The Property Magazine - Kwazulu-Natal September 2012 by Medianova Publishing

Property

Est. 2004, Issue 280

KWAZULU-NATAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Winner of 10 publishing awards

decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

WIN A SHAMWARI TRIP WORTH R27 000

PROFILING JOHN RABIE

CONOR MCCREEDY’S SOHO APARTMENT

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Beach house, Brittania Bay. perfecthideaways.co.za

SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: IDEAS AND PRODUCTS TO INSPIRE YOU

35 14

Contents

22 54

DECOR

LUXURY

REAL ESTATE

HOT DECOR & DESIGN Calling all collectors

TRENDS 7

SHOPPE TILL YOU …

HOT PLATE

up with the ‘godfather of Italian gastronomy’

12 38

for Brittania the full story. Bay. See page 24 for details.

star Shamwari Game Reserve

House 3 at Nettleton Ridge estate, Clifton, Cape Town

READER OFFER Exclusive Azura at Quilálea

MAKING MOVES ON THE MIDLANDS

DESIGN AN ARTIST’S SANCTUARY

Get the look! Inspirational ideas for bathrooms and kitchens

Anderson looks at the market’s inﬂuences

KWAZULU-NATAL RESIDENTIAL A luxury development in Amanzimtoti

KWAZULU-NATAL COMMERCIAL The most recent incarnation of

artist Conor Mccreedy’s

Musgrave Centre

SPACES THAT SPEAK VOLUMES South Africa’s top bathrooms

TREND WATCH

Rabie Property

Revealing SA-born quirky SoHo apartment

EYES WIDE OPEN Group Director Colin

AMC Hunter Inc.

HUNTER GATHERING

doing this month

in the KZN Midlands

@ Maison. Turn to page 11 Beach house kitchen,

Win three nights at the ﬁve-

25 years at the helm of

The experts talk

CAPE TOWN’S PREMIER ADDRESS

LUXURY WIN

honour of Karien Hunter’s

Why you should be living

Atlantic Seaboard

What you should be

kitchen must-haves

ON THE COVER TheON Kitchen THE & Tasting COVER Room

be wearing and indulgences

WHAT’S ON

PIPING HOT

An intricate and opulent villa on the

resort special

LAYERED LUXURY

sampling, clothes you should

A Property Dinner in

bathroom and

We celebrate Italians and vegetarians, and catch

Wines you should be

you should be exploring

Shoppe celebrates the best of local design

HOT INDULGENCE

SOUTH AFRICA New opportunities to buy into Fancourt, plus holiday homes in the Klein Karoo

and kitchens

A NEW LEASE John Rabie’s new vision

thepropertymag.co.za | 1

ED’S LETTER THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE ONLINE VISIT thepropertymag.co.za for the latest features.

Photograph Grant Difford

If you can’t stand the heat …

and Twitter: facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag DOWNLOAD our National edition for iPad and Galaxy tablets from Zinio: zinio.com SUBSCRIBE Call 0860 100 209 (local) or +27 (0)21 530 3112 (foreign) to learn more about our special

… renovate your kitchen. Or your bathroom

Two of the busiest rooms in our houses are undoubtedly the bathroom and the kitchen. Both get the most foot traffic, so it makes sense that these rooms should get the most thought and devotion when it comes to layout and features, design and decor, and appliances and accessories. Kitchens are no longer a place to merely cook and eat. They are now functional spaces where family and friends can congregate and engage, catch up, play, do homework, read the paper … Today’s kitchen has evolved and therefore its design has too. Kitchens are now masterpieces of architecture and design, pieces of art if you will, that we showcase proudly. High-gloss cupboards hide unsightly appliances, leaving gleaming surfaces uncluttered and allowed to shine in all their glory. Technology allows for us to call on espressos, ice, cold water – the list goes on – from a hidden machine at the simple touch of a button. Art and light installations merge until they are indistinguishable. Kitchens now boast TVs, wine coolers, bars, sofas … All within reach, meaning you may never need to leave the room. The same can be said of the bathroom. Once merely a room to in which to cleanse ourselves, the bathroom now takes centre stage in the home. Bathtubs have grown, shower

subscription offer.

walls have disappeared and wet rooms have emerged. Views have become important and technology and green devices rule (you can save a Third World country’s water supply with the one-touch flush). Mouldy bathmats have been replaced by sexy concrete floors or natural wooden planks, sauna and steam functions are now par for the course, and you can have warming towel racks, warming loo seats and even underfloor heating installed. And yet, despite all these advances, the bathroom remains our sanctuary, a serene and calming space in which to wash away the day’s problems and renew our vigour. So important are these rooms to us and to our readers that we have devoted 10 pages to SA’s top bathrooms and kitchens.We hope you are left awestruck, inspired and a tad envious. We were.

Nicky Manson, Editor

This month I covet …

The Benjamin Mirror by Egg Designs. Simply

A bathroom by Lavo Bathroom Concepts. When did

The Beluga Light by Fabbian, available from Pure

gorgeous. +27 (0)11 262 5940, eggdesigns.co.za

sanware get so sexy? +27 (0)21 461 0180, lavo.co.za

Light SA. +27 (0)82 576 2048, purelightsaonline.com

2 | September 2012

Property DISTRIBUTION REGIONAL CIRCULATION ABC Audited National Circulation (Apr.–Jun. 2012) The Property Magazine – KwaZulu-Natal 13 735 The Property Magazine – Johannesburg 18 633 The Property Magazine – Western Cape 23 001 The Property Magazine – Combined 55 369

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE KWAZULU-NATAL DISTRIBUTION 4 529 copies to luxury outlets: 8 925 copies free-to-home in the following The Boat House areas (including residential estates): The Vineyard on Ballito Berea Zimbali Lodge Musgrave Fairways Lodge Morningside Teremok Marine Windermere La Bordello Beverly Hills Madeline Grove B & B Cowies Hill The Palms Guest House Waterfall/Kloof Essenwood House Hillcrest The Balmoral Maytime Phezulu Game Estate Upper Umhlanga The Royal Hotel Lower Umhlanga Riverside Hotel & Spa Upper La Lucia Sica’s Guest House Lower La Lucia The Westville Hotel Prestondale Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel Broadway Quarters Hotel Mount Edgecombe The Manor House Hilton Fairway Guest House Wembley Docklands Hotel Ballito Umdloti

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

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

PRETORIA DISTRIBUTION 10 000 copies, including 6 500 Free-To-Home, 500 copies to luxury outlets and embassies and 3 000 copies to select retailers

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

Western Cape Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Michèle Jones Western Cape Sales Chantal Barton, Susan Erwee Pretoria Sales Lorna MacPhail KwaZulu-Natal Sales Claire Veitch Directory Sales Lufuno Mudau Event Coordinator Bianca van Deventer Media Coordinator Tamlyn Pasqualie Trafﬁc Assistant Portia Mbele

ART Senior Designer Keverne Morland Junior Designer Chané Joemat Senior Retoucher Tim Lake CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Curtis-Setchell, Candace King, Tammy Sutherns PHOTOGRAPHERS Val Adamson, Nic Baleta, Fiona Barclay-Smith, Sally Chance, Deborah Curtis-Setchell, Michael Glenister, Tim Lake, Candace Marshall-Smith, Gisela Nel DISTRIBUTION Ezweni Magazine Distribution ADVERTISING Gauteng & KwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Jenni McCallum Gauteng & KwaZulu-Natal Sales Assistant Liezel Barnard Johannesburg Sales Milos Kovacevic, Tracey-Lee Schuster

PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTD Managing Director Tony Vaughan tony@medianova.co.za General Manager Mark Pettipher markp@medianova.co.za Project Manager Taryn Townsend Associate Publisher Pretoria Obed Sealetsa Associate Publisher Namibia Mynard Slabbert Financial Manager Leanne Cox leanne@medianova.co.za Finance Assistant Eleanor Scipio Credit Controller Anthea Odendaal Collections Clerk Casmia Gysman IT Coordinator Adrian Petro Drivers Themba Gumede, Joseph Khoza, Willem September

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 +27 (0)87 230 0101 Fax +27 (0)21 421 7891 GAUTENG 49 6th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2193. Phone +27 (0)87 230 0101 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 100 209 Fax 0866 704 101 International Phone +27 (0)21 530 3112 Fax +27 (0)21 530 3143 SMS 41871 with reference ‘Property Magazine’ (R2/SMS) for subscription enquiries EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES General editorial@medianova.co.za Society readers@medianova.co.za. Hot Property editorial@medianova.co.za

Property

Print edition published monthly in four regional issues: Western Cape, Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and Pretoria Current ABC Audited Circulation (Q2 2012, April–June): Western Cape – 23 001, Johannesburg – 18 633, KwaZulu-Natal – 13 735. Total Nationally – 55 369 Pretoria print run – 10 000 Web Stats: Property Club Members – 24 884 AMPS National Readership (2011A): 287 815

Property

Winner of 10 publishing awards

JOHANNESBURG

Est. 2004, Issue 280

KWAZULU-NATAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

WIN

A SHAMWARI TRIP WORTH R27 000

PROFILING

JOHN RABIE

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS INSPIRATION

Property

KWAZULU-NATAL

Property

PRETORIA

A SHAMWARI VISIT WORTH R27 000

Property

WESTERN CAPE

WIN

CONOR MCCREEDY’S

SOHO APARTMENT

SOUTH AFRICA

PROFILING

JOHN RABIE

PROFILING JOHN RABIE

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: IDEAS AND PRODUCTS TO INSPIRE YOU

CONOR MCCREEDY’S

SOHO APARTMENT

TRIP WORTH R27 000

MODERN RETRO

INSIDE A TRENDY PECANWOOD HOME

COBRA THROUGHOUT

DISCERNING HOMEOWNER GOES WITH STYLISH COBRA SANWARE AND TAPS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: INSPIRATIONAL PRODUCTS & IDEAS

INTRODUCING MEERENDAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: INSPIRATIONAL PRODUCTS & IDEAS

PROFILING JOHN RABIE

287 815

ZINIO EDITION!

CONOR MCCREEDY’S SOHO APARTMENT

WIN A SHAMWARI

National Readership

Property THE

CONOR MCCREEDY’S SOHO APARTMENT

SOHO APARTMENT

CONOR MCCREEDY’S SOHO APARTMENT

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: IDEAS AND PRODUCTS TO INSPIRE YOU

AMPS (2011A)

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

SA’S HOT SPACES PLUS: INSPIRATIONAL PRODUCTS & IDEAS

ON THIS MONTH’S COVERS Western Cape: Meerendal Boutique Hotel. Johannesburg: Designer bathroom with Cobra throughout – 0861 21 21 21, cobra.co.za. KwaZulu-Natal: Beach house, Brittania Bay. Pretoria: Pod Boutique Hotel, Camps Bay. South Africa (National Digital Edition): Bathroom, The Glass House, Gauteng.

RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Beach house, Brittania Bay. perfecthideaways.co.za

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.

medianova.co.za

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HOT PROPERTY

HOT sPacE

ShoPPe

Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Bron Fourie of Vanilla Photography

till you …

Sonia Vosloo’s Shoppe brings us the best of local talent, both quirky and contemporary on kiln-fused glass mounted on wood are also

onia Vosloo’s past and present is in

Within six weeks, Sonia had stocked the

clothing, but a visit to Cape Town’s

store with everything South African, but she

stocked. On the floor, tree trunks, vintage crate

Design Indaba saw her falling head

added a little vintage element too. Easy to

tables and painted school chairs sit on Nguni

over heels in love with creative

justify, really: ‘I reckoned the vintage had

floor mats dyed in delicious greens and blues.

South Africans’ world-class bespoke crafted

been around in Durban long enough to claim

On Koop’s pale and graphic tables are tactile

goods. By her next Cape Town visit, she was

citizenship.’ She sourced work from around SA

piles of glorious ceramics by Mick Haigh of the

convinced that Durban needed a ‘local is

and put her energy into seeking out known and

Midlands, and a host of creatively upcycled or

lekker’ outlet, and she set out to achieve it.

unknown artists in and around Durban. She was

recycled pieces. A visit to Shoppe will never be a simple

A self-confessed regular at everybody’s

committed to stocking what others didn’t, so

favourite meeting place, Market in Morningside,

if she fell for artists or crafters who were well

shopping experience – it’s more a South

Sonia was at the right place, at the right

known, she chose alternative works of theirs.

African adventure. Sonia aims to replenish

All the surfaces of Shoppe are covered in

time, when retail space became available

sold gaps with fresh, new stock rather than

there. It’s the perfect space, the perfect

merchandise – often wacky, always wonderful.

repeats. All the more reason to go there often.

place, spilling out into the courtyard, where a

The walls are draped in all shapes and sizes of

Be prepared to leave with something you

diverse clientele sips lattes in the shade of the

artwork by the likes of René Rutgers and Terry

had no intention of buying but couldn’t risk

leopard trees.

Angelos. Marguerite Beneke’s Karoo scenes

leaving behind.

+27 (0)83 626 6088

Suitcase Chair by Re-Create, cushions by My Favourite Colour and woollen throw by Evolution.

Paper Book lights by Shaw Sisters and painter’s doll and ceramics by Tamarillo. 3Books published

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for other

boutique stores in your area.

by Quivertree and ceramic Dragonfly tea set from Homebakes 4Funky soaps by Daniel Ting Chong.

thepropertymag.co.za | 7

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

We celebrate Italians, vegetarians and others

MAKING TIME Marco Nico always dishes up something splendid, and his newest venture, La Storia, at the Westville Hotel, is no different. ‘We’d like you to take the time to sit back, put the rush aside and linger over a relaxed meal with friends and family. Enjoy the ﬂavours, enjoy the wine and enjoy the people who mean the most to you,’ say Marco and his wife, Kerryne. Their dishes, rooted in Italy, but with a nod to SA inﬂuences, will ensure you do just that. +27 (0)31 266 8793, lastoria.co.za

BOTTLED UP

ANTONIO CARLUCCIO, OBE OMRI,

She calls her products ‘chefs in a bottle’ and vows they’ll simplify your life, add character to your

the ‘godfather of Italian gastronomy’,

plate and entertain your palate. Local young chef Nardia Adams has branched out into Fudart, a

when he visited SA recently to star in

fun, funky range of 19 preserves, dips, dressings and pastes. These magic ﬂavours are great served

Durban’s Good Food & Wine Show.

with cheeses, biscuits, or used as marinades. With no preservatives, colouring or thickening

We caught up with

agents, they’re made from ingredients sourced as close to home as possible, to keep the carbon

8 | September 2012

footprint low. Find Fudart at The Food Market or at The Wonder Market, or order direct. +27 (0)83 252 8885, facebook.com/fudart

VEG OUT Here’s a book that’ll have vegetarians and others heading straight to the kitchen. Hirsch’s Living the Modern Vegetarian Life offers an appealing selection of meals that can be served as stand-alone dishes or as accompaniments for those wanting a little chicken, meat or ﬁsh on their plates too. The book’s focus on unpretentious entertaining for family and friends results in a collection of inexpensive, easy-toprepare recipes, while the food styling by Natasha Barnes and photography by Roy Reed inspire. Available from Hirsch’s countrywide. hirschs.co.za

TOWNSHIP STYLE From its humble roots, Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi has become a hot and happening destination. Here’s a place that started out as a butchery and shisa nyama in a one-room shack near a taxi rank, from where it sold hot meat with hotter chilli sauce as a remedy for Sunday morning babalaas. Today, with decks overlooking the nearby stream, regular opening hours, and Executive Chef Jay- Cee Zondi presiding over the kitchen, Max’s Lifestyle is one venue you can’t miss. +27 (0)31 906 1393, maxslifestyle.co.za

Words André Fiore

Should one use traditional Italian recipes as springboards for their own interpretation? Italian regional food is good as it is. The over 10 000 recipes don’t need to be improved upon. It’s extremely satisfying to cook perfectly in the traditional way, which is the quintessence of Italian culinary culture. However, development can take place by combining northern and southern traditions and making positive new discoveries, without changing the essence of Italian food, and basing it on simplicity and good taste. There are some foods in nature, such as truffles, bottarga, special mushrooms like morels, porcini, Caesars and many others, precious enough to use in sophisticated but still very simple dishes, appreciated by the high priest of taste. My motto of ‘MOF, MOF’ (‘minimum of fuss, maximum of flavour’) is also the philosophy of culinary Italy. Worldwide, Italian food, not only pizza, spaghetti and lasagne, has now taken a firm place in the cooking habits of all countries, and is sometimes integrated into ethnic cuisines, such as French, Spanish, Indian and others. Tell us about your passion for mushrooms. I adore mushrooms. It is part of Italian culture that, in season, everybody – young, old and of any social class – goes into the woods to search for wild mushrooms. This passion has grown gradually since I was a child, as I learned from adults to distinguish the poisonous from the edible mushrooms. It is the searching or hunt that gives the kick – the eating is a bonus.

HOT PROPERTY

Calling all collectors of art, decor and furnishings

HOT DECOR & DESIGN

LINOCUTS AND CERAMICS Works by local artists Clive Sithole and William Zulu have long been highly sought after. Sithole’s ceramics and Zulu’s linocuts grace many international collections as well as shelves and walls closer to home. The African Art Centre has in stock new works by both of these artists. So hurry along, collectors! +27 (0)31 312 3804, afriart.org.za

PENCILS AND PASTELS The just-launched South African Road Trip is a poetic pictorial account by French artist

TANYA VISSER is best known as

Jacques de Loustal of his Winter 2011 journey

the presenter on The Home Channel’s

through the Karoo, around Cape Town and along

The Gardener. Her passion for getting

the Wild Coast. Loustal’s media are pencil and

her hands dirty with soil goes back to

pastel, and his work is noted for its evocation

the times when she would garden as a

of atmosphere, milieu and sense of place. His

child with her parents. ‘I’m pretty sure

books are available from Alliance Française

my blood is green …’, she says.

branches in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, alliance.org.za

FURNITURE AND PLAY The new showrooms of Design Meets Life, in Bute Street, provide a clean and promising palette for the designer’s just-launched range of contemporary children’s decor. Furniture pieces in funky shades complement the themed wallpapers and include tables, chairs, drawers, bookshelves, lamps and desks. The swatch books include popular themes, such as Safari, Hearts, Flying is Fun, Transport and the brand-new World Map. There’s also a range of soft furnishings to match. +27 (0)84 451 4683, designmeetslife.com

LINEN, COTTON AND CANVAS Fresh from the Fabric Library, the Vacation and Plantation ranges are hitting store shelves nationwide. Available in crisp linens, cottons, cotton weaves and canvas, across a range of colour palettes, these collections will look great in almost any space. Find them at Home Fabrics in Durban. +27 (0)31 303 1202, homefabrics.co.za

Who is your favourite landscaper? Diarmuid Gavin, the infamous Irish landscape designer. He has such a creative mind, which allows him to come up with the most off-the-wall designs, his latest being the 80 ft, six-storey tower garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. No one knows how to move your cheese like Diarmuid. You’ve got to love it! What design elements do you consider to be indispensable in a garden? Every garden needs to amplify the personality of the person living in that space. It’s so important that this aspect isn’t overlooked, but that happens so easily if you’re not intimately involved with the garden. What herbs or veggies should be planted in every garden? It should be what you love eating or love cooking with! No matter how small your space, there’s no excuse not to have a veggie or herb garden. Once you’ve picked that ﬁrst handful of fresh produce, you’ll never look back. Start off small, so you can learn and grow as your plants do. Only then expand your range. The golden rule is sun, and you need at least ﬁve hours of it to make sure your garden is a blooming success! You deem gardening a therapy … That simple connection with the earth, when you’re digging or planting, releases tension and calms you. And … Dig a 1 m square hole for a tree and tell me that’s not good exercise! Catch Tanya at the 2012 Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show from 21 to 24 September, at Pietermaritzburg’s Royal Showgrounds. royalshow.co.za

thepropertymag.co.za

Words André Fiore

Johannesburg and Pretoria. +27 (0)31 312 9582,

HOT PROPERTY

HOT INDULGENCE

Wines, destinations, fashion and toys to brighten up your winter days

A HITCH IN TIME Cape Town-based business Cowgirl Blues specialises in designer-crafted knitwear made from quality wool and mohair from the Karoo as well as from other natural ﬁbres. Its range includes clothing, accessories and decor items. All the manufacturing is done by hand. Taking the personal touch a step further, Cowgirl Blues gives its products familiar names, such as Erika (loop-knit mohair/ wool chair seat cover), Eva (mohair/ wool blend shoulder bag), Chloe (kid mohair/silk shawl), Victoria (pure- wool snood) and Harry (woolen neckwarmer). +27 (0)83 445 1150, cowgirlblues.co.za

THE DARKER SIDE Kirsten Goss’ new Tough Luxe

LET IT OUT

collection screams ‘provocative’.

Pandora has a new jewel in its treasure

Think spikes, bullets and studs.

chest – an elegant, hand-ﬁnished Murano

Industrial designs have been

glass charm with pink ribbons. Pandora

wrought in rich 18 ct gold vermeil

donates 15% of the proceeds from the sale

and cool sterling silver. It’s edgy

of these charms to breast cancer awareness

yet sophisticated. Available from

organisations worldwide. The charm is

her Durban and Joburg stores

available from Pandora concept stores and

and online. +27 (0)31 312 7573,

from selected Edgars stores and jewellers

+27 (0)11 447 2234,

nationwide. +27 (0)11 706 2377,

kirstengoss.com

pandora.net

INGENIOUS WINEMAKING Nederburg’s new vintages of Ingenuity are now available, and they do not disappoint. We tried the Ingenuity White 2010, a combination of Sauvignon Blanc (39%), Chardonnay, Semillon, Viognier, Rhine Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and found it simply delightful from start to finish. It’s full of flavour, with a smooth finish. Paired with pork chops, it’s a treat. The Ingenuity Red 2008 is presented in an interestingly shaped bottle, and the Barbera, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese blend is as intriguing, particularly the Sangiovese aspect, which contributes hints of cherry and plum. Try it with savoury dishes. The new Ingenuity range is available from liquor outlets nationwide. +27 (0)21 862 3104, nederburg.co.za

10 | September 2012

HOT PROPERTY

THE SKINNY ON FRANSCHHOEK Delicious Hotel is the no-frills younger sister of the boutique Le Quartier Français hotel. There are three room styles – Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny and Bigger than a Bikini – and less fussing makes for a cheaper stay. But, guests may choose some little luxuries from the ‘Supe-Up My Stay’ menu. Side orders include breakfast at Le Quartier Français, World-Famous Sticky Buns, Devilish Daiquiris, gym access (to work it all off) and daily room cleaning (as opposed

DEFROST YOURSELF

to every three days). Delicious is listed among Elle UK’s Five Best

A visit to Life Day Spa Rosebank is ideal for dispelling

New Hotels 2012. +27 (0)21 876 4232, delicioushotels.com

the winter blues. Try the signature Sulis Relax Ritual, the perfect remedy for winter-dry skin. It begins with a full- body Neroli sugar scrub, followed by an hour-long oil massage that leaves your skin silky smooth and your muscles warm and relaxed. The deliciousness is enhanced with a warming eye pad and gloves and a blissful scalp massage. Other facilities include a steam room, heated pool, Rasul chamber and ﬂotation chamber, where a halfhour treatment is the same as four hours’ sleep. Find your nearest Life Day Spa in Rosebank, Fourways or Cape Town. +27 (0)11 447 2255, lifedaysparosebank.co.za

STARS ABOVE This inﬂatable solar system set has us over the moon. The educational toy is available from The Toy Cupboard, Craighall, and is fun for children and adults. Sarah Heurlin, the store’s owner, is passionate about games and toys that help children to acquire new skills. Available online; nationwide delivery. +27 (0)11 886 0715, thetoycupboard.co.za

SIZEABLE SIPPING

GET STROPPY

Holden Manz Big G 2009

The Revolution Barber is now open at Revolution

does not disappoint.

House in Maboneng Precinct and is said to give

Named after the

the closest shave in town. Late opening hours

Franschhoek wine estate’s

and a space pared down to the minimum (arcade

co-owner, Gerard Holden,

machines and couches – who needs more?) hammer

the wine is a blend of

home that macho feeling. +27 (0)84 280 3688

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and is bold and full of ﬂavour,

HIGH FIVE

with a lingering ﬁnish. We paired it with braaied lamb

New to the Constantia Glen family is the 2008

chops and found them a

vintage of Constantia Glen Five. This gold-winning

perfect combination. The

blend (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,

winner of a Decanter wine

Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot) is elegant and

magazine gold medal, the

reﬁned and ages well. We savoured ours with

Big G 2009 is available

beef, but winemaker Justin van Wyk says oven-

from boutique wine shops

roasted quail is the way to go. Available from

nationwide or at the cellar

boutique wine shops and restaurants nationwide.

door. +27 (0)21 876 2729,

+27 (0)21 795 6100, constantiaglen.com

holdenmanz.com

thepropertymag.co.za | 11

HOT PROPERTY

KWAZULU-NATAL DIARY

37th Sunday Tribune Garden Show, 21–24 September Held at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg, the ‘South African Chelsea Show’ is themed ‘Out of Your Paintbox’ and promises a technicolour green experience, from keynote gardens to landscaping techniques, innovative design features and displays of indigenous and exotic plant material. The show also features other lifestyle and outdoor attractions, so on with your boots! royalshow.co.za

Jomba Contemporary Dance Experience 2012, 29 August – 9 September This year’s contemporary dance festival is imbued with a strong French ﬂavour. Highlights include Henriette et Matisse by French choreographer Michel Kelemenis, a return to Durban by South Africa’s legendary dancemaker, Vincent Mantsoe, who’s putting on a premiere of a solo work, and Johannesburg’s provocative PJ Sabbagha, who is collaborating with Réunion’s Éric Languet. On at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and other venues. +27 (0)31 260 2506, cca.ukzn.ac.za

Pinotage On Tap, 1 September On at The Litchi Orchard, the Diemersfontein festival includes free- ﬂowing pinotage, local foods, a chocolate dessert table, music and games. Tickets: R250, including a meal and wine. 0861 915 8000, computicket.com; diemersfontein.co.za

Jomba Contemporary Dance Experience

Indigenous Plant Fair, 1–2 September The Botanical Society Indigenous Plant Fair showcases a wide variety of KZN’s indigenous plants available and is a wonderful opportunity for beginners and experienced gardeners to learn more about indigenous plants. On at Munies Sports Field. +27 (0)31 201 5111, indigenousplantfair.org.za

Double Take, 7–9 September The Durban public will have the opportunity to do a double take with stand-up comedians Al Prodgers and Warren Robertson at the Rhumbelow Theatre. Double Take carries a no-under-18s age restriction to allow for the odd unscripted rant or improvised audience interaction. Tickets: R100. 0861 915 8000, computicket.co.za

The Witness Hilton Arts Festival, 21–23 September KZN’s premier arts and culture festival is held in the beautiful grounds of Hilton College, Hilton. The festival turns 20 this year, so it’s going to be a sensational arts, crafts, dance and ﬁne-theatre experience. It attracts phenomenal South African performers and artists gleaned from the most prestigious stages around the country, including the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. To make the most of the programme, make a weekend of it. +27 (0)33 383 0126, hiltonfestival.co.za

Pinotage On Tap

Send your 2012 event information to readers@medianova.co.za. 12 | September 2012

ON SHOW

HOT maNdaTe

Layered Luxury

An intricate and opulent villa on the Atlantic Seaboard

n the market for R35 million, this 944m2 home on Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kloof Road personifies exclusivity. TMA Architects have modelled their design on the work of the famous Geoffrey Bawa. The many balconies and large windows maximise the spectacular ocean views. Inspired by the simplicity of Asian design, the house has dark wooden finishes and multilayered walls and floors, with a generous use of white surfaces. From the double-volume living area, the banister-free staircase leads to the upper level and three beautiful bedrooms, which all have en-suite

3 bathrooms and modern finishes. The bedrooms are individually designed and feature either dark timber ceilings or smatterings of wood with plenty of white wall space. The bedrooms are spacious and have a classical look. The open-plan kitchen is fitted with marble countertops and is the perfect entertainment area. Other luxuries in the home include a wine cellar, elevator, study, sauna and cinema, air conditioning, heating, piped music and five garages. There is also a Crestron home automation system that controls the eco- friendly grey-water system and the lighting.

4 Foldaway doors let the light in, while the courtyard beckons from beyond. The Asian design element is prominent in the garden, with its wooden walkways and water features. The private pool, Jacuzzi and waterfall are designed over two layers. Stairs lead up to the pool symmetrically on either side. A few steps lead into the pool, where the waterfall runs down from the bottom. The Jacuzzi is accessed via a wooden walkway and situated on the same level as the pool. There are five garages on the property too. +27 (0)82 416 6103, seeff.com

Ocean views from the Jacuzzi and swimming pool. 2Trendy open-plan bathroom/bedroom layout. 3Timber deck overlooking the sea. 4Natural hardwood is a key design

element of the spacious villa. If you would like to have your hot mandate featured, email editorial@medianova.co.za.

thepropertymag.co.za | 13

prime property

‘The knowledge ThaT I had roamed

free wITh lIonS Should have Served aS a red flag To any new york real eSTaTe broker

’

14 | September 2012

prime property

An Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

sanctuary Conor Mccreedy magic has transformed a Lower Manhattan factory shell into an upmarket Chelsea home Words and photographs Deborah Curtis-setchell

thepropertymag.co.za | 15

prime property

cclaimed South African artist Conor Mccreedy has been equally obsessed with Picasso and the idea of New York for as long as his mom, Carole, can remember. For Conor, the youngest artist in history to have a solo exhibition at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, a fixture in the New York art world, setting up home in the Big Apple was a natural choice: when you have slept at home on a South African farm for over a decade, with images of the iconic Chrysler and Empire State buildings swinging strategically above your headboard, complementing a naive display of your own school art, it is only a matter of time before your creativity and boyhood dreams manifest in bricks, mortar and the keys to a 3 000sq. ft (2 800m2) Chelsea penthouse and art studio above the meatpacking district in Lower Manhattan, with the real Empire State Building in triumphant view. ‘The knowledge that as a child I had roamed free with lions on several hundred acres of Tuli savannah on a Botswana game reserve should have served as a red flag to any New York real estate

16 | September 2012

broker saddled with a shoestring budget and the task of finding me living quarters spacious enough to accommodate my grand aspirations coupled with an entire collection of 9ft × 5ft paintings on the most densely populated island on the planet,’ says Conor. ‘But 50 “rejected’”apartment blocks later, Ron Malin was still standing and pointing Mom and me in the direction of an old glue gun and drill factory in the densest industrial suburb of Manhattan, bordering the High Line.’ The High Line was built in the 1930s as an elevated bridge above the cheek-by-jowl, smokebelching factories between 9th and 30th streets on the West Side and was used for railing milk, other dairy products and meat to the retail outlets, without congesting the residential streets or endangering the communities below. A group of landscape architects recently restored the High Line as a public park and walkway. It stands more than 9m above the still-seething streets, bridging the gap between old and new. Like the town planners, Conor saw the potential in rising above the stark streets and rough neighbourhood as

well as the charm in living in a factory warehouse, with its raw brick walls, ceilings littered with strips of aluminium drill hook rails, wooden pigeonholes, clusters of suspended industrial lighting and a red steel door with an illuminated exit sign above it. ‘What immediately sold me on this pad was one glimpse of that historic facade of the Empire State Building majestically framed by the floor-toceiling sash windows, and two skylights flooding the screed floors with this amazing light, the sort of surreal light that exhorted Monet and Manet to pick up their paintbrushes and embark on their respective masterpieces. Also, the sight of private helicopters landing across the gleaming Hudson River on the West Side Highway directly opposite could have been the opening scene of a Spielberg blockbuster and helped clinch the deal,’ says Conor. He had to do some serious blockbusting himself to break through the solid concrete dividing wall/cupboard, in order to create a brighter bedroom alcove, hitherto only separated from the open-plan living area by fringed red velvet theatre curtains.

prime property He also came up with a typically imaginative plan to convert a huge oak-framed gate into a giant screen for viewing his own digital blockbusters. He removed all the wiring, antique nuts, bolts and wooden frames and stretched canvas over the exposed framework and attached it to the living room wall. He then suspended a camera from one of the drill hooks to project onto this makeshift cinema screen. The original glue gun factory shell was not without its hidden gems, including a vast marble countertop in the kitchen area, wall brackets for tool storage that could serve as bookshelves, a magnificent Victorian ball-and-claw bath and washstand, and the ‘Trump’ card, a wooden deck with 360° city views stretching as far as the New York Sound. Conor embarked on a restoration job to rival the High Line in its ingenuity and creativity, transforming discarded items and garbage from the streets below into bespoke collectible accessories. There is a benefit to having your design-astute mother alongside you. Carole – an accomplished architectural designer and a Pratt graduate in her own right – was unfazed by

being assigned the task of assembling two chandeliers from scratch. Conor had talked a local antiques dealer into selling him the glass parts at a reduced price rather than the end product. Carole says it was one of the worst mistakes she’s ever made: ‘Three days and multiple wounds later, we hung the darn things up on the gun glue hook railings. But, I must admit, the blood, sweat and tears were worth it when I saw how spectacularly “Swarovski” they looked!’ There are other perks to residing downtown, if you can dispel any notions of elitism, and in spite of his private-school background, Conor has found every advantage in embracing his working-class neighbours, who have proven perhaps infinitely more loyal than the Park Avenue equivalent. ‘The first guy I befriended was the night watchman from the Gotham Wholesale Seafood Factory next door. Despite the lingering fishy smell on the threshold, Ellison, or ‘Elle’ as I called him, used to invite me into the factory fridges on nights when I was expecting mates around for dinner, to help myself

Al PAcino ‘ APProved of the scent of mAssed white orchids nestling in bots, flickering Jo mAlone cAndles And uncorked bordeAux sAint-Émilion

’

Opening page The Blue Lady hangs in the living room, which is filled with a mix of old and new finds. This spread, left Antique meets modern. Fresh lilies complete the effect. Above The view that clinched the sale. Below The marble for the kitchen counter was found on site.

thepropertymag.co.za | 17

prime property

‘LouiSe waS bLown away by my

“crazy JameS bond anticS”, and with a few SipS of champagne and the Sight of my paintbruSheS StaShed in a SiLver champagne bucket – it waS a 007 home run

’

18 | September 2012

prime property

to fresh crayfish and prawns straight out of the export crates. We ate like kings! I repaid him with a couple of my paintings, probably some of the most inspired Atlantic Waves I ever produced on a seafood diet. I knew my apartment was safe as houses, with Elle and his fish knives on the doorstep. In fact, I have him to thank in my quest to seduce my first girlfriend in New York, Scottish actress, Louise Lytton. ‘I arrived home on our first date, having forgotten my keys at a SoHo restaurant, and old Elle, armed with his forklift, came to my rescue, right on cue, and hoisted me 10 floors up the side of the building, through one of the sash windows. ‘Louise was blown away by my “crazy James Bond antics”, and with a few sips of champagne and the sight of my paintbrushes stashed in a silver champagne bucket, it was a 007 home run. She proceeded to bring Al Pacino around for crayfish a few weeks later.When I told him that in Scent Of A Woman he reminded me of my wild Irish grandfather, Francis William, he promptly adopted a heavy Irish accent for the rest of the evening and threw in the regular ‘hoo-hah!’ as he approved of the scent of massed white orchids nestling in pots, flickering Jo Malone candles and uncorked

This is my ‘ sancTuary from The ouTside world, and ThaT is one Tough ouTside world

’

Bordeaux Saint-Émilion. The outside smell of fresh fish didn’t seem to phase him at all.’ Streetwise Conor has a nose for a bargain as well as an eye for detail. He salvaged a solid partners’ desk – the ripped leather added character – off the street, a leather Ralph Lauren ottoman and chair from a second-hand store, and a Persian carpet and solid metal aviator chest from the famous Garage antique market between 25th and 27th. His only extravagances are brand-new navy Ralph Lauren silk cushions and leather trays and a mountain of African-themed coffee table books, his ‘most precious possessions’. And who needs wall accessories when your uptown friends bring 20 bottles of Veuve Cliquot to a party, and you immediately recycle the bottles as a Damien Hirst-type wall display? Right out of Boardwalk Empire comes another of Conor’s downtown mates, ‘Baby’ Sal, son to one of New York’s construction mogul’s, ‘Big Salvatore’

thepropertymag.co.za | 19

prime property

Previous spread A theatre curtain separates living room from the bedroom, which features the reconstructed chandeliers. This page, clockwise from top The living room doubles as Conor’s studio, where the famous silver champagne bucket holds his paintbrushes; sunlight streams through the skylight and washes over Conor’s quirky apartment; Conor’s beloved collection of coffee table books about Picasso, other artists and designers, and South Africa.

Termini. ‘Baby’ Sal helped Conor with all his domestic and exhibition installations and it was he who introduced Conor to the benefits of taking a short drive up the Connecticut coast to scour Montauk Beach in a rainstorm. They returned to 29 West Street with enough driftwood to make a fence for the penthouse deck, and enough starfish to hang decoratively alongside the potpourri of pots and

20 | September 2012

pans in the kitchen. ‘I love the sea and anything that reminds me of it,’ says Conor. No Conor sanctuary would be complete without his trademark blue canvasses extending beyond the separate studio into the adjacent living area. His favourite, the Picasso-inspired portrait, The Blue Lady, hangs against the raw brick backdrop and is even more compelling than the Empire State Building’s

silhouette against the skyline. ‘This is my sanctuary from the outside world, and that is one tough outside world,’ says Conor contentedly, gesturing towards it. ‘At the end of the day, you have to be able to enter through that red door, feel surrounded by harmony and light and want to reach out immediately for your blue paint. Oh … And a few king prawns on ice!’ conormccreedy.com

LUXURY WIN

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along the Bushman’s River between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, forming a natural extension to the world-famous

Garden Route.

Shamwari ensures that there is something for everyone to learn and experience at this exceptional conservation project. Shamwari also offers a unique bush-walking experience called the

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their natural surroundings; others are memorials to Settler history. Home to one of South Africa’s most experienced wildlife teams, a wildlife rehabilitation centre that guests can visit and the Born Free

Shamwari is all about ‘conserving a vanishing way of life’. +27 (0)41 509 3000, reservations@shamwarigroup.com

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A three-night stay for two at Shamwari Game Reserve, valued at R27 000. Prize includes accommodation, all meals, all game drives, and a back, neck and shoulder massage for each guest. To enter, simply send your contact details to readers@medianova.co.za and put ‘Shamwari’ in the subject box. Ts & Cs apply*.

Winter special: 50%-Off Five-Star Safari Special Book and pay within seven days and get 50% off. Travel must take place before 30 September 2012. Rates include all game drives, meals, and selected beverages and accommodation. Phone and quote code ‘50/50’. Please note: Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Full payment required on conﬁrmation of booking. All payments non-refundable. Offer based on availability at the time of booking.

*Terms and conditions: Flights and transport to and from the reserve are not included. Extras, such as additional spa treatments, alcoholic beverages and gifts from the curios store, are for the winner’s expense. The prize cannot be used on long weekends or public holidays. Accommodation depends on availability. Prize not transferable and not exchangeable for cash. Competition closes on 30 September 2012.

22 | September 2012

EXCLUSIVE KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • BARS

WITH OUR SOLID

LEVY STABILISATION FUND YOU WON’T BE IN FOR ANY SURPRISES

Living at Le Domaine means financial peace of mind. Due to the robust Levy Stabilisation Fund and its continued growth, future levy increases will be kept well below the rate of inflation. Village Versailles, the final phase of this active adult community is now under construction, presenting the last opportunity to purchase here at off plan prices starting from R969 000, or on the life rights scheme. Just two of the many good reasons to invest in your future at Le Domaine.

Sales Office: 031 716 8008 100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest www.ledom.co

Centrepieces

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

SPACES THAT SPEAK

VOLUMES We bring you inspiring bathrooms and kitchens that excite the senses Words Genevieve Fisher and Nicky Manson

f done right, bathrooms and kitchens are guaranteed deal clinchers when it comes to the sale of a home – just ask any estate agent. Of all the rooms in a home, bathrooms and kitchens work the hardest, so functionality is key, but equally important are aesthetics that excite the senses. Here are a few remarkable bathrooms and kitchens that do just that.

QUANTUM OF SILENCE This spectacular en-suite bathroom belongs to the ‘James Bond House’ in Pezula Estate in Knysna. The remarkable setting is very much a deﬁning feature of the home. The house was designed by Greg Truen Perfect Hideaways

of Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA), and no expense was spared in its design or

24 24||September September2012 2012

technologies. The bathroom is set off from the bedroom by a curtain instead of a door, creating a more intimate effect and keeping the suite open and airy. The free-standing oval bath is set against a glass wall, creating the effect of being suspended above both the Indian Ocean and the waves crashing against the dramatic cliffs below. What better way to enjoy a spectacle of nature than from a warm bath?

Head Interiors

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

RESTFUL RED The refurbishment of this bathroom was part of a broader renovation done to a home in Sandton, Gauteng. Sharon Fihrer of Head Interiors oversaw the design of this quiet, beautiful bathroom, where the client can indulge in their favourite pastime of reading in the bath, which naturally also forms the focal point of the room. The bathtub is located in the centre of view from the entrance of the room, underneath the skylight and close to a large window. The white of the bathtub is enhanced by the deep rust red of the walls. These colours combine to create a soothing, almost ethereal space.

thepropertymag.co.za | 25

Natural

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

MINIMALIST MAGIC Ever since she and her husband, Philip, decided to renovate, designer Regina Rüther has been collecting references and creating a mood board for her dream bathroom. The couple enlisted Lello Design, a young design lab in Cape Town, and briefed them to transform the pokey master bathroom into a minimalist space that wasn’t just functional, but also well Give It Bag

integrated with the new master bedroom. To achieve this, the designers at Lello Design have used Italian tiles of various shapes and sizes and brought them to life by ﬂooding the bathroom with light. Wooden ﬁttings have been used to add some warmth to the space and bring in a natural element.

ROCKING IT This Great Karoo guest lodge in the hills of the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve belongs to Charlotte Daneel of La Grange Interiors in Franschhoek. With her expert eye for design, she oversaw the construction of the lodge in a reclamation project that saw as much of the original stonework as possible being retained and a lot of the construction materials being sourced from the immediate surrounds. The lodge’s main-en-suite bathroom was one of the nodes to be rebuilt from scratch, and Charlotte wanted to give it a natural, earthy feel with a modern twist. All the stonework in this bathroom was made by local stonemasons. A standout feature is the recess above the basin, which has been hewn out of the dolostone from the original dwelling. Most of the ﬁrst Perfect Hideaways

homes in the area were built from

26 26 || September September 2012 2012

stone, which is why the shelving in this bathroom has been crafted out of stone instead of wood. Concrete has been used along the walls and bath, to add a contemporary touch.

BATHROOMSAND ANDKITCHENS KITCHENS BATHROOMS

THE MARBLE EFFECT This bathroom forms part of a newly built home in Senderwood, Gauteng, undertaken by Nico van der Meulen Architects. It is called the Glass House, Nico van der Meulen Architects

and by looking at the main-en-suite bathroom, you can see why. On one side the bathroom is lined with ﬂoor-toceiling glass sliding doors that open up completely and overlook the garden, so that, in Nico’s words, the client can bathe al fresco. The sense of space is enhanced by the orientation of the room, which admits a lot of sunlight, as well as by the mirrors, which have gaps in them too, to let in even more natural light. A modern aesthetic has been achieved through the

MONOCHROMATIC MAGIC

laying of a light, bright marble ﬂoor and

the ﬁtting of a clean-lined square bath.

Design, this bathroom belongs to the penthouse suite of Pepper Club

M Square Lifestyle Designs have added

Hotel. The double-storey suite has a modern, sophisticated look inspired

their touch, using interior accessories,

by the glam apartments of New York’s high society. Parquet ﬂooring,

such as light-coloured vases that pick up

voluminous spaces and opulent chandeliers characterise the suite, and

on the shades in the marble and overhead

this aesthetic carries through to the main-en-suite bathroom, which

strips of sandblasted oak (the strips also

follows a monochromatic scheme and features classic consoles, oversized

accommodate the air-conditioning ducts).

oval mirrors, crystal light ﬁttings, marble ﬂooring and an oval jet-bath. The

Modern

Seeff

bathroom’s grandest feature, however, is its view of Table Mountain.

thepropertymag.co.za | 27

Pod Boutique Hotel

Chic

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

ALL INCLUSIVE Pod Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay is the accommodation of choice of visiting design aﬁcionados. Not only is it in a prime location – a few metres up from the Camps Bay strip – but it is also an example of exceptional contemporary design. Pod was designed by Greg Wright Architects (GWA), who were briefed to create a contemporary, elegant hotel brand. The minimalist design language of this penthouse’s bathroom has been softened by the use of natural materials, resulting in a large, airy space that’s characterised by the extensive use of natural stone, designer sanitaryware and an open shower.

28 | September 2012

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

A SERENE SPACE This master bathroom in a private home in Plett exudes sophistication and elegance while evoking feelings of calm and quiet. The objective of Head Interiors’ Shereen Firher was to create a serene, tranquil space where the views of the sea and the Head Interiors

mountains provide the drama. The all-white colour scheme and simple but luxurious interior reinforce this goal: nothing competes with the stunning vista.

BAREFOOT CHIC This uber-luxurious main-ensuite bathroom forms part of a ﬁve-star villa, 26 Sunset Avenue, Llandudno, which overlooks the beach and lies adjacent to Sandy Bay. The house itself was designed by well-known architect, Johan Slee, who drew inspiration from both the area’s light and its natural surrounds. This bathroom is essentially a wet room, which is an indication of the overall philosophy that this property was built on: barefoot luxury. You don’t have to worry about walking around wet, as the water drains away through the rest of the home, this room has been designed to maximise on the 180° vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, as the glass and mirrors present you with a view from anywhere in

Living on Location

wooden ﬂoorboards. As with the

the room.

thepropertymag.co.za | 29

Modern

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

SEX APPEAL Designed by Fabrizio Cavazzuti from Chic Products, this kitchen in a Johannesburg home is the epitome of sophistication and chic design. The brief

Chic Products

called for a contemporary tailor-made boutique space that combined design

30 | September 2012

and functionality. And the result is ďŹ&#x201A;awless. The Porto Cervo range that has been used for the cabinetry incorporates a dark wenge oak with transparent doors, creating a sleek and uncluttered space.

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

EFFICIENT BY DESIGN This contemporary kitchen forms part of a newly built home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, and was designed by Blu-Line, who specialise in luxury kitchens. The client wanted a modern, clean-lined, uncluttered kitchen – a space that would ﬁt the overall design of the home. The house itself was designed by Nico van der Meulen Architects, and the interiors were done by M Square Lifestyle Design. Makassar ebony timber, black glass, wall cladding, high-gloss lacquer, light quartz stone and an attractive island counter have been employed in the kitchen, to complement the luxurious, modern aesthetic evident in the rest of the home. The kitchen also features many functionalities not visible to the naked eye, such as non-slip rubber matting, stainless steel cutlery and utensil inserts, and knife blocks and steel spice Blu-Line

wracks and drip trays within the drawers. We love kitchens that not only have a bit of gloss and sparkle, but also work efﬁciently.

GRAND OPENING The owners of this new home on Linksﬁeld Ridge, Johannesburg, worked with Aurelio Cimato of Cimato & Moroldo Architects Inc. on the design of the property. They wanted the kitchen to be the hub of the home, and so they decided on an open-plan, contemporary design that was light, clutter-free and allowed for easy access to all appliances. There is a multifunctional central island where friends and family can socialise over drinks or informal meals. The scullery, work area, cold the kitchen. The entire space opens up directly onto a covered patio with braai area, pool and views of the Johannesburg skyline. High-tech designer Smeg appliances have been installed, as have natural stone ﬂoors, white Technistone countertops and timber, creating a space that epitomises luxurious modern living.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

room and pantry are separate from

thepropertymag.co.za | 31

Natural

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

WARMING WOOD Silverbay Villa on the West Coast is the holiday home of SAOTA’s Greg Truen. Its thatched roof allows it to blend in with the slopes leading down to the secluded Stompneusbaai. The villa’s spacious open-plan living/kitchen/dining area and the pool courtyard, separated by ﬂoor-toceiling glass sliding doors, are all on the top ﬂoor. The kitchen node is designed

Perfect Hideaways

for entertaining – the fridges, freezers and wash-up areas are concealed, leaving only the gas hob, microwave and faucet visible. The most striking feature of this kitchen is the use of timber and the overall natural aesthetic and colour palette, enhanced by the thatched roof, and light ﬁttings that resemble birds’ nests. The long oak table (designed by James Mudge) and wooden stools contribute to the warm look.

GETTING IT RIGHT WITH WHITE The kitchen of this modern home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, is a great example of how you can soften a stark, clinical look by using natural ﬁnishings – in this case, wood. White marble tiles for the ﬂoors and clean Jawitz Properties

white countertops have been contrasted with timber cabinets and a timber panel in the overhead bulkhead. The kitchen has been ﬁtted with high-end appliances, including a Miele coffee machine and a free-standing, six burner gas hob and oven by Smeg. With thanks to … Blu-Line, 0860 548 464, blu-line.co.za Chic Products, +27 (0)11 325 2342, chicproducts.co.za Head Interiors, +27 (0)11 325 2700, headinteriors.co.za Give It Bag, +27(0)21 424 59 46, give-it-bag.com Perfect Hideaways, +27 (0)21 790 0972, perfecthideaways.co.za Pod, +27 (0)21 438 8550, pod.co.za Jawitz Properties, +27 (0)11 656 0888, jawitz.co.za Living on Location, +27 (0)21 439 0770, livingonlocation.co.za Nico van der Meulen Architects, +27 (0)11 789 5242, nicovdmeulen.com Seeff, +27 (0)21 481 1044, seeff.com Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, +27 (0)11 886 8070, sothebysrealty.co.za

32 | September 2012

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

Bringing the outside in This beautiful beach house in Brittania Bay on the West Coast is everything you would imagine this type of home to be. A relaxed seaside aesthetic with cool grey tones reďŹ&#x201A;ects the surrounds, and an open-plan living area adjoins the outdoor deck. There is, however, an element of glamour and luxury evident throughout the home, particularly in the kitchen. The owners enjoy cooking, and they wanted a semi-professional kitchen where they could entertain friends and family while whipping up a meal. The kitchen features a large oven with gas hob, a prep sink, scullery with deep sinks, and top-of-the-range dishwashers. The treasures of this sea chest are the sliding doors, which enable the open-plan living/kitchen area to open up completely so that the divide between

Views

Perfect Hideaways

home, beach and ocean disappears.

thepropertymag.co.za | 33

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DESIGN profIlE

A new lease Words Genevieve Fisher

John Rabie’s new urban renewal concept, Signatura, has not only given him renewed vigour, but also revived Cape Town’s property market and some of its prized neighbourhoods

t’s hard to believe that property development mogul John Rabie, non-executive chairman of Rabie Properties, came close to retiring some months ago. At 57, this stalwart of SA’s property industry has passion and energy, which comes as quite a surprise, considering the state of the property market. ‘I started Rabie Properties 35 years ago and have been through two recessions, a change of political dispensation and a global financial meltdown. I’ve always been an inspired and energetic person and am even more so now,’ says John. He’d have to be to survive all of that and snub his nose at retirement, an option that John admits ‘just didn’t work for him’. Rabie Properties has been at the helm of some of Cape Town’s most sought-after mixed- use

developments for 20-odd years, including the multimillion-rand Marconi Beam development, which saw shack dwellers being rehoused and unlocked a new commercial, industrial and residential node; the transformation of Westlake Estate from derelict stateowned land into an award-winning mixed-use area where, for example, the top private school Reddam coexists alongside a commercial office park; the redevelopment of the Milnerton Race Course as the 1 800-unit residential development, Royal Ascot; and the Atlantic Beach development on the West Coast. The jewel of Rabie Properties’ portfolio is the multibillion-rand development, Century City, which it owns, and which encompasses various residential, commercial, leisure, hotel and retail ventures. ‘I’m so

thepropertymag.co.za | 35

DESIGN ProfIlE

‘John enviSionS Signatura aS “a conceptdriven private-label property brand”’

proud of what we’ve done at Century City. We’ve literally created a city within a city,’ says John. ‘I’ve been in business for 35 years and didn’t want to retire so I thought about how I could reinvent myself. With all the knowledge of the property industry and its cycles I accrued over the years, Rabie Properties being an expression of that, my “baby”, I knew I had to do something in the field of property development,’ he says. Welcome, Signatura. ‘Because we are, and have been, in a recession, the solution, I believe, is urban renewal, and so I decided this was the way to go,’ says John. He is quick to point out that his new self-funded venture is not of the ‘typical inner-city renewal kind’ – a big trend globally, – but one that is more innovative and which

36 | September 2012

responds to the demands of a new market of ‘fussy’ buyers who want to be a stone’s throw from the city yet still within suburbia. John has identified Vredehoek, Tamboerskloof, Sea Point and Green Point as points of development. ‘I call these “areas of tension”, because they are where the commercial meets the residential, creating an interesting energy of sorts,’ he says. He gives the example of Brooklyn, New York, a suburb outside Manhattan. It’s easily accessible, historical, and has a vibrant mix of commercial and residential entities. ‘If you look at Vredehoek, it has all the potential to be like that – a bohemian feel, with all the restaurants and cafés intermingled with apartment blocks and houses, many of which have historical relevance,’ he says.

John envisions Signatura as ‘a concept-driven private-label property brand’. The idea is to pick out unique urban sites in these neighbourhoods for ‘master-crafted urban renewal’. He says, ‘We have already earmarked a number of existing opportunities and, in keeping with the City of Cape Town’s spatial development framework, will be transforming them to create “new-style”, upmarket accommodation and potential commercial spaces that are relatively affordable. We work with what’s already on these sites, whether it’s an existing home or apartment block, we convert them, and build on and upgrade them to create something new. All of this is done as joint ventures with the land or property owners as well as within the guidelines of the municipality.’

DESIGN PROFILE Opening page, top Horizons in Vredehoek is the ﬁrst Signatura project to be developed. Bottom left Property mogul John Rabie. This spread, from far left A home in Westlake in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs; Horizons, interior view; Mercedes-Benz Century City; Royal Ascot, Milnerton; Dune Ridge Estate in Big Bay on the West Coast.

John amicably disagrees with my observation that it sounds a little like a mid-life crisis. He prefers ‘mid-life love project’. John is hands-on, and he makes all the executive decisions with regard to Signatura. These include all the design features, from choice of architects to paint colours for the walls to the look and feel of the interiors and the landscaping – what John calls the ‘triangle of excellence’. He explains, ‘People looking to buy property in these areas are fussy and will only part with their money if something is completely to their liking. The pre-sale concept has been dominating the market for a long time now, but the kind of consumers that we’re targeting not only want to see completed projects, but excellence too. All aspects of design, from

architecture to interiors and landscaping, have to be expertly thought out and top-notch.’ Over the years, John has developed an expert’s eye for this ‘triangle of excellence’ and calls many of the professionals who can deliver it his friends. The properties in his Signatura portfolio will all be completed before being put on the market, enabling property owners to see and experience this excellence, as opposed to being shown marketing material of what a project should look like. Coinciding with the launch of Signatura last month was its first project, Horizons, in Vredehoek. There used to be a double-storey house dating back to the 1940s on the Horizons site. What stands there today are four two-bedroom apartments and a three-

bedroom penthouse, all with terraces, landscaped indigenous gardens and secure off-street parking. Priced from R1,65 million to R3,95 million, each apartment has panoramic views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain and has been put together by a team of well-known local professionals, including Juan Bernicchi Architects (architectural design), Anthony Wain of Planning Partners (landscaping) and Francois du Plessis (interiors). Forthcoming Signatura projects include two more developments in Vredehoek as well as developments in the City Bowl and on the Atlantic Seaboard. If John’s track record is anything to go by, it looks like Cape Town’ property market just got a new lease of life. +27 (0)83 270 2434, signature.biz

thepropertymag.co.za | 37

ASK THE EXPERTS

PIPING

HOT

Inspiration from the kitchen and bathroom experts

CLASSIC TRADING

FRANKE KITCHEN SYSTEMS

MIELE

Arief Moosa Director

Clinton Soutter National Sales Manager

Brennan Menday Deputy Managing Director

What look is hot in bathrooms right now? The current trends for bathrooms are open spaces, walk-in showers, free-standing showers and baths, and a clinical or marbled look. What’s the quickest way of making over a bathroom? The introduction of 4 mm Italian wall tiles gives any homeowner the perfect nomess tiling revamp because it lets you tile on tile. Furthermore, the introduction of the Geberit Monolith cistern allows you to swap your existing toilets for the latest look. These are standard stock items at Classic Trading. What are considered luxury purchases for bathrooms? The Hansgrohe Axor Starck Shower Heaven and the Fantini Acquapura free-standing shower column. Bathroom accessories with Swarovski elements also add a nice touch of bling to luxury bathrooms. These items are in stock at Classic Trading. If someone could add just one of your products to his or her bathroom, what would you recommend? An eco-friendly shower head that is refreshing and invigorating.

What’s the quickest way of making over a kitchen? The quickest way to renovate your kitchen would be to replace the external cupboard doors and handles and to replace the countertops with either a granite or synthetic top accompanied by one of the latest Franke sinks and sink mixers. Stainless steel does not date and, most importantly, it is very hygienic. What’s considered a luxury purchase for a kitchen? The ZIP HydroTap is the ultimate in convenience, offering the homeowner instant chilled, filtered water and instant boiling water on tap. The ZIP HydroTap, with its five-micron filter system, removes impurities but leaves essential fluoride, giving you healthy boiling or chilled filtered water instantly. Impurities such as dirt, rust, chlorine and microorganisms are not good for your health. They also affect the taste of what you eat and drink. If someone could add just one of your products to his or her kitchen, what would you recommend? The Franke Waste Disposer, as it offers a hygienic and effective disposal of waste within the home, in turn minimising waste and odours, and the Kubus Filterflow water purification sink mixer, as our water source is under scrutiny and water filtration systems are becoming essential to ensuring the health of your family.

What look is hot in kitchens right now? Of course, from my point of view, Miele appliances, with their timeless design and absolute luxury, enhance the appearance of any kitchen. On the cabinetry side, however, white or gloss white remains a key colour inﬂuence in modern open-plan kitchens. And having an island in this open-plan environment, with a counter-type eating area included, is all about modern in-kitchen entertaining. What’s the quickest way of making over a kitchen? Change the panelling of the cupboard doors and replace cupboards with soft closing drawers instead of shelves for better use of space. Add good lighting. What’s considered a luxury purchase for kitchens? The ﬁnishing touches, such as your choice of tops, hinging and runners, which provide soft closing and no rattling for both cupboards and drawers. Miele as a luxury purchase? No. Miele cooking appliances are a necessity, as their performance is outstanding. If someone could add just one of your appliances to his or her kitchen, what would you recommend? One of our ovens – for perfect cooking results every time. We call it ‘performance meets function’. As one of our customers said, ‘My Miele oven has turned me into a superb chef. Before I had it, I couldn’t cook.’ That’s the Miele difference!

+27 (0)31 579 1900

0861 372 653

+27 (0)11 875 9000

classictrading.net

franke.co.za

miele.co.za

Photographs Sally Chance and Michael Glenister Location Le Châtelat Boutique Guest House, Sandton

38 | September 2012

Living

Making Moves on the

Midlands

The Midlands is home to farmers, artists and crafters and to those who choose country over city every time or part-time Words Anne Schauffer

rom Pietermaritzburg to Mooi River and

Midlands. Courtesy of a handful of passionate craftsmen

Fort Nottingham. There are over 150 places at which to

everywhere in between, the rich, green,

and craftswomen, the Midlands Meander route was born

eat, drink and shop, 80 km of activity, history and exquisite

undulating stretch of KwaZulu-Natal known

and became the blueprint for similarly sustainable tourism

scenery, no matter the season.

as the Midlands has a gentle, welcoming

ventures countrywide.

But there’s more to the Midlands than a meander. Not

reputation. Nothing invasive or brash, but an open-door

The Midlands Meander provided a springboard for the

everyone moved to Dargle or Nottingham Road because

warmth which emanates from an eclectic community

brave to live a life less complex while earning a living doing

they were crafty, but because it was often more affordable

of artists, crafters, farmers, hospitable innkeepers and the

what they loved best.Visitors to the area meandered around

and promised a healthier place in which to raise children

like. As with all farming communities, there’s a certain air

the beautiful country roads, eating, drinking, overnighting,

and reduce stress. The fact that a number of the province’s,

of ‘help mekaar’, and even though some farms gave way

shopping and wishing they lived there too.

and indeed the country’s, top private schools are in the area

to smallholdings, residential developments and so-called progress, that sense has prevailed. Living in the Midlands was always a lifestyle choice, from the time of the traditional farming communities to

As the crafters grew in number, so too did the number

(in particular, Michaelhouse and Hilton College, which are

of food vendors and accommodation options. Meanwhile,

both in Balgowan) also played a significant part in these

green crusaders guarded conservancies and created wonderful

homebuyers’ decision.

trails and wilderness activities.

This gave rise to a number of residential developments,

a few decades ago, when artists, crafters and free spirits set

Today, a trip to the Midlands includes a host of

so that parents no longer stayed at B & Bs when visiting their

fire to their briefcases, cultivated a ponytail and fled the city

adventures and outdoor activities. The Meander routes

children, but in their own sectional homes. Good investments,

for the stress-free, homemade bread-and-butter life of the

extend from Rietvlei and Curry’s Post to Dargle Valley and

considering the schools aren’t going anywhere.

thepropertymag.co.za | 39

Living opening page and this page Gowrie Farm, and a recently completed home there. The home is for sale through Meander Real Estate & Rentals. opposite, top and bottom A Hilton home for sale through Pam Golding Properties. opposite, middle Charming country interior of a home at Gowrie Farm. The home is for sale through Meander Real Estate & Rentals.

For those parents whose children are being schooled in

The area is well known for its waters: little dams for

the region, it also became viable for the breadwinner who

trout fishing, and vast dams, such as Midmar, for water

development opportunities around the dam will no doubt

was tied to Johannesburg for work to set up home in one of

sports. The new Spring Grove Dam, formed off Mooi

Nottingham Road is the heart of the Midlands, certainly

the little villages. Off to Johannesburg on Sunday or Monday,

River, is situated upstream of the existing Mearns Weir and

residentially and probably socially too. This year it celebrates

return on Friday. A drive of four to five hours that many

about 2 km south-west of Rosetta and has a similar surface

its 125th anniversary, and those who enjoy country fairs

considered worth the pot of gold at the end of it: a country

area to Midmar Dam. It’s due for completion in February

and fresh air should diarise the weekend of 31 August to

outing with a myriad outdoor activities every weekend.

2013, and, says Peter Greene of Meander Real Estates and

2 September. It’s the start of spring – festival time – and

Horse riding, canoeing, mountaineering, birdwatching …

Rentals, it will take two years to fill (weather permitting).

rumour has it this historic village will be throwing some

You name it, it’s here.

Although the dam doesn’t have public access, in time

historic parties, so book your bed.

arise, Peter adds.

Six Midland MuSt-doS 1.

Meander: Get yourself a Midlands Meander map (or go online) and choose a route which includes a great restaurant for lunch (you can’t beat La Lampara for Italian), shopping for leather or wooden goods and, perhaps, a Piggly Wiggly farm stall for fresh produce. Find (or catch) some fresh trout too.

2. attend The Witness Hilton arts Festival: This year it’s running from 21 to 23 September, and you’ll find theatre fresh from the Grahamstown festival, including Marc Lottering, and Fugard’s Boesman and Lena, as well as music, art exhibitions and other activities. 3. Get married: There are a number of sensational venues, little and large, five stars or fewer, with accommodation on site or nearby. Venues include Hartford House, Lythwood Lodge, Cranford Country Lodge, Woodridge Country Hotel, Providence and Netherwood. 4. Get naturally active: Hey, you’re in the country. Don those gumboots and head down a trail. There are dozens of them, whether you’re pedalling on your mountain bike, flying through the trees on cables courtesy of a Karkloof canopy tour, or chasing after the elusive Karkloof blue butterfly. 5. Eat, drink and be merry: You can collect seven-course picnics from Horizons Gourmet Picnics in Lions River (eat in the grounds), tuck into pub grub at the legendary Notties Pub (Nottingham Road), savour country meals at Cooking Bear (Lidgetton), have a light bite of German or Swiss sausages at Günthers (Caversham) or go five star at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse (Kamberg). 6. E scape to a five-star spa: Karkloof Spa (winner of the World Spa Award), Fordoun, Hilton Country Estate and Spa, Brookdale and Indigo Fields await you.

40 | September 2012

Living

WHat tHE aGEnt says We chat to Peter Greene, principal of Meander Real Estates & Rentals about what’s hot and what’s not in his area. Who’s moving to the Midlands, and why? The trend is similar to that of the past few years. There’s an early retirement element. We don’t have frailcare facilities in this area, so we tend to get the 60- rather than the 70-year-old age group. (Howick, of course, does have numerous retirement complexes with frail care). Some people have based their families in the area and commute, primarily to Johannesburg. There’s still a strong influence stemming from parents of children at local private schools who are either renting or buying. What factors play a role in the popularity of the Midlands? Proximity to private schools is the most important driver. Being in the Johannesburg/ Durban corridor also plays a part, in that towns such as Nottingham Road are very accessible, compared with, say, Underberg, which is pretty, but quite far off the beaten track. Which are the main residential developments, and what is the price range? Gowrie Village and Gowrie Farm still seem to attract the most interest in terms of developments. This is driven primarily by their centrality, in the heart of Nottingham Road. Primary demand is for lock-up-and-go, three-bedroom units averaging around the R2- million mark. These are trading quite well, particularly in Gowrie Village. Houses outside the developments are slow to trade, as are the more expensive homes on the bigger estates, in the R4-millionand-upwards bracket. There seems to be resistance to spending over R4 million on a weekend dwelling. Is there a healthy rental market in the Midlands? The rental market is buoyant, as many people are opting to rent rather than buy. I believe there’s been a shift by parents of children at local private schools to either buy a small lock-upand go or rent. A two-bedroom flat in Gowrie goes for R5 000/month, a threebedroom home for R10 000 to R12 000 in the Village, and the larger houses on Gowrie Farm for R17 000 to R21 000. are farmers giving up and moving out? Commercial farming in the area is strong, and genuine commercial farm land is in demand. Smallholders are generally not With thanks to …

reliant on farming income – this is mostly

Meander Real Estates & Rentals, +27 (0)33 266 6456, meander.co.za

a sideline. Many of them run B & Bs to

Pam Golding Properties Hilton, +27 (0)33 343 1233, pamgolding.co.za

supplement their income.

thepropertymag.co.za | 41

TRAVEL

ReadeR OffeR

zura at Quilálea is a hidden gem, a private island paradise surrounded by the pristine waters of a marine sanctuary. The island has stunning flora and fauna, including age-old statuesque baobab groves, and turtles that nest on the beaches every year. Azura at Quilálea is an eco boutique retreat consisting of only nine seafront villas, accommodating 18 guests. The villas are built from natural coral stone with natural finishings and makuti thatch and have been revamped to increase guests’

comfort. Features include indoor/outdoor showers, private decks stretching down to the beach, daybeds and sun loungers. This marine lover’s paradise offers snorkelling and scuba diving straight off the beach in front of your villa. Kayaking, deep-sea fishing, African spa experiences, exclusive picnics and beach dinners can be organised, and all guests are treated to Azura’s trademark Mozambican Butler/Host service. Now you can enjoy the wonders of Azura at Quilálea for half the normal rate. This offer

is valid until 18 December 2012 and includes accommodation, all food and beverages (including main beach dinners, local beers and spirits, a selection of house wines, soft drinks, tea and coffee, water and a sunset cocktail of the day) the Mozambican Butler/ Host service, the use of snorkelling and kayaking equipment, a laundry service, and Evac Medical Insurance from Pemba. To take advantage of this special offer, contact Andrew Shapland and quote ‘The Property Magazine’. Terms and conditions apply.

Azura at Quilálea is a private client of The Roving Ambassador. The Roving Ambassador has 48 properties on three different continents around the world! For further information, contact Tamsyn Nixon at Tamsyn@therovingambassador.com.

42 | September 2012

Photographs Candace Marshall-Smith

Stay at Mozambique’s beautiful Azura at Quilálea resort for seven nights for only R3 000 per person sharing per night

AMC HUNTER INC. PROPERTY DINNER

Hunter gathering Karien Hunter celebrates 25 years of heading up leading legal firm, AMC Hunter Inc. Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Val Adamson

t was never going to be a quiet affair – 24 people celebrating Karien Hunter’s 25 years at the helm of AMC Hunter Inc. Frankly, there was enough heart and heat in the room to carry the company through the next 25 years with ease. The venue? The glam-and-glitz dining room at The Saint James on Venice luxury boutique hotel, where a stylish renovation has transformed this grand old lady into a 21st-century venue designed for living it up. The welcome? That age-old social dance where flutes of sparkling wine are juggled with the exuberant reunion of friends and associates. The occasion? A group of property professionals who’d crossed The River and The Bridge and were all delighted and honoured to celebrate Karien’s milestone. Sedateness was spurred on to spiritedness, and the party was on. The wine of the evening was

Le Bonheur, which translates as ‘happiness’. Linguists or not, after a single glass, we’d have guessed that. The question is, what didn’t we talk about, for no subject was taboo. Property may be our drug of choice, but it’s never exclusive, for conversation ranged far and wide, touching on everything from sex and drugs to rock ’n’ roll. No doubt it was a landmark occasion, but the mood was far from formal. We took as many trips down memory lane as we did in the present and into the future. Karien got the ball rolling: ‘It wasn’t always easy as a woman starting out in business 25 years ago, particularly with three children under the age of five. For that, I honour my husband, Stephen.’ Any other advice, Karien? ‘Just keep at it. As long as you care about your clients, it’ll all work out.’ Nobody argued with that. No matter the property industry niche, it always comes back to relationships

with clients and colleagues. As Chris Pearson of Re/Max Address said, ‘It doesn’t matter how technology has supposedly changed the face of the industry. As estate agents, nothing replaces the value of a face-to-face interaction.’ Chris has been in the industry since ’79. Before that he owned a gym, and he sees a fair amount of synergy between the two. Fit body, fit mind. He attributes his success as an estate agent to discipline: ‘Mental toughness,’ he said. ‘Never raise a white flag; never give up. To my mind, a quality agent doesn’t look at the money; it’s the thrill of the ride, the skill of the negotiation.’ ‘What you’ve sold to a client must come back to you,’ agreed Annemarie Labuschagne of Off Plan SA.com. For her, that’s not only the sign that you’re doing it right, but it makes smart business sense too. She has a number of clients whom she counts as

Guest list Gareth Bailey Re/Max Address, John Christie J Leslie-Smith & Company Inc., Gavin Cunningham Zultrans, Karien Hunter AMC Hunter Inc., Stephen Hunter, Liz Kieck Le Bonheur, Annemarie Labuschagne Off Plan SA.com, Lauraine Lafferty Re/Max Address, Jenni McCallum The Property Magazine, Belinda McLaughlin Le Bonheur, Charmane Nel AMC Hunter Inc., Chris Pearson Re/Max Address, Lisa Pearson Re/Max Address, Siobhan Perrigo AMC Hunter Inc., Bjern Petzer Re/Max Address, Penny Petzer Re/Max Address, Anne Schauffer The Property Magazine, Adrian Stowell Stowell & Co., Chris Tyson Tyson Properties, Claire Veitch The Property Magazine, Gert Vorster Engel & Völkers, Jana Vorster Engel & Völkers, Gregg Wilson Seeff Hillcrest, Michelle Wilson Seeff Hillcrest.

thepropertymag.co.za | 43

AMC HUNTER INC. PROPERTY DINNER

close friends today. ‘If you’re honest in everything, from your advertising to your dealings with clients, they’ll be back.’ Or as Karien put it, ‘Essentially, people buy you.’ Whatever Karien’s done, in the eyes of her guests, she’s done good. John Christie of J Leslie Smith & Co. Inc. and Adrian Stowell of Stowell & Co. are based in Pietermaritzburg, round the corner from the deeds office, and they had journeyed to Durban to celebrate with Karien, who said earnestly, ‘If I send Adrian an email at 7.30 a.m., he responds by 7.31 a.m. That’s efficiency. They register as many as 80 to 100 property transactions a day for KZN law firms, and that signals a property market that is perhaps more buoyant than many may think.’ Everybody agreed. But still, these are times when fewer staff do far more work (and earn less, whimpered someone, begging a refill of Le Bonheur Cabernet Sauvignon). It’s about lean-and-mean efficiency and quality, and Adrian praised Karien on the quality of her staff: ‘Superior training spells the difference between “average” and “outstanding”.’ Advocate Charmane Nel started at AMC Hunter as a professional assistant in 1998 and considers Karien an inspiration to other women: ‘She’s the rainmaker. I went to the bar largely because of her. She’s a great supporter of other women in the profession. Karien’s where she is today through sheer hard work, and there’s a good reason why it’s still AMC Hunter.’ A grin. ‘She’s a force to be reckoned with.’

No argument from Siobhan Perrigo, Karien’s associate attorney at AMC Hunter, who’s been with her for five years: ‘My very first job, and I’ve learned a massive amount!’ Chris Tyson of Tyson Properties has just sold his house. He was matter-of-fact: ‘I’ve known Karien for 10 years. No question about who’d handle the transfer.’ And then, ‘Did you know she’s an artist – paints really well?’ No of course we didn’t. But as we had learned, there’s an art to being successful.

Menu Starter New Zealand mussels in a chermoula dressing served with bruschetta. Soup du jour served with garlic croutons. Main Spinach and bacon chicken breast served on mushroom risotto with a Madagascan green peppercorn sauce. Beef fillet served with a potato spring roll and green vegetables with Béarnaise and a

demi-glace sauce. Dessert Chocolate and pecan nut brownies served with praline ice cream. The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel 100 Venice Road, Morningside, Durban. +27 (0)31 312 9488, stjamesonvenice.co.za

Belinda McLaughlin 2Karien Hunter 3Annemarie Labuschagne 4Charmane Nel 5Stephen

Hunter 6Gert Vorster 7Lisa Pearson 8Jana Vorster 9Siobhan Perrigo 10Liz Kieck 11John Christie 12Anne Schauffer 13Gareth Bailey 14Jenni McCallum 15Lauraine Lafferty 16Claire Veitch Michelle Wilson 18Gregg Wilson 19Bjern Petzer 20Chris Tyson 21Lisa and Chris Pearson, Karien

Hunter

Penny Petzer 23Gavin Cunningham 24Adrian Stowell.

44 | September 2012

AMC HUNTER INC. PROPERTY DINNER

22 23

24 thepropertymag.co.za | 45

Exclusivity has a new name

premier address

Cape Town’s

Words Nicky Manson

PREVIEW

he newest development by Land Equity Group is the exclusive

Nettleton Ridge estate in Clifton, Cape Town. Designed by Peerutin Architects, Nettleton Ridge comprises four homes with some of the best views in Cape Town: all four Clifton beaches, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. Each house has its own private-use driveway within the gated estate, which has 24-hour security that’s controlled from a central guardhouse situated at the estate’s entrance. House 3 is the only unsold home to date. Livia Coetzer, the project coordinator at Land Equity Group, explains that the other three houses were sold off plan and were custom designed for their owners. On completion, House 3 will have four levels, including 1 500 m2 of underroof living space and garaging for six cars. It is currently on the market for R110 million. The entire project is scheduled for completion between the end of 2012 and mid 2013, says

+27 (0)87 354 5050, nettletonridge.co.za

Livia.

Top The living area in House 3, Nettleton Ridge. With its views of the Atlantic Seaboard and a wind shadow protecting it from the elements, Nettleton Road, Clifton, is arguably the best location in Cape Town. Centre House 3 has indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, including the swimming pool and deck. Bottom Clean, modern lines define the architectural style of the home.

46 | September 2012

R O IT son ED er T nd ES A U lin G Co

Real estate

residential & commercial

EyEs widE opEn

Rabie Property Group Director Colin Anderson explains why the group has renewed its development activity and why it’s focusing on sustainable building

he commercial property market is cyclical and is influenced by three main factors, namely the investment market, the occupier market and the development industry. The investment market is generally outside the industry’s direct control, as it is influenced by the risk and returns of all asset classes and the global financial markets. The occupier market is driven by supply and demand and overall economic growth.The development industry is the third and most influential market, as it controls the production of new space. The property market experiences peaks and troughs, and these are directly related to the supply and demand for new space. This cycle is further influenced by the fairly long lead-time necessary for bringing new stock to the market (18 to 24 months, assuming the land is appropriately zoned). As vacancies start to drop, increasing rents start to support new developments. Therefore, if one waits too long to begin a new development, it is possible that the project could be delivered as demand starts to slow down and development reaches its maximum. So the million-dollar question is, where are we now in this cycle? The answer depends on the vacancy

figure in the specific node in which the development is to be situated. One also needs to consider the quality and size of the available premises that make up the total vacant space. Using Century City as a case study, we find that the vacancy figure has come down from a high of 13% in 2008 to the current figure of below 6%. It is generally believed that when the vacancy level moves below 6% it is an indication that the market is moving out of a slump towards a period of higher demand, if not a boom. I am also often asked whether or not all new developments should be Green-Star rated. I think we are still a while away from that situation, because there will always be occupiers who are extremely cost sensitive. Having said that, I do not believe that green buildings are that much more expensive – certainly not when compared with a corporate office building. Because property is a cash-flow business, anything that improves that cash flow should make commercial sense. Internationally, green buildings are achieving higher rentals than lower-rated buildings because there is strong demand for them. More tenants are starting to understand the principle of ‘total cost

of occupation’ and are therefore not using the rateper-square-metre as the sole yardstick for choosing new premises. Rental is only on one of a tenant’s overheads (the single largest contributor to overheads is probably salaries). Not only does the Green Star rating process strive to make buildings far more efficient, but it also encourages architects and other professionals to design buildings which are more desirable and productive spaces to work in. A Green-Star-rated building is more likely to be a ‘future proof ’ building, namely a building that will deliver improved rental growth and higher capital values, as compared with unrated buildings, which may experience longer vacancy periods and could become obsolete.

Colin Anderson, Director, Rabie Property Group

thepropertymag.co.za | 47

kwazulu-natal Residential

Toti luxury The Rocks in St Winifreds, Amanzimtoti, is a complex consisting of four 209m2 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom units in a tropical garden setting. High-quality finishes, attractive open-plan kitchens, balconies and courtyards with braai facilities all add to the lifestyle offerings of this complex. Large double garages with storage space and good security are also drawcards of this pet-friendly complex. The Rocks is situated approximately 4 km from a large shopping precinct and the Winklespruit swimming beach. ‘Priced from R1,55 million, this is an attractive investment opportunity,’ says Anne Fullarton of Wakefields Amanzimtoti. +27 (0)31 903 2077, wakefields.co.za

A nest with a view Launching in spring, Weavers Nest in Brettenwood Coastal Estate is a sectional title development of 24 units situated in a natural amphitheatre around a small dam on the estate. Peter Whitehouse of Whitehouse Designs has planned the rooms in such a way that every one of them has excellent views, and a number of the rooms allow you to see as far as the surfing spot at Tiffany’s. The style of architecture incorporates large picture windows, water features and the use of natural materials, natural light and horizontal lines. These luxury units are priced from R2,2 million. +27 (0)32 525 4581, brettenwood.co.za; +27 (0)31 764 6666

Opportunity blossoms Royal Windsor, a newly released complex of 27 flats within walking distance of Hibiscus shopping mall, Netcare Margate Hospital and Margate’s swimming beach, offers a selection of one- and two-bedroom units with open-plan living spaces, balconies, sea views, braai facilities and quality finishes. ‘Starting at R555 000, with property prices here set to increase, and rental returns on these units, whether long-term or holiday lets, already extremely good, this one of the best investment opportunities of 2012,’ says Dee Monteith of Wakefields Margate. +27 (0)72 199 1610, wakefields.co.za

48 | September 2012

KWAZULU-NATAL Commercial

The next incarnation The recently relaunched Musgrave Centre, owned by SA Corporate Real Estate Fund and managed by Old Mutual Property, has enjoyed an extensive renovation and refurbishment process that is set to reposition the centre as an industry innovator. Coupled with the renovation has been a shift in branding philosophy. The centre’s ‘Accentuate an Icon’ rebranding campaign has been acknowledged internationally: Musgrave Centre took home silver in the International Council of Shopping Centre’s Solal Awards in Budapest in June. The event recognises the most effective retail campaigns and is seen as a benchmark of quality. Musgrave Centre is home to over 120 retail outlets and a busy Ster-Kinekor complex. Among other beneﬁts, the reconﬁguration of the centre has created a dedicated food court, custom-designed retail spaces, new retail options and an upgraded parking system. One of the pioneering shopping centres in KZN, Musgrave Centre was built around 1953, long before malls were popular, and has reinvented itself periodically. +27 (0)31 201 5129, musgravecentre.co.za

Centres such as the Musgrave Centre are proof of the fact that properties which are kept up to date can still serve their markets and win awards – Colin Anderson, Director, Rabie Property Group

Northern significance Scheduled to open in April 2013, Jozini Mall will be the ﬁrst large retail centre in north-eastern KZN. The R140-million mall is being developed by Greater Atlantic Properties and will feature 45 shops, 400 parking bays, 36 taxi bays and 8 bus bays. Synonymous with Lake Jozini and situated at the gateway to Maputaland, Jozini has about 42 000 households, with 240 000 people in the primary and secondary catchment areas. The 18 100m2 mall will be situation on the main road, 3 km from the Jozini CBD and next to a densely populated housing development. ‘While accessing this market represents an excellent trading opportunity for retailers, local consumers will also enjoy big beneﬁts from Jozini Mall,’ says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services. + 27 (0)11 807 6995, rns.co.za

Umhlanga boom With construction scheduled to start in early 2013, Ghandi Square, a planned retail centre of approximately 20 000m2, will join the 85 000m2 mixed-use Melrose Arch-type development in prime Umhlanga. Bounded by four roads, including Lighthouse Road and Lagoon Drive, this 9 ha development will include four separate ofﬁce blocks totalling 35 000m2, as well as 56 residential apartments, a ﬁvestar 180-bedroom hotel and 3 200 parking bays. The retail centre will Words André Fiore

take advantage of the extensive Lagoon Drive frontage via pavement cafés and boutique stores of top international brands. The unique design and architecture is set to create a statement. ‘Broll Property Group has the exclusive retail leasing mandate on this exciting development,’ says broker Beverley-Ann Fink. +27 (0)82 578 5052, broll.co.za

thepropertymag.co.za | 49

South Africa Fabulous Fancourt This legendary estate is not a destination – it’s a lifestyle

ancourt Estate offers players three of the world’s best golf courses, namely the Links, Outeniqua and Montagu, but there is far more to this beautiful estate than golf clubs and handicaps. The 150-year-old Manor House is a national monument that has been remodelled as a boutique hotel. It offers guests a 24-hour personal butler service, a sunlight-swaddled garden and tea lounge overlooking the gardens and terrace, a plush library and bar and the fine-dining restaurant, Henry White’s, which was named after the original owner of Fancourt. Guests at the Manor House can choose between the master bedroom, the grand suites and the luxury suites. Set on 613 ha, Fancourt Estate is also a feast for property buyers. Links Avenue is one of the most exclusive developments on the estate, with only nine properties to this private address.

There are two architectural designs: the Cape Dutch style, with thatched roofs and white external walls, and the contemporary Links Ridge design, with earth-coloured external walls complemented by elegant slate roofs. Set between the Montagu and Links golf courses, these homes offer views of the Links Dam, and residents may make use of the Links Clubhouse. Stands in Links Avenue start from R2,3 million. The Cape Dutch-style homes are priced from R4,95 million and the Links Ridge homes from R5,472 million. Oaklands Village exudes rustic Provençal charm. The village is lined with immaculate rose and lavender gardens. There are four villages, for a total of 43 homes. These include two-, threeand four-bedroom homes, at prices starting from R1,159 million. Montague Ridge Villas, one of the latest offerings on the market, has a fractional ownership option.

The ultramodern villas are situated next to the Montagu course. Colonial lodges are also available here. Prices start from about R2,15 million. There are also 110 fully furnished executive lodges available. Residents are spoilt for choice of activities. In addition to playing golf, club members can make full use of the Links Clubhouse, where they can swim, play a game of tennis or work out at the gym. There are also plenty of trails on the scenic estate where resident can go running, walking, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding. To wind down they can have a sauna, soak in the Jacuzzi or enjoy a gentle dip in the heated Roman baths at the on-site health and beauty spa. The spa offers a range of treatments, including hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, facials +27 (0)44 804 0000, and massages. fancourt.com

Fancourt Estate. In addition to upmarket accommodation and championship golf

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for luxury

courses, there are a number of residential options for discerning homebuyers.

residential real estate and getaways in SA.

50 | September 2012

Words Tammy Sutherns

Mall of the North, Polokwane

Remarkable retailers

River Home Estate

SA’s best retail developments are to be

Prime Vaal properties

recognised at the South African Council of

Pam Golding Properties Area

Shopping Centres’ (SACSC) annual Retail

Principal, Phil Medlock, says there are

Design & Development Awards (RDDA).

development opportunities in the Vaal