Neighbourhood CT - 05 May 2019 by Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood 5 MAY 2019

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Right up there An eclectic mix of people, property and creativity, residents of Observatory tend to put down their roots for life, page 6 10

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

5 MAY 2019

Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS

Neighbourhood

In your hood:

Sunset Beach

Cowboys and Cooks | 021 879 1923 | cowboysandcooks.com

Bring on the elections

ith just a few days before the 2019 general elections, Samuel Seeff, chairman, Seeff Property Group, says the elections simply cannot come quick enough. It’s time to get it done and dusted as quickly and efficiently as possible, so one can get back to the business of building the economy and property market. He says most of the year has been characterised by “buyer analysisparalysis” with buyers hesitating, sitting on the sidelines waiting to see how the elections unfold. This has been the case especially among those with discretionary money who don’t have to buy or invest right now. The result has been lacklustre demand and weak price growth. It’s been a period of frustration for property owners looking to sell and move on, but simply cannot because there just isn’t the level of demand that one should’ve seen in the market this year, he adds. In a sense, the “political impasse” has left people with a level of uncertainty and the best course of action is to get the election out of the way as quickly as possible. An essential element of economic and property market growth is stability and confidence, and the country is certainly poised for a return of confidence and economic revival, he says. What people now need, is for the commitment and hard work done by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the investments to start filtering into the economy. The combination of certainty and stability is the vital ingredient that South Africans need to

recommit to the future and economy. The latest FNB property barometer points to a level of stability returning to the market. Despite more people selling for financial and emigration reasons, FNB branches have seen an uptick in activity, specifically in the core R1,2m to R3m price band, and there’s an expectation that buyers will start heading back after the elections. Sellers should be ready to capitalise on that demand. Conditions are favourable for buyers. Economists expect the interest rate to remain flat at least for the next quarter. Mortgage lending conditions have also improved further. Ooba, for example, recently reported the bond approval rate is trending upwards and the deposit requirements are down slightly year-onyear as the banks compete for a limited pool of buyers seeking mortgage loans. Seeff says while there’s an expectation of renewed energy in the market as we dust off the uncertainty that has characterised the lead-up to the elections, market conditions are likely to remain fairly flat for this year. But, he adds, with so much good stock, more motivated sellers, a flat interest rate, and a positive mortgage lending landscape, there’s every reason for momentum to start building. As the year unfolds, we could then hopefully start looking forward to a return to real growth next year.

A cut above

Cowboys and Cooks brings next-level steaks to Sunset Beach WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: KIT HEATHCOCK & SUPPLIED

here’s a new steakhouse in town and Sunset Beach is surprisingly where it’s at. Cowboys and Cooks is an independent brand dreamed up by restauranteurs Mike Townsend and Stuart Bailey, ex-Harbour House and Hussar Grill respectively. “We wanted to go back to local, away from the trendy scene of the CBD,” says Stuart. “Neighbourhoods like this are starved of really good, up to date, relevant restaurants.” Their aim is to take the local steakhouse up a notch in quality and character. “The beauty of the steakhouse is it’s part of the South African culture – it’s timeless. We grew up with this. Primal cuts, great meat – that’s what it’s all about.” Cowboys and Cooks source their meat from Chalmar Beef, a sustainable farming ethos producing a superior quality beef and lamb, and this focus on quality – while keeping prices affordable – has drawn crowds of locals ever since they opened in November. Purists love their custom-designed open charcoal grill and the braaistyle perfection of flavour it gives, with no complicated basting sauces, just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, so you can really taste the flavour differences between the cuts.

A dedicated vegetarian and vegan section to the menu is in the works, but in the meantime a huge black mushroom baked with feta on nutmeg-dusted creamed spinach made a delicious and substantial starter, and sides such as roasted butternut, chargrilled broccoli and BBQ mushrooms are varied enough to make up a meal. Fresh fish comes daily from Kalk Bay through Mike’s Waterfront restaurant, Sevruga. With bookshelves, leather chairs and banquettes, wood flooring reclaimed from ship decking, black and white photographs, Cowboys and Cooks is comfortably old school in decor but with a slightly quirky, unpretentious, home-from-home touch. Branches in Durbanville, Stellenbosch and Kloof Street are planned for next year, each with its own individual style and the same high standards of food established in this first Cowboys and Cooks.

Starters are classics such as grilled calamari, luscious roast marrow bones with ciabatta toast and crispy onion rings, jalapeno poppers or peri-peri chicken livers – rich, creamy and fiercely spiced. Our ribeye and rump steaks were both superb, tender, juicy and full of real flavour. Sauces come separately in copper pans, but we ended up enjoying our steaks unadorned, using the admittedly delicious truffle mushroom sauce for dunking hand-cut chips. PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town

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5 MAY 2019

Neighbourhood

In your hood:

Countrywide

In your hood:

Silverthorn Jewel Box Méthode Cap Classique | silverthornwines.co.za Steenberg 1682 Brut Rosé | steenbergfarm.com Dainty Bess MCC | daintybess.co.za

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Try at home

SAB | bit.ly/2GRo1ox

Bubbles for mom With Mother’s Day looming, here’s a peak into how moms expect the day to be celebrated WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

other’s Day is next Sunday and that means celebrations are in store. If you’re not sure which bubbly to buy, we asked three wine-loving mums in the industry for their perfect Mother’s Day pour.

Cathy Marston

Wine educator at The International Wine Education Centre (thewinecentre. co.za) and mother to Charlie (13): Q: In a perfect world, what will you be drinking on Mother’s Day and who’s pouring? A: I’m actually doing two mock tasting exams over this weekend (Cathy is studying for the prestigious Master of Wine certification) so lots getting poured, none getting drunk! Given the perfect scenario, I’d go for a combination of Silverthorn Jewel Box Méthode Cap Classique, and Idris Elba. I fancy that would work rather well.

Match point

Q: And you’d enjoy it where? A: If I had no studying to do, and all the time in the world, I’d be sitting in my special steamer chair drinking bubbles from the bottle, sitting on my new champagne cork table and reading books all day long. My idea of a perfect day!

Pearl Olivier

Sommelier at Reuben’s Restaurant at One&Only Cape Town (oneandonlyresorts.com), chairperson of the Black Cellar Club, and mother of a daughter and a son, both under 10 Q: Your perfect pour? A: If all works out well and I manage to slip away from busy operations in the hotel, I would be celebrating with Steenberg 1682 Brut Rosé. I love the fruity aromas of raspberry jelly and strawberries and the brioche gives the wine great depth and the mousse is so elegant it will make any hardworking mum feel like a well-rested queen.

Trizanne Barnard

Winemaker at Trizanne Signature Wines (trizanne.co.za) and mother of Daniël (7) and Jean (5) Q: What’s being poured? A: I'm going to drink Dainty Bess MCC from Jane Ferreira-Eedes, also a mum and inspiring woman in the wine industry. Dainty Bess is a gorgeous salmon pink colour with raspberry, light yeasty aromas and hints of spice on the nose. Q: Where are you sipping? A: I will probably enjoy it after I’ve enjoyed my Mother’s Day surf – in the sun and on the beach with my husband, my boys playing in the sand, and my dogs chasing each other.

Beer and chocolate might make for strange bedfellows, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent combination WORDS & IMAGE: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

ndulging in a chocolate is similar to the feeling of cracking open an ice cold beer, but few people imagine the two can actually be paired. Yet, beer can be an inseparable partner of chocolate. Certified cicerones (beer sommeliers) agree that milk chocolate tends to pair better with traditionally chocolatey beers, like porter or stout, whereas dark chocolate pairs better with beers of high intensity that may not be as obvious, like dubbel or a Belgian strong dark ale. Tshepo Tloubatla, beer culture manager, SAB & AB InBev Africa, says both chocolate and beer are complex foods, meaning their combination is that of dynamic flavours. “Chocolate and stout are a match made in heaven. They complement each other with their decadent, rich and smooth qualities. Dark beers are all brewed with a portion of roasted dark malt, which gives distinctive chocolate notes,” he says.

Flourless chocolate cake

This cake will complement Castle Milk Stout Chocolate Infused. The beer has a smoky nose and sweet palate with plenty of dark chocolatey undertones which match well with decadent cocoa-based desserts.

Difficulty: Easy Makes: 1 cake Prep and cooking time: 45min Ingredients 300g dark chocolate, chopped 200g muscovado sugar 175ml boiling water 225g unsalted butter, diced 6 eggs separated pinch of sea salt Method 1. Pre-heat oven to 180ºC, then grease and line a 23cm cake tin. 2. Add the chopped chocolate and sugar to a food processor and blend until it forms a powder. Add the boiling water, butter, yolks and salt. Blend again until properly mixed. 3. Whisk the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl until the stiffpeaks stage, add a spoonful of egg white to the chocolate mixture, then carefully fold this back into the egg white, a spoonful at a time. 4. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 40min until a skewer comes out clean after being inserted into the middle. Cool the cake and refrigerate until needed. Tip: Make sure to use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa percentage as a cake that’s too sweet will jar with the bitterness of the stout.

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

5 MAY 2019

Neighbourhood

Lesson plan For young South African families, top schools for their children head the priority list. Are properties within prime school catchment areas more expensive? WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

learly, we all want the best schools we can afford for our children, and other than for private schools, that involves falling within the specified catchment area. There’s high demand for top schools on the one hand and limited places on the other, so begin your homework as early as possible. As Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says, “Not only will having a home near a well-respected school make a parent’s life easier in terms of the commute and coordinating the various extramural activities, but it also holds solid investment potential. There will always be a demand for them, which also makes this a safe purchase for investors.” Goslett advises buyers with children to make contact with the principal at the school of choice, to ascertain which suburbs get preference when it comes to admission. “Each school adopts a general admissions policy with their own unique applications. For example, if there are two schools within a suburb, a school might base their admission requirements on proximity by road rather than solely by district requirements. You may be referred

to a school 1km away from your home by road as opposed to being accepted in the school 4km away.” Charmain Scott-Wilson, Seeff Rondebosch, uses her area as a good example. “With about 18 to 20 top schools and the University of Cape Town (UCT) in the Rondebosch area, parents are spoiled for choice. This reflects in the sales. Supply of properties in zones with top-class schools tend to always be a challenge, as parents hold on to their properties for many years. In Rondebosch, because of easy access to UCT, the life cycle is even longer.” She adds, however, “As a word of caution, selling a property well-located in relation to good schools doesn’t mean buyers will pay prices out of kilter with the market. Those properties certainly do tend to sell for (slightly) more than those located further, but it doesn’t mean buyers will overpay.” When it comes to prices, there will always be other factors at play, but proximity to a sought-after school means there’s high demand, and that means greater interest, faster sales and higher prices. Michael Bester, director and managing partner, Tyson Properties Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl, concurs.

“Properties in the catchment areas of good traditional schools come at a premium, even in a downturn.” He advises, “Be prepared to pay that extra for the convenience of not sitting in traffic to get your kids to school or their extra-mural activities. Be open to renovating a ‘fixer upper’ in these areas, and add monetary and lifestyle value to the house. Also consider the driving routes from the house to school – try to find homes with a less ‘traffic intensive’ route to the school to cut down time spent in the car.” If the property is within walking distance, so much the better. Goslett adds, “According to the South African Education Policy, where possible, children should be given access to a state school within 5km of their home. Private schools, however, are free to admit learners according to their own admission policies, provided no one is refused admission on the basis of race or religion. “If your child has been refused access to your nearest government school, ask to see the official communication from the Education Department that states that the school is full for that academic year. If the school refuses, then parents can contact their local district office for assistance.”

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PROPERTY NEWS

5 MAY 2019

Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

Observatory Bohemian, creative, shabby chic and slightly rough around the edges, Observatory holds a unique place in the hearts of Capetonians WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: NATASHA LASSEN & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale

ome to many a student and first-time homebuyers, Observatory’s cottages and small properties are more affordable than those of the Southern Suburbs and close enough to the CBD for easy commuting. Lower Main Road at its heart is a rich lode of quirky cafes, vintage shops, backpacker lodges, bars, nightlife and artisan businesses. But it’s the strong community feel that residents come to appreciate and which often keeps them here for life. “Observatory values its heritage as a place where many people from all walks of life mix and recognise one another,” says resident Carine Zaayman. “Undoubtedly gentrification occurs here, but Obs residents are more vocal in advocating for the rights of everyone who dwells within it, rather than just for those of homeowners.” Active community organisations such as Observatory Civic Association work with the city for the best interests of the local community and its heritage, and organisations such as the Deaf Community of Cape Town, Rape Crisis and Cape Mental Health are based in Obs.

Property Terraced Victorian cottages, small houses with pocket handkerchief gardens, and low-rise apartment buildings are the characteristic properties in the narrow streets behind Lower Main Road. Close enough to UCT with the Jammie Shuttle running along Main Road, Obs has always been popular for student accommodation and its youthful vibe attracts international backpackers to its hostels. As urban densification spreads out from the CBD, through Woodstock and Salt River, the profile is gradually starting to change. “Observatory has become more sought after, and as such more young families and young professionals have moved in,” says Carine. “The most marked difference, however, has occurred in the last two years or so with the increasing building of high-rise blocks.” Several new developments along Main Road are in the works, catering to the increasing demand for secure apartments for young professionals and parents buying for student accommodation.

Neighbour to Salt River where more and more creative businesses are being established, Observatory is also attracting small businesses to commercial properties in Observatory. Andrew Lundin opened Get Cork on Lower Main Road five years ago and enjoys that Obs is less crowded than the CBD and East City, flat and easily walkable for supplies, as well as the sense of history and community.

Schools As far as education goes, Observatory’s claim to fame is being the home of the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences, and Cape Town’s best-known teaching hospital at Groote Schuur. Then AFDA, the film and media school, has its Cape Town campus in the suburb. Observatory Junior School and the handful of public primary schools in Salt River serve the local community, and the renowned public and private schools of Rondebosch, Newlands and Claremont are close enough to give families plenty of choice. The Observatory Community Centre is another much-loved resource, hosting classes in art, drama, martial arts, fire performances and more.

Explore Lower Main Road with all its quirky shops and cafes is well worth exploring, and explodes into even more colourful life at the end of November for the annual Streetopia event. “Streetopia’s purpose is to bring the spirit of creativity alive for one glorious day in Obs – and leaves a legacy of creative projects that uplift the area and build social cohesion,” explains Travis Lyle of AfrikaBurn. “It’s a love project driven by AfrikaBurn that’s a collaboration with Obs residents and civic and social organisations.” When in need of green spaces and nature, Obs residents head to the Two Rivers Urban Park alongside the Liesbeek and Black Rivers where – as well as the River Club, The SA Astronomical Observatory and the Valkenberg Estate where the Wild Fig restaurant has an almost country feel – the Raapenberg bird sanctuary provides a protected wetland space for bird-watching and picnics.

5 MAY 2019

Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

The community is diverse, tolerant, creative and empathetic. The vibe is relaxed, largely unpretentious, though with a strong streak of street fashion. CARINE ZAAYMAN, RESIDENT

PLAY

For a typical property in this area You’ll pay

R22,578 per month

For rent

Median asking price

R2,3m

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R890,000 In a complex

60%

SHOP • The Real Cheese: artisan cheeses from all over South Africa • Komati: health food • Get Cork: cork boards and custom installations • Duke and the Dolls, Voom Voom Vintage, Nevernew, Munro’s and more: vintage clothing, vinyl and second-hand gems spread along Lower Main Road • St Peters Square: Pick n Pay, pharmacy and services

COMPLEX

• Reverie Social Table: five-course wine pairing dinners and casual lunches • The Wild Fig: special occasions with outdoor seating • Mango Ginger: fresh cafe food with vegan and gluten-free treats • Ferdinando’s: wood-fired pizza and great local vibe • Rust Café: coffee, craft beer, breakfast and burgers • 1890: sushi and Chinese cuisine • Obs Café: bistro-style food • Hello Sailor: cafe fare

For sale

APARTMENT

Monthly bond repayments

EAT

R13,950

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R9,000 In a complex

2% 72%

APARTMENT

• Bird-watching and green space at the Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary • Golf driving range and mashie course at the River Club • Arnold Street Dog Park is a dog-walking social hotspot • Streetopia street festival annually at the end of November • Heart of Cape Town museum gives insight into the first heart transplant • Magnet Theatre for performance art and cutting-edge South African productions • Stones – pool hall with DJ and bar • Bars, live music, comedy and vibrant night life at various stops along Lower Main Road

Based on

40%

For an apartment

R2,725m For a house

R12,000 For an apartment

R12,500 For a house

HOUSE

over a period of 20 years at 10.25% prime

R1,995m HOUSE

R2,3m

median asking price

26%

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 5 MAY 2019

AT L A N T I C B E A C H E S TAT E Atlantic Beach Estate: 021 201 8706 â&#x20AC;˘ pamgolding.co.za/atlantic-beach-estate

Atlantic Beach Estate / R9.3 million

Ref# 1TV1418804

Atlantic Beach Estate / R4.75 million

Ref# 1TV1424036

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Comtemporary designer home only 5 years old. An immaculate contemporary home situated with elevated views of the fairway. You will not be able to buy land and build a home for this price on Atlantic Beach Estate.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / A loft area upstairs consists of two rooms which can be utilised as a study or play room leading off a TV area . Downstairs are the three bedrooms of which the main is ensuite with a full bathroom and a dressing room.

Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398

Atlantic Beach Estate / R25 000 Per month

Ref# 1TV1417932

Atlantic Beach Estate / R18 000 Per month

Ref# 1TV1434112

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Large family home on sought-after Atlantic Beach Estate. The large home is positioned with a view over a green belt as well as views over the Estate. One enters on the upper-level through a large enclosed courtyard.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 1.5 / Garages 2 / This family home is perfect for the small family or mature couple who are scaling down. The entire home is tiled throughout. Complete new kitchen rebuild. Small enclosed garden suitable for a small pet.

Lynnette Lee 082 453 3266

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 OFFICE HOURS Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 16:00, Sat: 09:00 - 12:00, Sun: 14:00 - 17:00 (Sales office situated at the Golf Club entrance, Birkenhead Drive)

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A UNIQUE LIFESTYLE BUILT AROUND COMMUNITY

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 5 MAY 2019

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

Big Bay / R18.5 million

Ref# 1TV1397265

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 3 / This classy home echoes with exquisite style and elegance. It’s luxurious finishes are effortlessly paired with an open-plan design whilst allowing ample natural sunlight and magnificent unsurpassed views over Table Bay. Follow PGP boards from Otto Du Plessis Drive, Big Bay. Hjalmar Larsen 082 940 8034

Woodbridge Island / R2.995 million

Ref# 1TV1431309

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garage 1 / This home is situated 30 meters from the beachfront and on the quiet side of the island. The property faces North-West which means that you are fully protected from the South-Easter. Follow PGP boards from R27 highway towards the Island and follow the boards. Garth Viljoen 082 955 0287

AGENTS MOVE TRANSACTIONS FORWARD

No home is a perfect fit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not for the seller, not for the buyer. Registered estate agents know how to overcome objections on price, date of occupation, and all the nitty-gritty elements that make up a property transaction. Registered estate agents have the experience to move the transaction forward.

Another good reason why you should use an estate agent

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Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 5 MAY 2019

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