Property
Est. 2004, Issue 290
KwaZulu-Natal
February / March 2013
Winner of 10 publishing awards
decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate
central park
affordable luxury
the oyster box
Small spaces holiday heritage home reinterpreted
RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Central Park, Gateway Town Centre
Red dame of kzn
Wealth & Investment
CRAIG HUDSON Investec Wealth & Investment Branch Head - Durban
Reflections on a very good year for equities 2012 proved to be a very good year for investors on the JSE, while it was an exceptionally good year for investors in industrial shares. The All Share Index delivered a total return (capital gains plus dividends) of about 26% while industrials on average delivered over 40%. However, the resources sector was a distinct underperformer. The difference in these returns from industrials and resources was of the order of 33%. Clearly, investing in the right sectors (as well as the right stocks) is very important. The JSE Industrial Index realised 40% more than the Resources Index in 2004 and 2009; while resources rather than industrials were the right stocks to hold in mid 2006 and 2008. Over the past 10 years industrials delivered much higher returns than resources: R100 invested in the Industrial Index (with dividends reinvested in the index) would have been worth R915 by 31 December 2012. The same R100 invested in the JSE Financial Index would have grown to R522, while the R100 invested in the Resources Index would have grown to a mere R370. The Industrial Index is something of a mixed bag. It includes companies that depend very little on the SA economy for their sales and profits. British American Tobacco, Richemont, Naspers, SABMiller, MTN and Aspen (among others) fall into this category of companies much more dependent on global than SA growth.
Wealth & 1nvestment Ranked #1 by PricewaterhouseCoopers in Wealth Management Ranked #1 in the Business Day Investors Monthly Stockbroker Awards for Sophisticated Investors Our #1 rankings are testament to our select investment services for discerning clients. Backed by our seamless global investment offering, we cater for your individual investment objectives.
To find out more contact our Durban branch on 031 575 4000 or Pietermaritzburg branch on 033 264 5800 www.investec.co.za/wi
The performance of the other industrial companies listed on the JSE is heavily influenced by SA interest rates. The banks, retailers and listed property companies fall distinctly into this camp. SA plays performed in line with the industrial hedges in 2012 despite a degree of Rand weakness. They were greatly assisted by stable and low interest rates. What will matter in 2013 will be expected economic performance in the form of earnings and dividend growth of industrial and resource companies, not their respective price to earnings multiples. The case for investing in resource companies would need to be made in the form of strength in underlying commodity prices. The case for industrials would need to be made on the basis of sustained good earnings growth, accompanied by persistently low interest rates. A strong global economy, which is necessary to drive commodity prices higher, will also be good for industrial companies. This includes those SA economy plays that would benefit from a stronger Rand (likely to accompany global economic strength) and the lower interest rates and inflation associated with a stronger Rand. The investment jury, as always, will be out on these issues. What the market is not entitled to expect is for stock markets to perform generally as well in 2013 as they did in 2012. That would indeed be a very pleasant surprise. Prof. Brian Kantor
Contact Investec Wealth & Investment for more details. Durban 031 575 4000 or Pietermaritzburg 033 264 5800
Ranked #1
Ranked #1
In 2011 & 2012 by Business Day/Investors Monthly Stockbroker Awards for Sophisticated Investors.
In the 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers Banking Survey in Wealth Management.
Portfolio Management
Stockbroking
Wealth Management
Investec Wealth & Investment (W&I) a division of Investec Securities (Pty) Limited. 1972/008905/07. Member of the JSE Limited South Africa. An authorised financial services provider 15886. A registered credit provider registration number NCRCP262.
22
Contents
40
Decor
Design
Hot Decor 9
Think Outside 13
Hanging out with Peter
Small spaces reinterpreted
& Design
Ford, plus interior inspiration
Trends Mixed Origins 7
La Grange moves onto the Berea
8 Hot Plate
Fabulous foodie spaces and products
40 Trend Watch
Show your home some love with these red-hot products
Luxury Hot Indulgence 10
Great products to keep your summer flowing
32 Painting The Horizon Red
A luxurious destination – The Oyster Box
On the cover On Central thePark, cover Gateway
22 17
32
The Box
17 The Noble Art Kritzinger Architects
designs a home fit for a chief
22 The Abcs Of
Restoration
A good dose of restoration and glamour is used to create an unusual seaside home
Real Estate Buy To 37
Let Now
Advice from Berry Everitt, MD of Chas Everitt International Property Group
38 Residential & Commercial
Umhlanga Ridge gets ready for the exclusive Summer View apartment building and for SA Home Loans’ headquarters
Centre. See page TheTown Kitchen & Tasting Room 20 for details. @ Maison. Turn to page 11 for the full story.
thepropertymag.co.za | 1
ed’s letter THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE digital
My (little) space
VISIT thepropertymag.co.za for the latest features. FOLLOW US on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag
Photograph Grant Difford
SUBSCRIBE
‘Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it’ – Leonardo da Vinci
This month we explore small spaces and how to use them to your advantage. Everyone’s home has that odd underutilised space under the stairs or a random wall that is too narrow for a framed picture. Or perhaps your problem with space is that you just don’t have enough of it. I certainly live with this problem every day in my lovely apartment. It’s filled to the brim with gorgeous things (or ‘clutter’ as my husband calls it), and I battle for space daily. I am also a hoarder (something I have admitted to before) and it has been ascertained that small spaces and hoarding do not, in fact, go hand in hand. Surprise, surprise. I would, truthfully, like to ignore the advice of Leonardo da Vinci and move into a huge new space, but I fear I would still fill it up quite quickly. However, thanks to researching this feature, I have found some solutions to the problem of too little space, the main one being storage – a rare thing in old-school apartments like mine, but with a good eye and some innovative thinking, you can certainly solve most storage problems, as our article shows. So I went on a storage crusade, built shelves for books, bought coloured boxes for toys, found plastic crates for winter coats, but I still find myself in a space
that is overflowing with treasures. (Sorry. Clutter. Potayto, potahto.) Yet, I am loathe to throw my stuff away, because it’s all beautiful and all holds some kind of sentimental value, whether it’s the tall bronze lanterns that were a wedding present and have never been installed or the Chinese pots from my late grandmother or the Indonesian paintings on canvas that lean against my wall. I’m happier because of these things and so I have chosen to ignore the great master’s advice and instead live by the words of William Morris: ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’ Of course, once again, my husband would disagree on my definition of ‘useful’ and ‘beautiful’ … I wish you all the best for 2013 and hope all your spaces are beautiful and filled with love, light and laughter – even the small ones.
Call 0860 100 209 (local) or +27 (0)21 530 3112 (foreign).
Download your
FREE iPad app of The Property Magazine.
Nicky Manson, Editor
This month I really must have …
This beautiful piece of furniture called the Instomi
The Sweet Mirror from Gervasoni is available
This contemporary chandelier from the Veneziani collection
stool, designed by Meyer Von Wielligh, is available
from the Modern Home Company – beautiful
from Glass & Glass. I may just have to move house to fit it in!
from GDF Design Lab. gdfdesigns.com
wall decor for any size space.
glassandglass.it; siriusliving.co.za
modernhome.co.za
2 | February / March 2013
MOHLALENG_1020_ESKD
“I can’t afford
solar water heating.” Introducing solar water heating
to your home has never been
more affordable, especially since we’ll subsidise it up to the value of R8 900,
depending on the system you buy.
Now, can you afford not to? With this new limited offer rebate, and your savings on energy from day one, you will pay back your capital cost in 6 years or less. Your solar installer will go through the easy claim process and simple claim form with you before sending it off. For more information on this limited offer and how to save, contact us on (011) 800 4744 or solar@eskom.co.za or visit our website at www.eskom.co.za/idm
Eskom building South Africa
Limited offer Save up to R8 900
www.eskom.co.za/idm
Property EDITORIAL Editor Nicky Manson nickym@medianova.co.za Managing Editor Jennifer Platt jennifer@medianova.co.za Chief Subeditor Yaron Blecher Feature Writers Candace King, Tammy Sutherns art Senior Designer Quinton Hoffmann CONTRIBUTORs André Fiore, Genevieve Fisher, Gisela Nel Photographer Val Adamson Distribution Ezweni Magazine Distribution ADVERTISING Gauteng & KwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Jenni McCallum Western Cape Regional Sales & Marketing Manager Michèle Jones Account Director Western Cape Susan Erwee
thepropertymag.co.za
DISTRIBUTION
Account Director KwaZulu-Natal Claire Veitch Sales & Marketing Assistant Bianca van Deventer Media Coordinator Portia Mbele
REGIONAL CIRCULATION ABC Audited National Circulation (Jul.–Sept. 2012) The Property Magazine – Western Cape 22 400 The Property Magazine – Johannesburg 17 557 The Property Magazine – KwaZulu-Natal 12 152
PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTD Managing Director Tony Vaughan tony@medianova.co.za Project Manager Taryn Townsend Associate Publisher Pretoria Letlhogonolo Sealetsa Associate Publisher Namibia Mynard Slabbert Finance Manager Leanne Cox leanne@medianova.co.za Finance Assistants Micaela Paulse, Eleanor Scipio Collection Clerk Casmia Gysman Security Manager Joseph Khoza Housekeeper Nelly Dlamini
The Property Magazine – Pretoria (unaudited)
THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE kwazulu-natal DISTRIBUTION 8 925 copies free-to-home in the following 4 529 copies to luxury outlets: areas (including residential estates): The Boat House Berea The Vineyard on Ballito Musgrave Zimbali Lodge Morningside Fairways Lodge Windermere Teremok Marine Beverly Hills La Bordello Cowies Hill Madeline Grove B & B Waterfall/Kloof The Palms Guest House Hillcrest Essenwood House Maytime The Balmoral Upper Umhlanga Phezulu Game Estate Lower Umhlanga The Royal Hotel Upper La Lucia Riverside Hotel & Spa Lower La Lucia Sica’s Guest House Prestondale The Westville Hotel Broadway Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel Mount Edgecombe Quarters Hotel Hilton The Manor House Wembley Fairway Guest House Ballito Docklands Hotel Umdloti
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
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 Print edition published monthly in four regional issues: Western Cape, Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and Pretoria Current ABC Audited Circulation (Q3 2012, July - September): Western Cape – 22 400, Johannesburg – 17 557, KwaZulu-Natal – 12 152. Pretoria print run – 10 000 Web Stats: Property Club Members – 24 884 AMPS National Readership (2011A): 287 815
The Property Magazine is now available on all domestic and international Air Namibia Flights! NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Retail: CNA Exclusive Books (select stores) Spar Airport-based retailers
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Select services Showrooms Industry-related businesses and events Namibia-specific distributions
FREE VIP DISTRIBUTION – NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL Airlines and Luxury Railways (Rovos Rail) Air Namibia – Domestic & International fl ights HRG Rennies Travel Premier Club Lounges South African Airways – Domestic & International Lounges Cape Aviation Business Centre BIDAir Premier Lounges
Est. 2004, Issue 290
KWAZULU-NATAL
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013
Winner of 10 publishing awards
decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate
CENTRAL PARK
AFFORDABLE LUXURY
THE OYSTER BOX
RED DAME OF KZN
SMALL SPACES HOLIDAY HERITAGE HOME REINTERPRETED
medianova.co.za
4 | February / March 2013
RSA R34.95 (incl. VAT) Other countries R21.90 (excl. Tax) Central Park, Gateway Town Centre
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.
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
Property On this month’s covers Johannesburg: Makana House, Eastern Cape Western Cape: Private home, Simon’s Town Pretoria: The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks KwaZulu-Natal: Central Park, Gateway Town Centre
Print run: 10 000
National Readership 287 815 (AMPS 2011A)
You tell us
Security, by Design ALARM S
I
N T A L LA I O N ST
Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email readers@medianova.co.za.
For State of the Art
thanks
Loved your Xmas Gift Guide – what a lovely selection of unique foodie and wine gifts. Such a help when Christmas suddenly creeps up on you. Chris, Parkhurst They helped us with our very last-minute shopping sprees too. – Ed.
Winning
Letter CC
dining out
FIR E
DE TECTION
Your Property Dinners look like such fun – I wish I could invite you all to my next dinner party. Carol, Fourways Send us an invitation. – Ed.
TV
sweet delivery My favourite part of the month is when The Property Magazine appears miraculously in my postbox – such a sweet treat. I then devour the pages and dream of one day owning one of the houses showcased in your magazine – gorgeous. Here’s to a new year filled with more treats. Anon Look out for even more beautiful homes in our next issue. – Ed.
Contact
Win Write to us and stand a chance of winning one of five R1 000 gift vouchers from the Laser Beautique. To enter, simply email us at editorial@medianova.co.za with the word ‘Beautique’ in the subject box. The competition ends on 31 March 2013. Ts & Cs apply. The Laser Beautique’s services include state-of-the-art, pain-free laser hair removal, pain-free laser lipolysis, non-surgical liposuction for face and body, facelift alternatives, skin-tightening, bodycontouring, anti-ageing, slimming, facial and body peels, eyebrow design and more. This tried-and-tested business concept is now also ready for franchising in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. For
Projects Department on
031 203 5200 We design a security solution around your lifestyle and needs, ensuring that the design complements your architecture.
more information contact Tzvia Hermann on +27 (0)76 895 2068 or email management@thelaserbeautique.co.za.
People looking after people
facebook.com/thepropertymagazine
twitter.com/thepropertymag
www.umdonisites.com Prices from R250 000 to R700 000 This development offers the discerning investor the unique opportunity to invest in an exclusive eco reserve with wonderful natural beauty, situated close to Durban and the amenities of the Kwazulu Natal South Coast. The Umdoni Point Beach Estate is a pristine, exclusive residential estate situated on the edge of Pennington village. The Reserve, which has been held in trust for the last 118 years, is one of the last undeveloped pieces of coastal land on the Kwazulu Natal South Coast....
DONT MISS OUT! Rob le Sueur: +27 (0)82 450 9641 Chris le Sueur: +27 (0)84 555 0982 Office Tel: +27 (0)31 701 1069
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast The Best of the KZN coastline Hidden in one of the best parts of the South Coast the "Big fisherman" 5 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 en-suite. Lounge, dining room, big covered veranda with heated pool and braai area. Includes a garage and staff quarters with aluminium windows and doors. On the beach with a gate that opens out onto the beach. 1 hour from Durban. Price: R3.5 million.
Contact 031 701 1069 or 082 450 9641
HOT PROPERTY
HOT space
Mixed origins
An old house, an eclectic collection – and some very tempting shopping
I 2
Words André Fiore Photographs Val Adamson
4
t may be a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but it works. And its charismatic new showrooms at 187 Montpelier Road work too. La Grange has moved into the Berea, bringing with it Sumari Krige’s compelling assortment of hand-selected furniture, accessories and antiques from far and wide and positioning the collection in the heart of the Berea’s design quarter. The airy, quaint showrooms offset the collection well and promise unique finds at every turn. The goods consist of a mix of old and new items – a blend of classic, contemporary and industrial that, above all, promise easy, elegant living. From Europe comes a constantly changing selection of one-off items, including servers, tables and armchairs sourced from artisan workshops and off beat antiques stores. From India is a collection of cast aluminium lamps and accessories whose funky, worn-metal, industrial look is fresh, contemporary and alluring. From Indonesia is a wide offering of kubu cane and rattan smalls and furniture. Environmentally friendly and handwoven, these products are available in a selection of different finishes – antique lacquer, light grey, old grey and whitewash – all imbued with that necessary dollop of colonial elegance. The Dutz collection, in smoky pinks, greys, blues and whites, is a range of handmade glassware from Eastern Europe. It boasts edgy designs and good lines, and each piece is unique. La Grange also has its own collection of specially designed furniture and lighting: Gmelina mixes classic forms with pared-down sensibility and is crafted from fine woods, such as American white ash, black walnut and mahogany. With indoor and outdoor offerings, at La Grange there is lots to look at and loads to love.
1 3
5
+27 (0)31 312 2068, lagrangeinteriors.co.za
Ash wood chandelier with adjustable arms. 2Acacia side table with iron lamp from recycled glue
1
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for additional
buckets. 3Bentwood floor lamp, crochet wire stool, handmade striped kelim, natural linen slipcover
hot spaces.
sofa. 4Top Gear mirror frames. 5Covered antique books, Dutz glassware and metal hurricanes.
thepropertymag.co.za | 7
hot plate
Dining in or out of style Salt of the earth Now available in KZN, the award-winning Oryx Desert Salt from the Kalahari contains vital minerals, trace elements and other things good for you. Grab your fix at Sprigs in Kloof, or order online. Gifts packs, grinders and catering buckets are also available. +27 (0)74 413 8646, oryxsalt.co.za
Sunshine or shade A tranquil garden and a scattering of outbuildings create just Lucy Markewicz is a consummate
the right the setting for the Two Acres Tearoom, and now,
juggler of all things edible. She’s part
after two years of planting and producing, owners Kathleen
owner of Lucy’s Cake Shop, consultant
and Richard Walsh can boast a herb and vegetable garden
to the food service industry – creating
that supplies 75% of their hormone- and antibiotic- free menu,
menus, writing recipes and training staff –
as well as their own stone-ground low-GI artisanal breads,
and Neil Roake’s restaurants, contributor
ricotta, ice cream, sauces and dressings. Add to this a
to the Sunday Times Food Weekly and
changing menu as well as lots to look at and things to
a member of the Food Production team.
take home, and you have a half-day jaunt waiting
Plus, she’s recently taken over the chef’s
to happen. Find them opposite the Shongweni
hat at the fabulous Freedom Café.
Farmers’ Market in Hillcrest. +27 (0)31 768 1957
Is baking a passion or did you train for it? I grew up with a mom who loved to bake, and my fondest childhood memories are of my birthday cakes! In my – I love to feed people! I started baking
Like a sturgeon
for my friends’ kids’ birthday parties
The Caviar Group has expanded from Cape
and for dinner parties. I am essentially
Town to Durban with a bang, with three
self-taught but have been taught by
restaurants opening up in Umhlanga’s
customers and contemporaries alike. My
Gateway. Sevruga, overlooking Wave
family and friends are where I draw my
House, offers a 300-seat restaurant with
inspiration from, along with blogs and
a custom-designed interior and bespoke
websites I follow. I have since qualified
menu; the central Osetra has a modern
through City & Guilds. When did you
Japanese-inspired launch menu that
turn your hobby into a business, and
will be followed up with a modern
why? Maya Angelou says, ‘You can only
Italian menu; and Beluga, in the outside
be truly accomplished at what you love.’
courtyard, features a double-storey
And so, in 2003, I started baking for the
350-seat dining area with separate bar
Shongweni Farmers’ Market to see if I
Food with soul
could turn my love of food into a career. I
A first from Ayurvedic health advisor
Sevruga, +27 (0)31 584 7445;
looked for premises, and in 2004, Vanille
Damyanti Gajjar, the title Conscious
Osetra, +27 (0)31 584 7435;
Café & Patisserie was born, and as an
Cuisine – A Vegetarian Adventure,
Beluga, +27 (0)31 584 7445;
extension, Lucy’s Cake Shop, a bespoke
explores a fusion of Ayurvedic principles
caviar.co.za
online patisserie. What’s the current cake
and healthy vegetarian cuisine, with
trend? Cake trends are inspired by decor
the emphasis on produce that is fresh,
and fashion trends – creating a mood
seasonal, locally grown and organic.
and allowing the client’s personality and
The book has sections on soups,
individual taste and style to be part of
chutneys and raita, snacks, pulses, grains,
their cake. Bold statement pieces are very
vegetables and sweets as well as an
trendy for cakes. Sweetie and dessert
informative chapter on the medicinal
tables are hot, hot, hot! Miniatures of
benefits of spices. The recipes are easy
everything are so trendy right now: cake
to prepare and many of them are taught
pops, whoopie pies, macaroons, and yes,
in the author’s Ayurvedic and vegetarian
the faithful cupcake. Cake is becoming
cooking classes.
art, and it’s becoming cool.
+27 (0)82 990 7006,
+27 (0)31 309 4453, tastefreedom.co.za;
consciouscuisine.co.za
lucyscakeshop.co.za
8 | February / March 2013
area, and offers private valet parking.
Words André Fiore
early twenties, food became my passion
HOT PROPERTY
Decorating your space for the new year
HOT decor & DESIGN
Uplift your space Planning to revamp your home for 2013? American Shutters’ Decowood range completely changes the look of any room. Pretty and practical, and eco- and budget-friendly, the shutters come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Visit the online showroom for inspiration. americanshutters.co.za
Peter Ford is Durban’s Hangman, an artist with a natural eye for arranging artwork and artefacts to their best advantage and to the enhancement of the space in which they hang. You arrange paintings. How did that career begin? We arrange art, framed pictures, mirrors, photos and certificates. I learned my trade by hanging exhibitions at the KZNSA Galleries for five years while studying fine art at Durban University of Technology. Later, I was blessed to be given work by local interior decorators, framers and private galleries; my business is 100% word of mouth. What are your finest tips for hanging paintings? There are no rules. Art is as subjective as its presentation. Good art creates dialogue. Try arranging interesting, controversial or eclectic pieces in the dining room to give conversation an edge; in a passageway, use a bold image that is easily recognisable from a distance.
Strong bones
Generally, pictures are better viewed when their centre is below eye level
Crafted in solid acacia wood, the new line, Fossil, has created quite a stir
(try 1 500mm). When people call you
in @home stores. It includes dining, lounge and bedroom furniture and
in to assist them, where do you start? I
boasts elegant, balanced lines and sleek, alluring finishes. @home.co.za
listen to clients’ requests. I work with the architecture and corresponding picture or mirror shapes. Everybody’s home style is unique, so each endeavour is site specific. I have worked with amazing interior decorators over the decade
Mazzoe.com is the newest online
and learned much from them. Do you
platform to connect stylish and
have entertaining tales to tell? So many!
decor-savvy consumers with a
When I was learning my trade at the
host of delectable goods directly
KZNSA Galleries, I was once dissed by a
from SA’s emerging creative minds.
sprightly senior citizen who when I told
Check out the wide range of decor,
him the gallery was closed as we were
accessories and jewellery for your
hanging, told me to hang myself. It was
next shopping spree. mazzoe.com
priceless, and I took his cue and became
Words André Fiore
Online design
The Hangman! +27 (0)72 225 0773, hangman.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za
|
9
HOT PROPERTY
HOT INDULGENCE
Great products to keep your summer flowing Music on the go Bowers & Wilkins mobile hi-fi P3 headphones are ideal for true sound on the move. Specially designed with ear-pad fabric for improved acoustics and comfort, they come with a choice of cables to attach to iPhones, other cellphones and MP3 players. Available from the HFX Group. 0861 000 861; bwloudspeakers.co.za
Summer drinking
Classic must-have
Bouchard Finlayson vineyard is
If you spend your salary on
Walker Bay and is most famous
anything this month, make it
for its Pinot Noir, with 50% of
Gucci’s latest handbag, the
its vines dedicated to this
Soft Stirrup, which sports
varietal. Try the Galpin Peak
a deconstructed shape
Pinot Noir 2010 for a very
and is made out of
special occasion. Named
washed calfskin
after the Galpin Peak
and nubuck. This
mountain range that
classic will never
surrounds the vines, the
age. gucci.com
wine is a splendid mix
situated in the wine region of
of raspberry and cherry flavours and is yummy with a cheeseboard. bouchardfinlayson.co.za
Imagine Morocco Inspired by the hot, golden sands of Morocco, white Bedouin tents, soft silk curtains and visual feasts of mosaic artworks, Jenni Button’s summer 2013 collection is sexy and cool all at the same time. Let the French metallic laces, silk chiffon dresses, rich satins and gorgeous embroidery spark your imagination. jennibutton.com
10 | February / March 2013
HOT PROPERTY
Coveting cove We were drinking Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011 these past holidays and were impressed by this West Coast wine: think green peas, litchi, green figs and asparagus. We enjoyed it with freshly picked mussels served with sweet chilli dips and lemon – pure indulgence. Look out for the 2012 vintage, which has been causing hype in wine circles, and if you’re in the Western Cape, be sure to visit Fryer’s Cove’s tasting room. fryerscove.co.za
High and dry We love this nifty machine! The Spindel is a specialist laundry spin dryer
Naturally inspired David Green’s latest nature-inspired
that is small and compact enough to take
range of sunglasses is his Wood
on road trips. No more damp laundry on
Collection. Different shades of
holiday. spindel.co.za
ebony wood have been used for the temples, and sprung hinges have been precision-crafted to contour with the wood. greeneyewear.com
Toasting the cities that never sleep Skyy Vodka, inspired by America’s party scenes in Miami, New York City and San Francisco, has launched its first limited collector’s edition. The distinctive cobalt-blue bottle now showcases world-famous landmarks, such as Ocean Drive, the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. skyy.com
thepropertymag.co.za | 11
KBX110-55
KBX110-45
KBX110-20
NEW KUBUS UNDERMOUNT RANGE The new Kubus undermount range offers a sleek, ultra-modern look within the kitchen. The Kubus range with iconic good looks, features deeper bowls and is the ultimate geometric shape for solid surfaces. Three different sizes are available, an assortment of bowls may be added to fully optimise your kitchen environment and to suit your requirements.
Call Centre: 0861 372 653 enquiry.fsa@franke.com
www.franke.co.za
Small Spaces
e d i s t ou Think the box
It takes a creative mind to look at a tiny space under the stairs and turn it into a revolutionary area of your home. We investigate some clever interpretations of small spaces. Words Nicky Manson
Jenny Mills Architecture & Interiors, jma.za.net
Rack it up This Clifton beach bungalow designed by Jenny Mills Architecture & Interiors is only 110m2, yet the architects have managed to incorporate three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The design of the kitchen is a big space-saver, thanks to the L-shaped counter and a wall of units crammed with ovens, a washer and dryer and a pantry. Kitchen Clinic came on board, and the result is a space that, despites its size, is a great space for entertaining. The dining room table serves as a work surface too, while glass splashbacks reflect the sea views, making the house seem larger than it is.
thepropertymag.co.za | 13
small spaces
Benchmark Every home, despite its size, needs a dining area, and this small flat’s built-in bench saves a lot of space by eliminating the need to place the table and chairs at the centre of the room. Beneath the bench is storage space, a rare commodity in small homes.
Water-closet drama Older homes typically have a separate loo area and these are usually the smallest spaces and as such are often neglected. But through the careful selecting of the sexy sanware that’s available to you today, you can transform these spaces. This guest bathroom makes use of a wall-hung toilet – a huge space saver – while the carefully suspended vanity cupboard allows the floor to continue uninterrupted, so that the room seems larger. Similarily, instead of hanging a small mirror above the basin, use a fullsized wall mirror to heighten the illusion of roominess.
Interior Designer Patricia Jackson, +27 (0)82 900 9807
14 | February / March 2013
small spaces
Double life Cape Town-based interior designer Patricia Jackson believes it only takes a little imagination to work with small spaces, and the examples on this page prove her point to perfection. Many apartments’ second bedroom is a broom closet of a space, but you can make the situation work by cleverly incorporating the bed into the design of the bedroom. That way, all furnishings are kept to one side, leaving you free to cover the remaining walls with framed art, mirrors and the like. The bottom cupboards in this example are used for storing shoes and bags, while the drawers just above are ingeniously designed to double as bedside tables when opened. The lights on the display shelf can also be used for reading, and the switch is conveniently positioned on the side panel next to the bed.
Divide and conquer Open plan is usually key in small spaces, to avoid tiny rooms and airless corridors; however, rooms often require some sort of separation. Plantation Shutters’ products make excellent room dividers: rolling out like a sliding door, they can be opened up to create space or closed to create privacy, all the while allowing air to circulate and light to penetrate. Plantation Shutters, plantation.co.za
thepropertymag.co.za | 15
Small Spaces
Tips from the pros Power plant
5rooms.com, the online home and
Small gardens can be turned into awe-inspiring spaces, as demonstrated by Craig de Necker from
lifestyle store, offers the following
The Friendly Plant, an award-winning, Johannesburg-based garden design and landscaping company.
advice for making the most of
This Mediterranean-inspired garden has been built on just 60m2. Fire and water are great elements to
small spaces:
introduce into a small garden, because they are so powerful and create great focal areas. The patio incorporates a water feature integrated with a firepit, to save space. The functional firepit allows for
Stack it
outdoor cooking and entertaining, while the artwork behind the seating area doubles as a store for
One of the easiest ways to make
herbs within the frame.
the most of your space is by using stackable items. Whether they are chairs or storage items, by carefully selecting the right stackable items for your space, you can open it up and utilise it optimally. Double up Doubling up is the obvious solution to cramped spaces, and it makes sense to invest in multifunctional furniture and decor pieces. Get organised – store it Organising a space and packing away clutter is a sure way of making a space look cleaner and bigger. Choose a storage unit that suits the colour scheme and style of the room so that it can blend in seamlessly with the rest of the furniture. A kids’ room can easily become cluttered with toys, crayons, etc. The simplest way to ensure that kids keep their room neat and tidy is to furnish it with colourful storage units, so that tidying up becomes fun. Let the light in With the right lighting, any room will appear more spacious. To
The Friendly Plant, thefriendlyplant.co.za
open up the space, remove any drapery that’s blocking out the natural light. Alternatively, use artificial lighting, such as compact floor lamps, to create ambient lighting in the space.
Shelves – the plan Small, awkward wall spaces at the end of corridors or under the stairs can be turned into striking canvases with some smart shelving positioning, as seen inside luxury lodge umSisi House in White River, Mpumalanga. To make use of every inch of available wallspace, they commissioned the construction of bookcases of various levels, to create a platform on which to display the owners’ collection of trinkets, curios and souvenirs from their travels. The result is a striking work of art on what would have otherwise remained a bland wallspace.
umSisi House, umsisihouse.com
16 | February / March 2013
Add colour Colour can instantly make a room look bigger or smaller, so choose carefully. By using metallic colours here and there, you can create reflective surfaces that will add a feeling of space. Also, by coordinating wall and furniture colours, you’ll make the furniture appear less intrusive, and the room will seem bigger. 5rooms.com
design profile
The noble art Named after a revered historical figure, the award-winning Makana House firmly sets Kritzinger Architects amid SA’s design aristocracy Words Tammy Sutherns
K
ritzinger Architects has made a name for itself not only locally, but also abroad, with the projects that combine founders Jed Kritzinger and Julia Abell’s international expertise making for an impressive portfolio. However, it is their recent awardwinning Makana House that has really illuminated the team’s commitment to designing innovative buildings that are socially, economically and environmentally responsible. ‘The ability to work smart in a competitive market is key,’ explains Jed, who co-founded the Cape Town-based studio with Julia in 2010. Jed had just completed the new Cape Town International Airport and a beach house on the
West Coast and, together with Julia, decided to solidify a decade of international experience. They had worked together on a number of high-profile projects, including the British Museum and projects for Imperial College in London. It’s been three years since they joined forces and they haven’t looked back, delivering cutting-edge designs that are internationally recognised. Jed says, ‘Delivering quality architecture is a team effort and requires collaboration between client, architect and the construction team, so that together we deliver buildings beyond our client’s expectations.’ It’s a recipe for success: their Makana House won Best Architecture Single Residence Africa at the African Property Awards 2012 as well as
thepropertymag.co.za | 17
DESIGN Profile
“Makana House was well received because its form is bold and contemporary, with a touch of local South African reflected in the palette of materials and textures we chose� 18 | February/March 2013
design profile the award for Best Residence in Africa at the International Property Awards. The weekend home is named after the famous Xhosa chief, Makana, and is positioned on a private farm in the Eastern Cape. Jed explains, ‘Makana House was well received because its form is bold and contemporary, with a touch of local South African reflected in the palette of materials and textures we chose. The building’s form expresses its function, offering the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience with an emphasis on embracing the dramatic views.’ With sustainability key to the functionality of the design, the brief included creating a transparent building that breaks down the barriers between indoor and outdoor living, raising the first floor to enhance the sense of arrival, maximising the view, employing local contractors and using local building materials for construction, and creating an environmentally friendly building that functions off-grid. The result is a home where solar panels and a solar domestic hot water system are utilised, gas is used for cooking, an on-site waste management system is incorporated and non-potable water is pumped from the Bushman’s River and stored in tanks for household use. The design also features many examples of aesthetic innovation, including an ‘arrival axis’, which begins as one approaches the building and culminates with the impact of an infinity pool as a focal point that draws the eye towards the view. The team took care to fully understand the client’s needs and aspirations and translated these into a beautiful building, and the fluidity of this
process made Makana House one of Jed’s favourite projects. ‘Working with an open-minded client who was looking for a bold architectural statement was a joy,’ he says. Among Jed and Julia’s other favourite designs are a number of courtyard houses in Mauritius, where the open-plan living spaces were designed around a series of tropical courtyards and pools. The duo’s love of design is immediately apparent in their work. ‘To be successful, you have to embrace architecture with passion and make it your life, as it is an all-encompassing profession,’ they say. ‘Hard work and passion will ultimately pay off.’ Julia explains that she and Jed are fortunate in that they share the same passion for design and architecture. They met in London in 1995 while working for the renowned architect Norman Foster. ‘We spent most evenings and weekends in the office. There was a great energy working in the Foster studio at the time, so we didn’t mind putting in the hours. We learned a lot and are fortunate to have had one of the greatest architects of this century as our mentor.’ Given their hands-on approach and their belief that the quality of people’s lives is directly influenced by the quality of their surroundings, there is no doubt that Makana House will not be the last award-winning project from Kritzinger Architects. Among other projects, the team is already looking forward to completing a large house on the Atlantic seaboard. Jed puts it quite simply: ‘Watch this space.’ kritzingerarchitects.com
Opening page The award-winning Makana House strikes a pose against an Eastern Cape landscape; Julia and Jed. This spread, left Makana’s indoor and outdoor living areas are entwined; a Mauritius home is included among the duo’s favourite projects.
thepropertymag.co.za | 19
prime property
The ABCs of restoration A good dose of restoration and glamour has been used to create this unusual seaside home Words Genevieve Fisher
22 | February / March 2013
prime property
thepropertymag.co.za | 23
prime property
Opening page The facade is sympathetic to the building’s Heritage status. This page, clockwise from top The fuchsia sofa and baby grand piano set the glamorous tone for the rest of the house; retro copper pendant lights are juxtaposed against raw brickwork in the living areas.
24 | February / March 2013
prime property
“I thought about the prospect of creating a New York-style loft overlooking the sea and set about achieving this, whilst sensitively preserving its historical importance”
W
hat attracted the homeowners to this Simon’s Town property was not only its location, but also the potential of this ‘grand piece of architecture’. This home, formerly a dilapidated youth hostel, is situated across the road from the naval base and overlooks the False Bay coast. The owner says: ‘She was in such a sad state when we bought her that the underpinnings of the building were at severe risk as a result of the removal of the water-retaining trees on the mountain behind. She looked set to move right into the sea!’ The couple, previously from Johannesburg, came across this large Heritage building, ABC, while they were searching for a seaside holiday home. It was built as a bakery servicing the SA Navy in the 1800s. ‘I thought about the prospect of creating a New York-style loft overlooking the sea and set about achieving this, whilst sensitively preserving its historical importance,’ says the owner. Most importantly, it needed to be able to easily accommodate the couple’s young children and their pet dogs.
thepropertymag.co.za | 25
prime property
Clockwise from top The sparkling kitchen countertop provides a focal point; spaciousness is an advantage of old homes; antique elements tone down the glitz.
26 | February / March 2013
But, first things first: the building had to be rescued from structural demise and extended to be family- and pooch-proof. The owners enlisted architect Mike Shaw, who converted the loft area into three bedrooms, extended the living space outwards towards the mountain at the back and put a living area on the second floor, adjoining the patio and garden. The first floor extension includes a home gym and separate flatlet. The whole process was achieved without touching the front facade, and skylights were installed so that the windows on the front walls remained intact, as did the building’s Heritage status. Once the structural changes were under way, Neil Suttie and Floris Marais of Suttie & Marais Designs lent their expert touch to the interiors. Neil says, ‘We worked on the owner’s home in Joburg and at the time we were also based there. Floris spearheaded the project with the clients’ input and he had to fly down to Cape Town twice a month.’ The clients wanted to do something to balance the
sombreness of the home’s Heritage status and so fun, bold colours, gold accents and contemporary fittings were used to contrast with the exposed brickwork, copper piping and reused wood. Much of the furniture comes from the couple’s home in Joburg and has been reupholstered in bold colours – think fuchsia, purple and gold. ‘Because of the sea-facing orientation, the light flowing through the windows is exceptional and, together with the voluminous space, allows for eccentricity in the colour palette,’ says Neil. Upon entering the three-level home, on the first level your eyes are drawn to the bright-pink builtin sofa positioned next to a baby grand, which sets the glamorous tone for the rest of the experience, including art deco copper pendant lamps juxtaposed against the exposed raw brick throughout the home and a curved golden vinyl seating unit nestling against blue velvet curtains in the cinema room. A floating wooden staircase leads to the living area with its navy-blue walls, on which a series of silver
prime property
“Because of the sea-facing orientation, the light flowing through the windows is exceptional�
thepropertymag.co.za | 27
prime property
“The top level is a peaceful enclave consisting of the main-en-suite bedroom, two more bedrooms and a bathroom”
24 | February / March 28 December 2012 / January 2013 2013
prime property
Opposite, top to bottom High-tech equipment and modern downlights provide a foil to the beach house feel of the converted loft bedrooms. This page Old wingbacks from the family’s previous home have been re-upholstered for the contemporary TV nook.
thepropertymag.co.za | 29
prime property buffalo horns hangs, and an antique wooden dining table is juxtaposed against a large sparkling sapphireblue granite kitchen countertop that winks at you continuously. And then there is the Midas guest bathroom: inspired by the owners’ trip to Paris, where they ate at an all-gold restaurant, it is done up completely in a golden mosaic and features a golden ‘throne’ too. The top level is a peaceful enclave consisting of the main-en-suite bedroom, two more bedrooms and a bathroom. The main bedroom has a calm nautical feel, and a glass barrier separates the bathroom from the sleeping area. The other bedrooms have a beach house feel, but with extravagant touches. According to Neil, the biggest challenge was completing the project in time for the festive season, but despite the mad rush towards completion and the stress of getting the builders out and the pool finished, it was all worth it when the clients called
30 | February / March 2013
prime property after seeing the home for the first time and reported that they were exceptionally happy and grateful. There must’ve been something in air in the quaint seaside village of Simon’s Town – or maybe it was the great synergy of everyone involved in the transformation of this grand old dame of a property – because shortly after the project was completed the family moved to Cape Town permanently, as did Neil and Floris. The home is now available to rent as a holiday home from Perfect Hideaways. ‘Working on this project in Simon’s Town made us fall in love with the Cape; the views, the Victorian charm and Heritage buildings are idyllic,’ says Neil. We couldn’t agree more. With thanks to … Suttie & Marais Design, +27 (0)82 448 8222, +27 (0)72 298 8527 Perfect Hideaways, +27 (0)21 790 0972, perfecthideaways.co.za
Opposite The outdoor living area commands views of picturesque Simon’s Town. This page The metallic-hued bathrooms were inspired by the owners’ travels.
thepropertymag.co.za | 31
travel
Painting the horizon red
32 | February / March 2013
travel
W
hat struck me first upon my entering The Oyster Box in Umhlanga was its beautiful art and decor collection. Adorned to the brim with carefully chosen objets d’art and striking paintings, it’s more like entering an art collector’s home than a hotel, and, of course, that is what really sets The Oyster Box apart from its neighbours – its personal touches, thanks to it still being family run by the Tollmans. Some
60-odd years since the hotel’s establishment, this personal touch is still evident throughout. Following an extensive rebuild just three years ago, the architecture is strikingly colonial and exudes old‑world charm while hiding a myriad of modern facilities. Done under the creative eye of Anton de Kock of M2K Architecture, it was important that the renovations retained the premises’ connection with the sea, which was achieved by accentuating the breathtaking views and creating a lush garden
Sophistication, luxury, sea breezes and fragrant frangipani are all rolled up into one unforgettable experience at The Oyster Box in KZN Words Nicky Manson
thepropertymag.co.za | 33
travel
paradise behind the hotel. This is where one of the pools sits alongside the chic spa, which has carved out its own reputation for excellence. In the garden you will also find tranquil water features, a Victorian-style gazebo and an amphitheatre used for wedding ceremonies. Originally built as a mere beach cottage in 1863 and used as a navigational beacon, the property was turned into a hotel in the 1950s and has since undergone a number of renovations, and each layer of changes is still reflected in its architectural style. The Tollman family love the glamour of the 1940s and ’50s, as can be seen in their choice of decor and furnishings. Mediterranean elements are also present, with a combination of archways and spiral staircases. The black-and-white terrazzo floor tiles from the original hotel reception have been carefully reproduced and are used throughout the hotel. The revolving door at the entrance still remains, as does the wrought-iron balustrade. The Oyster Box also prides itself on its original KwaZulu-Natal art collection: over 100
paintings from 12 artists hang on its whitewashed walls and speak of the Tollmans’ passion for art. Beautiful furniture spills over from room to room, while bold fabrics and elaborate sculptures create evocative focal points. The double-volume Palm Court is the heart of the hotel and a masterpiece in its own right. Previously open to the heavens, it encloses tall green palms beneath the ceiling. Beautiful tables are laden with elegant crockery and silver cutlery, awaiting the ladies to take afternoon tea. The decadent spread of mouth-watering treats is highlighted by twinkling chandeliers and tempts even the strong-willed. Dining is an indulgent experience, and choice is key. The Grill Room is fine dining at its best and hosts a weekly dinner dance. The Ocean Terrace has the best curry buffet in town – and I’m speaking from experience – as well as a wood-fired pizza oven. There is also the Lighthouse Bar (which could well have the best views in town), the Oyster Bar, Chukka Bar and the intimate sunken wine cellar. Outside, the terrace overlooks a heated infinity
pool, which in turn overlooks the Indian Ocean. Standing tall and watching over the hotel is the historic bright-red-and-white-striped lighthouse, completing the postcard-perfect picture. The beach is just a few steps below, and guests can linger on the matching red-and-white-striped sun loungers dotted along the golden sands and the manicured lawns. With its beautiful spaces, immaculate attention to detail and gracious service, the hotel lives up to its five stars. But did you know that this sophisticated hotel is also child-friendly (as well as pet-friendly)? From a welcome pack filled with goodies, such as fishing nets and beach balls, to the child-friendly restaurants and pool and holiday club, The Oyster Box ensures that parents enjoy a much-needed break away from the little ones too! The rooms are decked out with kids’ chairs, cots and sweet platters, and you can even hire an Oyster Box pram. Outside, the slush machine, soft-serve and candyfloss makers add a memorable touch to any kids’ – or grown-ups – seaside holiday. +27 (0)31 514 5000, oysterboxhotel.co.za
Opening page, clockwise from top The infinity pool with its breathtaking views; the library and the spa. This page Elegant dining at the Grill House; a relaxing nook and private plunge pool. Opposite page, top to bottom Old-school glamour thanks to the wrought-iron balustrade; the sexy Lighthouse Bar; a bath with a view; kids’ play area.
34 | February / March 2013
travel
“The revolving door at the entrance still remains, as does the wrought-iron balustrade�
thepropertymag.co.za | 35
Society
Out and about in KwaZulu-Natal 1
2
3 4
5
6
7
The Ivory Group launched their company at The Weaver’s Nest, Mt Edgecombe Country Club, Durban: 1Rose Kranz, Debbie Freimond, Darren Courtenay, Felicity Courtenay 2Andre du Toit, Kevin Watson, Anthony Courtenay 3Dante Della Martina, Dawn Della Martina, Greg Topp, Lynda Topp, Charmaine Pratt. Franke were inspired by the professionals and students alike, in the Franke Design a Bathroom Competition: 4Nico Claase, Murray Farquharson 5Andrew Mboyi 6Jocelyn Jones, Clinton Soutter, Leigh-Anne Robertson, Philip Darby, Schalk De Beer, Alan Palmer, Gareth Nezar Stephen Parkes, Nico Claase.
7
Email social photographs and invitations to readers@medianova.co.za.
36 | February / March 2013
R O IT itt ED ver E
EST ry U er G B
Real estate
residential & commercial
Buy to let now,
or don’t blame me later Berry Everitt, MD of Chas Everitt International Property Group, incisively deduces which segment of the property buyers’ market you should be focusing on
F
irst-time homebuyers, who currently account for about 40% of mortgage applications and home loan approvals, are supposedly driving the real estate market at the moment. Of course it is a wonderful time for them to be making their first property moves. Interest rates are just about as low as they are going to go, home prices are at the bottom of a cycle (and being depressed by strict bank valuations) and better salaries and lower debts mean more disposable income with which to pay for a home. What is striking, though, is how various factors steadily pushed up the average age of first-time buyers in South Africa. In 2002 it was 28, in 2005 it was 31 and now it is 37, a fact that opens up a whole new way of looking at the market and what trends one might expect to see strengthening over the next year or two. I see the demand for rental properties continuing to rise strongly, firstly because young adults can be expected to be tenants now for 12 to 15 years at least before becoming homeowners, and secondly, because SA’s population is steadily getting ‘younger’, so the potential number of those tenants is increasing. This spells good times for buy-to-let investors, especially if you consider that many young people who could probably afford to buy their own home
earlier are not doing so because they prefer the flexibility that renting gives them to travel and follow job opportunities. On top of this, many have found that if they rent they can live in upmarket or trendy areas where they could never afford to buy, especially if those areas are close to work and enable them to offset their rent with lower transport costs. I anticipate that the trend towards smaller average homes sizes will accelerate, propelled by concerns about the rising cost of living and of home ownership, including property rates, municipal service charges and home maintenance, which don’t only apply to first-time buyers but are prompting many existing homeowners to downsize (just as soon as their 20-something children leave home) and buy up smaller homes that might otherwise have gone to first-time buyers or, more likely, to tenants via buyto-let investors. Thirdly, I believe that price growth will fairly rapidly get ahead of the rate of inflation once more, not least because of the slow supply of new homes, which will also, of course, put further upward pressure on rentals. Many builders and developers just can’t deliver new homes at competitive prices in the face of rising building costs, which the Bureau for Economic Research estimates will show a 12,1% increase this year and a 16,3% increase in 2013, and this is clearly reflected in a 13% decline this year
in the number of plans being passed to build new homes over the next 18 to 24 months as well as a drop of almost 10% in the number of smaller homes that have been built in the past year. As prices rise, so home ownership will once again become less affordable (and possibly less attractive) to first-time buyers, whose average age will probably rise even further as they continue to rent. We will have come full circle. That leads me to observe that if the current stats are correct, then about 60% of those obtaining home loans now are not first-time buyers. About 9%, it is estimated, are buy-to-let investors, but that still means that more than half are experienced homeowners who are either buying for the second, third or even fourth time as they upgrade, downsize or relocate, or taking equity loans to improve their existing homes, pay university fees or help their children buy a home. In other words, perhaps they are really the ones with the money or the leverage to make the best use of the current interest rate and price advantages, and perhaps we should be paying them more attention.
Berry Everitt, MD, Chas Everitt International Property Group
thepropertymag.co.za | 37
Kwazulu-natal Residential
Classy glass Construction has started on 106 Gladys Mazibuko Road, situated on an elevated corner of Gladys Mazibuko and Currie roads on Durban’s Berea. Designed by Elphick Proome Architects, the development comprises four secure luxury apartments with spectacular city and sea views and is close to schools, shopping centres and amenities. Extensive glazing and decks exploit the views while clerestory windows allow natural light into the depths of the units. Other apartment features include a minimum of five-car garaging per unit, staff quarters for every unit, large entertainment areas, private gardens and pools, wrap-around decks on bedroom level and a green roof terrace for entertaining. Lifts and prayer room or home office options are also available. ‘Starting at R5,950 million direct from the developer, this is an exclusive investment opportunity in prime Berea,’ says Laren Beni. +27 (0)83 928 5146
Sunny outlook
Recently launched, the exclusive Summer View apartment building in Herrwood Drive on Umhlanga Ridge offers one of the few remaining panoramic sea view sites in the area. The sectional title development, financed by Nedbank Corporate Property
Hop on in
Finance and Gough Cooper Homes, will comprise a selection of 60
Groundwork has started at The Ponds, a freehold-ownership
homes, as well as penthouses and garden units. Combining luxury
development situated on Hilltop Private Estate, bordering Zimbali Coastal
with modern, secure apartment living, the building will feature
Resort. The development mirrors Zimbali in architectural style and
drive-up ramp access to the front door, an indoor heated pool and
offers a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes with exclusive
entertainment area, air-conditioned rooms and exclusive parking as
luxury finishes. Limited to just 10 homes, with covered terraces, spacious
well as visitor parking bays. There are also options for live-in staff
entertainment areas and indoor-outdoor living opportunities, units in this
and storage rooms. Construction on the development is scheduled
Stedone Projects development are priced from R1,5 million all inclusive,
to commence in the first quarter of 2013 with completion forecasted
with sites starting at R595 000.
for the end of 2014. summerviewumhlanga.co.za
38 | February / March 2013
Words André Fiore
+27 (0)31 713 0737, stedoneprojects.co.za
apartments, with options for one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom
KWAZULU-NATAL Commercial
Greytown gap
HQ IQ
Scheduled to open in September 2013, Mavundla
The occupation of the new SA Home Loans headquarters on Umhlanga Ridge is
Square in Greytown promises to be the largest and
scheduled for December 2013. The centre will offer spectacular views of the sea
most modern retail offering in the area. Situated
and the city and will enable the home loans group to provide its customers with
70 km from Pietermaritzburg and midway between
excellent service. The two-storey open-plan building’s design incorporates a number
Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni and Stanger, the centre
of green features, such as: south-facing orientation, to vastly reduce heat gain;
will draw on a large catchment area and is set to uplift
maximum use of natural light; high-performance glazing; external sun control on
the surrounding communities in the growing district
key exposed windows; a chilled-water air-conditioning system; a high-tech building
through job creation and commerce. The centre is being
management system that optimises power usage and equipment control; and
developed by PG Mavundla Properties and will be home
rainwater harvesting for the irrigation of the indigenous landscaping. ‘We’re excited
to anchor tenants Shoprite Checkers (the first national
at the prospect of moving into such cutting-edge, environmentally friendly new
supermarket larger than 2 500m2 in Greytown) and the
headquarters, and our decision to make such a substantial investment in Umhlanga
Edcon Group. +27 (0)33 413 1090
is also a clear sign of the company’s faith in Greater Durban and its future,’ says SA Home Loans CE, Kevin Penwarden. +27 (0)31 576 5792, sahomeloans.com
Debonair Devon Road Situated close to Old Main Road and with easy access to the M13, 10–12 Devon Road, Pinetown, has recently been purchased and is soon to be released as six sectional title units that will be ready for occupation in July 2013. Units in the multi-tenanted office park will range from 655m2 to 2 295m2 in size, and facilities will include ample secure off-street parking, ample power for manufacturing, factory space with vehicular access, well-balanced offices and ablutions, palisade/precast and electric fencing, a common gated entrance and a guardhouse. ‘Situated in a well-established neighbourhood that comprises a mix of largescale industrial premises, light industrial, showrooms and retail properties as well as numerous national and blue-chip industrial tenants, this is a valuable offering in an area where vacant land is in short supply,’ says Wayne Ashford of Chalupsky Properties. +27 (0)83 456 8518, chalupskyproperties.com
thepropertymag.co.za | 39
trend watch
What’s love got to do with it? Home is where the heart is, so show your humble abode some love with these red-hot products
Sweet tooth In the morning you’ll be making macaroons with the nifty Mastrad Macaron-Making Gift Set. It’s French confectionery at your fingertips, with just four main ingredients and a few tools, including a stand for storing the whole set, a piping bag, six nozzles, and a nonstick baking sheet with circular ridges. yuppiechef.com
Second-hand emotion It’s time for some love with Jasper & George’s heart-shaped clocks – the perfect gift for just about anyone. Made from recycled pallet wood, they are available online. jasperandgeorge.blogspot.com; 5rooms.com
Scaling up
Coricraft knows all about spicing
Berrylicious
things up on the home front and even
Keep your jam cool literally and
more so this Valentine’s Day with
figuratively with this stylish Berry jam
love-inspired accessories. Choose
jar and spatula set from Le Creuset. The
from romantic chaises longues, heart-
stoneware jar keeps the contents cold
shaped vases, striking red scatter
and can go straight from fridge to table
a stainless-steel 1,6ℓ bowl,
cushions and more. coricraft.co.za
without any decanting.
red-lacquered metal base
lecreusetshop.co.za
For those who love retro, Yuppiechef stocks the Luisa mechanical kitchen scale. The simplistic yet funky scale features
and retro clock dial. yuppiechef.com
40 | February / March 2013
Words Candace King
Romancing the home
[masterjuggler] 4684
2
3 [1] Fantini panel shower - P.O.A. • [2] Porcelanosa Wood Look (220 x 900 mm) - from R 599/m2 • [3] Alabastri Collection (various sizes/colours) - from R 599/m2 • [4] Grandagolo G75 basin (750 x 500 mm) - R 4 495 • All prices include VAT.
SPANISH TILE PROMOTION NOW ON!
Perfect design, pure luxury. 4
1
When looking for innovation, quality and choice, look no further than Classic Trading for an extensive range of bathroom solutions for your home. As importers of the best international brands we are able to offer unbelievable prices on all leading European brands. For a unique bathroom experience come visit one of our showrooms to view our lifestyle displays and a vast range of exclusive imported products.
SHOWROOMS: JOHANNESBURG - Tel: 011 656 0400 • DURBAN - Tel: 031 579 1900 • CAPE TOWN - Tel: 021 465 9277 • www.classictrading.net