Neighbourhood CT - 10 March 2019 by Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood 10 MARCH 2019

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Italian to share Bocca in the Cape Town CBD honours the needs of modern-day diners, without budging on flavour, freshness and quality, page 3 10

THE NEW TEQUILA

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ONLINE AUCTIONS ARE HERE

PROPERTY FOCUS: HOUSE-HUNTING

Connecting homeowners with great communities

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

10 MARCH 2019

Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS

Neighbourhood

In your hood:

South Africa

Hope on Hopkins | 021 447 1950 | hopeonhopkins.co.za Leonista | 071 326 2287 | leonista.co.za

A new kind of craft

irst it was beer, then gin, now tequila, and… rum? Yes, that’s right: craft rum is here. Rum has never been top of the list (or even somewhere in the middle) for me, but I had the opportunity to sample Richland Rum – America’s only singleestate, single-barrel rum – and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Richland Rum is a family-owned, award-winning rum from Georgia, which stays true to traditional rum-making standards, with the purest ingredients and a no-rush approach producing quality products. The brand has been making rum for the past 20 years, using two varietals of sugar cane grown in the sandy soils of the Richland Estate, distilling in copper pots, and using oak barrels for maturation. Because Richland Estate produces sugar cane for use in rum rather than molasses, the agricultural practices are focussed on developing the potential flavours of the rum. The sugar cane is processed into cane syrup, then fermented and distilled before being aged in virgin white oak barrels for a minimum of 40 months. The terroir at Richland – sun-drenched skies and summer rains – creates the optimal growing environment for the raw ingredients.

Each bottle of Richland Rum comes with a tag noting its origins – barrel and bottle number and the year it was created. “The term ‘single estate’ represents the mantra of field to glass – every step of the rum-making process is conducted within the same estate, no outside products or ingredients are used,” says Douglas Oberwortmann, co-owner, Covert Distributions, who is responsible for bringing the brand to South Africa. Four expressions of Richland Rum are now available locally – Virgin Coastal Georgia Rum, Old South Georgia Rum, Chateau Elan Port Cask Exchange, and Old South Georgia Rum Terrapin Double IPA Cask Exchange. It comes at quite a premium (R850 for the Virginia Coastal and R1,230 for the others), but I guess that’s to be expected from Forbes magazine’s “Best American Rum”. While it’s not yet readily available in the country, the rums can be enjoyed at Cause|Effect and the Athletic Social Club in Cape Town and is sold by selected retail outlets including Norman Goodfellows and Bar Keeper.

Tequila, but not… Local distillers are turning out top-notch ‘tequila’ from local agave… WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

ot on the heels of craft gin, tequila is the next spirit to make its way into our cocktail shakers and highballs, as forward-thinking South African distillers tap into the growing demand for hand-crafted spirits.

Following the same methods as their Mexican counterparts, distillers use the heart – the piña – of agave farmed organically in the Karoo. The piña is roasted and then crushed, before the juice is fermented and distilled.

Just one thing: we can’t call it tequila. Like port, parmigiano-reggiano and champagne, tequila has geographical indication protection from the World Intellectual Property Organisation, which means only products produced in specific geographical areas can bear their name. For tequila that means it must come from one of five states in the west of Mexico. That’s little problem for local distillers though, who are creating their own take on the fiery white spirit using the blue agave plant. PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town

And it’s the label of “100% agave” that you want to look out for on local bottles, indicating that this home-grown “tequila” has been made in the traditional method. In Cape Town, Salt River distillery Hope on Hopkins delivers the goods with their subtle Esperanza. Delicious sipped on its own, it’s also ideal for DIY cocktails, from classic margarita, to their bespoke TnT cocktail of Esperanza and tonic over ice. Up-country, Leonista is the agave spirit to seek out. Long passionate about tequila, owner Sarah Kennan

first dabbled in home distilling before deciding she needed to learn from the experts. That saw her travelling through Mexico to learn the art of tequila and mezcal, an agave spirit distilled in other parts of Mexico. In late-2018 she launched the rebranded Leonista, with a trio of agave spirits on offer. “The Leonista Blanco is best for shaking into cocktails, while the aged Reposado is ideal for sipping, like a whiskey,” says Kennan. With the piñas roasted in a wood-fired oven, there’s a notable smokiness to the Reposado and Honey Reposado, which is infused with wild Cape honey. Whichever you choose, make sure you sip it, don’t shoot it. And, whatever you do, don’t call it tequila.

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10 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

In your hood:

Cape Town CBD

Bocca | 021 422 0188 | bocca.co.za

Urban Italian New owners, new look, new menu, rocking simple Italian flavours at Bocca WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: HEIN VAN TONDER

n Milan, young professionals are too busy nowadays to sit down for traditional Italian four-course dinners after work. Instead, they’re adopting a more casual style of eating, say Guido and Adnana Brambilla. This urban Italian energy is what they’re channelling at Bocca on Bree Street, which they bought from the original owners, refurbished and relaunched in November last year. “Our focus is uncomplicated, straightforward Italian preparations, in line with modern trends of dining out,” says Guido. “Instead of the traditional menu of antipasti, pasta, and main course, our menu is divided into sections and makes for interaction at the table – sharing, social dining.”

Pastas and 25cm pizzas are generous enough for a quick one-dish lunch, or mix and match dishes from all the different sections for a relaxed sociable evening. In true Italian style, chef Guido lost no time in sourcing the best ingredients that Cape Town has to offer. We loved the stracciatella: luxuriously creamy heart of burrata mozzarella from Puglia Cheese, embedded with juicy eggplant confit, tomatoes and a dash of pesto, shared alongside an earthy combination of octopus, potato and pesto – simple and delicious. Having inherited a state-of-the-art Neapolitan wood-fired pizza oven, they couldn’t resist adding a few signature pizzas to the equation. Taking only one minute to cook in the intense heat, the crust is beautifully blistered with enough soft chew for substance. We practically inhaled an Amatriciana: tomatoes, braised onions, pecorino and guanciale from Richard Bosman, the best sort of bacon fat – crisp and melting. At night the pizza oven is cleaned out and huge joints of lamb, beef brisket, pork and chicken slow roast overnight in the residual heat for the arrosti (roasts) section of the menu. Lamb with wild mushrooms fell apart in delectable abandon. Alongside small plates of roasted and marinated bell peppers with capers, and aromatic crispy potato wedges anointed with truffle oil and Parmesan, it was a real feast. Bocca’s tiramisu ticked all the boxes: just the right consistency, rich but not too heavy. It’s made with fresh mascarpone cheese and is a fitting finale to a memorable meal, where intense Italian flavours lose nothing in their adaptation to local South African ingredients and their cool Bree Street setting.

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

PROPERTY NEWS

10 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

Outlook: favourable

Irrespective of economic uncertainty, there are still some sought-after properties performing well on auction – and online bidding is coming to South Africa next month IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

hatever the current trading conditions, strategically positioned office, retail and industrial properties generally tend to receive a favourable response on auction, says MC du Toit, CEO: auctions & sales, BidX1 South Africa, which brings its first multiple online auction to the market on 10 April. “Currently we’re seeing a notable increase in investors seeking mixeduse properties, a demand trend which has been in evidence for some time, while there has also been a recovery in industrial sales. Wellpositioned industrial developments, development land and smaller mini factories have been selling very well, while warehousing has also been in demand over the past year. “And despite the recent fuel hikes, there’s still some buoyancy in the logistics market in key hubs, due to the simple fact that there will always be a need for goods to be transferred.” Du Toit says in the office sector, AAA grade leases will always remain sought after among corporates, as the prime location of the property drives high demand, while vacancies may be found in certain B- and C-grade buildings, a trend exacerbated by

alternatives such as shared work space, or where staff can work from home. “However, landlords are making every effort to make rentals more appealing, with renovations and attractive tenant installations. While some major corporates have been disposing of some of their properties, there are various strategies around this, with restructuring, refocussing or repositioned location factors contributing to such decisions. “For many businesses it still makes sense to own the own premises from which they operate, while for others renting is a better option. What we can see is that while some businesses may be consolidating or even downsizing, there are still investments being made – and often it’s more a case of mere moving of the assets rather than downsizing, while still retaining these within the organisation.” Du Toit adds that although the retail market is constrained due to downward pressure on consumer spend, established malls still seem to draw tenants and Sandton City has been fully let for the first time in years. Retailers that are performing well are mainly those dealing in low cost goods and, at the other end of the scale, in high-

value luxury items, with the retailers catering to the middle-income group experiencing challenges. He says it’s true to say that auctions are merely a method of sale, and that all properties are suitable for auction, whether residential, commercial, retail or industrial, as they bring together all serious and interested buyers in a concerted focus at one time to compete against one another. However, it’s important to determine what method of sale will ultimately produce the best result at that specific time for that specific property.

buyers register as soon as we announced that BidX1 is in South Africa and have already built up a solid database. In early March we’ll launch our catalogue of properties for the auction, including some spectacular properties in the Whale Coast area and an exceptional manor house in Houghton. On the other side of the spectrum, we’ve also received instructions from banks, liquidators and other institutions,” Du Toit concludes.

Says Du Toit, “In this regard, as we do distressed auctions as well as private instructions, we believe we’re ideally placed to achieve fair market-related offers for sellers, bearing in mind that offers are unconditional, namely there are no suspensive conditions. “In the current market there are some good opportunities available across all asset types and also on the upside, we have definitely seen better yields being achieved lately. Buyers who are prepared to pay for higher value properties have seen greater yields than others. Interest in our first auction is already running high, and it’s clear that buyers and sellers have been waiting for this digital platform. We began seeing

Designed with your well-being in mind.

SEE FOR YOURSELF • Go to bidx1.com (South Africa) or directly to bit.ly/2Dztajv to sell or register • Contact MC du Toit at mc.dutoit@bidx1.com

ONLINE PROPERTY AUCTION 10th APRIL Bidding opens 8am

4 APOSTLE STEPS WAY, CLIFTON. ERF 96.

156 BENGUELA COVE ESTATE, HERMANUS.

One of the last remaining vacant stands with exceptional views.

Designer home in secure private wine estate, with panoramic views over lagoon and Kogelberg mountains. 4 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, dining room, back to back fireplace, gym, private courtyard, 2 covered patios, 2.5 garages, swimming pool and irrigation.

455 m2

UNIT 3 CRESWELL COURT, HIGH LEVEL ROAD, SEA POINT. 2

Parking

310, THE BREEDE RIVER LODGE, WITSAND.

Triple storey unit with views of the river and wraparound decks. 62m 2

34 BEGO STR, RIVERSONDEREND. 2

Parking

138m 2

40 BANKSIDE CRESCENT, KINGSWOOD GOLF ESTATE, GEORGE.

Family home on large stand. 2

1132m 2

Vacant stand in exclusive golf estate. 840m 2

2 036m 2

9 PROTEA STREET, FRANSCHHOEK.

36 TUSCAN VILLAGE STR, SEEMEEUPARK, MOSSELBAY.

4 Bedroom home in cul de sac. 4

Double storey home in estate; sea views. 1 048m 2

THE REEDS AT BALGOWAN ECO ESTATE, MIDLANDS.

Entire eco estate with modern design main lodge and 8 serviced stands plus 17 Ha forest. * The eco estate and forest are sold separately. 44.33 Ha

BANK AUCTION

2.5

293m 2

1 ST. PAULS ROAD, HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG. Immaculate manor house in Houghton Estate with office, staff accommodation, and undercover braaai area. 4

3.5

4 556m 2

FAMILY HOMES | INVESTMENT PROPERTIES APARTMENTS | VACANT LAND

OVER 35 BANK REPOSSESSED PROPERTIES NATIONALLY FULL CATALOGUE AVAILABLE ON BIDX1.COM

OVER 70 PROPERTIES ON AUCTION | VIEW THE FULL CATALOGUE AT BIDX1.COM For further information, contact: Bidx1: MC du Toit: Heinrich Moller: Richard Hoey:

info@za.bidx1.com | + 27 (0)21 140 3541 082 563 3275 082 492 6254 076 638 7189

See auction terms and conditions on bidx1.com. See guide prices on the online catalogue. Important to note: Guide prices must be seen as guides only and do not reflect the opening bid or reserve price. In proud association with Pam Golding Properties.

PROPERTY NEWS

10 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

Property focus

House-hunting 101 We asked those in the know what you should be looking for when considering buying a new home WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

View the house a few times at different times of the day to get an idea of the direction of the house and the effect this has on the internal temperature and light inside CHRIS CILLIERS, LEW GEFFEN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

PURCHASING IN A SECURE COMPLEX* • Review all the guideline documents relating to the estate and the code of conduct of the estate or complex. • Ask if the complex is pet-friendly and the rules regarding pets. • Ask for a copy of the architectural guidelines, especially if you have future alterations in mind. • Ask if the estate is in good financial standing. • If purchasing a newly built home, ask for all engineers’ certificates, NHBRC certificate, and roof certificates. *Pierre Nel, Pam Golding Properties

MORE QUESTIONS TO ASK* • Why is the owner selling? • How long have they owned the property? • Are there waiting lists at the local schools? • Are there water storage tanks underground, is there a wellpoint and is it registered as the law requires? • Waterwise gardens – what is planted in the garden and what level of maintenance is required? *Chris Cilliers, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

10 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

hen you go from the dream of buying a new home to the reality of househunting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve sought out advice from trusted local estate agents that goes beyond the standard “location, location, location” and delve into the nittygritty details of buying a house.

Voetstoots clause Commonly used in South Africa, the voetstoots clause indicates that buyers are purchasing the property “as it stands”. It covers any defects that are visible to the eye, so the onus is on buyers to inspect the property to satisfy themselves that they’re happy with its condition. “Take the opportunity of viewing a property thoroughly,” advises Caron Leslie, RE/MAX. “For example, a water or plumbing compliance certificate doesn’t cover each and every tap and toilet; it checks for water leaks.” “The voetstoots clause is still applicable for sales between private entities (homeowner to homeowner), but is not applicable if you purchase from a developer,” says Pierre Nel, Pam Golding Properties. “Latent defects are excluded from the voetstoots clause, for example a leaking roof, which you can’t see.” He stresses the importance of requesting a defects disclosure. “Most agencies will supply buyers with a defects disclosure form and add it as an annexure to the sale agreement.” However, it’s still a case of buyer beware and it’s up to you to check

even the smaller details for yourself. “Ask about the water pressure,” suggests Chris Cilliers, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “Open taps, flush toilets, etc. You have the absolute right to do this.”

Home inspection While compliance certificates for electrical, water, gas, beetle and electric fence are required and done by the seller, a full home inspection is not currently mandatory and, if commissioned, is paid for by the buyer. These are advisable if there are any signs of structural defects, or a partial inspection may be requested. “Roofs are expensive items and not covered by the standard inspections required before transfer. If you have any reservations about the condition of the roof, ask for a roof inspection,” says Chris. “It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, particularly in the case of thatch or slate roofs.”

Plans, deeds & municipal regulations Check that any additions to the property have been passed by the council, otherwise that becomes your responsibility as the new owner. “Ask if the property and all structures are compliant with the local authority and get a copy of the stamped municipal building plans if possible,” advises Pierre. The title deeds will show if there are any

servitudes on the property. “If you want to extend or build on in the future, this is important to know,” he says. Chris advises to check if older properties are listed or fall under municipal heritage regulations, which would affect your ability to make any structural changes. “If there are empty plots nearby, enquire from council if there’s an application for development which may affect the future value of the property,” she says. Also ask if there are height restrictions in the area; you might want to build a second storey, or make sure that neighbours can’t build up and block your view.

Fixtures & fittings “Don’t make assumptions about what comes with the house and ensure that all items are recorded in the offer to purchase,” Chris says. “For example, in the Western Cape where it’s not compulsory to leave a free-standing stove, buyers from other provinces might assume that the cooker will stay, while sellers may intend to remove it. Officially it’s not a fixture and this can be a very expensive oversight if it’s not clarified upfront.” She also advises to check on key decor items such as light fittings, bathroom mirrors, outdoor pot plants, blinds and curtains.

Neighbourhood Check out the direct neighbourhood at different times of day for noise and parking issues such as busy restaurants or nightclubs, neighbours with constantly barking dogs, or schools causing traffic congestion at drop-off time. “Get up early in the morning and travel to work from the area where you want to purchase to get a feel for the traffic, as you will travel this route daily,” advises Pierre. Security goes beyond the property itself. “Ask about crime in the area and recent break-ins,” says Caron. “Check if there’s an active local neighbourhood watch and a street WhatsApp group.” Another vital lifestyle question for many is internet connectivity. “Ask if there’s fibre in the area, or planned to install,” says Pierre. “Cellular coverage is also a good question, as some areas have low coverage or none with some networks.” One last piece of advice from Chris, “Don’t assume, don’t leave anything to chance, and ensure that all arrangements are reduced to writing and included in the offer to purchase (OTP).”

PROPERTY NEWS

If a home needs a touch of paint, small upgrades or the garden needs attention, don’t expect the seller to fix every last detail; rather negotiate the price slightly CARON LESLIE, RE/MAX PROPERTY ASSOCIATES

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 10 MARCH 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 / R7.95 million

Ref# 1TV1283574

Atlantic Beach Estate / R5.5 million

Ref# 1TV1415845

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 2 / Garages 2 / This double-storey home has stunning views. Upstairs 2 bedrooms are separated by a pyjama lounge all connected with a patio overlooking the golf course with Table Mountain framed in the background.

Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398

Atlantic Beach Estate / R45 000 Per month

Ref# 1TV1424232

Atlantic Beach Estate / R27 000 Per month

Ref# 1TV1417932

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 4 / Entry is through a private courtyard to a double volume foyer and staircase. The ground floor offers spacious living rooms comprising of a formal lounge, dining, sitting area, TV corner and entertainment room.

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.

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

ONE OF SA'S TOP 10 RESIDENTIAL ESTATES

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 10 MARCH 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

Woodbridge Island / R3.6 million

Ref# 1TV1421661

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garage 1 / This beautiful property is situated on the lagoon side of the island, and optimises security and beach estate living. The open-plan kitchen connects the lounge, and dining room to the outside patio overlooking the water. Follow PGP boards from Loxton Road and head to Woodbridge Island. Garth Viljoen 082 955 0287

West Beach / R3.45 million

Ref# 1TV1421612

Sunningdale / R2.995 million

Ref# 1TV1423064

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 3 / With an old-school style this home comes with a spacious granny flat potential. Follow PGP boards from Coral Road or Viola Road, into Watsonia.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Delightfully large home, boasting one of the larger plots in the Canal West area of Sunningdale. Follow PGP boards from Sandown Road.

Emily Muller 084 222 0292

Karen 083 941 7982, Jarret 082 542 7085

Flamingo Vlei / R2.6 million

Ref# 1TV1416472

Parklands / R1.75 million

Ref# 1TV1416227

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / If you are looking for a home that offers something for everyone then look no further. With 2 Parking bays. Follow PGP boards from Blaauwberg Road.

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / The perfect time to get into the market, offers indoor braai area. Follow PGP boards from Regent Road into Albany Crescent.

Melody Poynton 084 551 9844

Lyndle Botha 076 645 5921

PAARDEVLEI LIFESTYLE ESTATE

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

3-BED, 2-BATH HOMES FROM R1 899 900 W I T H I N PA A R D E V L E I P R E C I N C T, S O M E R S E T W E S T

CULTIVATED LUXURY Internationally-acclaimed d e v e l o p e r, B a l w i n P r o p e r t i e s , introduces Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate. This family estate is home to premium 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom modern apartments in the heart of the Paardevlei P r e c i n c t , S o m e r s e t We s t . With magnificent views of the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountains, all residents at Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate enjoy having open-plan living, SMEG appliances, underground parking and storage space.

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

FACILITIES

ELEVATOR ACCESS

LIFESTYLE CENTRE

SECURE BASEMENT PARKING

GYM

SWIMMING POOL

CONCIERGE SERVICES

RESTAURANT

EASY ACCESS TO WINE ROUTES

LAUNDROMAT

LANDSCAPED GREEN AREA

ON SHOW 2-6PM WED, SAT, SUN & ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

balwin.co.za