Neighbourhood 7 JULY 2019
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Mountain magic Blessed with some of the best views in Cape Town, Vredehoek is a good option for those wanting to live in the city, page 6
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UNIQUELY ITALIAN
yourneighbourhood.co.za
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BASTILLE BASH
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SUBURB FOCUS: VREDEHOEK
Connecting homeowners with great communities
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NEWS & LIFESTYLE
7 JULY 2019
Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Woodstock
Scarpetta | 083 251 0730 | Facebook: @scarpettarestuarant
The four S'es
W
hen our house was on the market last year, we were chatting to estate agent after estate agent to find out what the best approach was. While they all had slightly differing ideas, the essentials were the same: searches, sources, show houses and sole mandates. According to the experts at Seeff, 90% of property searches start online. Ted Frazer, national marketing manager, Seeff, says property portals offer segmented listings so buyers can quickly find a selection of properties for sale or rent in their price range and area of choice. Agency websites also offer a birds-eye view of properties within selected parameters, often with additional information about schools and amenities in an area, he says. Buyers can subscribe to alerts so they’re notified as soon as listings within their search parameters come online. For a seller, the sources an agent offers are vital. These include a qualified buyer database and referral network as well as vital promotional tools used by the agency to attract buyers, says Frazer. Skilled local area agents tend to know exactly what type of buyers are attracted to the area and property types on offer. Roger Mortlock, an agent with Seeff Southern Suburbs, says while the web generates a lot of enquiries, serious buyers still tend to come from show house viewings. While you can see a lot of the property in online photos
and videos, there’s no substitute for a physical visit. Once the buyer sees the property and the neighbourhood in context, it’s often the final sway. A serious buyer will put in an offer as soon as they’ve seen the property. With such a proliferation of online property listings, sellers may think sole mandates are now obsolete, but not so, says Ross Levin, director, Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, Waterfront and City Bowl. Pauline Hareb, sales manager, Seeff Pinelands and Thornton, says in a tough market, sole mandates are especially important. It’s a myth to think that having many agents work on selling your property will bring more buyers. Provided the property has been priced correctly, she says they sell their sole mandates within six weeks on average while open mandates take two to three times longer. For Sean Guy, a sectional title expert in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, a property that’s the subject of multiple listings or advertisements conveys a negative message. It makes it hard for buyers who are likely to simply skip over such a listing or see it as an opportunity for “bargain hunting” which will simply waste the seller’s time.
Talking Italian Scarpetta is a casual and vibey neighbourhood restaurant on Woodstock’s Roodebloem Road WORDS & IMAGES: KIT HEATHCOCK
Selling property can be extremely stressful and there will be times when you start to lose hope. Don't. Just trust the process. And the professionals.
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wner Ricky Turilli is a whirl of energy running the whole show at Scarpetta – kitchen and front of house. One moment he’s jovially welcoming the latest arrivals, the next in the kitchen, then back taking you through the day’s specials of classic Italian fare. There are several of these besides the permanent chalkboard menu, whatever fresh ingredients caught his eye out shopping that day inspiring the dishes for the evening. “It’s all about the simplicity of the dish, there’s no airs and graces,” he says. With no liquor licence, regulars arrive clutching their favourite vintage, or visit Salisburys Deli on the corner for a bottle. Ricky’s jokes and quirky bonhomie encourage a convivial atmosphere, and every table was taken when we visited on a winter Wednesday evening.
alle vongole and we’re easily persuaded. Lavishly sauced with clams both in and out of their shells, it’s a winner – garlic, parsley, a light touch of chilli, white wine, and spaghetti at exactly the right point of al dente. Our main of tagliata, beef skirt steak grilled then sliced, served with roast vegetables, is simple and delicious with plenty of rosemary and garlic. Tiramisu not being on the menu that day (it’s only made when Ricky can get fresh mascarpone), we went for the cannoli, a crisp pastry shell filled with light ricotta mixed with sugar, lemon and orange zest and candied peel. Open evenings only, locals have thoroughly taken Scarpetta to their hearts, so it’s advisable to book. No pretensions, just really good Italian trattoria-style food with a cheerful lively vibe.
Ricky advises us to eat like Italians with an antipasto, pasta, main and dessert, and makes it easy by suggesting we share one of each. This turns out to be the ideal amount of food – pasta portions are generous, served in a lidded casserole dish in the middle of the table. Forget sharing plates, this is sharing in homely family style. Our antipasto is fine green asparagus wrapped in parma ham and fried, with a luscious blanket of bechamel and parmesan. Squares of focaccia mop up the last of the sauce – “fare la scarpetta” is the Italian for using a piece of bread to wipe the plate clean, which we enthusiastically do. We’re tempted by the seven-mushroom pasta, but then Ricky suggests spaghetti PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town
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7 JULY 2019
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Cape winelands
In your hood:
Cavalli | 021 855 3218 | cavalliestate.com Spier | 021 809 1100 | spier.co.za Elgin Ridge | 079 433 9400 / 072 705 8469 | elginridge.com Kleinood | 021 880 2527 | kleinood.com
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
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Franschhoek
Terra Del Capo | 021 874 9023 | bit.ly/2xw1WaQ
French flair The French celebrate Bastille Day next weekend. Raise a toast with a wine wander through four classic French cultivars. WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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ew wine regions in France carry the cachet of Bordeaux, the spiritual home of cabernet sauvignon. Cavalli Colt is a new release from Stellenbosch estate Cavalli and is a wonderfully accessible cabernet, with intense colour, a nose of rich cigar box and a mouthful of dark fruit notes. Silky tannins mean it’s already drinking well, but it’ll age happily for up to a decade.
Loire: Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc
Chenin blanc is the star of the Loire in south-west France. While the Swartland may bag the chenin limelight locally, this stellar release from Stellenbosch estate Spier walked off with the chenin blanc trophy at last year’s prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition. Fermented and matured for 14 months in French oak barrels, it’s a full-bodied chenin with baked apples and spice on the nose, the complex palate underpinned by balanced acidity.
Burgundy: Elgin Ridge 282 Pinot Noir
VIVE LA FRANSCHHOEK! The “French corner” of the Cape winelands celebrates Bastille Day in fine form next weekend, when the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival rolls into town. The two-day event (13 to 14 July) sees the town dressed in red, white and blue with an array of activities on offer. That includes the annual barrel-rolling competition, live music and the food & wine marquee pitched alongside the historic Huguenot Monument.
From biodynamic and organic vineyards, the cool climate high in the Elgin valley helps to craft this delicious pinot noir, the flag-bearer for burgundy in central France. Elgin Ridge owners Brian and Marion Smith take a hands-off approach in the cellar, and the “282” – the vineyard lies 282m above sea level – is a wonderful expression of pinot noir. Expect dark cherry and raspberry on the nose, with bright acidity and good tannin structure. A good match for rare roast beef, poultry or risotto.
Rhône valley: Tamboerskloof Syrah
The dramatic vineyards of the Rhône valley are famous for their syrah, and the Upper Blaauwklippen valley scampering into the mountains above Stellenbosch claims the same. One of the finest producers here is Kleinood farm, whose Tamboerskloof Syrah 2014 is a dark, inky and delicious example of the cultivar. There’s a splash of mourvèdre and viognier in there too, ensuring a glass brimming with spice, pepper and rich fruit.
EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Franschhoek Bastille Day 021 876 2861 franschhoekbastille.co.za
win One lucky reader can win four tickets valued at R395 each to the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. Tickets include entry, a complementary tasting glass, wine-tasting coupons, and a R20 voucher. Tickets valid for Sunday, 14 July. To enter, simply email your name and contact details to carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za.
Small wonders Authentic Italian antipasti in the Franschhoek Valley WORDS: CARLA REDELINGHUYS
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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ittle bits of delight – that’s the only way to describe the delicious morsels that continue to come forth out of Terra Del Capo’s kitchen. The exclusively antipasti menu at the Anthonij Rupert Wines restaurant is an inspired idea – diners get to mix and match so they can sample as much of chef HW Pieterse and his team’s creations as they can. And trust me, you want to try everything.
parmigiano reggiano are impressive enough, but then comes the smoked Franschhoek trout with gremolata and preserved lemon. It’s quite literally smoking – the plate comes covered by a glass bottle when lifted unleashes a puff of smoke. Super cool. These dishes are all washed down with a glass of Terra Del Capo Pinot Grigio – not a very common varietal in South Africa. It’s light and crisp and a nice easy-drinking wine.
But unless you’re blessed (or cursed?) with an insatiable stomach, it’s an impossible undertaking. Never one to be told what I can and can’t do, though, I give it a valiant effort and kick off with freshly baked focaccia with extra virgin olive oil produced on the estate, followed by a black angus beef brodo shot. The rich broth has a distinct oxtaily taste, but the meatball in it is perfection.
By now I’m already quite stuffed, but I soldier on. For the next part of my journey, I decide to pair the dishes with the Terra Del Capo Sangiovese. The angus beef tartare with truffle vinaigrette and soft quals egg in itself warrants a return visit, and the potato gnocchi, guanciale and fontina sauce, and sous-vide pork belly with peperonata pesto finish off the perfect meal.
Now the magic really starts. Aubergine involtini with ricotta, parmesan and napolitano and sautéed porcini mushrooms with garlic, thyme and
I decide then and there that for my birthday next month I’ll be returning to Terra Del Capo to try the remaining dishes on the menu.
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PROPERTY NEWS
7 JULY 2019
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Vredehoek
Fabulous views, art deco architecture, Table Mountain in your backyard, and a vibrant neighbourhood community are some of the attractions of Vredehoek WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: NATASHA LASSEN & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
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redehoek has long been the City Bowl’s most affordable residential neighbourhood, attracting a vibrant mix of young professionals, students, young families, and older residents who’ve called it home for many years. They love the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, fabulous views over the city and harbour, and the convenience of being so close to the CBD. “Vredehoek is incredibly central, so we love walking everywhere – to the Company’s Garden, East City, and Kloof Street,” says resident Joanne Grace. It’s very much a residential neighbourhood. “Even though you’re so close to the hustle and bustle of the city, it still has that peaceful suburban feel,” says Janine Laubscher. “People help one another out. We have a well-run Vredehoek Community Facebook page and an active neighbourhood watch, so you really feel the sense of community, security and help when needed.” Several small parks and play areas add a breath of green, Deer Park at the top of the suburb a favourite for dog walking and running, with trails leading up onto the mountain slopes.
Rugley Road Park is a community success story, The Friends of the park having worked with City Parks to improve the facilities. “It makes me so happy to see how busy the park is now,” says Joanne. “It’s the go-to venue for children’s birthday parties in the area.” The park is also the home of the third urban organic vegetable garden for Streetscapes, a project which give homeless people a chance to learn skills, work and restart their lives.
architectural periods, tending to have smaller gardens than neighbouring City Bowl suburbs, and a sprinkling of Victorian and Edwardian cottages. A number of new apartment buildings have been developed over recent years as Vredehoek becomes trendier, and urban densification spreads outward from the CBD.
The wind is a wild card that residents have learned to live with. “The notorious Cape Doctor is a force to be reckoned with in spring and summer, but it clears the pollution and cools things down,” says Joanne. “All is forgiven the moment it stops and you look up at the incredible mountain and feel like you can almost touch it.”
All the best-known City Bowl schools are easily accessible – Herzlia in Vredehoek itself, St Cyprians and Jan van Riebeeck close by, and The German International School in Tamboerskloof. Several preschool options include Disa Park PrePrimary, and Stepping Stones Montessori next to Oranjezicht City Farm. And it’s a straightforward drive against the traffic along Philip Kgosana Drive to UCT and the Southern Suburbs’ schools.
Property
Art deco apartment blocks are a distinctive feature of Vredehoek architecture – an active Heritage Action Group works for their preservation, the art deco influence being so much part of the character of the area. Then there are family homes from various 20th century
Schools
Explore
Derry Street is the social hotspot of Vredehoek where a cluster of neighbourhood restaurants and cafes are favourite hangouts for everything from breakfast and remote working over coffee, to drinks after work and meeting up with friends. The Vredehoek Public Library is here, as is the local Spar, which saves a trip down to the Gardens Centre – although that’s no hardship with a good choice of specialist food shops as well as a Pick n Pay and Woolworths Food. And there’s plenty of social interaction just out and about. “We love to go for walks through the neighbourhood after work,” says Janine. “People are out on the streets walking their dogs, cycling, etc. Vredehoek has many hills so you get your inclines in as well.” Another hub is the Deer Park Café and adjoining small park, a go-to spot for families with kids after school. At weekends the mountain is right there on the doorstep for longer hikes, mountain-biking and trail running. And a quick drive or My CiTi bus trip takes you to the beaches at Camps Bay and Clifton, to the V&A Waterfront, or into the heart of the CBD to catch up with the urban buzz.
7 JULY 2019
Neighbourhood
SHOP
PROPERTY NEWS
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EAT
• Gardens Centre: P n P and Woolworths Food, specialist grocery stores, services and fashion boutiques • Vredehoek Spar: well-loved local grocery store • Lifestyle on Kloof and the rest of Kloof Street: more boutiques, grocery shopping and decor stores • V&A Waterfront: major retail chains and designer boutiques, movies, entertainment and more • Oranjezicht City Farm Market at Granger Bay on weekends: organic produce and artisan food products
• Carlyles: vibey local hangout, eat, drink, quiz nights, and sports on TV • Sidewalk Café: breakfast or brunch and cocktail specials on the pavement • Red Sofa: delicious coffee, brunch, and Wifi spot • Woodlands Eatery: delicious pizzas and bistro food • Lazari: all-day breakfasts, lunch and coffee • Bella Italia: a local institution for pizza and pasta • Deer Park Café: family-friendly breakfasts, lunch and coffee
PLAY • Trail running and walking in Deer Park Forest • Mountain-biking on the Devils Peak trails • Volunteer, harvest, or just walk the garden paths in the Oranjezicht City Farm • Picnic and enjoy the views in the parks including Vredehoek Eco-park, Rugley Road and Deer Park • Vredehoek Public library for kids’ storytelling sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
I love the sense of community, the active neighbourhood watch, the art deco blocks, the views, the neighbourhood restaurants and Spar shop (the best!). The neighbourhood is full of young professionals and families which creates a certain vibe and sets a ‘familiar’ tone. JANINE LAUBSCHER, RESIDENT
For a typical property in this area You’ll pay
R30,676 per month
R3,125m
For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)
R4,75m In a complex
2% 66%
Median asking price
COMPLEX
Median asking price
APARTMENT
Monthly bond repayments
For rent
R13,850
For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)
R18,000 In a complex
3% 80%
APARTMENT
For sale
COMPLEX
DEER PARK CAFÉ
Based on
over a period of 20 years at 10.25% prime
R2,997m
R13,500
For an apartment
R5,995m For a house
32%
For an apartment
R24,000 For a house
HOUSE
median asking price
HOUSE
R3,125m
17%
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Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 7 JULY 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
Parklands North / R2.295 million
Ref# 1TV1441111
Parklands / R1.975 million
Ref# 1TV1443768
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Garages 2 / Churchill Square is a security estate with only 20 spacious and up-market double-storey units. The ground floor offers open-plan lounge/kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen offers a scullery. Sliding doors open up onto patio area with built-in braai. Follow PGP boards from Sandown Road.
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Spacious home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac of Parklands. Spacious master bedroom, with laminated and tiled flooring throughout. Follow PGP boards from Wood Drive, right into Wandsworth Road, left into Ruskin Road and right into Streatham Street.
Tumi Lephuthing 082 781 9243
Claudette Smith 071 185 5267
Big Bay / R1.795 million
Ref# 1TV1440086
Parklands North / R2.89 million
Ref# 1TV1438576
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Parkings 2 / Fantastic investment opportunity. A stunning wellkept modern north-facing apartment with open-plan kitchen and living area leading out onto a beautiful sunny wrap-around balcony. Follow PGP boards from Otto du Plessis Drive.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Garages 2 / Spacious double-volume home in sought-after area. Outside braai and entertainment area. Well-sized swimming pool set in a spacious garden. Follow PGP boards from Sandown Road, Tryall and Whitehall Way.
Melody Poynton 084 551 9844
Jeannie Ray 072 136 1497
Neighbourhood
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stneighbourhood.co.za | 7 JULY 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 / R5.65 million
Ref# 1TV1330087
Atlantic Beach Estate / R4.75 million
Ref# 1TV1434017
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Garages 2 / 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.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / This single-storey home has it all. The modern kitchen is an entertainer’s delight and features fitted appliances, including a gas hob and overlooks the lounge & dining room which will be warmed up by the Jetmaster fireplace in winter.
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Atlantic Beach Estate / R32 000 Per month
Ref# 1TV1443354
Atlantic Beach Estate / R17 000 Per month
Ref# 1TV1441487
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / This semi-furnished home is an entertainers dream. The glass entrance hall flows into a large lounge and living area. Plenty of light filters into the beautifully decorated space.
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 1.5 / Garages 2 / This home is situated in a quiet close at the entrance to the estate. Access to all the amenities of the estate and the lifestyle it offers. Your perfect small home or lock-up-and-go.
Lynnette Lee 082 453 3266
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)
atlanticbeachestateofficial
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