Neighbourhood 3 MARCH 2019
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
A pretty good mix Steeped in history, Simon’s Town is a tourist haven and offers all the beauties of coastal living for those calling it home, page 6
10
2
THE LOST VINE
yourneighbourhood.co.za
4
READ BEFORE YOU SIGN
6
SUBURB FOCUS: SIMON’S TOWN
Connecting homeowners with great communities
2
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
3 MARCH 2019
Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Bonnievale
Lozärn | 023 616 2972 | lozarn.co.za
Bordeaux’s lost grape A small Bonnievale cellar is reviving the ‘lost child’ of Bordeaux WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES IMAGES: SUPPLIED
After strolling through the stalls area where you can buy anything from beautifully handmade wooden toys, clothing and jewellery, to Darling Meat Market products, home-made preserves and jams and fresh produce, head over to the food-and-drinks area. Here you can grab a cold Darling Brew, a delicious smoothie, or a bottle of Groote Post wine (I highly recommend the brut rosé MCC) and then make your way to a hay bale or table underneath the trees and kick off your shoes and relax.
But alongside these is a wine hailing from Bordeaux that perhaps few wine lovers have had the chance to taste.
where they are. For the older kids and young-at-heart grownups there’s one of those giant inflatable balls that you climb into and run around like a hamster on a wheel. I suggest you try it before you pop that bottle of bubbly…
“Carménère is the lost child of Bordeaux!” laughs Salóme. “It was once one of the main cultivars of Bordeaux, but in the 1800s it died off completely. It was always used as a blending component and, a bit like pinot noir, it’s a finicky cultivar to work with.”
Offerings from the food trucks will keep tummies full – we had amazing burgers from Burger Fellers; seriously, so good! But don’t wait too long before ordering because I noticed quite a few trucks had “sold out” stickers on the menus.
While the phylloxera epidemic killed off Bordeaux’s plantings of Carménère, the vines had already escaped to Chile, where it grew to become one of the country’s most important wine grapes. Today, Chile is home to the world’s largest plantings, although until 1994 winemakers there believed it to be merlot.
We really had such an enjoyable day. The people are friendly, the vibe is chilled, and the music great – musician Francois Haasbroek does brilliant renditions of Leonard Cohen songs.
Today Lozärn – with 1,9ha of vine planted – is one of the largest producers of Carménère in the country. “While the grapes look very much like merlot, and the wine is fruit-driven like merlot, it also has a bit of spice like shiraz,” adds Salóme, who says that mastering this wandering child is an ongoing process. “We’re learning more about this cultivar all the time.”
The next market is on 31 March, so clear your diary, gather the troops, and make a date to visit Groote Post. I’ll see you there.
For the kids there are horse riding, tractor trips, a magic show and jungle gym. And, of course, wide open spaces where they can run around without you having to worry about
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town
The Lozärn wines – three reds, a white and a rosé – come from a handful of properties in the Robertson wine valley, with most of the fruit harvested from 18ha of vineyard on Doornbosch farm near Bonnievale. The maiden vintages of the Lozärn range were released at the end of 2017, with a firm focus on Bordeaux cultivars. “The wines of Bordeaux definitely do better here, because Bonnievale is a little bit cooler than Robertson,” says Salóme, who offers both a sauvignon blanc and full-bodied red-blend in the Lozärn range. A blush rosé is also a fine addition to any summer cellar.
Are you ready for the country? I f you’re looking for a thoroughly enjoyable day out for the whole family, look no further than the Groote Post Country Market, held on the last Sunday of every month. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city on the West Coast Road/R27 to the turnoff onto a decent dirt road that takes you to the estate.
“T
his area is very flat. If you have a hill it’s a privilege!” laughs Salóme Buys-Vermeulen down the line from Bonnievale. Winemaker at Lozärn, Salóme was formerly the vineyard manager at Ormonde estate near Darling and worked harvests from New Zealand to Arendsig before settling down in the vines overlooking the Breede River.
EDITORIAL TEAM:
ADVERTISING SALES:
Group Editor: Carla Redelinghuys carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za
Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen capetown@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com
3 MARCH 2019
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
3
Mouille Point
Bobo’s Brasserie | 021 439 9027 | bobosbrasserie.co.za
Continental chic
French food at a trendy new venue with prime Mouille Point sea views WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: SUPPLIED
S
ince Pepenero closed last year, Mouille Point locals have been waiting to see what Kove Collection would bring next to their prime space with its wide frontage overlooking the seafront. Opened in December as Bobo’s Brasserie, it’s been transformed into a cheerful and sophisticated blend of riotous florals, rich colour and silk-smooth wooden tables and leather-upholstered chairs. Bobo’s aims for a contemporary French feel that’s still comfortable for all the family, serving lunches and dinners throughout the week. Plenty of sheltered outdoor seating set back from the road is ideal for summer sundowners and there’s a lovely bar and lounge area at the back, shelves of books giving it a homely appeal. The menu has plenty of allusions to the French theme, without being intimidating. Yes, there are snails in garlic butter to be mopped up with baguette, but if that’s too adventurous, asparagus with sauce gribiche, oysters, French onion soup or avocado prawn might tempt. We went for shaved ham with celeriac remoulade, generous quantities of salty thin-sliced prosciutto on a grated
celeriac and apple salad with a creamy dressing – light and crunchy. Parisian dumplings were ricotta and Parmesan dumplings in a herby butter sauce with some fresh asparagus spears. Billed as a vegetarian main option, these were tasty and unapologetically rich, and it’s worth asking for more bread to balance out that richness. Classic steak frites seemed to be a popular order with fellow lunchers, and the day’s special of quiche Lorraine with salad made several appearances. Our white fish nicoise and beef bourguignon were served in generous portions with side bowls of buttered baby potatoes. The fish came with lashings of olives, tomato, capers and herbs packing a flavour punch. The beef needed longer, slower cooking to do justice to its namesake but had a rich wine sauce and plenty of mushrooms. The vibe is polished but informal, and the offering of a whole roast chicken served family style at the table is appealing for those eating out with kids. Service throughout was warm and welcoming, and we finished with excellent coffee, enjoying the quintessential view of palm trees and sun glinting off the ocean waves.
4
PROPERTY NEWS
3 MARCH 2019
Neighbourhood
Yes, it’s binding When an offer to purchase (OTP) a property is signed by both buyer and seller, it’s a legally binding document for both parties and not something one can simply walk away from if either party has a change of heart WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
“A
n OTP (offer to purchase) is essentially an agreement that lays out the terms and conditions of the property transaction between the buyer and seller,” says RE/ MAX of Southern Africa’s regional director and CEO, Adrian Goslett. “Once signed by both buyer and seller, it is contractually binding, so it’s imperative that both parties be fully satisfied before putting pen to paper. A responsible real-estate professional will make this fact known to both parties involved, either by means of verbal or written communication, before allowing either to sign,” he says. “However, it’s ultimately the responsibility of the individuals to ensure they understand all the clauses and stipulations within the contract. If they’re uncertain on any point, they should ask their agent for an explanation or obtain a professional opinion from a lawyer,” Goslett cautions.
If the seller withdraws
“If the seller withdraws, the buyer can get a court order compelling the transfer,” says Maria Davey, attorney,
Meumann White Attorneys. “If the buyer accepts the seller’s withdrawal, the seller becomes liable for the immediate payment of the estate agent’s commission and any damages the buyer may suffer.” She adds, “The buyer’s damages may be negligible because the seller will only be liable to the buyer for actual out-of-pocket loss, however, it also depends at what point the seller pulls out. For example, the buyer may have sold his own property, and need to secure alternate accommodation urgently. Cancelling a week after signing the OTP is different to cancelling a day before transfer is due to be registered – what if the buyer had committed to a tenant to occupy the property? He will be liable to his proposed tenant and the seller in turn will be liable to the buyer. There’s also the transfer and bond attorneys’ wasted costs.”
If the buyer withdraws
Davey explained the flipside, “If the buyer withdraws, then, in theory, the seller could bring an application to compel the sale, but this isn’t possible if the buyer was paying the purchase price from the
proceeds of a bank loan to be secured by a mortgage bond. The seller cannot force the bank to proceed with the loan. “If the buyer withdraws after securing the full purchase price in cash, then compelling the transfer is simple. If the buyer has other assets that can be sold in execution to give effect to the payment of the purchase price, it’s also possible to compel, but all this involves litigating and legal costs. Ultimately the average seller just wants to sell the property and move on. So, a seller will invariably accept the cancellation, reserving the right to claim damages. Damages will include any difference in the selling price, the agents’ commission, and wasted transfer and bond registration costs.” Steve van Wyk, MD, Seeff Centurion, stresses, “To avoid any misunderstanding, all agents should inform all buyers from the outset that the OTP becomes a legal and binding agreement once signed and accepted by the seller. Buyers are often well aware of the legal implications of signing the OTP, but will try to get out of the agreement due to a number of factors,
including ‘buyer’s remorse’, interest in a different property, or a change in their financial position. In terms of the agent’s code of conduct, the agent must explain all the terms of the offer to purchase to both buyer and seller.”
An OTP is binding
Davey concludes, “A common misconception is that there’s no agreement until all conditions – such as, for example, the grant of a loan – are fulfilled. This is simply not correct. As soon as the agreement is signed by the parties, the rights and obligations that bind the parties are created, even if at a later date it all falls by the wayside as a result of the non-fulfilment of conditions.”
Now in SA!
PROPERTY TO THE POWER OF Leading global digital auction platform Real-time bidding Fair and fully transparent Transactions closed same day Available on any device, anywhere Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, contact us and experience property trading to the Power of X with our innovative digital auction platform. All categories of property. Everyone’s invited. If you would like to discuss entering your property into our 10th April auction or would like to learn more about our digital platform, please call MC Du Toit on 082 563 3275 or email mc.dutoit@bidx1.com
www.bidx1.com
Innovation. Backed by experience. In proud association with Pam Golding Properties
6
PROPERTY NEWS
3 MARCH 2019
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Simon’s Town
Be a tourist in your own town where centuries of charm, beautiful scenery, a rich history, and all modern amenities await WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
A
charming seaside village steeped in maritime history, a penguin colony, a busy naval base and commercial dockyard, Simon’s Town is the last settlement along the False Bay coastline before you reach Cape Point and feels a world away from the city bustle. Well-maintained Victorian buildings along the main street, museums, and the southernmost mosque in Africa attest to its varied and colourful history as an important strategic port since the 1700s. There are, however, many more layers to explore, as Joline Young, who conducts history tours here, explains, “What makes it interesting for me is the hidden history of slavery in Simon’s Town; the San and Khoi people of the False Bay coast, the old fishing families as well as the sad history of forced removals during apartheid. Interesting too, being a port village, is the intersection of people and cultures that occurred here.” For many residents being close to nature is the biggest attraction. As well as naval frigates and submarines in the bay, they enjoy regular sightings of whales and dolphins. Penguins are charming, but noisy neighbours in the streets above Boulders beach. Baboons can be seen on the mountainsides and sometimes in your garden, as well as mongoose, duiker and dassies. Beaches and mountain trails are ideal for daily dog-walking. “I love the fact that it feels so far out of town but it’s really the best of both worlds,” says Roushanna Gray of Veld and Sea.
Property From renovated Victorian cottages and modern apartments in the central town, to mountainside family homes with panoramic views over the bay, Simon’s Town has a wide range of property to choose from. Simonskloof, above the dockyard and marina, is sought-after for its mountainside properties sheltered from the southeaster, while around the shoulder of the mountain Boulders and Seaforth, though windier, are an easy stroll to beaches for morning swims with the penguins. The brand-new Harbour Bay development, which recently opened Simon’s Town first
ever mall and supermarket, includes a residential component plus a medical centre and a retirement village.
Schools Simon’s Town families can choose from a wide variety of schools in the False Bay and South Peninsula areas. Fish Hoek’s public primary and high schools are probably the most in demand, along with Sun Valley Primary. Simon’s Town High School is notable for having recently celebrated its 200th anniversary and for its Lawhill Maritime Centre, a facility that gives leaners an opportunity to study towards careers in the maritime industry in grades 10 to 12. Private schools include Bay Primary in Kalk Bay, Imhoff Waldorf School, and a new Generation School also in Imhoff, with another campus planned for Noordhoek.
Explore You’re never far from a beach in Simon’s Town: swimming at Boulders Beach with the penguins, dogwalking on Long Beach, snorkelling at Windmill Beach, or heading into Cape Point Nature Reserve for unspoilt, wild coves. Sea kayaking, sailing and surfing before or after work are part of the magic of everyday living here. A short one-minute hike up to Admiral’s Waterfall is one of the town’s best-kept nature secrets, easy enough for kids, and fun playing in the water and clambering on rocks. The town itself has plenty for all the family. “I love meandering along the waterfront jetty with my kids, peoplewatching, dreaming, feeding chips to the seagulls and looking out for the resident crane,” says Roushanna. She also recommends going on a walking tour of Simon's Town or visit the Heritage Museum to better understand the local history. “Explore the curious little lanes behind the main road, kayak the coastline, enjoy a picnic at a Windmill beach, have an adventure with Pisces Divers and roll around in the gemstones at Mineral World. Being a tourist in your own town has never been such fun!”
3 MARCH 2019
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
Simon's Town still has the charm of a picturesque holiday coastal village. I love the rustic quiet of living in this area, being so close to the mountains and ocean and at the mercy of the elements.
7
EAT • The Lighthouse Café: Mediterranean cafe fare • Salty Sea Dog: fish and chips • Dixies: laid-back pub food and sea views • The Sweetest Thing: coffee and patisserie • Monocle and Mermaid: a quirky coffee shop vibe
ROUSHANNA GRAY, RESIDENT
PLAY • The SA Naval Museum • The Toy Museum • Snorkelling and swimming at Windmill Beach • Coastal foraging workshops with Veld & Sea • Take a history tour with Simon’s Town Walking History
SHOP
You’ll pay
R41,229 per month
R4,2m
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R3,775m In a complex
over a period of 20 years at 10.25% prime
R2,095m For an apartment
R4,55m For a house
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
9%
R14,450 In a complex
COMPLEX
R7,500
2%
R13,500 For a house
38%
60%
For an apartment HOUSE
median asking price
Median asking price
R16,000 89%
Based on
R4,2m
2%
APARTMENT
For a typical property in this area
Median asking price
For rent
HOUSE
Monthly bond repayments
APARTMENT
For sale
COMPLEX
• The new Harbour Bay mall: Clicks, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths Food • Kalidas – Harry’s Surf Shop: a landmark for beachwear • Thrift store shopping at Maximilist vintage store, Hidden Treasure Charity Shop, and HMS Pickpocket • The Waterfront: gifts, galleries and clothing • Independent owner-run shops along the main street: from vintage and curio shops to hardware and pharmacies
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 3 MARCH 2019
9
10
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 3 MARCH 2019
AT L A N T I C B E A C H E S TAT E Atlantic Beach Estate: 021 201 8706 • pamgolding.co.za/atlantic-beach-estate
Atlantic Beach Estate / R7.95 million
Ref# 1TV1283574
Atlantic Beach Estate / R5.95 million
Ref# 1TV1330087
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Immaculate home with stunning ocean views. This comfortable home is spacious, light and airy. Entertain on the pool deck with gas and wood braai options whilst overlooking the ocean and incredible sunsets.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Garages 2 / A The home is sunny, airy and light. The kitchen has granite tops and is fitted with wood finish cupboards. The dining room is double-volume and leads to a north facing/wind free undercover patio.
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Atlantic Beach Estate / R5.75 million
Ref# 1TV1396696
Atlantic Beach Estate / R4.1 million
Ref# 1TV1415253
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / A tranquil oasis situated in a greenbelt. This home is an immaculate gem. Designed by Enrica van der Linden and built for the owners with care and attention. A light, modern home with a timeless design.
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Garage 1 / Home with an option of a third bedroom / hobby room or babies nursery. Very spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen with a gas fireplace. Very large dining room. The home is fully tiled. Main bedroom with an en suite.
Paolo Girardi 083 259 8245
Natania Taylor 083 259 8245
Meet us at the PGP Sales office at the Golf Club entrance, Birkenhead Drive, to be escorted to the showhouses. A C C R E D I T E D A G E N T S F O R AT L A N T I C B E A C H E S TAT E
atlanticbeachestateofficial
ONE OF SA'S TOP 10 RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 3 MARCH 2019
11
WESTERN SEABOARD Blouberg: 021 557 1115 • Big Bay: 021 554 0033 • Milnerton: 021 551 8640 • Melkbosstrand: 021 553 1912 • Sunningdale: 021 556 2362 • Atlantic Beach Estate: 021 201 8706 • pamgolding.co.za/western-seaboard
Bloubergrant / R3.25 million
Ref# 1TV1413792
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / This home is absolutely in a pristine condition. A one minute stroll to the beach and other amenities. Separate entertainment area, and if you love gardening, a vegetable garden tucked away on one side. A well point with crystal clear water can be used to fill the pool. Follow PGP boards from Marine Circle. Leon 083 455 9530, Marinda 079 876 3562
Sunningdale / R2.765 million
Ref# 1TV1364246
Sunningdale / R2.695 million
Ref# 1TV1408357
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Immaculate home in beautiful Canal West, built with family and entertainment in mind. Follow PGP boards from Sunningdale Drive.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Desirable sought-after Augusta Place. Follow PGP boards from Sunningdale Drive to Augusta Place.
Karen 083 941 7982, Jarret 082 542 7085
Paolo Girardi 083 259 8245
West Beach / R1.62 million
Ref# 1TV1416209
Bloubergrant / R1.2 million
Ref# 1TV1420112
Bedrooms 2 / Bathroom 1 / Garage 1 / Modern and stylish home in quiet corner of West Beach. Follow PGP boards from Sandown Road.
Bedrooms 2 / Bathroom 1 / Parking 1 / This apartment has recently being renovated. It is neat as a pin. Follow PGP boards from Marine Circle.
Karen 083 941 7982, Jarret 082 542 7085
Leon 083 455 9530, Marinda 079 876 3562
3- BE D, 2-BATH FROM
R1 999 900
R20 000 D EPO S I T N O T RANS F E R C O S T S T’S AND C’S APPLY
Balwin Properties, an internationally-acclaimed and JSE-listed property developer, presents serene living with Paardevlei Square. Situated within the tranquil part of Paardevlei Precinct, within Somerset West, these 3-bedroom stylish apartments offer elevator access, open-plan living, superior features, SMEG appliances, private patios as well as views of the Vlei and lush natural surrounds.
BO O K YOU R O NSI TE A P PO INT M E NT De Beers Avenue, Somerset West, Cape Town Ansie 079 012 6171 | ansie@balwin.co.za paardevleisquare.co.za
Spectacular swimming pool
Triple layer security
ON SHOW 2-6PM WED, SAT, SUN & ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
balwin.co.za
Fibre & DSTV ready
Easy access to Strand Golf Club
Pet-friendly
Elevator access
The Vlei
Nature hiking trails