REAL
ESTATE ISSUE 25 • SEPTEMBER 2015
FRESH
APPROACH Cutting-edge kitchens | A renovated Bauhaus beauty | Flower girls | Heritage buildings’ new lease of life
RE_September2015_Cover_1.indd 1
2015/08/17 5:23 PM
ON SHOW DAILY – LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FROM R3,9 MILLION Visit our luxury residential apartments for sale within this five-star oasis Open daily, on show Saturday and Sunday SHOW APARTMENT Unit 12118, The Houghton on the 12th, 53 2nd Avenue, Houghton Office – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100 Email – alan@thehoughton.com
Houghton_Leading_RE_September_DPS1.indd 1
2015/08/20 1:53 PM
CREATIVE GROUP
THE HOUGHTON - A LEADING HOTEL OF THE WORLD “We are excited to welcome The Houghton to our portfolio,” says Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “Its comprehensive facilities, park-like setting overlooking a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and proximity to prime shopping and business concerns make it especially attractive. Above all, we’ve been impressed with the developers’ embrace of the destination, and dedication to excellence. We believe the hotel will embody the dynamism of Johannesburg, and deliver an exceptional experience.”
Houghton_Leading_RE_September_DPS1.indd 2
2015/08/20 11:36 AM
Aurum Luxury Suites Located on the mountain side of Victoria Road in the wind-sheltered Bantry Bay suburb. Comprising 15 two- & three-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from ±117m² to ±250m². Each suite stylishly designed with a modern, open-plan, single-level floor layout. One luxury four-bedroom Penthouse unit of ±530m² is situated at the top level on the new vertical extension of the build. Clean, stylish colour palette throughout, dramatic cascading waterfall façade feature. Bang & Olufsen audiovisual. Penthouse kitchen and design accents by FENDI Casa.
www.darealty.com/AURUM
AURUM_DAREALTY_DPS_RE_separates.indd 62
2015/08/20 8:40 AM
Shimmering with energy in a setting of majestic ocean blue, precious minerals, nature green and streaming light. Perched over the breathtaking Bantry Bay coastline, Da’Realty proudly presents AURUM. Meaning ‘Shining Dawn’ in Latin & ‘Au’ the symbol for Gold. An exclusive, dual-site, luxury lifestyle development.
Aurum Presidential Suites Located on the sea side of Victoria Road, in Bantry Bay. Each of these 8 Exclusive Suites have been meticulously designed and crafted to be exceptional homes, optimising the qualities of space, light and warmth. Exquisite suites of two-, three-, four- & five-bedroom layouts of ±210m² to ±750m². These opulent units feature the highest-quality imported finishes, luxuriously spacious bedroom & living room layouts and direct lift access to each suite, and boast sublime sunset views over the bay. Cascading waterfall façade feature, Bang & Olufsen audiovisual, Penthouse kitchen and design accents by ARMANI Casa.
For enquiries, contact Chrys Mammous +27 72 470 5252
AURUM_DAREALTY_DPS_RE_separates.indd 63
2015/08/20 8:41 AM
ED’S LETTER
ESTATE
REAL
Diesel Living with Seletti’s irresistible Machine Collection finds the perfect balance of timeless and edgy BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT Isobel Sippel’s beautiful tactile linen cushions; a unique vessel by Hennie Meyer; delicate embroidery at Helon Melon
PUBLISHED BY PA MEDIA, THE CREATIVE GROUP CAPE TOWN Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925. 021 447 7130 JOHANNESBURG 9-6th Street, Parkhurst, 2193. 011 476 6293 www.realestatemagazine.co.za THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info
EDITORIAL TEAM
ADVERTISING SALES
EDITOR Michelle Snaddon
WESTERN CAPE Michèle Jones Sales and Marketing Manager
michelle.snaddon@thecreativegroup.info
Michelle Snaddon Editor, REAL ESTATE
michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info 084 246 8105
Susan Erwee Key Account Manager
DEPUTY EDITOR Julia Freemantle CONTRIBUTING FEATURES WRITER Genevieve Putter CHIEF COPY EDITOR Yaron Blecher
susan.erwee@thecreativegroup.info 083 556 9848
GAUTENG Yvonne Botha Key Account Manager yvonne.botha@thecreativegroup.info 061 019 6175
ONLINE EDITOR Andy Möller
KWAZULU-NATAL Bradley Sparks
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Nicolette Lubbe 011 476 6293
bradley.sparks@thecreativegroup.info 073 666 3842
ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND SUBMISSIONS Jackie Maritz Advertising Coordinator
PRINTING Paarl Media Cape
jackie.maritz@thecreativegroup.info 078 133 5211
Love the environment! Please recycle this copy of REAL ESTATE after you have read it.
DISCLAIMER The publisher of this magazine gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representation regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. © The Advertising Joint Venture. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
06
RE_Sept15_Eds_letter.indd 4
SEPTEMBER 2015
GRAHAM WOOD
LUCIA VIGLIETTI
Graham is a freelance writer, editor and design enthusiast who has spent the better part of a decade visiting and chronicling the country’s most beautiful and inspiring homes. He has contributed to a range of architecture, interior and design magazines, both locally and abroad. For this issue he wrote about the incredible architecture and sensitive renovation of a Paarl Pius Pahl design for our Show House feature on page 20. He lives in Johannesburg with his wife and daughter.
Happiest with a glass of vino rosso in her hand, while cooking for family and friends, Lucia lives up to her Italian roots. A trilingual traveler who has called Modena in Italy and London home; she finds inspiration in new adventures. The art of storytelling and creative problem solving is what makes being an Art Director such a treat, and she gets an especial thrill out finding the perfect cover each month. Road trips, rambling conversations and dancing like nobody’s watching are some of her favourite things.
Cover image Skoon Skincare shot by Johan Wilke Photographs Lar Leslie and supplied
I
t’s September – a time of rebirth and renewal. My desk is awash with jasmine and pansies, the Italian rocket is leafing out again and the sweet peas are finally taking off along with my evervigorous mint, all of which spells a change in season. You might have guessed that it’s my favourite time of year, one of the reasons I love our spring-like cover, and the fact that we could indulge in the prettiest family home belonging to talented florist Heike le Cordeur (page 29), followed by our Creative Collective – featuring equally gifted women who push the boundaries with blooms and take floral artistry to new heights (page 36). Perhaps that’s why I was also so drawn to Helen Melon’s embroidered ferns at 100% Design South Africa, as well as Isobel Sippel’s wonderfully tactile cushions – I’ve fallen for her peony pattern along with the cross-stitch detail on these lovely slubby linens (above). At Generation’s 100% Hotel stand, Seletti’s new Machine Collection with Diesel Living (inspired by industrial parts) looked as good upside down as it did laid with green-tea macaroons – love, love, love. But the delicate ‘Grid’ vessel by Hennie Meyer on the 100% Upliftment stand, curated by Anthony Shapiro, was perhaps the most unusual handcrafted ceramic I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you Cathy O’Clery and Laurence Brick for yet another great show! Looking for a new house? We were thrilled to discover a Pius Pahl design for sale in Paarl (page 20), appropriately, as September happens to be Heritage Month. On that topic, don’t miss our heritage special report, Living in the Past, on page 76.
ART DIRECTOR Lucia Viglietti
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/19 4:09 PM
Purism. Sensuality. Intelligence. To see what else bulthaup kitchens have to offer, please contact your local retail partner www.livingkitchens.bulthaup.com
bulthaup cape town Living Kitchens (Pty) Ltd 47 Somerset Road, Green Point Cape Town 8005 Tel. 021 419 5445 info@bulthaup.co.za
bulthaup johannesburg Living Kitchens (Pty) Ltd 9 Kramer Road, Kramerville Johannesburg 2148 Tel. 011 262 5257 info@bulthaup.co.za
In Partnership with
HP-Bild_280x335_4c_C.indd 1
12.06.15 14:20
CONTENTS
49
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2015 13 WORD ON THE STREET 20 SHOW HOUSE A Bauhaus masterpiece in Paarl has been subtly updated by its architectureenthusiast owners, and filled with classic design 29 IN FULL BLOOM The winelands home of floral designer Heike le Cordeur is as pretty as a picture, complete with retro furniture and a pastel palette 36 FLOWER GIRLS We pick the best female florists and find out what makes them tick
08
44 URBAN OUTFITTERS Big-budget, highprofile projects that are moulding the face of inner-city living, and the players behind them 49 A LA CARTE We serve up the hottest kitchen trends and how to get them
86 SUBURB FOCUS Durban North boasts a sense of community and sea views 91 PRACTICAL ADVICE Picking the perfect agent for your property, and buying in a sellers’ market
57 MARKETPLACE The property news you need to know now
94 GLOBAL BUY Miami’s cosmopolitan energy, eclectic architecture and relatively low cost of living are drawing investors
76 LIVING IN THE PAST Heritage buildings around the country are celebrating their history by positioning themselves as lifestyle venues
96 DREAM HOME A picturesque riverside location and traditional architectural features make for a romantic combination in Georgia
Photographs David Ross/bureaux.co.za and supplied
20
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_Contents.indd 6
2015/08/19 2:23 PM
Cantilever Floor Lamps KLT-210266 - Solid Dark Wooden Base with Black Shade KLT-210265 - Solid Natural Wood Base with White Shade
Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton, 021 552 4370 Johannesburg: Units 8 & 9, The Arena, Capital Hill Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, 011 312 1247 info@klight.co.za I www.klight.co.za I Facebook.com/klightimport
KLnew_RealEstate 09-2015 (Cantilever 280x335).indd 1
2015/07/21 10:54:41 AM
ADVERTORIAL
A FRENCH AFFAIR LUXURY FURNITURE BRAND ROCHE BOBOIS HAS OPENED ITS DOORS IN CAPE TOWN, BRINGING ITS SIGNATURE HIGH DESIGN AND ELEGANCE TO OUR SHORES
A
lready present in about 50 countries, with 250 showrooms in all the major cities, Roche Bobois is delighted to open its first in South Africa, in Cape Town. The French brand is a world leader in the production and distribution of luxury furniture. Releasing two collections a year, Roche Bobois relishes the challenge of spearheading new trends while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. Every piece of furniture is designed to be customised to suit any taste and mood. Working closely with renowned designers such as Ora Ito, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt and Stephen Burks, and with haute couture houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel Maison and Missoni Home, Roche Bobois offers a broad range of exclusive made-to-order designs, manufactured with a high level of customisation in small European workshops for special customers.
FAMILY MATTERS Roche Bobois is the story of two French families – the Roches and the Chouchans – who met by chance. In 1950, Jacques Roche purchased the old Alexandre Dumas theatre on Rue de Lyon in Paris and built two stores. His sons, Philippe and François joined the company, established its development strategy, and began to distribute the very best contemporary furniture. At this time, the Chouchans were selling furniture in Paris on Boulevard Sébastopol at ‘Au Beau Bois’ (which later became Bobois). In 1960 the two pioneering families met at the Copenhagen Furniture Fair and a year later designed their first collection together, with the aim of bringing relaxed elegance, personalised comfort and creative flair into people’s homes.
SUSTAINABLE STYLE The LEGEND collection (designed by Christophe Delcourt) heralded the beginning of the Roche Bobois eco-design practices in 2006. Since this turning point, the brand has adopted an environmentally responsible approach, which it applies at all levels of its business – its increased awareness of how human activity can impact on the environment has moved Roche Bobois to develop a more sustainable approach to design and manufacturing. In order to achieve this, Roche Bobois has developed its own process of evaluation – Eco6 software allows it to design more sustainably and helps it to consider the best ways of making existing products more sustainable. Already more than 150 of the pieces have been deemed sustainable according to the Eco6 guidelines. For a quick view, browse the full collection of premium-quality furniture online, from sofas, armchairs and cocktail tables to dining chairs, sideboards, beds, wardrobes and storage. The company also sells accessories including lighting, cushions and rugs. Or come to the store, where a team of interior designers looks forward to welcoming you in this new space of exquisite sophistication, and see it firsthand.
10-12 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town +27 72 083 3164; www.roche-bobois.com; capetown@roche-bobois.com
RE_Sept15_RocheBobois_advertorial.indd 12
2015/08/18 11:53 AM
WORD ON THE STREET TRAVEL
Places to be and things to see in the hippest ’hoods
STAR-STUDDED RETREAT
Text Genevieve Putter, Michelle Snaddon, Julia Freemantle Photographs Karl Rogers, Anne-Emmanuelle Thion, Michelle Snaddon and supplied
Stargazing will never be the same again. With feet softly caressed by warm sand and a glass of chilled French bubbly at hand, we leaned back and watched the evening sky transform into a crystalclear canvas. With not a whisper of a breeze and the waves lapping gently-gently in the distance with the pull of the outgoing tide, it was Mozambique at its most magical. Further along the beach, lanterns were being lit one by one for a romantic beach dinner but we were drawn back again to watch Faizel Kara’s fascinating iPad photos of the planets and stars that literally brought the night sky to life. Soon, a group of animated Mozambican children were making their way up the beach, singing and dancing to the sound of their drums. Having been involved with the island school since he arrived on Benguerra island, Faizel knows them all by name. And we discovered that the bubbly and much of the wine list is from the owner’s estate in France – yet another personal touch. It’s this level of involvement that brings guests back time and again – and additional good news is that a new beach villa has just been completed. A blissful hideaway, with the signature Azura sala, private pool and deck, it’s tempting to cocoon here all day,
spending hours simply gazing out to sea, watching traditional dhows drift by, but it’s worth setting sail yourself. Watch dolphins playfully round the prow and hopefully spot an endangered dugong, one of only 250 left in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Or snorkel off Two Mile Reef, where you could find yourself swimming alongside a turtle or into large shoals of spectacular tropical fish, both extraordinarily humbling experiences. Then climb one of the massive coastal dunes for spectacular 360-degree views over the marine reserve and of North Point Beach, where a decadent picnic lunch awaits... Azura Benguerra, azura-retreats.com, reservations@azura-retreats.com or 011 467 0907. Getting there Fly direct with Airlink on scheduled flights from Joburg or Nelspruit to Vilanculos. Airlink offers a same-day bush-and-beach experience and travellers can connect conveniently with SAA, its partner airlines and other carriers throughout southern Africa and the world. Call +27 11 978 1111 or book on flyairlink.com. Then hop on board an Archipelago Charter helicopter and you’ll be swimming off these pristine island shores in no time! Email info@archipelago.co.za or call 012 346 1014 to book.
SENSUAL GETAWAY What makes the resort chain Six Senses so distinguishable is its commitment to indulging every one of the senses – including, as the name suggests, the ethereal sixth. The newest member of the chain, as well as the first in Europe, is Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal. Set on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the luxury fivestar establishment sprawls over eight hectares, and the 57-room interior and common areas were designed by New York-based Clodagh Design using ethically sourced and sustainable materials. sixsenses.com
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_News.indd 13
SEPTEMBER 2015
13
2015/08/20 2:07 PM
WORD ON THE STREET
TY U A E B / N FASHIO Stylish
intimates Known for its quirky and creative mashups of different prints, international swimwear and lingerie brand Maaji’s new collection is inspired by equestrian dreamscapes. The new range includes not only swimwear and lingerie but also everyday destinationwear (perfect attire for your summer holiday) and active-wear for ladies who believe that sweating and wearing trainers doesn’t compromise their sense of style. maajiswimwear.com
SQUEAKY CLEAN What we love about new local skincare brand Skoon isn’t just that the products are natural, organic and safe (down to the preservatives used), but that its business ethos is just as squeaky clean – all the active ingredients are listed in percentages and the packaging is biodegradable. And not least, the products smell and feel divine. skoonskincare.co.za
The Green and Gold
Paying homage to the rich history of absinthe, known for its curative powers and quaffed by the French bohemian crowd in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a stimulus for creativity, the new Black Absinthe Eau de Cologne from Crabtree & Evelyn draws on this concoction for its mix of herbaceous and liquorice notes. The mix of absinthe, artemisia and fennel flower, with an undercurrent of smooth black liquorice and peppery vetiver, creates a lasting sensuality. crabtree-evelyn.com
14
TOTALLY RAD! True to form, Radley London’s new autumn/ winter 2015 campaign doesn’t disappoint. With a distinctly ’70s styling cue, the boldly coloured leather bags and their various designs are bound to suit the tastes and style of every glam girl. radley.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_News.indd 14
2015/08/18 5:40 PM
EUROCASA CAPE TOWN IS RELOCATING IN SEPTEMBER 2015 TO 10 KLOOF STREET, GARDENS
WORD ON THE STREET
IGN S E D / D O FO 100% INSPIRING The second showcase from 100% Design South Africa was a resounding success, even topping its debut last year, and while the level of design and talent on display was high across the board, there were a few standouts. 1 Generation in collaboration with De Padova created its vision for a hotel lobby for 100% Hotel. A multisensory experience, with custom-designed room fragrance and ultra-inviting furniture hubs, was relaxing and luxe all in one. 2 Indigenus’s mass display of its incredible oversized planters by a veritable who’s who of South African design showed that outdoor accessories can be high-end too. 3 Cathy O’Clery’s selection of 100 Beautiful Things for Visi was a masterclass in curation – beautiful design across the stand that varied from hardworking bathroom fittings to decorative objets. 100percentdesign.co.za
01
Earn your stripes From the same team that started Harbour House in Kalk Bay, and more recently the popular La Parada in the Cape Town CBD, comes Tiger’s Milk. The second branch (the first is in Muizenberg) serves classic pub fare – burgers, pizzas, ribs, steak. The restaurant is in two sections (nonsmoking and smoking – smoking is just a bar), with both low and long bar tables in the restaurant, a nice option for drinks. The service is quick, friendly and efficient, the music fun and nostalgic – they also have live entertainment – and the decor cool and retro. tigersmilk.co.za
02
FAST AND FIERY TACOS From the señors and señoritas who made Mexican food and drink cool again with El Burro restaurant, Cabrito Bar, and the El Burro Food Truck, comes taco bar El Burro Taqueira in Tamboerskloof. The new venue at the top of Buitengracht Street in Cape Town is quaint and characterful thanks to the bright teal-and-yellow colour scheme and minimalist booths. As a scaled-down version of the restaurant, Taqueira is all about fresh, delicious and quick food, with some of El Burro’s favourites on the menu. elburro.co.za
16
03
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_News.indd 16
2015/08/18 5:40 PM
ADVERTORIAL
HOME RUN
CASARREDO’S REVAMPED HOME IN KRAMERVILLE IS THE PERFECT SHOWCASE FOR ITS UNPARALLELED SELECTION OF HIGH-END ITALIAN FURNITURE, KITCHENS AND WARDROBES
T
his month, Casarredo officially opens the doors to its ‘casa’ in Kramerville, Johannesburg, an area that in recent years has transformed from a mostly industrial zone to a hub of decor and design. The revamp of the existing building was a project that saw the owners, brothers Darren and Lance Postan, partner with Paragon Architects, one of the industry’s best. Renowned for being flexible and diverse in its approach, Paragon Architects’ innovative team dynamic and lifestyle-driven design ethos made it the ideal firm to create Casarredo’s new home. Casarredo is a full-service decorating house that offers individuals and companies assistance in crafting their ideal living or working space.
The team of qualified interior decorators and designers provides specialised consulting services for residential and corporate projects that range from space planning to custom furniture design. Inside the new showroom, the beautiful furniture displays accentuate masterful Italian design, which is renowned for its focus on quality and artisanship, and which utilises the finest materials, meticulously applied and reflecting premium finishes. Darren and Lance started their careers in the finance world before making the move to furniture. Believing in their creative ability and business acumen, the brothers purchased a small furniture retailer called Casarredo. After spending seven years in the industry, they were able to identify a gap in the market for exclusive designer products, and in 2009 moved to the northern suburbs and started targeting highnet-worth individuals. Today 95 per cent of Casarredo’s products are Italian, to cater to an increasing demand as local consumers become ever more aware of international brands. Now the largest Italian design and decor showroom in South Africa, Casarredo stocks the trendiest and most
luxurious international brands, including Fendi Casa, Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors, Kettal, Bonaldo, Gamma, Pietro Costantini, Fiam, Fontanaarte, Gallotti & Radice, and Penta. The Italian companies’ generations of experience, skilled craftsmanship and sophisticated machinery allow them to produce high-quality furniture that is both long-lasting and trendy. Because its influence on the aesthetic of the brand is so prominent, regular visits to Italy as well as other European countries gives the team access to endless inspiration and ensures it stays on top of ever-changing industry trends. Casarredo is continuously searching for different suppliers to complement its many collections. The contemporary direction that Casarredo has taken in the past few years has been guided by the form and design the brothers, as owners, appreciate. They travel far and wide in search of new and unique pieces that answer the high standard of workmanship and style that the brand represents. Feel at home as you step into Casarredo’s contemporary showroom, where you will experience the sense of luxury inherent in Italian design. It is here that you can create warm, lavish and stylish interior spaces — spaces that can be enjoyed, shared and savoured.
Bowling Avenue, Kramerville (entrance in Commerce Crescent); www.casarredo.co.za; sales@casarredo.co.za; 011 786 6940
RE_Sept15_Casarredo_advertorial_V2.indd 17
2015/08/18 3:39 PM
*
LEBRATING CE *
WWW.CHASEVERITT.CO.ZA
CE_Constant_Improvement_FA.indd 1
2015/07/21 2:40 PM
When something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
CE_Constant_Improvement_FA.indd 2
2015/07/21 2:40 PM
AFRICAN BAUHAUS
AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM IN THE CAPE WINELANDS, DESIGNED BY MIES VAN DER ROHE PROTEGE PIUS PAHL, HAS BEEN SENSITIVELY RENOVATED, UNLOCKING ITS SERENITY AND INTIMATE CONNECTION WITH ITS NATURAL SURROUNDS Text Graham Wood/bureaux.co.za Production Sven Alberding/bureaux.co.za Photographs David Ross/bureaux.co.za
20
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 20
SEPTEMBER 2015
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
SHOW HOUSE
Additional text Genevieve Putter
OPPOSITE A detail in the space that was once a playroom – on a low floating shelf is a painting by Shany van den Berg THIS PAGE The courtyard between the entrance and the kitchen has a vine-covered pergola which creates an outside room intimately connected to the house, and whose ventilation has a cooling effect. While the house is undeniably modern, the pergola is a nod to Cape Dutch vernacular architecture and the vineyards typical of the area. The steel-leaf screens are by landscape artist and sculptor Strijdom van der Merwe and the butterfly chairs are a mid-century classic designed in Argentina in the 1930s
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 21
SEPTEMBER 2015
21
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
SHOW HOUSE
E
very so often over the course of a year in the early 1970s, a man would arrive with a chair at the same spot on a particular hillside above Paarl. He would sit and watch the light and shadows, take in the views and contemplate the setting. The man was Pius Pahl, the last architect to qualify at the Bauhaus, Germany’s revolutionary design academy and the epicentre of the most influential design movement of the 20th century. Pahl was a student of the legendary Mies van der Rohe, he knew Le Corbusier, and his work is the subject of a permanent exhibition in the Bauhausmuseum in Berlin. He became one of the key figures in the modernist movement in South Africa after he settled in Stellenbosch in 1952 with his South African wife. Pahl is known for pioneering a regionally authentic brand of modernism, integrating Internationalist principles with local considerations and even (radically) reinterpreting aspects of the Cape Dutch vernacular. By 1974, the reason for his hillside vigils had materialised: a striking but unobtrusive whitewalled villa. It had spectacular views, beautiful proportions, wide wooden ceilings and clay-tiled floors throughout, a gorgeous courtyard with a pergola, a wide terrace and an open hearth. Three decades later, when architectural historian Dicey du Toit and her husband Thom came to see it, the house was almost exactly as it had been then. ‘Everything was so peaceful and quiet,’ says Dicey, who was struck by its connection with its surroundings, serenity and lack of monumentality. ‘Thom also fell in love the moment he stepped through the front door,’ she adds. Dicey and Thom moved in with their two children in 2004, and made no changes apart from repairing some of the woodwork and replacing a few ’70s relics – orange, green and brown curtains, stackable timber shutters. It was eight years before they considered renovating. In the meantime, while Dicey began researching Pahl’s philosophy, the Du Toits contended with the fact that the house completely rejected their old furniture. ‘We moved in with our antiques from our old Karoo-style house, and it was terrible,’ laughs Dicey. She soon learnt that it was all but impossible to impose her will on the house. ‘It shows you quite clearly what it wants,’ she says. ‘You have to let go
While Dicey began researching Pahl’s philosophy, the. Du Toits contended with the fact that the house. completely rejected their old furniture.
22
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 22
SEPTEMBER 2015
LEFT While architect Pius Pahl’s aesthetic is undoubtedly in keeping with his Bauhaus education, the fireplace is an example of the way he reinterpreted aspects of Cape Dutch vernacular, as are the whitewashed walls. The artwork on the wall and the watercolour on the cabinet are by Strijdom van der Merwe, and the blue lamp is by Adriaan Hugo of Dokter and Misses. A Barcelona chair by Pahl’s mentor Mies van der Rohe was the first piece of midcentury furniture Dicey and Thom bought OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The open lounge area leads onto the terrace and is filled with design classics, such as an Eileen Gray side table and an arc lamp. The bucket chairs – a gift from Dicey’s father to her mother when she was born – have been upholstered in nguni hide; the clean lines of the architecture makes it unobtrusive in its natural setting; in the dining room, the classic Panton chairs were given to Thom, a specialist in plastics technology, as payment for a job; the planting echoes the simplicity of the architecture
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
LIFESTYLE
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 23
SEPTEMBER 2015
23
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
00 24
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 24
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
SHOW HOUSE
of any selfish thoughts and respect it, and just be with it. The moment you do that… well, you’re in heaven.’ (Even trying to paint a room in a colour is disastrous, she says, relating an anecdote in which the original owner asked Pahl’s advice on paint colours and he replied: ‘Madam, there is only one colour and that is white.’) Dicey’s decor dilemmas were resolved when she came home one day to find Thom had sold all their furniture. Beginning again with a Barcelona chair, they gradually assembled a collection of midcentury modern classics that the house approved of. A friend of Dicey’s had interviewed Pahl, and helped advise her: designs by Eileen Gray, Le Corbusier and Noguchi worked perfectly, as did some contemporary local pieces with a modernist influence, like Adriaan Hugo’s of Dokter and Misses. Dicey says that it’s no exaggeration that the house changed their way of life. ‘It’s completely different,’ she says. ‘Before, we lived like people in a house.’ Now, the openness, the Zen-like proximity to nature and the impossible-to-define calm are a way of life that make anything else impossible to contemplate. ‘We’re definitely more in contact with the seasons and what’s happening outside,’ she says. ‘When it rains in winter, it feels like it’s falling right next to you when you’re sitting on the couch.’ She loves the fact that nothing more than a transparent sheet of glass separates them from the elements. When the time eventually came to renovate, the Du Toits called on architect Servaas de Kock of Malherbe Rust Architects. Dicey had met him while consulting for the firm and found she appreciated his considered, sympathetic approach. ‘The challenges on a job of this nature are first to understand the architectural principles along which Pahl designed the house, and to then assess all renovations and additions against that concept,’ says Servaas. The house was designed according to such a comprehensive mathematical set of relationships that any changes would have knock-on effects that would ultimately upset its equilibrium and detract from the overall design. In the end, they converted the garage into a flatlet, replacing the doors with windows, and redid the kitchen and bathrooms, and not much else. The high-gloss white wardrobes in the bedrooms were also rebuilt. ‘But done exactly along Pahl’s plan, although with new material,’ says Dicey. The most dramatic change is in the kitchen, where cabinets that originally walled it off from the living area were replaced with a glass box and a floating divider cupboard. Servaas felt the decision was in keeping with the original intention of the design. ‘The roof volume defines the living area and kitchen as one space,’ he notes. Servaas had noticed a shadow line between the floor, wall and roof planes which made the walls appear to float. ‘These principles were reinstated in newly renovated thresholds and floating windowsills, carpet trims and clear glass beadings,’ he says. One last, simple change seemed to unlock the spirit of the place. Contrary to Pahl’s design, a number of the large windows had cottage panes. New windows were installed according to the original proportions, opening up views to the Drakenstein mountains. Dicey says that the minute the windows were in, it all clicked. ‘The home became itself again,’ she says, and in flooded the sense of peace she’d noticed when she first crossed its threshold. And which the man sitting on his chair on the hillside must have sensed 40 years ago.
BELOW The kitchen is the only room where significant architectural changes were made – all appliances and cabinets were replaced. The pendant lights are by Philippe Starck. The oven, cooker hood and fridge are all Smeg OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Dicey likes to sit on the Bertoia stool in the kitchen and read or rest her recipe books on the floating shelf while cooking; the main bedroom is decorated in white and neutrals. Dicey says that because of the house’s intimate connection to its natural surroundings, and the way it draws in the exterior, its inherent colour scheme is green; the kitchen’s existing cabinets, which divided it from the rest of the living area, were replaced with glass walls and a divider cupboard; like the kitchen, the bathrooms were fitted with modern facilities and fittings
‘The challenges on a job of this nature are first to understand the architectural principles along which Pahl designed the house, and to then assess all renovations and additions against that concept’ – Servaas de Kock, architect
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 25
SEPTEMBER 2015
25
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
ARCHITECT 101 Pius Pahl was a world-renowned Bauhaus-trained architect born in Germany in 1909. He was mentored under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the last director of the Bauhaus school before it closed its doors due to the rise of the Nazi empire. Pahl moved to Stellenbosch in the 1950s after marrying his South African wife. He started his own practice and received many awards locally and internationally for his work. For its size, Stellenbosch has one of the most prominent collections of Bauhausdesigned private homes, thanks to Pahl. He died in 2003.
FOR SALE at R5,995 million by Pam Golding Paarl 021 871 1480. Contact Lana Du Toit 083 407 9659
26
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 26
SEPTEMBER 2015
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
SHOW HOUSE
LEFT TO RIGHT Downstairs, the bedrooms lead off what was once a playroom. The Le Corbusier lounger was a gift from Thom for Dicey’s 40th birthday, and the Noguchi coffee table is a nod to the Zen-like lightness of the house. The pendant lamp was imported by Pahl, and Thom had it written into the sale contract of the house; the linearity of Pahl’s design extends to the outside areas, where a clean, geometric aesthetic pervades; Dicey and her son Duan on the main terrace which leads off the lounge. It has gorgeous views over Paarl’s vineyards and the Drakenstein mountains. The stacking wooden shutters were the first alteration Dicey and Thom made, so they could do away with curtains but still control light, views and privacy
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_Sept15_ShowHouse.indd 27
SEPTEMBER 2015
27
2015/08/18 5:34 PM
SUBURB FOCUS
IN FULL BLOOM The Paarl home of floral designer Heike le Cordeur is a scene straight out of a whimsical storybook Text Genevieve Putter Photographs Lar Photography
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 29
SEPTEMBER 2015
29
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
LIFESTYLE
PREVIOUS PAGE The main sitting room with its soft pastels catches the beautiful natural light. The ornate chandelier is from Toca Madera Interiors & Decor in Paarl THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Heike and Andrew’s children, Indya, Levi and Luca, spend much of their time in the charming garden; one of the many pots of succulents scattered around the garden; Heike and her youngest son, one-year-old Levi; as in the rest of the house, the verandah has original timber floorboards that have to be well maintained OPPOSITE Many of the original characteristics of the majestic old Paarl farmhouse, inside and out, have been retained
30
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 30
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
LIFESTYLE
I
f you’ve been to a wedding or function in the Western Cape over the last few years where the floral arrangements look like phantasmagorically elegant creatures, they’re most likely the creations of Heike le Cordeur’s bespoke floral-design company. Her talent for assembling jaw-dropping arrangements has made Fleur le Cordeur the darling bud of the very competitive weddingcoordination industry, where on any given weekend Heike is likely to be working on up to three events, no matter the season. It’s at her home, one of Paarl’s original farmhouses, that the magic happens. Surrounding the grand five-bedroom house with its wooden stoep, sash windows and thick walls is a scene out of a Roald Dahl fairy tale. The Le Cordeur little people play and picnic on manicured lawns among the pops of hydrangeas, textured succulents and majestic old trees, which all nestle around Heike’s beautifully curated studio. Inside the house it becomes clear that this mom and business-owner’s creative flair isn’t limited to the flora of the world but is channelled into a very keen eye for colour combinations and interior details with a minimalist slant, a style preferred by both Heike and her husband Andrew. ‘Our three beautiful children come with lots of stuff, so we need a home that feels clean and neat, even if the kids have been hard at play,’ she explains. ‘I chose a very neutral, light colour palette and added simple retro furniture and other items, such as beautiful picture frames, vases and scatter cushions in soft pastels.’ Living in Paarl in this bucolic setting is far from the family’s reality of four years ago. Their two-bedroom cottage in the City Bowl suburb of Tamboerskloof became cramped with the arrival of their first child, Indya, and like many young couples looking to upsize, the daunting hunt for affordable property in Cape Town was less than fruitful. ‘We had no intention of moving to Paarl,
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 31
SEPTEMBER 2015
31
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
LIFESTYLE
‘One has to pay special attention to grand old homes, which is what’s so exciting about them. It’s become a hobby for us, to constantly improve our home while looking after it’ – Heike le Cordeur
and the house we now call home was at the time owned by the parents of one of my best friends,’ Heike recalls. ‘When we visited them one day, Andrew fell for its charm and asked if they were interested in selling it – and they were.’ Heike and Andrew’s move to the winelands allowed not only their family to grow but Heike’s business too. As a result, they converted what was once an old guest suite on the property into a studio, where all the floral and colour alchemy occurs. ‘It works like a charm for me, as it’s just big enough for all my equipment and for me to make a mess when I’m busy, which is important when creating floral fantasies.’ The adjustment to a slower-paced country lifestyle is something the family have taken to with style and grace. ‘For me, the house already felt like home, as I have many fond memories of growing up and spending time here,’ says Heike. ‘For Andrew, who was raised in Cape Town, it was more of an adjustment. But we’ve totally fallen for the place, especially because of the strong sense of community and the fact that there’s a vibrant creative culture here – one that’s about doing things the old-school way as well as pushing some boundaries.’ This is probably just as well, as ‘pushing the boundaries’ has come to define Heike’s approach to her work. An impassioned creative, she can work through the night in preparation for an event – and her success is, she believes, due partly to this ability to function on little sleep, but also because of Andrew’s support. Working from home can be challenging, Heike adds, ‘but having my studio separate from the house helps in that I can remove myself to be able to think, design and produce in a separate space; but then if the kids or Andrew needs me, I’m literally a shout away. I can utilise 24 hours a day for work if need be, because I’m not a 9-to-5 type of person. It’s safe, and I can hear if someone wakes up and needs me.’ And the mingling of work and home life suits her down to the ground. ‘I love my home, and I want to spend as much time as I possibly can in it. I feel really blessed that I can do what I do from the space we’ve created for it.’ fleurlecordeur.co.za
32
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 32
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
LIFESTYLE
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The modest retro-styled kitchen leads onto the family room; an unusual wall feature is made up of family photographs printed onto hexagonal wooden blocks by Photoblox; family Le Cordeur – Indya, Heike, Levi, Andrew and Luca; the soft pastel colour palette carries through to the main en-suite bedroom OPPOSITE The light-filled main sitting area leads onto the generous verandah
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 33
SEPTEMBER 2015
33
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
THIS PAGE TOP LEFT AND RIGHT Heike’s studio where she stores all the tools of her trade LEFT Indya the flower girl OPPOSITE Heike offloading flowers assisted by her helpers
34
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 34
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
LIFESTYLE
‘I love that Paarl allows people to be individuals. Even within the mainly conservative culture, there’s still freedom to be creative and a little different, to have unique views and to express them’ – Heike le Cordeur
PAARL’S PEARLS One of the best things about living in Paarl is how close everything is and the friendliness of the town, says Heike. ‘I love that everything is five minutes or less from our home, and that for the most part we can walk. We walk the children to school, as well as to a variety of our favourite coffee shops, the gym and the grocery stores. What’s amazing about these places is that you run into people you know every day, so a real sense of community emerges, and you can pick up a conversation from the day before,’ she says. Here she gives us her pick of Paarl hangouts. n Kikka (kikka.co.za) is a coffee shop that serves excellent healthy food. ‘The owners Karike and Abe are good friends. Karike shares my love for
flowers, so it’s awesome to run in there and see what new varieties of flowers they have, and to have a good giggle about floral highs and lows.’ n Melissa’s Food Shop (melissas.co.za) recently opened in Paarl. ‘On most days Andrew and I meet there in the afternoons when he finishes work for a coffee and some cheesecake.’ n Noop (noop.co.za) has ‘fantastic food and an awesome atmosphere - we love grabbing some lunch or a sneaky dinner there.’ n Bean In Love (beaninlove.co.za) is Heike’s favourite ‘coffice’. ‘Neither Andrew nor I can function properly before we’ve had our cup of Bean In Love coffee in the morning. It’s a relaxed environment but at the same time conducive to working and catching up on admin.’
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Lifestyle_7pgs.indd 35
SEPTEMBER 2015
35
2015/08/12 3:27 PM
FLOWER GIRLS Spring has sprung, the birds and bees are a-hum and wedding season has begun. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the creatives who bring life to breathtaking floral designs Text Genevieve Putter Photographs Karl Rogers, Annalize Nel
36
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 36
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
‘I love greenery and use a lot of plants in my designs as they add texture and form’ – Katja Kellhofer
KATJA KELLHOFER, GLOSS CONCEPT FLORAL COUTURE Katja Kellhofer, a fashion stylist and makeup artist for many years, fell into floral design ‘by accident’. She’s done flowers for Hollywood stars and statesmen alike, and she always injects her creations with a high-fashion slant. Q: What are your favourite functions to do? A: Weddings – they’re so personal, and I love watching people’s faces as they walk into the venue. I remind them to remember the moment as it only comes round once. I also have a few big contracts and it’s always challenging to reinvent different looks and keep clients interested. Q: What’s it like running your own business? A: I launched 15 years ago. It was a slow start but quickly became popular as I had a great platform to begin with, starting in the fashion industry. There have been some challenges – owning your own business is hard and the money doesn’t always come in quickly. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. Q: How would you define your style? A: Contemporary but detailed; I like to add a modern spin and push the boundaries a bit. I always add foliage – especially carnivorous and air plants, which I have a passion for. I like to use different types of vessels too – wood, leather, metal and ceramic. Q: What would your dream project be? A: I’ve been very lucky and have done many amazing projects so far. I’ve done flowers for Charlize Theron and Nelson Mandela, and I’ve worked on many magazine shoots. I’m passionate about what I do and have a great love affair with it. Q: What are the most memorable arrangements you’ve seen? A: The sheer variety at the flower market in Sydney. Australia is so close to Asia that they have the best of both worlds: exotics, like the most amazing selection of orchids, and European flowers. I also have a great respect for the work of Jeff Leatham and Paula Pryke, and locally Otto de Jager and Franz Grabe. gloss-floral.synthasite.com
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 37
SEPTEMBER 2015
37
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
FENNEC DEUCHAR, FOX & CO Born in New Zealand to a French mother and a South African father, Fennec Deuchar cites her transglobal heritage as a major influence in her creative aesthetic. Her first love was interiors, but a flower-arranging workshop gave her the impetus to change direction and start her own business. Q: What has it been like running your own business? A: I started Fox & Co three years ago. I’ve wanted my own business since I was at school and the opportunity presented itself in 2012 so I leapt at the chance. Starting a business is a humbling experience and requires a lot of sacrifice, financial investment, forgone holidays and weekends, and a phone that’s never off – but I’ve been surprised at how quickly it has grown and I thoroughly enjoy the creative process of steering my own ship. Q: You do mostly weddings. What do you love and find challenging about them? A: I really enjoy the fact that each job has a fresh brief – the varying colours and flower varieties that come with different clients and seasons. There’s always something new and beautiful to look forward to. One of the more difficult aspects of doing weddings is the fact that people are under stress, so you have to exercise tact and diplomacy to make sure everyone involved is happy.
EMMA FROST, SUPERNATURAL FLORAL DESIGN
to be outdoors in the fresh air, and it’s pretty convenient to have my tools downstairs and my fridge with chilled wine nearby.
While a schoolteacher, Emma Frost began experimenting with the flowers in her Barrydale garden before quitting her job and taking an internship at Flowers in the Foyer in Stellenbosch. She started her own business the following year.
Q: How would you define your design style? A: Glamorous and quirky. I enjoy playing with different textures and colour combinations, creating looks that verge on far-out but cool enough to be acceptable to the general public.
Q: You do mostly weddings. What’s the best part about working in this industry? A: I love brainstorming with my clients to establish an aesthetic that’s true to them, and I love being part of such a ceremonious occasion.
Q: What’s your favourite interior space? A: I’m always more drawn to the feeling of a room than the actual aesthetic of it, so while I wouldn’t describe myself as a religious person, I often find that I’m most drawn to churches or temples – places of worship. My two favourites are the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Greek Orthodox Church in Woodstock – such beautiful attention to detail. supernaturalfloraldesign.co.za
Q: Where do you work from? A: My home and studio in Walmer Estate, Cape Town. I often work there in the evenings in the warmer months, overlooking the harbour. I love
38
Q: Where do you work from? A: Home in Rondebosch – in a converted garage with floor-to-ceiling shelving for all my vases and floristry supplies. It comes complete with our enormous ginger cat, Solid, who takes every opportunity to snooze among the flowers. Q: What about your dream project? A: I’d love to style some wild and overgrown floral arrangements for an intimate dinner in the Paris studio of artist Claire Basler. She paints murals of flowers in oils, and her studio is a converted school filled with her enormous paintings, which would make a magnificent backdrop. Q: What’s your favourite interior space? A: Le Mas Provencal restaurant in Eze village, close to Nice in France. The owner has created an incredible quirky indoor garden; there are mosscovered trees growing through the middle of the restaurant and the most spectacular array of flowers, vines and carnivorous plants hanging from the ceiling. It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory but for flower lovers. foxandco.co.za
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 38
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
‘My style is eclectic; I love mixing florals with vases and vessels of various shapes, colours, textures and from different periods of design. I also really enjoy bold use of colour’ – Fennec Deuchar
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 39
SEPTEMBER 2015
00
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
MARISSA PRETORIUS, OPUS STUDIO Botanical florist Marissa Pretorius’s work can be seen in many of Cape Town’s coolest hangouts, where they do exactly that: hang out. Her Woodstock-based business, which launched the trend of suspended plantlife locally, specialises in events and sells products online. Q: What is a botanical florist? A: Botanical, by definition, refers to plants, and florist to a shop where you can purchase cut flowers or ornamental plants. We’re not a traditional florist in that at our shop you’ll find only a display of hanging plants and other projects we might be working on. As we launched our brand with kokedama (Japanese moss balls), we’re perceived as a plant studio and people come to us for any kind of plant-related design, from moss lettering, terrariums and wreaths to installations. But we do weddings and other larger floral projects too. Q: What’s it been like launching and running your own business? A: I resigned from my fulltime job in advertising in 2010, and while working as a freelance designer, I realised that I wanted to start my own business and open a shop. Opus was launched in 2011, when I operated from a small studio on Fridays and Saturdays. For the first three years I was working four days a week as a graphic designer and seven days a week building Opus, and it eventually dawned on me that to grow I had to be 100 per cent in it. Q: Tell us more about your kokedama products. A: When I decided to go into floristry, I did some research and stumbled on a tutorial on how to make your own kokedama – at the time very few people were experimenting with this form of plant-making. Coming from a design background, it was very important to me to not just copy other people’s work, but rather to make it my own and find my own style. We went through a lot of trial and error to get where we are, and this is evident in the quality of our product. The service we offer is also very personal; there’s usually a conversation or site visit before we suggest plants for a specific environment.
EMELY VAN HEESCHSMITH, BOUTIQUE FLORIST Working from her Parktown North home studio, Emely van Heesch-Smith is a self-confessed botanical hoarder who finds inspiration in nature, from seeds to pods to preserved leaves and moss. Q: How did you get into floral design? A: While I was living in London, I did a floristry course and I loved it, so I found work as an apprentice to see what it was like to actually work in the industry. I slowly found my feet, learning from working with some of the most exclusive event florists. Q: What types of functions do you do? A: Currently, all my work is for the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. I was approached to join as an in-house florist after they saw a display
40
of my wreaths at a Christmas market. I do all the daily arrangements, as well as some client functions, events and weddings – I enjoy portraying their messages through the use of floral design. Q: How would you define your design style? A: I use nature as a guide, from my collections of found specimens to an unusual flower. I use colour like paints – I don’t like to blob them, but rather make them seem like they melt into each other. Texture is my magic ingredient. I want the eye to catch on something in the design and wander quietly across the work. Q: What does your creative process entail? A: I start with a concept – my creativity is clearest in the middle of the night, and by morning I know what I’m going to do. My aim is always to offer an emotional experience when my clients see the flowers. boutiqueflorist.co.za
Q: How would you define your design style? A: I think style is something that constantly grows and evolves according to seasons and trends. A flower or a plant is already a design in itself. We take it, alter and arrange it to create a desired effect. opusstudio.co.za
FLORISTS’ SPRING PICKS n Katja: ‘Anthuriums’ n Emma: ‘Pincushions and waratahs’ n Fennec: ‘Poppies and ranunculus’ n Emely: ‘Fresh new leaves’ n Marissa: ‘Blossoms from any fruit tree’
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 40
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
‘The trend of hanging plants has gone from a high-end niche product to a more commercially available one offering an alternative ‘‘planter’’. I think it will stay with us for a while’ – Marissa Pretorius
RE_September15_CreativeCollective_Op2.indd 41
2015/08/12 3:33 PM
URBAN OASIS CHANGING LIFESTYLES AND RESIDENTIAL DEMANDS HAVE PROMPTED AN URBAN RENAISSANCE THAT’S RESHAPING OUR CITY’S REAL ESTATE
BIG-SKY THINKING With the resurgence of city centres unfolding at a seemingly rapid rate, urban living has emerged as a vibrant new lifestyle destination. While suburbia still holds its own, for some, abandoning the idea of white-picket fences and two-car garages for a slice of ‘downtown’ paradise has become a rite of passage. This progressive shift to apartment living has seen developers responding with agility to the growing demands locally.
BUILDING BLOKS By expanding beyond the conformity of inner-city living, the BLOK team has turned the ‘four walls’ ideology of conventional apartments on its head and is bringing bespoke metropolitan-style homes to Cape Town, one off-plan development at a time. At the heart of the Blok experience are succinctly thought-through and dynamic spaces where the design’s primary purpose is to put you at the centre of your home. Defining this approach is Blok’s unique ‘Third Spaces’ philosophy which places emphasis on optimising the valuable spaces that make an apartment a home and, as such, its designs boast cleverly devised and multifunctional living zones to ensure that each apartment is every bit as functional as it is beautiful, spacious and inviting.
RE_Sept15_SMEG_advertorial_V3.indd 42
Completing every development are Blok’s breathtaking interiors, all of which are thoughtfully detailed with elements of the home and exquisitely curated, right down to the finest detail, with its future homeowners in mind. This is not just about a new way of living: it’s about creating a home that evokes the feeling of a luxurious weekend escape, with the opportunity to discover the excitement and energy of urban living at your doorstep.
HEART OF THE HOME The kitchen has no doubt taken centre stage in most modern homes today. While luxury dream kitchens are associated with prime real estate on the ‘ground’, Blok’s interpretation of the urban kitchen has pushed the envelope in apartment design and has become a distinctive feature in its own right.
KITCHEN CONFIDENT Whether it’s a 350m2 penthouse in Bantry Bay or a 100m2 apartment in Vredehoek, Blok kitchens combine the perfect synthesis of aestheticism, ergonomics and functionality in spaces that fulfil their role as the central hub of the home, where cooking, social activity and everyday statement style meet. In addition to all this, of course, is Blok’s offering in distinctive appliances,
where generic, mass-produced items are given the elbow in favour of real style icons from SMEG. And, it’s no wonder considering that appliances have joined the realm of high-end necessities, holding their own in the design stakes when it comes to contemporary spaces where customised solutions are a must.
‘Today, we can be proud of our appliances and give them prime kitchen real estate. Our partnership with Smeg was a natural fit – we didn’t even look at another brand because their whole design ethos married with ours so naturally. Their uncompromising dedication to quality and Italian flair for design just adds that perfect finishing touch to our kitchens’ – Lior Chen, Sales and Marketing Manager, BLOK
2015/08/20 10:57 AM
ADVERTORIAL
‘Not only does Smeg add to the visual language that defines Blok’s apartments but also complements its unique design approach in giving new meaning to metropolitan-style living’ – Stephen Brookes, Managing Director, SMEG South Africa
DISTINCTIVE STYLE With over 65 years of expertise and an unwavering devotion to excellence, Smeg has become an international industry leader for products that not only provide genuine design choice but truly express the level of style that comes from being ‘Made in Italy’. Beyond the benchmark-setting aesthetics and premium investment-quality, Smeg appliances perfectly combine style, performance and attention to detail, and remain synonymous with sophistication in the kitchen.
CHOOSING EXCELLENCE Smeg appliances are a tangible representation of its commitment to value and it is for this reason that leading architects and designers all over the world choose Smeg, and the brand’s presence in a plethora of breath-taking and iconic developments spans the globe. Locally, each Blok apartment boasts the ultimate Smeg collection which includes all five major kitchen appliances, selected by the Blok team from Smeg’s extensive range of original and exclusive collection lines.
RE_Sept15_SMEG_advertorial_V3.indd 43
EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Visit Blok’s new showroom in Sea Point to experience the warmth and exquisite design of their signature style apartment living; click smeg.co.za to discover Smeg’s full range of iconic appliances and coordinated kitchen collections or locate a Smeg showroom near you.
2015/08/20 10:57 AM
URBAN OUTFITTERS THE GROWING TREND OF LIVING, WORKING AND PLAYING IN THE INNER CITY IS TAKING SHAPE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN UNDERUTILISED SPACES Text Michelle Snaddon and Julia Freemantle Photographs Adam Letch, Museum Africa and supplied
The Red & Yellow marketing and advertising school made a conscious decision to locate itself in Johannesburg’s inner city OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT National Bank House at 84 Albertina Sisulu Street is a heritage site; the stately building was erected in 1904; Urban Ocean, which owns the building, aims to enrich the inner-city landscape; Red & Yellow, known for always being at the cutting edge, has a track record of supporting urban regeneration
44
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_UrbanRegeneration.indd 44
2015/08/18 5:38 PM
PROPERTY INVESTMENT
W
ith businesses, creative communities and property developers all taking cognisance of a global trend towards a renaissance of inner-city living, we’re seeing exciting developments cropping up in South Africa’s major cities. And the investors who are putting their money behind their belief that this trajectory will keep on going, are setting an example for others to follow.
CASE STUDY | NATIONAL BANK HOUSE
‘With re-urbanisation comes new business and campus locations, and innovation districts, and the redevelopment of old industrial locations into corporate and enterprise hubs’
In a smart move that has set it apart from its competitors, the Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic recently opened a new campus in Simmonds Street in Johannesburg, in the iconic heritage building known as National Bank House (the entrance is in Albertina Sisulu Street). The historic site is owned by Urban Ocean, a contemporary property developer with a purpose: to enrich South Africa’s cities by reinventing the culture of true inner-city living and working. ‘What’s exciting about this new campus is that Red & Yellow made a conscious decision to place its school in the CBD in support of inner-city revival, and to ensure that it’s representative of and accessible to Johannesburg’s people,’ says Lyndi Lawson-Smith, head of the campus. The school has a track record of supporting urban regeneration: its relocation a year ago to Durham Avenue in Salt River, Cape Town, added new energy to the area. ‘The school hopes to help attract creative industry back to Joburg central and is making a bold statement about its position as a truly worldclass, Africa-focused school in a cosmopolitan city. Situated on a major transport route, the campus immerses students in a vibrant and fast-paced urban environment where they will be equipped to work in today’s creative economy,’ Lyndi says. And future growth plans? A new campus is set to open in Lagos in 2016 and another in Nairobi in 2017/2018 as part of a strategic global partnership that intends to transform the industry in a meaningful way. Johannesburg, the economic heart of Africa, couldn’t be a better place to start. Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic redandyellow.co.za; Urban Ocean Property Developers urbanocean.com
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_UrbanRegeneration.indd 45
SEPTEMBER 2015
45
2015/08/18 5:38 PM
CASE STUDY | TRIANGLE HOUSE Signatura Development’s R1-billion luxury development of Triangle House – the former Safmarine building – into the Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence is a huge vote of confidence for downtown Cape Town. And if public response is anything to go by, it was on the money when earmarking this area as the next big thing – the majority of the apartments are already sold. The brainchild of veteran developer John Rabie and property owner Shaun Rai, the project will comprise 12 hotel floors and 11 floors of luxury executive apartments, with one penthouse floor. With access to all the amenities of the hotel below it, from the restaurants and the bar to room service, the apartments offer a unique lifestyle right at the epicentre of inner-city life. Signatura’s vision for this building includes viewing it as part of the surrounding area rather than as a separate entity. Chosen for its potential to engender a more community-oriented lifestyle, there are plans to open up the ground floor to give the building better street interaction. David Cohen from Signatura cites the location and amenities as the Radisson’s two biggest strengths. ‘People want to live in the city – we’re answering that need, he says. ‘We’re hoping to catalyse a move by other businesses into the area, to create a knock-on effect that will effectually change the area.’ He applauds the CCID for its work cleaning up the area and showing people its potential. Signatura signatura.biz
CASE STUDY | HALLMARK HOUSE Propertuity CEO Jonathan Liebmann launched Hallmark House with visionary ‘starchitect’ David Adjaye after meeting him at the opening of the Museum of African Design in Joburg. Jonathan led him outside, pointed at the building and said, ‘That’s my magnum opus and I’d like to work with you.’ Hallmark is being rebuilt as an inclusive residential and hotel space with a focus on high-level living – a first for Maboneng. The post-modernist 1970s structure will be transformed into a luxury mixeduse building that’s responsive to its community but also to ‘the more fluid approach to the way we inhabit cities,’ says David. Reaching skywards, the plant-covered, glasspanelled tower will have 201 apartments, 92 of which will be boutique hotel rooms and 109 residential (now 75 per cent sold). It offers the opportunity to live a ‘curated’ and layered lifestyle – the building will feature an array of eateries including the Grand Café (its first Joburg branch). ‘This is my first big project in southern Africa and it’s really the vision Jonathan has for the potential of the city that I find stimulating,’ David says. ‘I think the building will give a lot of people a double take – they’ll look at it and think it’s in some other city and then they’ll realise that it’s in Johannesburg, in Africa. I really believe in this project – I’m going to live there.’ ‘Twenty per cent of our buyers are foreign investors,’ says Jonathan. Like David, they believe that Joburg has ‘some of the most incredible real estate in Africa’. The refurbishment of the building will be completed in mid-2016. Propertuity propertuity.co.za; Adjaye Associates adjaye.com
46
FROM TOP Francois du Plessis designed the interiors for the show apartments at the Radisson; Triangle House’s cruciform plan lent itself to designing residential spaces OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Hallmark House will define an urban African take on luxury city living; the building will be a head-turner, according to ‘starchitect’ David Adjaye; David’s intention to personally invest in property in the development proves his belief in the project
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_UrbanRegeneration.indd 46
2015/08/18 5:38 PM
PROPERTY INVESTMENT
‘In the latest cycles of globalisation, businesses are focusing on cities and city dwellers more than ever as a means of enhancing their growth and profitability. Cities are emerging as the key market for business …’
‘The importance of short travel times between work and childcare is encouraging inner-city living. Individual preferences have changed from favouring working environments in attractive “green” areas to those in amenity hubs, where restaurants, bars, coffee shops and public-transport links are all within easy reach. The net effect is that companies see re-urbanisation as the key to recruitment … of employees who are clustered in city centres’ - Emily Moir and Greg Clark, The Business of Cities, Foresight Future of Cities Project DID YOU KNOW? If you’re planning on investing, here’s a snapshot of stats taken from The State of Cape Town Central City Report 2014 by the CCID, capetowncityccid.org n 91.3% of residents report being very happy living in the CBD, up from 87.9% in 2013. n Rental vs ownership: 43% rent, 47% own (10% own but let out to tenants). n Who lives here? 30% Cape Town locals; 12% from elsewhere in the Western Cape; 44% from elsewhere in South Africa; 14% from international destinations.
n 66% of residents live within 3km of their work or school. 80% said they walk, 63% own a car and drive, 37% take the MyCiTi bus, 17% use a bike, 3% use a skateboard. n Lifestyle? 84% visit a coffee shop and 68% eat at a restaurant at least once a week. Residents have asked for more restaurants, and deli-type food stores, and longer retail hours.
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_UrbanRegeneration.indd 47
SEPTEMBER 2015
47
2015/08/18 5:38 PM
At the heart of your Blok kitchen, lies a Smeg gas stove from a country where cooking is an artform. The dedication shown by our Italian masters to their craft is what inspires Blok to partner with the best, making crucial details add up to an elegant whole. A place where aesthetics, future-facing products and peerless fittings combine to make each Blok apartment a masterpiece of thoughful design. Because Blok, is in the detail. Contact us for more information on how to become a Blok home owner and share in our journey to creating the perfect urban living experience.
sales@blok.co.za +27 87 752 66 77 blok.co.za
KITCHENS
01 COOL CONTRASTS The defining feature of the Open kitchen, designed by Pierro Lissoni for Italian home design company Boffi, is its use of stainless steel. What we love, however, is the contrast of the industrial stainless-steel aesthetic with more rustic features like the old copper pots and timber chopping blocks, which add warmth to what could otherwise be a clinical choice in kitchen design. Boffi.com
A LA CARTE Words Genevieve Putter Photographs Supplied
NEVER BEFORE HAVE KITCHENS BEEN SO CUSTOMISABLE. TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THESE TRENDS TO CREATE YOUR OWN
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 49
SEPTEMBER 2015
49
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
02 03 05 06
‘To create a kitchen it’s necessary to work with many different materials, from wood and steel to marble and aluminium, as well as modern synthetic compounds, the main objective being to guarantee the quality and durability of every material’ – Valeria Sirtori, Poliform
50
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 50
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
KITCHENS
04 07
BACK TO BLACK Black as a trend in kitchen design has never been bigger. By playing with textures and using it in different rations, you can achieve vastly different effects. 2 Black accents provide a bold and unexpected surprise, especially if textured differently from the rest of the kitchen. The Float kitchen by Mut Design for Spanish furniture design company Miras Editions (miraseditions.com) is made up of five mobile furniture nodes that incorporate different luxurious materials such as copper, marble, wood and a hard black mesh application, which can fit well into any kitchen space 3 Poliform Varenna’s My Planet (poliform.it) kitchen features white cabinetry with contrasting black trim, which serves to define the edges of the cabinets for a sleek, sharp effect 4 In the same way that black is a good canvas for colour accents, so is it the ideal foil for metallics – warm tones like brass, gold and copper in particular. When it comes to taps and spouts, like in this Shaker kitchen by deVOL Kitchens (devolkitchens.co.uk), warm metallics stand out to dramatic effect against black surfaces 5 & 6 Black combined with colour makes for a fun contemporary approach. In the Tinta Kitchen by Dutch kitchen suppliers KviK (kvik.com) black cabinetry stands out against the muted blue and green tones of the splashback – a subtle take on colour. A bolder look is seen in the Loft kitchen by Italian brand Snaidero (Snaidero.com), which uses canaryyellow shelving as an accent. Snaidero has a showroom in Hyde Park 7 Layering black needn’t create an overwhelming effect – you can use it for the surfaces of the room itself, as well as cabinets and even furniture if you combine different tones and textures (glossy and matte, charcoal and black) as seen in the My Planet kitchen by Poliform (poliform.it)
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 51
SEPTEMBER 2015
51
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
KITCHENS
09 MATTE(R) OF FACT Matte surfaces for kitchens, whether as countertops or cabinetry, have never been more chic. To get the matte effect, the surface is usually textured and absorbs light as opposed to reflecting it, providing a refreshing break from ultra-shiny surfaces.
08
52
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 52
8 Lighter neutral shades such as beige, cream or oatmeal in a matte finish provide a great alternative to the harshness of a standard bright-white kitchen. DeVOL’s Shaker kitchen (devolkitchens.co.uk), in a mushroom hue achieves the ideal balance of country charm and city sophistication, thanks to the combination of a traditional Esse oven and traditional cabinetry, and marble-look Silestone countertops 9 If you like the matte look but feel that doing every surface like this may be overkill, introduce a single element that’s glossy – here the countertop contrasts well with matte grey cabinetry, whose glossiness is highlighted via natural light streaming through the shutters from Plantation Shutters (plantation.co.za) 10 If, however, you’re feeling bold, you can take a blanket approach to using matte surfaces. This kitchen in an apartment in Oslo, renovated by Haptic Architects (hapticarchitects.com), is a good example of this look – where the cabinets, walls and even the light shades blend into one another. In an open-plan space this serves to unify the kitchen area as one entity. Be careful to balance it out, though – here, softer, lighter colours and textured surfaces (upholstered chairs and timber) offset the uniform charcoal surfaces 11 Snaidero’s Orange Evo Kitchen (snaidero.com) is designed with the philosophy of the kitchen being the heart of the home, and incorporates living-room features. The matte cabinetry is brought to life in this space with pops of colour and patterned accents which lift the flat surface
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
10
11
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 53
SEPTEMBER 2015
53
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
KNOCK ON WOOD
‘The importance given to kitchens has grown over the years and this means that people pay more attention to the design of their kitchens and to the choice of materials and appliances’ – Valeria Sirtori, Poliform
Wood has been a favourite choice in kitchen design for some time, thanks to the warmth it adds. It needn’t only be applied in a rustic setting – new finishes and applications give it contemporary relevance too. 12 Today’s use of wood in the kitchen often fuses an old farmhouse aesthetic with contemporary elements. A good example is this space by Sebastian Cox with deVOL (devolkitchens.co.uk) where raw timber has been paired with minimal lighting and handleless doors in what can best be described as ‘urban rustic’ 13 Thanks to the vast array of timber finishes and colours now available, wood accents have become popular precisely because they can suit just about any aesthetic in a kitchen. The Phoenix Kitchen by Poliform Varenna (poliform.it) uses warm wood as the background to a shelving unit, which gives depth to the stark Corian stainless-steel and darkwood cabinetry 14 The retro lines of deVOL’s Air kitchen (devolkitchens.co.uk) employs just the slightest hint of oak as a finishing touch to its curved cabinetry 15 & 16 Mixing different shades and grains is another kitchen trend we love, and it can be done in endless ways. The Selva Kitchen by Dutch kitchen suppliers Kvik (kvik.com) combines wood with different grains for maximum texture, while in the deVOL kitchen (also seen in image 12) different shades of timber and innovative carpentry elevate the material still further
Q&A Valeria Sirtori of luxury Italian furniture company Poliform, whose newly opened showroom in Kramerville was featured in the July issue, talks trends, the future of kitchen design and the South African market. Q: What have been the most significant trends in kitchen design this year? A: More recently, research on new materials has grown and styles have changed, from glossy lacquered colours to laminates with laser edges and matte colours, as well as steel and glass surfaces. The use of materials like marble and Corian make it possible to create tops with superthin surfaces. If we look at the composition in general, a big evolution has been the passage from doors with handles to doors without handles. Q: What do you think the future kitchen will look and feel like? A: The future of kitchen design is represented by new materials, new finishes and new configurations that bring solutions that adapt to the different and evolved needs of customers. Kitchens will not only look nice but also be nice places to live in, thanks to their functionality and convenience. Q: Poliform recently opened in South Africa. Have you noticed any differences between the South African and European markets? A: Compared to European kitchens, South African kitchens are usually bigger. The most common finishes are glass (more than in Europe), gloss, matte-lacquered colours and wood. Poliform.it
54
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 54
12
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
KITCHENS
13 14 15 16
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Kitchens.indd 55
SEPTEMBER 2015
55
2015/08/18 3:37 PM
REAL
ESTATE
ONLINE W EB SI TE & NEWSLETT E R
R E A L E STAT E M AGA Z I NE.CO.Z A
ONLINE ALL THE TIME
Because we like to keep you connected, we’ve made sure that you can access REAL ESTATE’S content digitally via our revamped website and social media platforms – so, check in and keep in touch.
SIGN UP
RE_Sept2015_WebTeaserAd.indd 54
UP TO DATE
Sign up for our Friday newsletter for a weekly dose of design, property and lifestyle news, reviews, expert advice and reader giveaways.
2015/08/20 10:58 AM
If the success of Nest Living’s first residential development, Sussex Studios in Woodstock, is anything to go by, its new project, Swift Studios in Salt River, developed by Dawie Swart and Helène Steyl of Investicore, will be just as appealing to young urbanites. Designed by Twofivefive Architects, the 16 studio apartments with mountain and harbour views range from 58m2 to 86m2 and start from R1.4 million, with three retail units on the ground level. If you like the look of the show apartment, all the furnishings can be bought, and there’s an interior-design service on offer to buyers. nestliving.co.za
BOOTYLICIOUS BUILD Award-winning Australian architecture firm Elenberg Fraser has been given the green light for its plans to build a 68-storey mixed-use development in Melbourne called Premier Tower. The inspiration behind the undulating, wavelike design of the skyscraper was the movements of the dancers in Beyonce’s ‘Ghost’ video. But the curvaceous facade isn’t only about looks: the unique shape also responds to climate and wind challenges. The skyscraper will include 660 apartments and a 160-room hotel. The Fragrance Group is the property developer of Premier Tower, which is affiliated to Singaporian real-estate tycoon Koh Wee Meng. elenbergfraser.com
Text Genevieve Putter, Lauren Joubert, Julia Freemantle Photographs Supplied
Property news, reports, and dream homes for sale
MARKETPLACE
MAKE IT SWIFT
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Marketplace.indd 57
SEPTEMBER 2015
57
2015/08/18 6:04 PM
MARKETPLACE
WATERFRONT POWERED UP Big news out of the V&A Waterfront recently. First, it was awarded Heritage Platinum status in recognition of its efforts to preserve the property’s unique history, making it one of only four establishments in the Western Cape to have this status, which is awarded by Heritage South Africa for businesses that are fully compliant with heritage standards. Second, by early next year the world-class development will have completed the rollout of a R20-million solar project that will significantly reduce reliance on the national grid. More than 7 000m2 of solar panels will soon be installed on the roofs of the Watershed, the Breakwater, the Clock Tower, Granger Bay, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Ports Edge, West Quay and Portswood House, conserving an estimated 1 721 956 kWh annually, or the equivalent of the energy needed to power 574 four-person households. waterfront.co.za
GOLD STANDARD Da’Realty’s recent acquisitions of the Bantry Bay Ambassador Hotel & Ambassador Suites in Bantry Bay has excited investors, who are queuing up to secure their own exclusive coastal real estate treasure. The planned luxury property development, called Aurum (gold in Latin) comprises two parts. The Aurum Luxury Suites on the mountain side of Victoria Road in Bantry Bay will consist of 15 units of two- and three-bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom penthouse of 530m2. They’ll include exclusive kitchen and bathroom finishes, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems and up to four covered parking bays. The units will start at R11,9 million. The seaside offering, currently the Ambassador Hotel, will receive a complete redesign to create high-end apartments each 210 to 750m2 in size. The Aurum Presidential Suites will be pitched at higher-profile clientele. Handover is scheduled for December 2016. darealty.com/aurum
WEALTH MOVEMENT CONFERENCE This is an early-bird alert for the inspirational Wealth Movement 2015 event: Date: 8 and 9 October Venue: The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg What to expect: The two-day event will kick off with a VIP breakfast from 7.30am to 10am, with a short keynote address and panel discussion on strategies for investing overseas. The main event begins at 10.30am with an inspirational line-up of speakers such as Roger Hamilton, Billy Selekane, Hilda Lunderstedt, Dr Dolf De Roos, Scott Picken and Hennie Bezuidenhout. All topics are relevant to South Africans and why it is important to create and preserve their wealth. Panel topics: These will include debate on crowd funding versus syndication versus listed sector (REITS and funds): returns, safety, pros and cons; the best places to invest and what the best structures are; how to get a first-world passport; local versus offshore investment – pros and cons; and how technology is disrupting real estate. The second day allows delegates to choose from at least 40 relevant discussion topics, as well as a Women’s Forum, which will take place from 12:30pm to 3:15pm. The forum will be facilitated by Hilda Lunderstedt on the topic ‘Success, life and money’. Find out how to create wealth locally and preserve wealth internationally by hearing the experiences of five Wealth Migrate clients and partaking in or listening to discussions on a broad spectrum of topics. These may include creating wealth through entrepreneurship; how to invest safely in first-world properties in the US, Australia and the UK with an end-to-end solution; investing in commercial opportunities in Africa; how to get access to the best real-estate education globally and crowd funding residential development opportunities in Cape Town. wealthmovement.com
ONLINE GAME WITH REAL REWARDS Play and win with Houzz-It and St John’s Village. The collaborative property app that launched in December 2014 is giving away a house in December 2015. Brought to life by The Creative Group and Sea Monster (a top South African gaming company), Houzz-It aims to demystify the property realm. So how can you win? By joining the fans already following Houzz-It on
58
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Marketplace.indd 58
Facebook (facebook.com/HouzzitGame). Here you can interact with characters from the game, get real-life property advice and gain in-game tips. Every few months, the player with the highest score is awarded prizes – from Apple iPads to movie tickets and dinner dates, in collaboration with sponsors such as Nedbank Home Loans. But the biggest reward is yet to
come – situated in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, St John’s Village is a residential village based on the notion of agri-urbanisation. And if you play the game right, it could be your new home. Keep an eye on the Facebook page to find out more. To start playing, download Houzz-It on your smartphone from either Google Play or the Apple App Store.
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/18 6:04 PM
™
GO ONLINE For more on these stories, visit our website at www.realestatemagazine.co.za.
ALL ABOUT U!
A HAND-PICKED COLLECTION OF MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES
New on the property development scene is U! Property Development group, which has announced its first residential project, Lori Lane. The exclusive nine-unit development in Sunninghill, Gauteng, has set the benchmark for U! in terms of the contemporary and sophisticated developments it aims to bring to investors. Established by Adam Piper, Jonathan Hardham and Greg Kruger in order to address the need of potential buyers to have a greater influence on the quality of the developments they invest in via research, the company found that this area of Gauteng’s northern suburbs was ripe for a development that epitomises contemporary living, architectural elegance and carefully thought-out spaces. The nine units are on stands of about 500m2 each, and the freestanding homes range between 300m2 and 322m2. Lori Lane is being marketed by Tyson Properties. tysonprop.co.za
ILLOVO RISING The proximity of Illovo to the CBD of Sandton as well as the bustling hub of Rosebank has made it one of Jozi’s most desirable corporate addresses, and this has brought an increase in demand for luxury residential accommodation in the area. Enter 70 Melville Road, a contemporary sectional-title complex comprising 76 luxury one, two- and-three-bedroom units, duplexes, and doublevolume three-bedroom penthouse apartments. Already launched for sale off-plan in August, selling for between R3 million and R30 million, the development will take two years to complete from when it first breaks ground. Buyers will be able to customise the look and feel of their apartments by choosing from a preselected range of top-class finishes. sothebysrealty.co.za
GO ONLINE FOR MORE INFO
RE_September2015_Marketplace.indd 59
2015/08/18 6:04 PM
SANDHURST, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R35-MILLION
LH452
A classic yet contemporary home exuding both elegance and lavish style. The grand entrance and sweeping staircase welcome one to this synthesis of majestic spaces and flowing reception areas leading to an enclosed patio, pool and manicured garden. Ideally located in an exclusive estate of only four bespoke homes, with 24-hour security. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Daniella Apteker +27 (0)82 412 1273 Tasha Rossen +27 (0)82 561 1675 Mary Fourie +27 (0)82 779 1492 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref: 1148456
FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R12,995-MILLION
LH471
With its large, level garden, pool, covered gazebo, patio and mesmerising sea- and cityscapes, this contemporary home offers excellent flow and easy entertaining at its best. Upstairs, bedrooms extend onto a balcony with sea views. Downstairs, wooden floors and warm hues invite comfort and relaxation. Ideal for the family-focused executive, this well-maintained property includes staff accommodation and excellent security. Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 Living Areas 4 Lara Kaplan +27 (0)73 711 4111 Fran Segal +27 (0)84 983 5278 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref: 1168659
HOUGHTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R22-MILLION
LH490
Grace, elegance and luxury in a tranquil setting. This established, colonial-style guesthouse boasts a loyal clientele and dedicated staff. Outdoor living spaces and patios overlook rolling lawns and large, established trees. The beautifully styled rooms include two executive suites and one presidential suite. Additional soughtafter features include three conference rooms, two dining rooms, superb kitchen facilities and a private, well-stocked cellar. Bedrooms 15 Bathrooms 15 Living Areas 8 Lieska Dieperink +27 (0)82 499 5564 lieska@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com web ref: 121907
BANTRY BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R58-MILLION
LH491
Located in the premium world-class destination of Bantry Bay with stunning forest and sea views, this extraordinary executive residence offers a quality lifestyle in a magnificent forest setting. Accommodation includes en-suite bedrooms with a private lounge and a bachelor cottage. A gourmet kitchen, dining room and outdoor lounge with braai area invite opulent entertaining. Family-friendly features consist of a playroom, sauna and pool. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 Living Areas 4 Gail Gavrill +27 (0)82 777 6000 gail.gavrill@res.za.knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.co.za web ref: ZA3031413
BEAULIEU, MIDRAND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
POA
LH492
This exceptional country residence is one of a kind, boasting spacious reception areas, a private cinema, a wine cellar and beautifully landscaped gardens. An internal lift takes you to the penthouse with a private study and master suite. For the fitness fanatic, there is an indoor squash court and training pool. A west wing also includes a large studio with steam room and showers. Excellent security guarantees peace of mind. Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 11 Garages 12 Living Areas 11 Tony Santana +27 (0)83 654 1268 Leanne Santana +27 (0)83 273 6881 www.pamgolding.co.za web ref: MR1107019
ATHOLL, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R27-MILLION
LH493
This remarkable home is set on 8 320m² of garden wonderland. Designed for lavish entertaining, highlights include spacious reception areas, a tennis court, pool, gym, playroom or bar area, and fireplaces throughout. Built-in top appliances, full automation and computerised irrigation ensure comfort and convenience. Staff accommodation and a guardhouse are included. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 4 Living Areas 7 Louis Green +27 (0)82 820 3040 Lisa Daly +27 (0)82 450 6594 www.pamgolding.co.za web ref: HP1217840
HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R32-MILLION
LH457
A stunning designer family home of understated elegance and luxury. This magnificent property boasts what is arguably the most prestigious and secure position in Hyde Park. It offers extensive en-suite accommodation, wonderful reception rooms all flowing out to a large covered terrace and pool, and a dazzling gourmet chef ’s kitchen. No expense has been spared in state-of-the-art finishes throughout. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Stephen Brick +27 (0)82 551 7971 Nina Obel +27 (0)82 552 7325 www.vered.co.za web ref: 113062
CAMPS BAY, ATLANTIC SEABOARD, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R49-MILLION
LH494
A Gerd Weideman home built on four lift-accessed levels, this architectural triumph offers a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Designed to optimise ocean views and natural light, it provides the ultimate space for those who love to entertain and is currently run as a successful guesthouse. Jacuzzis, a bar lounge and private cinema enhance the offering. Price attracts VAT. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 8 Garages 7 Living Areas 4 Andrew Poole +27 (0)82 859 1710 andrew.poole@tysonprop.co.za www.tysonprop.co.za web ref: RL19733
MORNINGSIDE, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
POA
LH495
A sprawling home in an ideal location. A lift or palatial staircase takes you to en-suite bedrooms and a possible study, while downstairs features include the main kitchen with no fewer than three ovens, two stoves and a pantry, a scullery and laundry, and an indoor pool. Security shutters offer a cool aesthetic and eco-friendly features abound. This property also has commercial rights potential. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 Living Areas 2 Avrille Grainger +27 (0)84 725 2883 avrille@ahprop.co.za www.ahprop.co.za web ref: ADHS-2496
KYALAMI, MIDRAND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R21,5-MILLION
LH496
Enjoy expansive farm-style living in the city. Situated in the exclusive Saddlebrook estate, this plush entertainer’s delight boasts a gourmet kitchen, formal lounges, a dining room, a cellar, a games room, a luxurious patio, a fully equipped gym and two guest suites. Outdoors, serenity is assured with an indigenous garden, koi ponds and an undercover heated pool. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 5 Garages 8 Living Areas 4 Paul Pretorius +27 (0)82 800 4301 paul@eycenturion.co.za www.etchellsandyoung.co.za web ref: EYC117
ATHOLL, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R14-MILLION
LH497
For those with an eye for opportunity, this multi-storey home is an ideal investment. Tasteful and contemporary, it is well-suited to the large family with teenage children. Aternatively, consider the exciting option of a boutique hotel for corporate guests. Outstanding features include a massive roof garden, a self-contained cottage and reception areas ideal for grand-scale entertaining. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 4 Living Areas 6 Denise Farber +27 (0)82 558 5154 property@russellfisher.co.za www.russellfisher.co.za web ref: 171
MORNINGSIDE, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R34,5-MILLION
LH498
Featured on Top Billing, a spectacular, 1 500m², triple-storey home for opulent living and entertaining. Contemporary in style and with imported finishes throughout, it includes a cinema room, cigar bar, gym and chef ’s eat-in kitchen. Reception areas consist of a formal lounge, family room, study and playroom. The bedrooms are pure luxury, each with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 5 Harriet Bock +27 (0)76 307 9731 harriet.bock@seeff.com www.seeff.com web ref: 340119
BIRDWOOD ESTATE, HARTBEESPOORT DAM, NORTH WEST, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R16-MILLION
LH499
Featuring the very best of this area’s prime property – five levels of fully furnished paradise on the water’s edge. Complemented by handcrafted cabinetry, all purpose designed, the interiors reflect opulent living and entertaining while maximising an idyllic escape for the discerning owner. Views of the dam and the Magaliesberg mountains and bird sanctuary make this home a true breath of fresh air. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 8 Garages 3 Living Areas 7 Iris Venter +27 (0)82 486 8479 iris.venter@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref: 3302195
WESTBROOK, NORTH COAST, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R13,7-MILLION
LH500
This modern Balinese-style property is a rare find and situated within a conservancy. With incredible sea views, the home is set on an expansive 3 200m² of prime beachfront real estate. Ideal as a guesthouse or a spacious family home, you’ll find exquisite finishes throughout and excellent controlled security. Entertaining is easy with beautifully appointed lounges opening onto a pool area that includes a deck and large patio. Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms 8 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Dawn Harding +27 (0)72 171 8465 dawn.harding@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref: 3265177
BEDFORDVIEW, EAST RAND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R11,45-MILLION
LH501
This grand, villa-style residence boasts spectacular views and a finely honed interior. Enjoy entertaining from the immaculate open-plan kitchen with fitted gentleman’s bar and a covered patio leading onto a private suite with fitted kitchenette. Downstairs are open-plan reception areas, a wine cellar with billiards room, a recording studio and a private courtyard. The excellent security is enhanced by the home’s location within a 24-hour boomed street. Two self-contained cottages will welcome the extended family too. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 Garages 5 Living Areas 3 Luz Vazzana +27 (0)82 444 9763 luz.vazzana@everitt.co.za Natalia Dias +27 (0)72 392 8421 natalia.dias@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref: 3275867
HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R15-MILLION
LH502
A modern cluster home with elegant proportions, designed for a chic and relaxed lifestyle. The expansive living and dining spaces are an entertainer’s dream and feature a fully equipped kitchen with separate service areas. Stacking doors lead onto a generous patio and garden with sizeable swimming pool and built-in gas braai. The en-suite bedrooms are complemented by a night lounge, a study and a private office area, which could be repurposed into a fifth bedroom en suite. Excellent security and underfloor heating throughout. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 6 Lynda Greeff +27 (0)82 446 5120 lynda.greeff@ennikestates.co.za Jeremy Craig +27 (0)76 246 4900 jeremy.craig@ennikestates.co.za www.ennikestates.co.za web ref: EN01-0735
HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R18-MILLION
LH503
This magnificent home is situated in a security enclave and offers all the mod cons. Entertaining is a cinch with this stylish eat-in kitchen, and a dining room and wine room adjoin the formal lounges and bar area. The bedroom suites boast full bathrooms and walkin cupboards, and the main en suite leads to a private lounge and open terrace. An additional family lounge with a work area, library and gym with outdoor shower complete the top floor. Downstairs is a covered patio with gas braai, an irrigated garden and a pool. Staff accommodation included. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 4 Living Areas 6 Lynda Greeff +27 (0)82 446 5120 lynda.greeff@ennikestates.co.za Jeremy Craig +27 (0)76 246 4900 jeremy.craig@ennikestates.co.za www.ennikestates.co.za web ref: EN01-0613
WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
FROM R37,5-MILLION
LH323
This landmark property, circa 1930, is perched on the Westcliff ridge and enjoys astounding northerly views. Situated on more than an acre of award-winning terraced gardens, with rim-flow pool, this updated colonial masterpiece boasts superior finishes throughout its 1 800m² residence. From the entrance, a tree-lined driveway brings you to the manor house, where gracious receptions, including a drawing room, library and dining and family rooms, spill onto the covered patio. An additional luxuriously appointed guesthouse offers two bedroom suites, a lounge, dining area, study and kitchen. This is a gilt-edged investment. Asking R45-million. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 3 Living Areas 5 Grant Pitter +27 (0)83 308 5054 Dee Scholtz +27 (0)83 458 3660 www.hamiltons.co.za web ref: 3235056
BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
•
R15,5-MILLION
LH504
Set in a sought-after avenue, this Georgian residence offers extensive, quality accommodation and exceptional attention to detail. Four spacious reception areas lead to a covered patio with cocktail bar and barbeque, overlooking generous landscaped gardens with mature trees and a large feature pool. The gourmet eat-in kitchen includes a fireplace and integrated appliances, and opens onto a family room. A second caterer’s kitchen features a wellequipped scullery. Additional highlights include a library and spacious study, a media room, billiards/games room, gym, excellent security and solid rosewood flooring. Luxury staff accommodation for three plus a dedicated guardhouse complete one of Bryanston’s top homes. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref: 737272
HERITAGE SITES CAPTURE THE IMAGINATION OF BUYERS DISILLUSIONED WITH THE COOKIECUTTER SAMENESS OF NEW BUILDS, BUT OWNING A PIECE OF HISTORY IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED Compiled by Jocelyn Warrington Photographs Dook, David Ross, Lar Photography, Karl Rogers
76
Text Jocelyn Warrington
LIVING IN THE PAST
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 76
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
SPECIAL REPORT
H
e who loves an old house never loves in vain,’ said late-19th-century author Isabel La Howe Conant. Indeed, to own an old house is to own a little piece of history. But, as those who choose to dwell in these gracious architectural grande dames will tell you, with custodianship of the past comes a responsibility beyond that vested in the owners of new builds. ‘While knowledge of a house’s provenance and pedigree has curiosity appeal, most owners only show a serious interest in their old home’s history when it comes to getting approval for changes to it, or its demolitions’ says Flo Bird, chairperson of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) and an impassioned campaigner for the preservation of the city’s built past. Bird explains that structural alterations to any building over the age of 60 years in South Africa requires a permit from the provincial heritage resource agency, and failure to acquire this can have not only legal ramifications, but may also lead to the forfeiture of the home’s historical status. But just because a building is more than 60 years old doesn’t make it a heritage building, she adds: ‘It is a protected one, but not a declared heritage site as such.’
JUMPING THROUGH HOOPS ‘Researching the history of one’s own property usually starts with the original building’s plans,’ says Bird, adding that details of former owners, the original architect and building dates are all important. ‘Building plans are useful but not always available, as are title deeds; but these are often even more difficult to access, and in some areas properties were rented out, which means very little information is available about the people who once lived there.’ That said, Bird confirms that proof of a building’s age can be fairly accurately determined from the valuation rolls for the property, which state both land value and improvements made to it. ‘In Johannesburg, these were done every three years and, until the vast expansion of the city, were fairly accurate because valuers visited the properties and looked at sales records,’ she explains. Obtaining permission for building alterations from a heritage authority entails meeting all the requirements of the various forms that need to be completed. ‘Providing photographs can save the authority a lot of time because site visits are very demanding,’ says Bird, who adds that professional technical drawings are also required on occasion. ‘Sometimes people can use copies of the originals and simply add in what needs changing; but if extensive changes are envisaged, expert drawings will be needed,’ she says. Bird advises submitting a full set of the required documents to the relevant heritage authority, then, once they have been approved, to proceed with acquiring municipal approval. ‘The heritage authority will also require that notice be given on the property of the intention to alter or demolish,’ she says. ‘If the building is in a demarcated heritage area, then the heritage authority will probably also ask for a letter from the residents’ association or local conservation group, commenting on the proposals.’
DARE TO REPAIR, REPLACE OR RENOVATE Bird recommends that anyone considering renovating a declared heritage building should not proceed without advice from a heritage architect.
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 77
SEPTEMBER 2015
77
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
The purpose of the renovation was to retain and enhance the historical significance of the cluster of houses and buildings
78
ASSET VERSUS OUTLAY Whether your home’s historical status adds to its inherent investment value depends largely on where you buy, says Bird. ‘Buying a heritage property in Westcliff or Parktown does add a premium, as it does in some areas of the Cape, such as the village of McGregor. However, it becomes very difficult when you talk of buying a historic home in, say, Orlando. Enlarging such a home would require a very sensitive design to retain both the building’s heritage value and the comforts of the 21st century.’ Another potential deterrent for owners is the upkeep of a historic home. ‘An early Arts and Crafts Herbert Baker home would have been very well built and require little more than regular maintenance to keep it in good order,’ says Bird. ‘A spec house from 1908, on the other hand, would be more expensive to maintain but it would have a delightful character that would make it worth the time and effort. If people would clean gutters, ensure downpipes are clear and keep water well away from the walls, they could save themselves a lot of trouble. If you look at the Johannesburg Public Library, for instance, where the standard of maintenance has been very high – because the librarians are mainly women who squeal every time there is a leak, or a blocked drain, or a window that won’t open – when the full restoration was done, it involved simply the removal of dirt that came from high traffic volumes and not from neglect. But then look at some of our other public buildings, with their leaking gutters that allow water to pour down the walls… These will cost a fortune in the long run.’ On the upside, declared heritage properties as well as those situated in declared heritage areas enjoy a 20 per cent rebate on rates. In addition, one can apply to the National Heritage Council and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund for the funds needed to maintain such a home. Says Bird, ‘Although, theoretically, the provincial heritage authorities are able to spend money on such projects, I have never known it to be done by the Provincial Heritage Resource Agency Gauteng (PHRAG); but then its budget is so small as to make this very difficult. For instance, there is provision for a “compulsory repair order” whereby the owner can be instructed to repair the building, and if this is not done, PHRAG can do so and then reclaim the costs. Fine on paper but near impossible to implement, especially when one of the worst offenders is the province, the state or, in the case of the Rissik Street Post Office, the City of Johannesburg itself. So what chance, really, will the owners of the CNA building, or Shakespeare House, or Radoma Court in Bellevue, have?’
Text Julia Freemantle
‘Such a professional has a sound understanding of how the structure was built so many years ago and a knowledge of the materials used. Some are even astute enough to recognise the effects of the vagaries of time and climate change on old materials, and they find subtle ways to assist the old structures, especially in coping with fierce sunlight and rain. Old buildings generally do not stand up well to an onslaught of water.’ How important it is to remain sensitive to the integrity of the original building style is debatable. Some claim that it is imperative to match the building materials with those used previously and to acquire period fittings and fixtures, while others believe that new additions should be different so that they are recognised as exactly that: new. According to Bird, when repairing the old it is important to find matching materials where possible; however, ‘furnishings are not covered by the National Heritage Resources Act, and many people find very modern furniture and artworks look stunning in an old setting’. Bird is quick to point out that extensions and construction work done on an old building during the course of its lifetime should be considered part of its architectural provenance, with value intrinsic to its ‘story’: ‘Just think of the Castle in Cape Town and how generations have added to its original structure, changed its use and even demolished parts. In my view, these “layers” are just as important as the structure’s very first architectural footprint.’ Unsightly additions that show little respect for architectural pedigree are never a good thing, especially if they diminish the home’s historical appeal. ‘One can understand why a homeowner would, for example, prefer to lower a new roof extension so that it slots under the original eaves rather than have it awkwardly abut the old roof.’ If unforeseen structural challenges or latent defects are uncovered during the renovation process, is it then necessary to resubmit applications for building permission? ‘Yes,’ says Bird, ‘if you deviate substantially from what has been approved, you will need to resubmit plans. But I am only aware of one case where this was necessary – when fire revealed the earlier original structure at the Prison Governor’s House in Kotze Street, Hillbrow. The whole approach to the interior decor changed so that the bricks were left unplastered to reveal those sections where there had once been doors. Using them again as doors would not have suited the new function; on top of which, they had been sealed for more than 60 years when other extensions were made. But the story is told in bricks and mortar and certainly makes it much more interesting when you visit.’
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 78
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
SPECIAL REPORT
CASE STUDY | CAPE TOWN CLUB, CAPE TOWN The idea of a members-only club comes with a set of associations – men sitting in dark, dusty spaces clouded with cigar smoke. And they’re not far off. Cape Town Club at 18 Queen Victoria Street, however, is taking this image and turning it on its head, while maintaining its sense of prestige and heritage. A merger of two of Cape Town’s oldest clubs – the City Club and the Civil Service Club – it was originally a male-only establishment, a feature that had to change to admit the first female judge in South Africa, Leo van den Heever. Most of the club’s members are professionals, many involved in the legal world (the club’s location next door to the Cape Town High Court makes it a hotspot for lawyers and judges), and there are also journalists, academics and so on. In a move to attract a new market, PR Gail Geraghty explains that ‘club life’ has taken on a more modern and evolved existence within the Cape Town community, and that the club’s management is hosting events and parties open to the public and specifically aimed at a younger age group. While a 150-odd-year-old insitution, housed in a building almost as old, might seem an unlikely candidate for moving with the times, signs of this current trend are apparent throughout the club. The Sir Herbert Baker building, built in 1898, is as gracious as you’d expect: ornate door carvings, a black-and-white chequerboard floor and winding banisters all exude a sense of history and occasion. And while the building’s features are all very much intact, youthful elements have been added to make the space more relatable. You’re greeted at the entrance by the newly instituted coffee hatch – takeaway coffees are available to passersby as well as the club’s members, and The Porter’s Lodge serves trendy Tribe coffee in true 21st-century fashion. Next, in the lounge, contemporary geometricpatterned wallpaper is a fun foil for the traditional painting on the wood-panelled walls – the playful balance of old and new a nod to bridging the gap. The library with its much-prized ‘weighing chair’ (in which members would be weighed and, if not sufficiently heavy, chastised for not using the club’s hospitality enough) and sombre portrait of FW de Klerk may, at first glance, seem ultra-traditional, but then you notice the broad striped wallpaper. And upstairs in the billiard room, unexpectedly bright purple walls set a quirky tone. ‘Our members respect the heritage but we’re by no means stuck in the past – we’re now attracting younger, dynamic businesspeople who are looking for a place to seek out like-minded individuals where they can conduct business but also where they can enjoy a pint of craft beer. It’s an incredibly social environment,’ says Eugene van der Westhuizen, general manager of the club. The nine varied function rooms are all available for use by members, and for private functions. Cape Town Club capetownclub.org.za Cape Town Club’s library features an antique ‘weighing chair’ (next to the fireplace) whose purpose it was to make sure the club’s members were fully utilising the facilities (and putting on weight as a result)
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 79
SEPTEMBER 2015
79
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
Too often, South Africa’s hoteliers seem to think that paying tribute to their building’s heritage means bludgeoning it into twee respectability overflowing with plush curtains, thick cut-pile carpets and dark period furniture. They’re rather like a well-meaning but overbearing matron upholstered in her Sunday best. Requisite amenities such as air conditioning and the ubiquitous rain shower are tactlessly thrust upon the existing fabric of the structure. Not so Graaff-Reinet’s Drostdy Hotel, which is an outstanding example of how to embrace and offset architectural and cultural heritage so that the present is certain to become another rich layer in its ongoing history. The original drostdy (magistrate’s court) was built in 1806. A fine example of 19th-century Cape Dutch architecture, it served as the local seat of government and residence for the landdrost. It was converted into a hotel in 1878, making it one of South Africa’s oldest. The purpose of the most recent renovation was to retain and enhance the historical significance of the cluster of houses and buildings of varying ages that make up the Drostdy Hotel complex, and to upgrade the facilities to fivestar standard, a tricky balancing of old and new. The Rupert Foundation’s consultation with archaeologists, historians and heritage researchers in association with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) was an integral part of the process. DHK Architects was responsible for melding old and new, and there was an overt decision to ensure that any completely new additions, such as the Camdeboo Restaurant and the newly built suites, Kromm’s Court, would be unmistakably contemporary but visually secondary to the historic structures. The new Drostdy Hotel has fulfilled one of the driving heritage visions, as expressed by Helen May of Urban Concepts in her draft statement for the SAHRA: ‘[to] accentuate and express the changes that have occurred over time … [to create] a clear definition between old and new fabric via a reinterpretation of old proportions without copying any architectural details. The new layer of elements and buildings should display simplicity, to ensure that the focus and interest remains with the old. The new layer should enhance and not detract from the significance of the heritage resource.’ When you wander around the lanes of the newly pedestrianised hotel, you’ll understand the layering: in addition to the main Drostdy building, you discover the perfectly preserved facade of the quaint Victorian cottage that now houses the Africology spa; Ferreira House, now a luxurious home from home; and Stretch’s Court with its charming restored Karoo cottages and where each door is painted a different colour. Together with Stephen Falcke’s interiors that blend Old World comfort with contemporary luxury (every room is furnished at least in part with gorgeous bits of original Cape Dutch furniture that either was part of the original Drostdy or belonged to members of the Rupert family), the renovation has a true sense of integrity. It brings home the point that we, too, will one day form another rich layer in the ongoing, living history that is the Drostdy Hotel and Graaff-Reinet itself. Urban Concepts urbanconcepts.biz; DHK Architects dhk.co.za; Stephen Falcke stephenfalcke.co.za Drostdy Hotel newmarkhotels.com
80
Text Sally Rutherford Text Sally Rutherford
CASE STUDY | DROSTDY HOTEL, GRAAFF-REINET
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 80
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
SPECIAL REPORT
CASE STUDY | CULLINAN HOUSE, UPPER HOUGHTON
PROTECTING JOBURG’S PAST The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) was founded in 1985. Listing a heritage building is the duty of the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority Gauteng (PHRAG), but the JHF took over the task ‘since PHRAG has shown no signs of doing this’, says the JHF’s chairperson, Flo Bird. The JHF has assessed several buildings and come up with its own ratings system: n Outstanding heritage value: of historical and architectural value, such as the City Hall, which is now the Gauteng Legislature. Not to be touched. n Fine building: beautiful and probably a
good example of a period or the work of an excellent architect, with historical interest. It may also have landmark value, such as Stuttafords. Touch with very great care, after consultation, and don’t think of demolition. n Good building: part of a significant group but possibly only a facade. Don’t touch without consultation, but changes are possible. Demolition will be resisted. Take one of the JHF’s (joburgheritage.co.za) weekly tours, which include spaces that are off the tourist route.
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The facade of the restored Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet – the premises once served as the landdrost’s home; the hotel’s Africology spa is housed in this perfectly preserved Victorian cottage; the paint colours in the immaculately restored Stretch’s Court cottages closely replicate the original colour scheme; interiors are true to their heritage and retain a charming, historically accurate simplicity THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Cullinan House, the only remaining example of Art Nouveau architecture in Joburg; green-glazed tiles were purpose-made at the Cullinan refractory for the skirtings, cornices and arches of the entrance hall; interior designer Lawson Ricketts and his team at Plaid Cabbage Interiors worked tirelessly to preserve the home’s heritage qualities
Designed in the classic-revivalist style of Robert Howden, the architect who would become the first president of the South African Institute of Architects, and built by Sir Thomas Cullinan, master builder and founder of the Premier Diamond Mine and namesake of the largest diamond ever discovered, Cullinan House in Upper Houghton is the only example of the Art Nouveau architectural style remaining in Johannesburg. The house, originally designed for Joseph Mitchell, brother-in-law and business associate of Cullinan, has, during the course of its 100-year life, served as everything from the residence of an order of Dominican monks to the premises of the Executive Woman Training Centre. It underwent numerous renovations in the 1940s and then again in the 1980s, before being restored by its current owners, American-born Lawson Ricketts and Nick Geimer, from January 2011 to present. Its heritage status forbade structural work to its exterior (it was declared a national monument in 1991), but Howden’s fine craftsmanship meant that the property’s facade was remarkably well preserved. ‘Only one small crack in the brickwork had to be repointed, new gutters fashioned to match the existing half-rounds, and a paint job done to the roof,’ says Ricketts. Lovingly retained period features include an impressive Greco-Roman symmetrical facade, sandstone architraves and a crown of classical pediments. Four of the nine working fireplaces contain purpose-made bricks from Cullinan’s refractory. The same tiles can be found on the skirtings, cornices and arches of the grand entrance hall, which contains an elegant staircase decorated with plant motifs as well as stainedglass windows typical of the Art Nouveau period. Ricketts says, ‘Sadly, the original ceramic floor was in such a poor state that we had to make the painful decision to pull it up and replace it with Georgian slate and marble.’ The bathrooms were given a much-needed facelift. ‘We put in modern reproductions of Victorian taps, imported from London, and added Carrara marble trimmings and underfloor heating.’ Other efforts to preserve the home’s heritage qualities include the installation in the kitchen of a period wood-burning ceramic heater imported from Germany, and the reconditioning of all windows and doors with solid-brass hardware sourced in the US. Off the conservatory, the terracotta patio and pool deck were removed and replaced with slate. Even the wallpaper in the dining room was chosen from a William Morris collection as representative of wall coverings that would have been typical in Edwardian homes of the early 1900s. When it came to dressing the rejuvenated home, Ricketts, an interior designer by training, and his team at Plaid Cabbage Interiors followed a simple brief: ‘Respect the heritage of the structure but incorporate furnishings and fabrics with a modern durability and luxury.’ When asked what he loves most about living in a heritage property, Ricketts is unhesitating: ‘The fact that in only four years we have been able to reimagine the grand spaces that were originally designed for one of Johannesburg’s most prominent families.’
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 81
SEPTEMBER 2015
81
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
CASE STUDY | BOSCHENDAL WINE ESTATE, STELLENBOSCH The new-look Boschendal was a work-in-progress for many months. Wilko le Roux of Philip Briel Architects explains the process. ‘The first step was to file a notice of intent to develop with Heritage Western Cape. The application triggered the preparation of a heritage impact assessment (HIA). The draft HIA, prepared by Sarah Winter and Nicolas Baumann, took into consideration the historic landscape and established a list of heritage indicators against which the design proposal was evaluated. This ensured that the design made a positive impact on the historic landscape, and the indicators informed the design approach. ‘Once Heritage Western Cape gave its approval, an independent heritage specialist was appointed to observe construction work where historic buildings were involved, and a registered archaeologist was appointed to observe areas where digging was required around historic structures.’
TELL US ABOUT THE INTERIORS. ‘It was important to ensure that the interiors reflect a vibrant, sophisticated feel in line with Boschendal’s image, while echoing the traditional Huguenot aesthetic and simple farm life. Fabrics, tiles and paint colours, for example, reflect the traditional Batavian white and blue, or the honeycomb hues of poplar, oak and brass, while a more robust farm aesthetic is carried through in the mild steel-blue greys and the use of weathered grey timber (from recycled fruit crates) and dark leather. Furniture was commissioned from local artisans to ensure a handcrafted feel. ‘The use of traditional materials and a reinterpretation of historical references allowed the architectural features to contribute to the interior aesthetic. Dominic Touwen, together with Graham Viney, did the interiors for the historical cottage accommodation.’ Philip Briel Architects philipbriel.com; Lázaro Rosa-Violán lazarorosaviolan.com
82
Text Michelle Snaddon
HOW DID THE HERITAGE GUIDELINES INFLUENCE THE FINAL DESIGN? ‘The outbuildings behind the Manor House form two long parallel boundaries, creating an enclosed “outdoor room”. In this sense, The Werf’s composition at Boschendal is unique. The key concern was to ensure the pristine character of this composition remained undisturbed and that the Manor House, as the hierarchal apex of The Werf, remained unchallenged as the most important building on the farm. ‘The restaurant entrance remains unchanged because interventions were limited to the back of the building, and the design language of new additions (a glass-walled extension and deck) was kept distinctly contemporary, following an approach of historic layering to ensure there is a clear visual distinction between old and new. ‘The design and architectural character of the Olive Press function venue is deliberately modest, to accentuate the building’s hierarchal submissiveness to the Manor House. This is further accentuated by visually reducing the building size through various scaling elements.’
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 82
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
SUBURB FOCUS
ABOVE The entrance to the new Werf Restaurant OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP In contrast to the ‘old building’ the new extension is a contemporary glass-box conservatory, with an adjoining deck that overlooks the veggie gardens treated as a ‘clip-on’ element to the traditional structure. The locally sourced tiled floor creates a bridge between old and new; a custom-designed botanical-graphic wall mural by Lázaro Rosa-Violán of Contemporain Studio in Spain at the entrance to the Chef’s Kitchen – a relaxed tasting and dining area; Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell at the Chef’s Counter in the traditional farm kitchen; Spanish photographer Daniel Alea’s modern take on traditional Flemish portraits
‘The Werf’s composition at Boschendal is unique’ — Wilko le Roux, Philip Briel Architects
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_SpecialReport.indd 83
SEPTEMBER 2015
83
2015/08/19 3:45 PM
Private Property’s
Neighbourhoods NEW Initiative
Paarl to Franschhoek Great food and wine culture
Find a home and a lifestyle that suits you.
A home for everyone w ww. pri vatepro p e r t y. c o . z a
spotlight on…
DURBAN NORTH ONE OF DURBAN’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER AREAS, DURBAN NORTH’S PROPERTY MARKET IS BOOMING Text Candice Botha Photographs Supplied
86
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Spotlight_DurbanNorth_V3.indd 86
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/13 7:36 PM
SUBURB FOCUS
D
urban North is one of Durban’s wellestablished, traditional, old suburbs. The area is family focused and the community tight knit. It’s so named simply because it’s immediately north of the Umgeni River – one of the real landmarks of the city. An umbrella term for several smaller areas, including Umgeni Park, Riverside, Athlone, Parkhill, Redhill, Rosehill, Glen Hills, Glen Anil, Glenashley and Virginia, as well as what is commonly referred to as ‘Central Durban North’, it begins at the river and extends to La Lucia in the north, with the North Coast Road and the N2 forming the western perimeter. Proximity to the N2 and Ruth First highways means that access to all other areas of Durban is quick and easy, making Durban North a first choice even for people who work in other areas. One of the main attractions of this pretty, leafy part of town is the excellent schools, such as Northlands Girls’ High School, Northwood School, Danville Park Girls’ High, Virginia Preparatory, Chelsea Preparatory and Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School, many of which are over 50 years old. There are also several well supported sports clubs, which also have rich histories, and even a respected tertiary institution in the form of Varsity College. There are also several shopping centres, a myriad restaurants, and places of worship. Recreation opportunities abound, and a greenbelt runs the length of the east of the area, with Virginia Airport, Beachwood Golf Course and the protected mangrove swamps linking up along the coast, while Virginia Bush is a popular spot for dog-walking – one of many ways Durban Northers can enjoy the city’s famed outdoor lifestyle in their suburb.
RESIDENT’S VIEW ‘My wife and I both grew up in Durban North and, having lived away, agreed that there’s nowhere else we’d rather bring up our children. It’s suburban in the best possible sense of the word, with neighbours who often still know each other and a real sense of community. My business, an extra-lessons centre for schoolchildren, relies heavily on word of mouth, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful support from Durban North parents and fellow business owners. We love our home and its beautiful sea view, and appreciate the fact that we feel safe and secure here.’ – Brett Botha, business owner, UP-grade Extra Tuition
‘Demand outstrips supply, as people tend to settle here and are reluctant to move’ - Carol Reynolds, area principal, Pam Golding Properties
WHO LIVES THERE AND WHAT ARE THEY PAYING? ‘Most of our enquiries are from second- and thirdtime buyers looking to settle in this wonderful family suburb,’ says Carol Reynolds, area principal for Pam Golding Properties. ‘The average buyer is aged between 35 and 50, and in the upper-LSM bracket. Durban North is predominantly a freehold market, with only five per cent of properties there falling under sectional title.’ Janis McManus, sales associate and team leader at Re/Max Panache McManus, adds that the older buyers looking to downsize and those wanting starter homes may seek simplex townhouses, duplex townhouses and cluster homes in Umgeni Park and Riverside, or take advantage of the proximity of these kinds of properties in neighbouring La Lucia, Sunningdale and Umhlanga. She notes that, on average, there isn’t much property available under R1 million. ‘In fact, in Central Durban North, Virginia and Glenashley, you can’t find much under R2.5 million,’ she says. Reynolds notes that there are three factors driving this market. ‘Location – convenience and proximity to everything, from beach to CBD to airport; the abundance of exceptional schools within a five-kilometre radius; and the character of the homes, which are well built and ooze colonial charm.’ The area has changed in the last decade and McManus notes that it’s not the small village it once was, with many new businesses and restaurants coming into the area. ‘There’s a real business hub, which is also an attraction, and
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT Beachwood Golf Course is one of Durban Country Club’s two courses and is a major drawcard for visitors to the area; homes overlooking Beachwood Golf Course are popular with buyers; boutique and specialist stores such as Nikki’s The Gift Shop, are well supported by the community; Durban North boasts many excellent restaurants including a branch of Lupa Osteria OPPOSITE, FROM TOP Durban North is known for its ocean views and the properties that boast these can command top prices; Umgeni Park, one of the suburbs that make up Durban North, overlooks the Umgeni River
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September2015_Spotlight_DurbanNorth_V3.indd 87
SEPTEMBER 2015 87
2015/08/13 7:36 PM
SUBURB FOCUS
banks have increased their facilities and upgraded due to the expanding community,’ she adds. Reynolds says, ‘Durban North is highly soughtafter; indeed, it’s one of the most buoyant markets I’ve ever operated in,’ and adds that the area has been even more popular recently, because there’s been a general migration northwards as a result of the new airport. ‘Demand outstrips supply, as people tend to settle here and are reluctant to move,’ she says, citing complexes in Sedgefield, Northfields and the areas of Upper and Central Durban North as particularly desirable. ‘There simply is no area that offers more convenience,’ she says. ‘With rising petrol costs and traffic congestion, families with schoolgoing children are seeking convenience, and Durban North wins the convenience race hands-down.’
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND SHOP Mackeurtan Avenue, Broadway and Kensington Drive all boast a selection of excellent restaurants, including branches of Durban favourites Spiga (spiga.co.za), Kung Thai (031 564 5458) and Lupa Osteria (lupa.co.za). Here you’ll also find specialist shops offering everything from secondhand books to jewellery, and the area has plenty of options for grocery shopping. Don’t miss Carol Clark (carolclarkdesigns.com), Nikki’s The Gift Shop (031 563 1821) and Loafers Urban Deli for delicious banting treats.
AREA SPOTLIGHT> DURBAN NORTH This report provides a current snapshot of the Durban North residential property market.
DEMAND INDICATOR METRICS
RESIDENT’S VIEW ‘As well as being upmarket and community-oriented, Durban North is exceptionally well maintained. Our ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, responds quickly to complaints and suggestions, and as a result, improvements are constantly being made in the area, such as the upgrading of roads and pavements, along with timeous repairs, and all the common areas like verges and pavements are kept neat and tidy. I also enjoy the fact that Durban North is so conveniently situated and that everything we need in terms of amenities is available nearby. It really is a great place to live.’ – Helen O’Dwyer, Durban North resident for 16 years
Properties listed for sale in Durban North comprise approximately 8% of the total sale listings in the greater Durban region. Approximately 11% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Durban region is attributable to properties for sale in Durban North. Properties listed for rent in Durban North comprise approximately 6% of the total rental listings in the Durban region. Approximately 12% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in the Durban region is attributable to properties for rent in Durban North.
PROPERTY TYPES n Sale Listings: The types of residential property for sale in Durban North can be broken down into 86% houses, 9% apartments and 5% complexes. A typical property for sale in Durban North is a three-bedroom house, currently with a median asking price of R2,95m. n Rental Listings: As far as rental property in Durban North is concerned, 58% is houses, 25% apartments and 17% complexes. A typical property for rent in Durban North is a three-bedroom house, currently with a monthly median asking price of R16 500.
MEDIAN ASKING PRICES n Sale Listings: The median asking price for residential property in Durban is R1,35m for an apartment, R2,39m for a complex and 3,85m for a house. n Rental Listings: The median rental asking prices for residential property in Durban North is R5 800 p/m for an apartment, R12 500 p/m for a complex and R16 500 p/m for a house. Total value of residential properties on Private Property in Durban North n Sales: R6 316 993 995 n Rental: R660 600
BOND REPAYMENT CALCULATION For a typical property in Durban North, the monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Durban North, namely a four-bedroom house with the median asking price of R2,95m, is R27 018 p/m over 20 years at prime of 9.25% with no deposit, compared to the monthly median rental asking price for a three-bedroom house in Durban North which is R16 500 p/m. Notes: The findings presented above used current market data for the period 1 April 2015 until 30 April 2015
FROM TOP This four-bedroom family home, which comes with a separate fully contained flatlet, is on the market for R3,875m with Seeff Properties; this oceanside property in Fairways is geared towards entertaining. It has five bedrooms and features a pool gazebo, bar and office and is on the market for R15 million, also with Seeff Properties
88
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_September2015_Spotlight_DurbanNorth_V3.indd 88
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/13 7:36 PM
BUT WE THOUGHT THE OUTHOUSE WAS PART OF THE PROPERTY Taken that a property purchase or sale is often, and by far, the largest financial transaction an individual makes in his life, it is uncanny how easily important details are overlooked and a transaction becomes lost as a result. The decision in June this year in the matter of Bernstein NO v Goldex 16 (Pty) Ltd is a case in point. Here the seller and purchaser were in agreement that a certain boathouse, situated close to the home in the new development that was purchased, would form part of the purchase and made a note to that effect in the sale agreement. It transpired later that the land on which the boathouse stood was not encompassed in the land being developed (and sold) and stood on a separate
piece of land. The inevitable outcome was that where both parties are under the same misapprehension, there was no consensus and thus no agreement. When deciding to purchase or sell, it is always advisable to choose an expert property practitioner to assist you from the word ‘go’. Contact our conveyancers at info@stbb.co.za or visit our website at www.stbb.co.za.
MASTERING THE INTRICACIES OF HOME OWNERSHIP
MORE THAN JUST THE PAPER WORK
COMMERCIAL LAW | CONVEYANCING | DEVELOPMENT LAW | LABOUR LAW ESTATES | FAMILY LAW | LITIGATION | PERSONAL INJURIES & 3RD PARTY CLAIMS
www.stbb.co.za Cape Town 021 406 9100 | Claremont 021 673 4700 | Fish Hoek 021 784 1580 Somerset Mall 021 850 6400 | Stellenbosch 021 001 1170 | Table View 021 521 4000 Tyger Valley 021 943 3800 | Menlyn 012 348 1682 | Illovo 011 219 6200 Fourways 010 001 2632 | Centurion 012 001 1546 | Bedfordview 011 453 0577
Life is about more than just the 9 to 5
St John’s Village is more than just a beautiful place to call home… It’s a perfectly placed slice of heaven, set on 190 hectares of rolling pastures, dams and plantations and close to many of KwaZulu/Natal’s finest private schools and the charming town of Howick. Whether you’re looking to get back to nature, longing for a vineyard view as the sun sets or hoping for a retirement village that’s much more about lifestyle than retirement, there’s a place for you.
St.Johns_RE_September_335x280.indd 1
ST JOHN’S RETIREMENT & LIFEST YLE ESTATE
KARKLOOF ROAD. HOWICK 083 327 2903 | i nf o@s t j ohnsvi l l age .c o.za
w w w. s t j o hnsv i l l ag e . c o . z a
2015/08/12 3:01 PM
PROPERTY INVESTOR
PROPERTY INVESTOR
advice column Text Patrick Cairns Photographs iStock
PART 11
A MATTER OF TRUST To find a good estate agent to sell your home, think like a buyer
S
elling a property is always a much smoother process if you can get a good estate agent on your side – someone who is genuinely looking out for your interests and with whom you can build a good relationship. It would be wonderful if all estate agents fitted that description but, as with most things, some are just better than others. Finding a good one does take a little more effort, but you will be more than rewarded for it in the long run. The best place to start is recommendations. If someone has had a good experience with an estate agent in the area, that’s worth knowing. Don’t, however, just jump at the first recommendation you get. It’s still worth doing your own checks. Start by putting yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Which agencies are most visible in your area? Visit their offices and look at which have the most appealing and informative window displays. Also check which are selling properties similar to yours – you want someone who has experience in that field. If you really want to go undercover, you could even go into the agency pretending to be looking to buy a property and see how they respond to you. Are they professional and knowledgeable, and
DO THEY LISTEN TO WHAT YOU WANT, RATHER THAN TRY TO SELL YOU WHAT THEY HAVE?
RE_Sept2015_PracAdvice11+12.indd 91
are they willing to listen to what you want rather than just try to sell you what they have? Importantly, do they display a fidelity certificate from the Estate Agency Affairs Board? If not, ask them to show you that they’re properly registered. Don’t deal with any agent that isn’t. It’s also worth visiting their websites. Would you be happy with the quality of the pictures they put up and the descriptions they give if that were your home? These may seem like small things, but consider what’s going to draw in potential buyers, and which agency would make them feel most comfortable. Once you’ve shortlisted at least three agents, ask them to come and value your property. When they arrive, pay attention to their punctuality, their appearance and their level of expertise. Do they listen to what you tell them about your particular circumstances and needs, and propose ways to help you? Every agent should be able to tell you what they think the asking price should be, and what they believe the property will sell for. Ask them to justify how they get to these figures by showing you what prices other, similar properties have fetched. You don’t want to just go with the one who proposes the highest price. You want the agent who is most likely to sell your home at fair value, not one who promises the world but can’t deliver. Most important of all, be aware of how you feel around the agent. Are you comfortable with them, and the way they talk about what they will do? Remember that selling your home can be a testing process and you want to have someone on your side you can trust.
2015/08/12 3:34 PM
PROPERTY INVESTOR
PART 12
HOT PROPERTY
What to think about as a buyer in a sellers’ market
T
he South African property market is far from homogeneous. While this is a good time to be a buyer in some areas, in others it’s a hot sellers’ market. In some parts of Cape Town, for instance, houses are selling within hours of first being advertised. There’s simply not enough supply to keep up with the demand, and when a good property becomes available, it gets snapped up. If you’re looking to buy in an area like this, there are some important strategies you need to keep in mind. You have to act quickly and decisively, but you also need to be smart so that you don’t pay above the odds. The first thing to think about is that when the market is hot, estate agents aren’t going to be chasing buyers. Don’t expect to be able to leave your details with them and that they’ll call you when something pops up. You’ll need to be the one calling them, which means that you have to stay on top of new listings. The best strategy is to visit the top property websites and sign up for alerts for homes in your chosen area and price range. That way, whenever a new property is listed, you’ll be notified. Since things move quickly in a sellers’ market, you should also be very sure of your budget. Set your limit and stick to it, because you don’t want to be drawn into paying more than you can afford just because you feel pressured into making the purchase. In this respect, it’s also worth trying to get preapproval for a bond. Not only will this set your budget at the outset, it will also give the seller the confidence of knowing that you can get a bond. If someone receives two similar offers and
Next issue
RE_Sept2015_PracAdvice11+12.indd 92
one is already pre-approved, it’s a no-brainer which one they’re more likely to pick. Also have a clear idea of what you want so that you can make a quick decision when a property becomes available. List the features that are absolutely essential, which are nice-to-have and which you definitely don’t want. That will help you to evaluate each property more efficiently. At the same time, however, be prepared to look for potential. You may not be able to find your dream home within your budget, so be prepared to use your imagination. Don’t be put off by details like old carpets or stained tiles that can be replaced. Most importantly, be prepared to make a competitive offer. That likely means at least matching the asking price. But don’t just assume that the price is fair value. Do some research on what properties in the area have been selling for, so that you don’t get sucked into offering an inflated price. If it’s too expensive, be prepared to walk away. The short-term regret of missing out will be far easier to deal with than the long-term regret of knowing that you paid more than you should have.
TIP WHEN THE MARKET IS HOT, YOU MUST STAY ON TOP OF NEW LISTINGS: SIGN UP ONLINE FOR ALERTS
Making a good property investment; tips if you’re struggling to sell your house
2015/08/12 3:34 PM
BUYING IN P
MIAMI LOCATED AT THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA, MIAMI IS A PRIME BUSINESS CENTRE, A MAJOR AIR HUB AND THE CRUISE-SHIP CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. IT’S ALSO A MAGNET FOR INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY BUYERS Text Jocelyn Warrington Photographs iStock, Supplied
94
robably best known to most South Africans as the location for TV series like Miami Vice and CSI, Miami is experiencing something of an unprecedented renaissance when it comes to infrastructure, population, commerce and culture. ‘Miami is arguably the best city in the US in which to live,’ say Gary Lazarus and Monte Levin, Miami estate agents with whom Pam Golding Properties has recently partnered. ‘Our beaches are pristine, our climate amazing and our multicultural identity rich and rewarding. The city is easy to get around. It’s not too big or overcrowded, and it doesn’t suffer from New York or LA’s overwhelming traffic jams or air pollution.’ What’s more, say Lazarus and Levin, the cost of living in Miami is lower than that in other major US or international cities, and the property costs are half (or even less) of those in New York, San Francisco or London. ‘Miami is a young city. It has a unique atmosphere and it’s going places. This is a great time to invest in and be a part of Miami’s growth,’ both agents maintain. Scott Hagerman, investment manager (North America & Asia Pacific) at IP Global, a propertyinvestment company that helps high-net-worth investors add global real estate to their portfolios, says, ‘As one of only two North American cities in the top 10 of Knight Frank’s most recent wealth report, Miami will continue to be in demand by high-net-worth buyers from around the world, and will always be seen as a safe-haven market for wealthy individuals and families in Central and South America.’ Esther Percal, senior vice president of Miamibased EWM Realty International, concurs. ‘Miami, and especially the Miami Beach market, is in a total upswing at the moment. It’s both a buyers’ and a sellers’ market as prices continue to rise, with high demand and low supply. The city attracts a lot of foreigners wanting a second, third or even fourth home here.’ One of the factors that doubtlessly adds to the attraction of buying in Miami is that doing so – be it as a local or a foreign buyer – is a relatively easy process. ‘Unlike in New York, we don’t have cooperatives that require board approval for purchases. Our market is condominiums and private homes,’ Lazarus points out. ‘The purchasing process is pretty simple and Miami is totally geared up for foreign buyers, right down to offering a turnkey furniture service.’ And, he
SEPTEMBER 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_GlobalBuy_Miami.indd 94
2015/08/18 3:33 PM
GLOBAL BUY
adds, ‘While federal income and estate taxes apply, Florida has no income or estate taxes.’ Chris Immelman, MD of Pam Golding Properties International & Projects Division, says, ‘Surprisingly, this rapidly growing urban centre still offers property at prices well below those of other large cosmopolitan American cities, such as New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, not to mention prime global investment destinations such as London. Miami’s notable housing rebound is being propelled by the growing demand for luxury condos and upscale urban living in a vibrant city which is attracting a worldwide following. ‘For South African buyers, the prices of these apartments are accessible, starting from $250 000 to R3,055 million at current exchange rates. Return on investment is increasingly attractive. In greater downtown Miami, dramatic increases of 22 per cent, 20 per cent and 15 per cent have been achieved on the resale of condos from 2011 to 2014. Furthermore, a buoyant rental market with high demand has seen average condo leasing prices with yields of 6.4 per cent in 2014 soar to 15.6 per cent in 2015.’
Where and how to buy ‘The most popular area in the city is Miami Beach, because it offers not only miles of beautiful beaches which can be enjoyed year round, but also an easy-to-navigate bay – a boon for boaters. It boasts great restaurants and shopping, plus an exciting nightlife, with theatres and art aplenty,’ says Percal. Not surprisingly, homes along the bayfront are the most sought-after and expensive in the city. ‘A two-bedroom home in mid Miami Beach costs in the region of $800 000 to $1.5 million,’ she says, adding that there are, however, areas where one can buy for substantially less. ‘In North Beach – which is still a part of Miami Beach – you can purchase a home in the $500 000 price range – although these are quickly disappearing. And, for the same price, you can buy a condominium unit in a full-service waterfront building in the area.’ Says Lazarus, ‘Downtown Miami, with its captivating vibe, views of multi-storey cruise ships lined up along Biscayne Bay, and Museum Park, is where the key investment opportunities lie, in an area undergoing major redevelopment and revival. Museum Park is an impressive 12-hectare bayfront space with public gardens, sculpture installations
and two museums. With an influx of corporates into the area, rental demand is very buoyant, which is a significant benefit for investors who prefer to rent out their units, at returns of four to five per cent per annum.’ George Radford, director for IP Global Africa, agrees with Lazarus. ‘Apart from the outstanding performance of the Miami real estate market in general, two other factors make Downtown Miami a good property investment destination. First is the age composition of the Greater Downtown Miami household, which shows an increasing influx of young, working-age professionals. Second, the median household income in Greater Downtown Miami has grown to $65 311 – up 32.39 per cent since 2010 – which is more than double that of the City of Miami. All this adds up to a property market from which investors can benefit.’ While visas are required for establishing US residency, there are no purchasing restrictions for foreign buyers and local finance is available for qualifying overseas investors. ‘There are recording fees involved in the purchase of a property, which are typically paid by the seller, and it’s customary for the buyer to purchase title insurance, a onetime fee that insures the title of the property should any inconsistencies arise after closing,’ says Percal, who explains that the cost of this insurance varies according to the property price and, although not mandatory, is required if the buyer is obtaining a bank loan. ‘Buyers are also required to pay any fees associated with their financing in the event they obtain a mortgage and, of course, the expenses charged by the buyers’ attorneys,’ she adds. ‘We also have an annual property tax which is paid by every property owner and is based on the value at which the city assesses one’s property.’
USEFUL CONTACTS Embassy of the United States (South Africa), southafrica.usembassy.gov EWM Realty International, estherpercal.com Invest in Miami Property, investinmiamiproperty.com Marquis International Real Estate, marquisinternationalrealestate.com One Sotheby’s International Realty, onesothebysrealty.com Pam Golding Properties International & Projects Division, for information email Theresa Fernandez, theresa.fernandez@pamgolding.co.za Waterfront Real Estate, waterfront-real-estate-for-sale.com
OPPOSITE The eighth most populous metropolitan centre in the US, Greater Miami is also a tourism mecca, attracting some 18 million international visitors per annum – a number that has doubled in the past five years THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Situated in the coveted Miami Beach area, Park Bay House features seven bedrooms, plus a breathtaking rooftop terrace, and cutting-edge smart technology throughout. It is on sale with EWM Realty International for $24.5m (reference A2115450); this brand-new two-storey contemporary family home in Miami Beach comes with four bedrooms, a heated swimming pool and landscaped garden. It is on the market for $3.399m with agents Gary Lazarus and Monte Levin, with whom Pam Golding Properties has recently partnered; a quirky mix of ultra modern and Art Deco, the Miami Beach ‘strip’ is home to countless designer boutiques, worldclass restaurants and trendy nightspots; the twostorey lobby of Auberge Beach Residences & Spa, a luxury oceanfront condominium offering 171 one- to five-bedroom residences, that is on the market with Marquis International Real Estate. For details visit miamiwaterworld.com
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
RE_September15_GlobalBuy_Miami.indd 95
SEPTEMBER 2015
95
2015/08/18 3:33 PM
DREAM HOME
GEORGIA Just a few minutes’ drive from historic downtown Savannah, Georgia, in the sought-after gated community of Modena Island, is this spectacular riverside property. Aside from impressive boating amenities (deepwater mooring, covered dock, jet-ski and boat lifts), the property has an elegant four-bedroom home with a three-car garage and French country kitchen. Traditional features such as high ceilings, repurposed antebellum woodwork, handmade bricks and meticulous ironwork are balanced by sophisticated tech. The property is on the market for $3,6 million – approximately R46,35 million – with Sotheby’s International Realty (sothebysrealty.com, reference GCVNEL)
96
SEPTEMBER 2015
RE_Sept15_DreamHome_USA_Georgia.indd 96
Text Julia Freemantle Photograph Supplied
I WANT TO LIVE IN…
www.realestatemagazine.co.za
2015/08/19 4:11 PM
The Infiniti Q50
infiniti.co.za