’s hot summer months. Some of the attractive features of the home are full length wooden shutters surrounding small pane windows, solid wood floors in certain areas, exposed timber
beams, fireplaces and, on the outside patios, vines which shade these entertainment areas. “No home could be better suited to Wellington because the designers have never sought to part from the traditional Cape Dutch style and the garden is a real retreat from urban life,” said Tertius Joubert, the Rawson Property Group’s franchisee for Wellington. The erf of this home is 1 763 m² and the asking price is R2 995 000.
BOLAND SOLD
PAARL/WELLINGTON
Paarl Post
12 Junie, 2014
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Paarl Post 12 Junie, 2014
ON AUCTION: A 11,4 ha farm, situated on the well足known Lustigan Road close to the Boschenmeer Golf Estate in Paarl, will be auctioned by BKB Properties on Friday 20 June. The farm features two houses, cold storage, six labourers cottages and an irrigation dam (pictured). About 7 ha of the land is utilised for the production of herbs, flowers, cocktail to足 matoes and green beans and there is an intensive hydroponic unit with tunnels and shade足 cloth houses.
SOLD PAARL/WELLINGTON BOLAND
PRACTICAL: ACCENT HATCH OFFERS AMPLE SPACE AND AFFORDABILITY
Road test: Hyundai’s new Accent hatch FRANS LE ROUX Gone are the years of unreliable, unsafe and bland vehicles. If you are in the market, it is near impossible to find a “bad” car. For decades, premium German brands were ruling the roost. They offered reliable, good-looking options, but at a hefty price tag. Luckily for us, some healthy competition emerged and the biggest winners came out of Korea and China. One of the most impressive progressions were seen from Korean giant, Hyundai. Just when you think they have enough models in their line-up, they add a new one. The Hyundai Accent hatchback quietly sneaked into the market re-
cently. Bringing with it another option of a good practical no-nonsense hatchback. Okay, so where does the Accent hatch fit in? Very good question I would say. At first I was rather confused because you get the i10, i20 and i30 hatchbacks. Each differing in size, specification-level and price. The Accent hatch then fits in between the i20 and the i30. See it as a bigger sibling to the i20, but a more affordable alternative to the i30. The Accent hatch features a rather punchy 1.6-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine which delivers 91 kW/15 Nm. These figures, coupled with a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, translate into a satisfying driving experience. Average fuel
economy is claimed at 6,5 F/100 km, although my figures returned slightly higher at 7,3 F/100 km. The Accent’s steering is very light, thanks to its power assisted steering. At low speeds it is easy to manoeuvre around town or get into that tight parking space. Speaking of which, the Accent Hatch has rear park assist as standard. No more reversing into lampposts or scraping the occasional tree. In the looks department, I found the Accent Hatch rather pleasing to look at. It shares the same front end as its sedan brother. Those smiling fog lights and prominent Hyundai badge are all part of Hyundai’s new fluid design philosophy.
Hyundai’s new Accent Hatch fits in nicely between their i20 and i30 hatchbacks. It offers good space and value for money. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
It has been part of their recent success, and this platform is shared throughout their model line-up. Step inside and you are greeted by a familiar interior. Blue lights light up the cabin, while familiar silver and grey inserts draw your attention. These striking additions to the cabin help lift the overall quality and feel. A multi-function steering-wheel fits nicely between your hands while a large display-screen makes navigating your Bluetooth and multimedia devices easy. Rear legroom is more than enough with seating for two adults. The boot swallows a generous 370 F. With most South Africans needing to cut down on spending, the good-old hatchback segment is
crammed full of decent options. The Accent Hatch retails for R234 900 for the manual. Hyundai offers a comprehensive 5year/150 000 km warranty along with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Considering the size of the Accent, it will be hard to beat in terms of practicality and price. The main rivals in this category include the Toyota Auris 1.6 Xi, Opel Astra 1.6 hatch and the Ford Focus 1.6 Trend. Only the Auris offers similar value but it has a poorer warranty. If you directly compare the Accent to its bigger i30 brother, you will save R25 000. For your saving you get a no-nonsense family hatchback that has plenty to offer. This Accent hatch is a definite contender for your shopping list.
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SOLD AUTO BOLAND
Donderdag
12 Junie, 2014
Toyota FJ Cruiser: the thumping brute HANJO STIER Some of my earliest childhood memories take place on gran’s farm. The smell of furniture polish in the gigantic house, a thriving herb garden out front, the monotonous beat of a Lister engine and a powder blue Toyota Land-Cruiser FJ40 pick-up parked next to the second barn. The farm has long been sold and I often think that FJ40 sealed the deal. Never shy to work, it always started first time and its blue paint was marked with countless scratches and dents from the many tasks it performed as the daily runner, hunting vehicle and carry-all of this land. Fast forward a few decades and Toyota pays homage to these durable workhorses with this retro take called FJ Cruiser. Based heavily on a Land-Cruiser Prado, the oddball 4x4 combines elements of its ancestor with strange proportions, bizarre doors and a near-vertical windscreen with three wipers. Big headlights and ye olde Toyota letters frame the retro grill while mock silver bumpers protrude from the front corners just as much as the strange lights do at the back. The square wheel arches house big wheels with gun-metal alloys and the spare wheel sits on a rear door which hinges in the wrong direction. Due to its extreme squareness and slim window line, the cabin
Due to its extreme squareness and slim window line, the cabin has an extremely high waistline, tall dash board and low seating position PHOTO: QUICKPIC has an extremely high waistline, tall dashboard and low seating position. That slab of a front windscreen seems a mile away and for this reason, Toyota has installed a second set of side sun visors above both front doors. Its radio with CD/mp3, USB, Aux and Bluetooth capability, also looks like a relic but it pumps impressive tunes through six thumping speakers with satellite buttons on the height-adjustable steering wheel. The big instruments seem
a tad playful and supply battery voltage above the usual information. Rear accommodation can be tight for adults and the door/window construction doesn’t help to ease any claustrophobia. Most of the floor is covered in tough rubber mats and this also applies to the 990F boot area. Rear visibility is rather tragic so the reversing camera is a welcome standard feature. The FJ Cruiser has been discontinued elsewhere and this shows in
the cabin materials and ergonomics. The layout and style seems antiquated but this won’t be a problem for fans of retro. The big ventilation knobs, simple buttons and stalks are easily controlled and the only modern absentee is a trip computer. Perhaps that was done on purpose as the FJ is only available with a high-compression, 200 kW/380 Nm 4-litre V6. Delivering its power to two or four wheels via an old but smooth five-speed
automatic gearbox, it allegedly helps itself to an average of 11,4F/100 km – I think mid-teens are more likely. Toyota has addressed this with a recent update which adds a secondary tank to make up a total volume of 159 L. Another big novelty is Crawl Control which allows the FJ Cruiser to climb, ford or descend treacherous terrain on its own, at variable (slow) speeds controlled by a rotary knob on the cabin’s ceiling. This adds to the car’s already remarkable off-roading abilities which can also call on four-wheeldrive, low-range ratios, a rear differential lock, active traction control, impressive 245 mm ground clearance, 34° approach and 31° departure angles. Vehicle stability control, ABS brakes with EBD are also standard. The FJ retains its sturdy, ponderous yet unbelievably comfortable suspension which means it won’t put up with any fast corners. In a straight line, though, the lively V6 propels this 2 030 kg car to 100 km/h in under eight seconds and on to a limited top speed of 175 km/h. Parking this brute in your driveway requires R476 500 of your moolah. The Sport version retails for R500 200 and both come with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5year/90 000km service plan. If it’ll last as long as that old blue Cruiser is debatable, but its chances are better than most other new cars. Galimoto Media
BOLAND SOLD
AUTO
Donderdag
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12 Junie, 2014
Exciting future for MG and Maxus in SA QUICKPIC
South Africa’s MG and Maxus can look forward to an exciting future after the latest developments at its parent company, SAIC, the biggest automaker in China, the world’s biggest car market. SAIC, who took over iconic British marque MG and also manufactures the popular light commercial vehicle range of Maxus, named Chen Hong, previously the company’s president and vice chairman, its new chairman. The state-owned automaker said Chen will succeed 63-year-old Hu Maoyuan Hu Maoyuan, who retired last week after 15 years as SAIC’s chairman. Vice President Chen Zhixin, who heads SAIC’s passenger car operation, has been promot-
ed to become SAIC’s president, according to an announcement the Shanghai Communist Party Committee published on its website. Top officials of state-owned companies are all appointed by China’s ruling Communist Party. The shuffle follows the opening of a dedicated new MG plant in Thailand, where the MG3 enters production next month. MG South Africa plans to launch the extremely successful MG3 in the second half of this year. The availability of this new super mini has been hampered by massive UK demand, but South Africa will now receive cars from the new plant which opened in Thailand last month. Last year, SAIC sold 4,7 million vehicles through its joint ventures with Volkswagen and GM. SAIC Motor achieved record global sales last
year of over 5,1 million units; the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to exceed five million units in a year. Of these, 230 000 of this extraordinary end of year figure can be attributed to sales of the MG and Roewe marques worldwide, including MG South Africa. Roewe is SAIC’s in-house brand, based on MG technology. Despite being manufactured in Asia for the last five years, Maxus commercial vehicles and MG still retain their British design and technology. Maxus vehicles have been proven the most reliable in the UK for the last four years, regularly outperforming the likes of IVECO, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Nissan and Toyota, to name but a few, while the new MG3 has become the biggest MG success in history in less than a year after launch. Maxus and MG are locally distributed, sold and serviced by Mandarin Motors under the
banner of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), a leading South African motor retailer group listed on the JSE. Maxus and MG will soon have 15 dedicated dealersthroughoutSouthAfrica,withadditional service outlets in remote areas.