Seeff Eastern Cape Garden Route Magazine Summer 2016

PROPERT Y PAGES EASTERN CAPE &

S U M M E R

2 0 1 6

GARDEN ROUTE

A HOT

SUMMER

FOR GARDEN ROUTE PROPERTY

WIN

A WINE TASTING & PICNIC FOR 2 AT NEWSTEAD VINEYARD

KNYSNA DEVELOPMENT A

P I E C E

O F

P A R A D I S E

CONTENTS 06

COVER PROPERTY

KNYSNA BOASTS A DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME, ON THE WATER AND FACING THE HEADS.

STYLE & DESIGN

TRAVEL

WHO THOUGHT THAT CONCRETE COULD EVER BE ANYTHING MORE THAN JUST PRACTICAL?

WHEN COLD & SNOW RENDER BUSINESS SLOW, WHY NOT BUILD AN ICEHOTEL TO ATTRACT TOURISTS?

56 CUISINE

TRY OUR RECIPE FOR A PANROASTED SEA BASS & ENJOY IT WITH A GOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC FROM PLETT’S YOUNG VINEYARDS.

4 LIFESTYLE 10 MARKET OVERVIEW 14 PROPERTY & LAW

16 SEEFF PROPERTIES PER REGION 48 ART & INVESTMENT 54 COCKTAILS P R O P E R T Y PA G E S | 2

SAMUEL SEEFF

A NEW YEAR PACKED WITH CHALLENGES, BUT ALSO PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY

s we head into 2016, it is with the understanding that it will be a challenging year for the economy and country and, of course, for the property market. The reality that we have to take cognisance of is that we are facing a year packed with challenges to say the least – pressure on the currency, slow economic growth, interest rate hikes (possibly from as early as the end of January), rising costs and even potential tax hikes. While all of this will impact on the property market, and we expect a further slowing in sales volumes and price growth, there will always be opportunity in the market. There will always be buyers – those who want to or need to purchase a new property for a range of reasons despite the tough economic climate. Although we expect more caution in the market this year as

households begin to feel the pinch of the slow growth and higher costs, it is still a good time to buy and sell. The market is still fairly healthy and we start the year on a positive note with a well-balanced market, packed with plenty of buyers and fairly tight stock levels. So far, the summer period has been a positive one, with most holiday areas reporting good and even record tourist figures. With that, too, we have seen good interest in property. Against the background of the Rand sitting at record and near record lows against the major currencies, local and foreign buyers continue to see this as a favourable period in which to invest in the South African property market. The early part of the year tends to be a busy period. This is usually the time when many people decide to upgrade to a bigger house or better

neighbourhood or to perhaps downsize to a smaller home. Older buyers, too, may decide to retire to the coast or countryside. Younger, first-time buyers are also generally quite active during the early part of the year. The first few months of the year, therefore, tend to be a very good phase for sellers. Stock levels are still fairly tight with no oversupply in the primary sector of the market as yet. This means that sellers do not have to compete with too much stock.

For sellers, then, now is a good time to sell. Provided you are realistic with your price expectations, you should still find a buyer and at a good price. While this is no doubt going to be a year of belt-tightening in many respects, we expect it to remain business-asusual for the residential market, with plenty of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Visit www.seeff.com for more information or to view our wide selection of property on the market.

GIVE-AWAY The five-star Fordoun Spa is situated in the Midlands. Two readers can win a two-night spa treat (valued at over R7,000). Email your contact details to seeff@chapellane.co.za with subject heading “Fordoun”. PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY CHAPEL LANE MEDIA

EMAIL: CHARL@CHAPELLANE.CO.ZA

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TEL: +27 (0) 82 452 8110

LIFESTYLE

COLOUR IT WI Bring brightness and a sense of mischief and whimsy into your home with a range of smaller, yet intelligent and creative items designed by husband and wife team, artists Leanne and Ryan Botha. Splash out on their imaginative range of stationery, apparel and homeware that have a sneaky sense of humour and a whole lot of heart. Available online at www.alovesupreme.co.za.

roducts in the range include gift tags, disposable and melamine placemats, A4 prints, SNAP playing cards, gift bags, doodle books, stationery, apparel and homeware. Their recently launched fabric range now also includes fabric by the metre, tote bags, napkins, tea towels and pouches.

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WILD

FOR THE CUSHION LOVERS Work, gravity, or too many late nights – you need cushions to soften life’s hard knocks. Add class to your couch potato zone with these high quality cushion covers – zipped and printed on 260gsm canvas. 24 designs priced from R330 to R450.

5 1 ICE CREAM GIFT BAG. Sometimes the packaging is the real present. Hand a friend one of these Gift Bags in medium or large and you’ll see what we mean. Each comes with matching art paper gift tag. There are 11 different designs. R25 – R35. 2 FLAMINGO WRAPPING PAPER. Luxurious, uniquely South African designer Wrapping. It’s the kind people don’t just rip into. Each 50 x 70cm roll comes wrapped in plastic. 10 designs to choose from. R25 each, or R195 for a Wrapping Paper Book.

3 & 4 COWBOY LASSO & COWBOY BOOT CARDS. These individual A6 Postcards are blank on the back and anything but a stereotypical ‘Wish you were here’ on the front. From the playful to the sublime, they’re the post with the most in 38 different designs. Printed on 320gsm Art Paper. R20 each or R210 for a box of 12. 5 BALLOON WRAPPING PAPER. Match your Balloon Wrapping Paper with prints, gift cards, napkins, cushion covers and more. R25 or R195 for a Wrapping Paper Book.

.6 POUCHES. Choose from 12 different designs to carry your make-up or to hoard small, strange things that you collect. 21cm x 15cm, printed on 260gsm canvas, lined with cotton twill and finished with a metal zip. R150. 7 CRAZY LOVE TOTEBAG. Want a tough yet beautiful carry-all with inside pocket for keys or cellphone? They measure a generous 38 x 42cm excluding straps and are printed on 260gsm canvas. Look out for some very unique designs, such as Los Muertos, Fish Skull and Tree of Life. R295.

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COVER PROPERTY

R A R E D E V E L O P M E N T O P P O R T U N I T Y, READY TO GO

A PIECE OF PARADISE IN KNYSNA

On the water, in one of the most desirable locations imaginable and with The Heads in sight, Seeff Knysna has two adjacent properties on offer, in an opportunity that comes past only once in a lifetime.

COVER PROPERTY

hen it comes to accessing a slice of paradise, you cannot go wrong with beautiful Knysna. Aside from the stunning scenery, lagoon and sea-side location, it has proven to be a good investment, too, according to Suzi Bilyard, Seeff’s principal for

the area. Knysna has become a highly accessible location for visitors and buyers not just from across the country and African continent, but also from across the globe, given the relatively close proximity to the George airport and to Cape Town. The infrastructure is sophisticated despite the laid-back lifestyle. Attractions include the Knysna Heads, the two giant outcrops on either side of the lagoon estuary where there is also a private nature reserve. There are also the Knysna forests, made famous in the novels of the late Dalene Matthee. “Aside from the wealth of fauna and flora, the area is a water sport haven,” says Bilyard. “You can often spot dolphins and whales here.” There is plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, from walking and cycling trails to golfing at some of the world’s best courses. Top-notch schools, retail and restaurant facilities and, of course, excellent medical care are all on hand. Aside from residential buyers, Seeff Knysna has seen good pick-up in interest for those seeking holiday and second homes. Activity has also been boosted by migration to the area from inland provinces, in general, and retirement buyers, in particular, who want to spend their golden years in a coastal area with top-class infrastructure. There is still plenty of value on offer. Vacant plots, for example, are still up for grab from under R500 000 to about R1 million. Houses are still available at around the R1 million mark and even top-end luxury homes and locations such as Thesen Islands, along with developments such as Simola and Pezula, are still available at around the R4 million to R8 million price range, although these can reach as high as about R20 million. Seeff Knysna is currently co-marketing two exceptional opportunities – a stunning 1 137m2 home on land of almost 5 000m2 in a spectacular location that comes with fabulous views, as well as an adjacent investment and development opportunity – both at excellent prices of below R20 million. The properties can be bought separately or together according to the agent, Ivor Marks. The executive home is priced at R19.8 million and comes with five bedrooms (including guest suites), several living rooms, a private cinema, hobby room, garaging for six vehicles, a swimming pool and much more. Finishes include fireplaces, stone-clad walls and solar heating and there is also a borehole on the property. The adjacent development opportunity comprises of 35.2ha land priced at R18 million. Approvals are already in place for a high-end retirement development. Plans make provision for a 9 000m2 state-of-theart medical facility, 100 one-bedroomed apartments and 112 two- and three-bedroomed sectional title units. There are also 40 freehold prime residential plots of 1 600m2 each. Marks says that more than R8.5 million has already been spent on the development and approval costs, and the concept has been some eight years in the planning by a highly respected developer. The business plan shows a projected conservative net profit of R62 million and a net operating profit of R750 000 per month.

WWW.SEEFF.COM

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WWW.SEEFF.COM WEB REFERENCE #367861: Vacant Land @ R18 000 000 | #367162: House @ R19 800 000 CONTACT Seeff Knysna Ivor Marks (ivor.marks@seeff.com) on +27 (0)72 427 9967

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MARKET OVERVIEW

EASTERN CAPE & GARDEN ROUTE

A HOT SUMMER FOR COASTAL PROPERTIES It was a hot summer for the Cape’s coastal regions, stretching from the Eastern to the Western Cape. Not just the weather, but so too the visitor numbers and property sales. That is the word from Seeff’s branches in Jeffreys Bay along the Eastern Cape coast through to areas such as Plettenberg Bay and Knysna along the Garden Route. Holiday buyers have also made a welcome return.

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ne of the summer’s success stories is the Royal Alfred Marina development, located in the tranquil coastal village of Port Alfred. It has shown to be especially appealing for holiday home and retirement buyers, according to Simon Oliver, Seeff’s licensee for the area. The Marina comprises of five islands within a 45ha private estate in the Kowie River Estuary. It is gated with top-class security and also enjoys Blue Flag status. The islands are linked by arched bridges across the stone-walled canals and each of the 355 plots has about 15 metres of private water frontage onto the canals that flow into the Kowie River. Port Alfred is a very popular holiday and retirement spot according to Oliver and attracts buyers from Johannesburg and

Pretoria and even from the KZNregion. “The luxury homes in the development certainly appeal to the upmarket buyer,” says Ant de Bruin, Seeff’s agent for the development. Since its launch, property values have grown year-on-year and the Marina is consistently seen as a good investment. Prices here now range from around R3 million to about R5.4 million for a spacious five-bedroomed home with stunning river, bridge and small boat harbour views visible right throughout the house. For the really discerning buyer, there is a triple storey property with four bedrooms and a separate onebedroomed cottage priced at R12.8 million. The Jeffreys Bay market, too, is looking sunnier year after year, according to Gerrie Nieuwenhuis,

licensee for the area. The previous December was their busiest in over five years and Seeff made twelve sales, mostly to cash buyers. It is expected that by the end of this summer, it will likely have been just as good. Prices have remained fairly flat in J-Bay and the value on offer is still excellent when compared to other coastal destinations. One can still find two- and threebedroomed apartments and townhouses close to the beach and canals from R620 000 to about R1.84 million. Three-bedroomed houses in town start at about R880 000, but range upwards to about R1.6 million for those closer to the beach. Luxury holiday home buyers can still find plenty of value in the R4 million to R7 million range. A spacious 506m2 home, for example, with four bedrooms,

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MARKET OVERVIEW

modern interiors, including wooden floors and extras such as a study, and, of course, stunning views is priced at just R3.75 million. Even more impressive is a triple storey home that is on the market for R4.8 million. It comes with panoramic sea views and eight bedrooms in all, including two separate flats. It is ideal for conversion to a guest house and could, thus, perhaps suit an upcountry buyer that may want to relocate to the town to set up a business. At the top end of the market is an architecturally designed home for R6.9 million that comes with six

bedrooms and top-class finishes such as timber decking, a swimming pool, American wooden shutters, solar geyser, security cameras and beams and, of course, stunning views of the ocean and Bay area. Driving further down the coast, we get to Knysna, where the Seeff office has been seeing good interest in hot spots such as Thesen Islands and exclusive estates such as Simola and Pezula. Buyers arrive from all over the country and the globe and seem to absolutely love the Garden Route. They find the seaside lifestyle and natural beauty quite compelling. The prices, too, are still a big draw-card.

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One can still find plenty in the Knysna area under the R3 million price mark. Even in a top-end waterfront location such as Thesen Islands one may find a really stunning holiday home for under R6 million. Kevin Engelsman, licensee for Plettenberg, agrees that buyers are still finding excellent value on the Cape coast with property sales in Plett for the last twelve months having amounted to about R723 million. Plett is highly accessible for inland buyers, especially those coming from Johannesburg, as there now are weekly flights into the town. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The combination of excellent

THE NEW PLETT TRAIL

weather and sunshine basically year-round, Blue Flag beaches, world-class facilities including Polo and golf courses are part of the attraction,” he says. Engelsman notes that while Plett now easily ranks up there with Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard when it comes to coastal destinations sought out by wealthy buyers, prices are still significantly lower. You can find a nice lock-up-and-go apartment with four bedrooms and stunning mountain, lagoon and sea views for under R2 million. Even though there are a number of top-end luxury Plett homes that sell for upwards of R20

million to just over R40 million, there is still plenty of value in the R10 million to R20 million range, too. A beach house in sought-after Beachy Head, for example, is on offer for R12.5 million. The summer is nowhere close to being over. Temperature-wise, it has been one of the hottest on record. And price-wise in the property market, some new record prices have also been set by Seeff on behalf of its clients. Time to speak to Seeff about your property.

WWW.SEEFF.COM

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If you’re a keen hiker who enjoys a few of life’s luxuries along the way, the newly developed Plett Trail will go to the top of your to do list! Whether it is culture or nature, wine tasting or wildlife, the Plett Trail brings all of these top tourism experiences together in a unique slackpacking experience. Slackpacking has become a trendy term with a popular following, enabling more people to enjoy the beauty of hiking in nature without the hassle of carrying a heavy backpack along the trail. The Plett Trail takes slackpacking to the next level and the idea is as simple as it is ecological. Instead of driving between all the diverse activities and organising multiple day trips to the many attractions in the area, Plett Tourism has created a way for tourists to get back to nature, hiking or horse riding a number of unique trails connecting wine farms with wetlands, flora with fauna and every coastal attraction in between. The trail has been carefully crafted to immerse travellers in the breathtaking beauty of the area, while giving them a taste of the local wine agri-industry. Travellers will always enjoy a variety of terrain and experiences that include wine tasting rooms; marine, bird and indigenous wildlife; and even a few cultural and paleontological wonders along the way. Launching in April 2016, the Plett Trail is led by a professional guide, well versed in the cultural and botanical importance of the area, and offers delicious meals en route and luxury accommodation at the end of each day, where guests will be met with their belongings, a hot shower and a beautifully prepared meal. CONTACT PLETT TOURISM +27 (0)44 533 4065 WWW.PLETT-TOURISM.CO.ZA.

THE VOETSTOOTS CLAUSE A seller’s protection under the “voetstoots” clause in a deed of sale for immovable property is not as “absolute” as some might think. It is still the seller’s duty to inform prospective purchasers about all latent (hidden) defects in a property. A seller’s failure to do so could cost the seller in the long run. Patent defects, however, are a different story.

recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal in Banda & Fynn vs Van der Spuy (781/2011) [2013] ZASCA 23 (22 March 2013) overturned the conventional wisdom that a seller can ensure complete “immunity” against latent defects through a Voetstoots clause. Examples of latent defects are a leaking roof or a faulty geyser. It basically includes any defect that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Prospective purchasers will, for example, not see water marks on a ceiling resulting from a leaking roof in the “dry” months.

In the abovementioned case, the sellers failed to inform the purchasers about the true extent of the damage to the property’s roof. The sellers were aware of the fact that the roof leaked and had some repairs done to it to try and fix the problem. On closer inspection by specialists it was found that the cause of the leaks was twofold. Firstly, the wooden roof poles were inadequate to properly support the weight of the thatch roof, which resulted in the gradual sagging of the roof. Secondly, the pitch of the property’s thatch roof was only 35 degrees and not 45 degrees as

it should be, which would have at least ensured that rain water would run off the roof. The specialists testified that due to the pitch of the roof being 35 degrees, water ran into the roof and caused the thatch to rot more quickly. It was found that the initial repairs were, therefore, not sufficient to stop the roof from leaking in future. The purchasers only discovered this after registration of the property and the sellers had to fork out to replace the roof, as the problem could not be permanently solved through repairs alone. Even though the sellers were not aware of the

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SOURCE: NGL ATTORNEYS AT HTTP://NGL.MYVIGO.CO/BLOG, ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO

SELLER’S PROTECTION LIMITED

SOURCE: NGL ATTORNEYS AT HTTP://NGL.MYVIGO.CO/BLOG, ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO

PROPERTY & LAW

bigger problem, namely the incorrect pitch of the roof, they were still held liable because they were aware that the repairs which they had done were not adequate. On the other hand, patent defects are still the purchaser’s responsibility. Prospective purchasers cannot sit back and think that if any problems occur after occupation, the sellers will be held liable. A patent defect is defined as “one which will be apparent on an ordinary inspection”*. An example of a patent defect would be a crack in a wall which shows through the paint. It is a prospective purchaser’s duty to ask the sellers about such defects and to obtain all guarantees from the sellers in writing. It is clear that a mutual responsibility rests on sellers and purchasers regarding defects with a property. Sellers should be honest regarding latent defects and purchasers should be vigilant

when viewing a property; asking the hard questions with regard to all patent defects. It would be best if sellers were to disclose defects in a property to the purchaser and rather negotiate a lower purchase price. Failing to be honest with the purchaser could have huge financial implications for the seller after registration of the property.

REFERENCES: Banda & Fynn vs Van der Spuy (781/2011) [2013] ZASCA 23 (22 Maart 2013) *Dictionary of Legal Words and Phrases, 2nd edition, Claassen This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice

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20EIGHT CONCRETE MATERIAL

Coming from architectural backgrounds the founding partners of 20eight, Handre de la Rey and Inge de Beer have always looked at materials and objects used in the construction industry and wondered how to manipulate the properties to push their application to new limits. Seeff Property Pages asked them to explain the rationale behind their concrete collection.

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STYLE

“

The existence of 20eight was fuelled by our interest in the way things are made, the art behind the object. Materiality and texture is critical in our designs because we are driven by the visual and tactile as a complete experience. This is the impetus behind our desire to push the boundaries of the materials’ properties and to deliver new uses and combinations, which results in a passionately designed piece. The concrete collection is our first product design endeavour. We chose to work in this material as it is something that is commonly used; yet the possibilities of concrete are still to be fully explored. As practicing architects we find the honesty of a material to be very important and we seek to understand the materials that we work with in order to bring out their essence. Concrete just seemed like a natural base point to start our experimentation in material properties. Knowledge is the greatest driving force behind everything we do. We want to learn, and we want to express what we learn in our designs. The process of creation to us is a lot more valuable than the objects we create. The act of creating – coming up with a concept and going through all the stages of product development – is what we live for. Our philosophy is further inspired by technological advancement in architecture being enforced by international design developments. The ergonomics of the products also play a major role in the design development as each piece is a handmade and envisioned as a sculptured creation. Our future endeavours include developing products in various diverse materials. With every new material we introduce we would like to have a clear understanding of its structural and aesthetic properties to ensure maximum outcomes of design possibilities.” TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT WWW.20EIGHT.CO.ZA

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ORIENTAL C INVESTMENT MEETS INTERIOR DESIGN

Oriental carpets are timeless design elements that can be added to any home, whether traditional or contemporary, and they keep growing in value.

ictor Lidchi comes from four generations of Persian and Oriental rug dealers, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. He has been in this industry all of his life, travelling across the Orient in search of beautiful items. As one of South Africa’s best known specialist, he talks to Seeff Property Pages about the charm and value of Persian and Oriental carpets.

or other Oriental carpet (such as those from Turkey, India, Central Asia, and so on) is unique, and so they carry something of the soul and personality of their creators. Also, they are an expression of the best of Eastern art, which has always fascinated the West – their seductive colour combinations and enchanting designs have made them the ultimate in luxury and style for traditional and contemporary interiors, from New York to Hong Kong, Cape Town to London.

SEEFF PROPERTY PAGES (SPP): What is the fascination

SPP: Even for today’s interiors?

people seem to have for Persian and Oriental rugs? Why their prestige? VICTOR LIDCHI (VL): It goes back to biblical times in the East and since the Renaissance in the West when carpets were first imported for the nobles and royalty by merchants from Holland, Venice, and other nations trading with the Orient. Being hand-crafted works of art, each individual Persian rug

VL: Oh, yes. Leading interior designers and decorators worldwide love them and recommend them for their enormous versatility, endless range of styles and “moods” – from mellow and majestic to vibrant and rustic. These carpets add charm and originality, whether they are in a farmhouse, a penthouse, a mansion or a corporate reception area.

SPP: What does a good rug cost? VL: As with other art forms, there

are the “museum pieces” which can be priceless and the “collector’s items” which are rare and costly. It is a question of quality, size, supply and demand, rarity, age and so on. But the vast majority of collectors buy mainly for pleasure and decoration, although some also purchase carpets as investments or for hard assets.

SPP: What advice do you have for a first-time buyer?

VL: Above all, buy what speaks to

you, and what moves you! It is the same as with any form of art. Don’t be swayed by “names” or origins of rugs, or other people’s opinions. Also, deal with someone with a reputation for professionalism and who has stood the test of time. And someone who has the commitment and patience to listen to your needs and questions as well as offer the services and benefits you will value.

WWW.VICTORLIDCHI.CO.ZA

BOTTOM RIGHT: THE WORLD’S MOST PRICELESS ORIENTAL CARPET: “THE ARDABIL” (1539-1540) UNKNOWN MAKER.

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INVESTMENT ART & INVESTMENT

CARPETS

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VISIT SWEDENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHILLIEST LODGINGS

THE ICEHOTEL Ten thousand years ago, glaciers carved a riverbed to form the Scandinavian Torne River. It is from this mighty river that the Icehotel rises each winter, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, until spring returns and the entire creation melts to become part of the rushing rapids coursing towards the coast. Guests can view the aurora borealis, or even book their wedding in the ice chapel.

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TRAVEL

he Icehotel had its beginnings in the early 1980s, when the people of JukkasjĂ¤rvi decided that rather than going into hibernation during the freezing winter months, they should think of a way to better use their available natural resources and attractions. Instead of viewing the dark and cold winter as a disadvantage, the unique elements of the Arctic were to be regarded an asset. In 1990, the French artist Jannot Derit, inspired by the work of visiting Japanese ice artists, was invited to have the opening of his exhibition in a specially built igloo on the frozen Torne River, the unusual nature of which attracted many inquisitive visitors to the area. A group of foreign guests, equipped with reindeer hides and sleeping bags, decided that it would be a fun idea to use the cylindrical shaped igloo as lodgings for the night. The morning after, the plucky travellers raved about the strange sensation of sleeping in an igloo and thus, the concept of Icehotel was born. Building Icehotel is no mean feat, and each year the structure must be designed and built anew. As soon as winter begins, a team of snow builders, architects, designers and artists from across the globe gather in JukkasjĂ¤rvi, to create that yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Icehotel. The building process starts in mid-November, when the snow guns start humming and large clouds of snow start

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TRAVEL to drift along the Torne River. The snow is sprayed onto huge steel forms and allowed to freeze. After a few short days, the forms are removed, leaving a maze of free-standing snow corridors. In these passageways, dividing walls are built to create rooms and suites. Ice blocks, harvested at springtime from the Torne River, are now transported into the hotel, where selected artists set about creating attractions from these solid blocks of perishable material. The construction is done in several phases, and as one section is completed, it is opened to visitors and overnight guests while the other sections remain under construction. The first phase is usually completed by 10 December, with a new section opening each week thereafter, up to 7 January, when the construction of the Icehotel is usually complete. The Absolut Icebar opens by 12 December, while the Ice Church and Main Hall near completion closer to Christmas Day. After a day of adventure in Lapland, such as dog-sledding or skiing, nightfall approaches quickly and the outdoor temperature drops fast. Inside the Icehotel, the temperature is seldom colder than -8째C, regardless of how frosty it may be outside. When bedtime beckons, guests don their thermal undies, slip on hats and scoot down into thermal sleeping bags resting atop a bed of snow, ice and reindeer pelts. In the morning, they are awakened with steaming mugs of lingonberry juice and treated to a morning sauna and breakfast buffet. Guests wishing to spend a night in the below-freezing temperatures can choose between different types of accommodation, with the ideal being to combine one cold night with several warm ones in the adjacent hotel rooms or chalets. The Icehotel embodies the power of innovation and modern design crossbred with genuine architectural knowledge. Creating artworks from snow and ice is a new form of artistic expression, and is one that allows creators to explore, experiment and challenge their skills. A stay at the Icehotel is an experience rivalled by few others; it is a must for the modern adventurer or art lover.

WWW.ICEHOTEL.COM

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ORANGE & HONEY

MOJITO INGREDIENTS • 1.5 parts gin • ½ part triple sec • ½ orange, cubed • 8 fresh mint leaves • 1 tsp of honey • tonic water • orange slices and mint leaves METHOD Muddle the gin, triple sec, orange and mint leaves together with a scoop of crushed ice. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of honey and muddle some more. Pour into a chilled Collins glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint. BARTENDER’S TIP To muddle is to combine ingredients, usually in the bottom of a mixing glass, by pressing them with a muddler before adding the majority of the liquid ingredients. A muddler is a long, pestle-shaped utensil that is commonly made of wood, though modern designs can be found in stainless steel or plastic. One end of this bar tool is large and rounded and is used to mash the ingredients; the other end is skinnier and flat and is used to mix ingredients.

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COCKTAILS

THE CARIBE INGREDIENTS • 25ml vodka • 12.5ml blue curaçao • 25ml grapefruit schnapps • 12.5ml lemon juice • 50ml dry lemon METHOD Fill a martini glass with ice cubes and set aside to chill. Place vodka, schnapps, lemon juice, blue curaçao and dry lemon into a shaker. Remove ice from martini glass. Shake and strain ingredients and pour into chilled glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

THE ABYSS INGREDIENTS • 50ml vodka • 25ml blue curaçao • 25ml lime cordial • 100ml lemonade • small handful blueberries or cherries METHOD Place the fruit into the bottom of a highball or Collins glass and top to the halfway mark with ice cubes. Add the lemonade. Place the vodka, lime cordial and blue curaçao into a shaker and shake. Pour this slowly over the lemonade to form a layer. The fruit should bob to the top. Garnish with slices of fresh orange and serve.

OUT OF THE

BLUE

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FOOD

PAN-ROASTED SEA BASS WITH MILD SPICES AND SALAD OF WARM SPINACH, ASPARAGUS AND BERRIES, WITH AN ALMOND-GREEN CHILLI VINAIGRETTE METHOD Clean the asparagus, cook in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool in iced water and drain. In a hot pan, sauté the sea bass fillets in the olive oil with the star anise, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Set aside and keep warm. Reserve the spices. Next, prepare the vinaigrette. Remove the seeds from the green chilli, cut it into thin julienne strips and blanch in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool in iced water, drain and repeat twice. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper, finely dice the flesh. Toast the almonds for 10 minutes in a 180ºC oven. Chop with a knife and mix together with the diced peppers, green chilli julienne, olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Tear off the central rib of each spinach leaf. Sauté it in a hot pan with the olive oil for 1 minute and, at the last moment, add the asparagus, berries, mint leaves and chervil. Correct the seasoning and place in the centre of each serving plate. Top with the fish and drizzle over the vinaigrette. Decorate with the reserved. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE FISH • 4 sea bass fillets, 160g each • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 star anise • 4 small sticks cinnamon • 4 cardamom pods • 800g fresh spinach • 400g asparagus • 60g mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants) • small handful chervil • 4 sprigs fresh mint • salt and pepper

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE • 5 tbsp olive oil • juice of 1 lemon • 1 fresh green chilli • 1 red bell pepper • 40g blanched almonds • salt and pepper

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WORDS AND IMAGE: CONSTANCE LE PRINCE MAURICE

ART & DINING