Neighbourhood 16 FEBRUARY 2020
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
A new horizon Newlands Peak is a brand-new residential development with world-class amenities, natural elements and cutting-edge design, page 5
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PROUDLY AFRICAN ART
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GARDENING TRUTHS
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PROPERTY FOCUS: GOLF ESTATES
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NEWS & LIFESTYLE
16 FEBRUARY 2020
Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS
In your hood:
Neighbourhood
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch Triennale | 021 300 6187 | stellenboschtriennale.com
Why only art can save us The Stellenbosch Triennale is the perfect showcase of local and African artists WORDS: EDITORIAL TEAM IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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ummer 2020, and the Western Cape is set to become a centre of world art, as multitudes of artists, gallerists, curators and collectors from South Africa, the continent and abroad converge in the province.
Not to be missed is the Stellenbosch Triennale – Tomorrow There will Be More of Us – taking place since 11 February to 30 April, where artists will exhibit their practices of using both the African continent and its urban sprawl as inspiration. The aim of the exhibition has, from its inception, been to shine a light on emerging and underrepresented artists, set to be tomorrow’s leading names. It’s open to those working on and beyond the African continent with an ongoing theme of transformation and experimentation showcasing unorthodox art forms addressing current social and political issues.
In it together O
ne of my New Year’s resolutions was to try take in more culture this year. I’m going to the opera next week to see Cape Town Opera’s rendition of Puccini’s La Bohéme. My aim is also to go to more art exhibitions. For example, Michael Armitage’s Accomplice at the Norval Foundation. At just 35, the Kenyan artist is swiftly emerging as one of the most exciting young voices of contemporary art, heralded as a stand-out artist at the 2019 Venice Biennale. “We’re truly honoured to host Michael and his incredible work,” says Elana Brundyn, director, Norval Foundation. “Particularly, we’re proud that this is his first major solo exhibition in a public institution on his home continent Africa.” Created over the past two years, his vivid depiction of inequality and political uncertainty is drawn from his visits to rallies in the run-up to Kenya’s 2017 elections, combined with his own impressions, memories and discourses. Observations of contemporary Nairobi and images culled from social and broadcast media form the basis of paintings that are in conversation with Western figurative painting and East African modernism. Armitage, who is based between Nairobi, where he grew up, and London, where he studied, has recently gained international critical acclaim by major museums, curators, collectors and galleries. Testament to this is an upcoming solo exhibition at Haus de
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Kunst (Munich, Germany) and a myriad of recent solo exhibitions worldwide.
Artists include Ibrahim Mahama of Ghana, whose gargantuan installations use the transformation of materials to explore themes of commodity, migration, globalisation and economic exchange, and Cape Town-based Congolese artist Patrick Bongoy, whose rubber and hessian creatures is a
response to the global reality of literal and figurative environmental pollution. Also high on the must-see list is Lazaro Samuel’s distinct paint splatter-style work. His back story is fascinating. At the age of 15, Samuel was living on the streets of Dar es Salaam. And then his luck changed. He was taken to Nafasi Art Space by Makini Kids, an organisation that teaches kids life skills through the arts. For over a year Lazaro attended art workshops while also volunteering on the grounds. He was soon hired full time as one of the groundskeepers while also acting as a guide and assistant to various artists in residence. His talent was first witnessed on the clothes he decorated in his spare time and later, with encouragement from various artists at Nafasi, on the walls around the grounds. But it’s on the canvas where his full range has been realised. The inaugural Stellenbosch Triennale 2020 takes place in various locations across Stellenbosch with many in venues within or close to traditionally under-resourced communities to ensure accessibility. Exhibitions are free of charge.
Armitage substitutes linen or canvas with Lubugo cloth as the ground for all the paintings in Accomplice. A textile developed by the Baganda of southern Uganda, and designated a piece of oral and intangible cultural heritage by Unesco, Lubugo is created by removing a thin layer of bark from the mutuba tree. This is then beaten with a series of mallets to form a thin, flexible material that is traditionally used as a burial shroud or for ceremonial clothing. Yet Armitage adopted this as canvas after discovering it in a tourist store in Nairobi in 2010. The fissures and irregularities that are common to Lubugo are incorporated into the composition of his paintings, putting the artist’s practice in dialogue with the conceptual and historical meanings of the cloth, as well as its particular material qualities. “Without a doubt, Michael is a brilliant painter; he reminds us why art is so powerful. His work is dreamlike, colourful, mysterious, and exotic – yet not without darkness, not without painful truths,” says Elana, “But like all pain, it’s made easier to deal with by the means with which he engages us. I hope the public will welcome this rising star that has captured the world’s imagination.”
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16 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Constantia
In your hood:
Constantia Glen Tasting Room | 021 795 5639 | constantiaglen.com
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
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Countrywide
The Giant Periwinkle | 082 465 8350 | giantperiwinkle.co.za Thistle & Weed | info@thistleandweed.co.za | thistleandweed.co.za Saurwein Wines | 021 448 4105 | winecellar.co.za
Wines worth seeking out Tired of the ho-hum mass-market brands that you’ll find on any supermarket shelf from Calvinia to Putsonderwater? WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES
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hese boutique cellars are making smart wines at small volumes, and they’re well worth seeking out…
The Giant Periwinkle
From grapes grown on the windswept Agulhas Plain, winemaker Pierre Rabie – also an advocate at the Cape bar – has grown his winery from a garagiste operation into a fullyfledged producer with its own cellar and vineyards near the hamlet of Baardskeerdersbos. The Sun Spider Pinotage and Kelp Forest Syrah are particularly worth discovering, but right now it’s the Blanc Fumé – a lightlywooded sauvignon blanc – that’s the flagship, and a fine example of the coolclimate potential of the deep south.
Thistle & Weed
Winemaker Stephanie Wiid and viticulturist Etienne Terblanche are the duo behind this cult brand known for seeking out vines that show the same tenacity as the weeds farmers battle in the vineyard. The star of the show is Duwweltjie, a chenin blanc from a venerable bushvine vineyard in Paarl. With natural yeasts and a long maturation in old oak barrels, it’s a wonderfully expressive example of old-vine chenin blanc. Brandnetel is its more subtle companion from
The air up there Wine tasting expands effortlessly into leisurely lunch and dinner at Constantia Glen Tasting Room this summer WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK
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here’s a reason that Constantia Glen is a favourite with locals and visitors alike – you don’t get much better than the spectacular views looking over its own vineyards, the whole valley spilling down beyond. It feels like stepping into an airbrushed magazine spread, sunshine painting the vines brilliant green, mountain backdrop and beautiful but informal decor. The wines are pretty spectacular too, and the food menu has gradually been evolving from supporting role to a reason to visit in itself. There’s no separation between wine tasting and restaurant. Wherever you’re seated, in one of the two courtyards, glass-walled pavilion or long stoep, you can order from a choice of winetasting options (or wine pairings by the glass) and a varied food menu. In addition to the range of platters designed to accompany wine tastings (with a new vegan platter featuring homemade vegan cheeses and more), and a whole selection
of their signature flammkuchen, the new mains section of the menu expands a light lunch into something more leisurely and substantial. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the Bordeaux-style wines, and suggested splitting the flagship wine tasting of four estate wines into two parts, the whites with our starter followed by reds with our mains. We first sipped the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2019, fresh, elegant and captivating, and the Constantia Glen Two 2018, a tantalising blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon. A large caprese flammkuchen was more than enough as a shared starter, thin crisp rectangles of deliciousness, slightly richer than pizza and practically a meal in itself. Back at our panoramic window table after a stroll along the green lawn, admiring vines and the Constantiaberg backdrop, our red wines were presented before the main courses arrived. Constantia Glen Three and Five 2016,
named for the number of varietals in each blend, and both superb structured wines with potential for aging. The mains were a fine foil for an extended wine tasting, generous plates and hearty flavours. I enjoyed robust pulled lamb with wild mushrooms and potato gratin, but the seared tuna niçoise was better suited to that day’s hot summer weather, thick slices of briefly seared tuna, the centre raw, fresh and tender on a sumptuous salad including olives, eggs, potato, green beans and baby leaves. The traditional Austrian goulash with spätzle, and seared beef fillet with chips, were other tempting options. Desserts are hardly needed after such a feast, and we didn’t succumb to the lure of chocolate fondant, but homemade vanilla bean ice cream slipped down a treat, as did an affogato. The tasting room is open until 9pm in summer, ideal for scenic sundowners and dinner.
Stellenbosch vineyards, while the reds – Knapsekêrel and Nastergal – draw on cabernet franc, tempranillo and the unusual alicante bouschet. If you love wine and are looking for new discoveries, start here.
Saurwein Wines
Jessica Saurwein traces her winemaking heritage back to the 17th century, when her forefathers made “sour wine” for the emperor of Austria. Today, her boutique brand pays tribute to this vinous heritage with a trio of wines crafted from her two favourite cultivars, pinot noir and riesling. With grapes sourced from Elgin, Hemelen-Aarde Ridge and the Elandskloof valley near Villiersdorp, there’s a cool-climate thread running through the pair of pinot noirs and a riesling. Relying on natural yeasts for fermentation, “it’s my aim to achieve energy and harmony simultaneously in the wines”, says Jessica. “The ‘hands-off’ winemaking approach allows me to be guided by the natural balance of the grapes.” Natural ecosystems play a leading role on the bottle too, with the striking labels by South African artist Isabella Kuijers intended as a promise of what lies beneath each cork.
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PROPERTY NEWS
16 FEBRUARY 2020
Plants gone wild Gardening myths, busted WORDS: EDITORIAL TEAM
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ot everyone is blessed with green fingers. But just because your mere gaze turns a can’t-die plant into a withering heap of leaves, doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden to be proud of. To that end, the whiz team at Lifestyle Home Garden gives some advice.
You shouldn’t water your plants at night
This one is… TRUE Watering during the cooler periods of the day is best – whether that be at dawn or dusk, when the sun is not too hot. This allows water to be absorbed at a more efficient rate, as opposed to evaporating too quickly. Watering in the heat of the day is also not ideal, as when the soil is hot, water can easily become heated and damage plants around it. Watering too late at night is, however, not recommended, as soil and leaves don’t have time to dry off, and this may result in fungal diseases developing.
Neighbourhood
Beer is a good way of getting rid of slugs
This one is… TRUE Beer is as tempting to our slimy friends in the garden as has always been believed – they’re drawn in by the smell and will drown in small dishes of beer buried at soil-level near the plants affected. We’re unsure if they prefer stout or pale ale, but we do know this is definitely no myth!
You don’t need to water drought-tolerant plants
This one is… FALSE Even drought-tolerant plants require water, but far less of it. Water them in seasons when there’s no rain, and during rainy periods avoid giving them additional water. “Drought tolerant” simply implies that the plant can go for lengthier periods of time holding onto its own water supply. These plants usually store water in their leaves, stems or roots and are able to withstand heat and drought far easier than plants that are not waterwise.
Gravel at the bottom of a container aids drainage
This one is… TRUE Gravel or broken pot shards create an aerated space at the bottom of pots where soil cannot sit and remain water-logged. It’s common practice to place gravel, pebbles or stones into pots to lead excess water away from soil which may have received too much water. This effectively prevents roots in the pot from becoming water-logged and rotting. Another hint is to put sponges in the bottom, which adversely, helps to absorb and hold on to water, effectively keeping the plant moist.
Bonemeal and compost are essential when planting
This one is… TRUE Adding bonemeal as a way of introducing phosphorous is an excellent idea to promote root formation in new plants. Adding compost, manure, rotted organic materials and other natural matter is a great way of increasing soil organisms and microbes, ultimately improving soil health. Adding this duo when preparing soil for planting is the best way to proactively work towards healthier soil and plants.
Indoor plants need direct sunlight
This one is… FALSE Indoor plants benefit from indirect bright light, but direct sunlight will scorch and burn them. Most indoor plants herald from more sheltered jungle-type environments – under the canopies of trees in forests. So, emulate that environment to the best of your ability by placing them near windows but not where they will get burnt.
Natural is better
This one is… TRUE In all regards, using organic, natural, heirloom, non-synthetic, indigenous… anything natural is a better solution. Nature will respond better to what is natural in every respect. Plants and seeds produced from heirloom seeds will display the same characteristics as the parent plant, whereas hybrids have been cross-pollinated and may produce sterile seed or revert back to one of the parent plants. Organic pesticides will do their job, but without killing beneficial insects in the process and without doing further harm to the environment. Natural is always better.
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PROPERTY NEWS
16 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
Golf estate focus
Par for the course South Africa’s golf estates are evolving into lifestyle estates with so much more to offer WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK
SILVER LAKES GOLF AND WILDLIFE ESTATE
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outh Africa has some of the most varied and scenic golf estates in the world with world-class golf courses designed by some of the biggest names in international golf. The consistent demand for secure gated estates and the luxury lifestyle afforded by them continues to be good news for golf estates but, as a recent New York Times article pointed out, long-term investors are looking at more than just the golf facilities when they buy into an estate, important as those are. The best investments are those that have a wider appeal and a wider pool of buyers when it comes to selling again, like estates that have lifestyle aspects attractive to non-golfers either within the estate itself or in the adjacent community. So nearby schools, healthcare facilities, and other leisure activities on the estate strengthen the investment value. Besides, of course, the attraction of living within one of these exceptional lifestyle enclaves.
ST FRANCIS LINKS
Cape Town
Pearl Valley at Val de Vie
Pearl Valley is an exclusive golf estate within the wider Val de Vie lifestyle estate, which was rated by New World Wealth as the top residential estate in SA from 2015 to 2019 and encompasses world-class equestrian and polo facilities as well as golf. The Pearl valley Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is consistently rated among the top five in SA. Nicklaus himself said of it, “Surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most spectacular settings in which I have designed a golf course.” Close to the golf course and recently launched is The Acres, which features several 1ha gentlemen’s estates as well as one-acre and 700m2 stands, for those looking for expansive country living alongside the convenience of luxury lifestyle offerings such as the spa, hotel and restaurants on the estate. Close to Paarl and within easy distance of Stellenbosch, there’s an excellent choice of schools, including Bridge House, making it a lifestyle choice for families wanting secure country living with all the conveniences at hand. Visit: valdevie.co.za
Atlantic Beach
On the dunes behind Melkbosstrand with stunning views of Table Mountain and the ocean, and wildlife from the neighbouring fynbos reserve, Atlantic Beach is a popular choice for families looking for a secure lifestyle, proximity to the schools of Cape Town’s Western Seaboard, and an easy commute to Cape Town itself. The world-class 18-hole links course designed by Mark Muller attracts golfers of all abilities year-round and the leisure centre and monthly market are a social focus for residential life. Visit: atlanticbeachestate.co
De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate
At the heart of the Winelands just outside Stellenbosch with beautiful mountain views, De Zalze is part of a working wine farm with an award-winning winery and restaurants, luxury guest lodges, as well as its 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. A wetlands area ensures diverse bird and wildlife, mountain bike and running trails allow for a varied outdoor lifestyle, and the estate is well-placed for Stellenbosch’s renowned schools and university, and for work both in Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Visit: dezalzehoa.co.za
Langebaan Country Estate
This 450ha estate in the West Coast National Park features an 18-hole Black Knight-designed golf course created by Gary Player Designs. Set against the spectacular West Coast scenery, the estate offers a harmonious balance of sport, leisure and conferencing facilities. Visit: langebaanestate.co.za
Durban
Cotswold Downs
Retaining the country feel that once was a hallmark of Hillcrest, 220ha Cotswold Downs Golf and Lifestyle Estate evokes the UK Cotswolds landscape of villages with low density building of homes in stone and slate roofs in between indigenous grassland,
16 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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PEARL VALLEY AT VAL DE VIE
forests, lakes and wetlands rich in wildlife. The championship golf course is designed by Peter Matkovich and recognised as one of the best in the region. The new leisure centre provides a fitness centre, squash and tennis as well as restaurant and bar, offering an enviable country lifestyle close to the schools and conveniences of Hillcrest and Durban. Visit: cotswolddowns.co.za
Joburg Eye of Africa
A pioneering residential golf and lifestyle estate in southern Joburg, Eye of Africa adopted a conservation approach setting aside 350ha of untouched Highveld grassland. It’s home to the first Greg Norman golf course design in SA and a wide variety of community amenities from parks and play areas to hiking trails, restaurants, tennis courts and swimming pools. Its residential offerings span from freehold stands to apartments and cluster homes designed as smaller neighbourhoods within the estate. This area south of Joburg is developing rapidly with the new Mall of Africa and a number of schools opening, but it still feels like country living. Visit: eyeofafrica.co.za
Pretoria
Silver Lakes Golf and Wildlife Estate
Wildlife, water features and fishing are just some of the attractions of Silver Lakes on the east fringes of Pretoria. One of the first estates of its kind in Pretoria, it’s a mature estate on 300ha with a Peter Matkovich designed golf course that has been awarded both for the design and for eco-friendly credentials. The golf club includes a golf academy, putting and chipping greens and a driving range. Other facilities on the estate include tennis, squash, swimming pool, fishing dams fished on a catch and release basis, and nature trails through the game reserve where duiker and other small game roam and prolific bird life is to be seen. With a small retirement village,
the estate offers a secure and idyllic lifestyle for all ages, young families appreciating the nearby schools – from a Curro to the well-regarded Tshwane public schools – plus shopping and healthcare facilities within easy driving distance. Visit: silverlakes.co.za
Port Elizabeth St Francis Links
A residential golf estate on 450ha of natural dunes just outside St Francis Bay, St Francis Links enjoys views over the Indian Ocean and a backdrop of mountains to the north. The gated community is designed on a Natal farmhouse architectural theme with plenty of privacy and quiet for homeowners. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Links course is perennially rated among South Africa’s Top 10. Gary Player, on a recent visit, said it was the best balance of residential and golf course positioning he had ever seen. With a fine clubhouse, hotel, leisure centre with gym and covered pool, it has become a popular holiday destination, both for golfers and non-golfers enjoying the beach, surf, river and nature on offer on this beautiful stretch of the Eastern Cape coast. While the area has a laidback holiday vibe year-round there are enough schools and healthcare facilities between St Francis Bay and nearby Jeffrey’s Bay for full-time family living, with Port Elizabeth just over an hour away for tertiary education and city convenience.
LANGEBAAN COUNTRY ESTATE
Visit: stfrancislinks.com
BROOKFIELD AT ROYAL, JOBURG
