23 JUNE 2019
Neighbourhood PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Prospects await Post elections, property experts are cautiously optimistic about market conditions, but advise buyers and sellers to keep some basics in mind, page 4
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BLOEMING COOL WINE
yourneighbourhood.co.za
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A ROOFTOP CHILL
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PROPERTY FOCUS: BUYERS VS SELLERS
Connecting homeowners with great communities
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NEWS & LIFESTYLE
23 JUNE 2019
Editor’s exclusive CARLA REDELINGHUYS
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Paarl
Fairview | 021 863 2450 | fairview.co.za
Alto scores its century
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his year, Alto Wine Estate outside Stellenbosch celebrates 100 years of winemaking, their vineyards firmly remaining a feature of the landscape since 1919. Although Alto’s title deed is dated 1693, its 100-year heritage of winemaking began with Manie Malan. The farm was reborn as Alto, in reference to both elevation and the family's pursuit of excellence. Soon after the first vintage, Manie invited his mentor, Prof. Izak Perold, to taste the wines. Prof. Perold was so impressed a consignment was shipped to London – the start of a decades-long relationship with British importers. His red blend became the prototype for Alto Rouge. The Malans nurtured and expanded the vineyards for four decades before selling in 1959 to Piet du Toit – a fourth-generation winemaker. Apart from introducing Alto’s first cabernet sauvignon in 1965, he also employed a team of experts to apply the latest science and evaluate the suitability of the planted varieties. The founders’ intuition could not be faulted and to this day, Alto remains the realm of superlative red wines. Oom Piet retired in 1983, soon after the new wine cellar was built, and handed over to his son, Gerhard. Better known as “Hempies”, Gerhard had been raised at Alto. Under his tenure, Alto took on rare and trusted affability among
wine-lovers that was extended even further when the estate launched its first shiraz in 2001, made from vines planted and groomed by Hempies. With the turn of the century came a changing of the guard at Alto and the start of an era under Schalk van der Westhuizen. Known as the quiet crowd-pleaser for his modesty, Schalk was instrumental in galvanising Alto’s reputation in South Africa and abroad. It was Schalk who in 2010 launched Alto’s flagship M.P.H.S, a wine dedicated in acronym and stature to the remarkably few winemakers that held sway over Alto estate’s long history. Today, Alto wines are made by Bertho van der Westhuizen – only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s long history. Regarded as a reformer, he brought fresh verve and innovation to Alto’s wines when he took over from his father Schalk in 2015. The year was one of SA’s best vintages, and the year that Bertho launched Alto estate’s bordeaux blend, a wine that spoke not only of a long and fruitful heritage, but the promise of an exciting future too. Congratulations to everyone who has had a hand in the success of Alto. Here’s to 100 more!
Pour me a Ploegperd Hoof it to the shops tomorrow for a bottle of the latest release in Fairview’s Bloemcool range WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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longside its ever-reliable range of great-value wines, Fairview winery on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain is expanding its Bloemcool portfolio of wines. Intended as an outlet for the winemaking team to flex their creative muscle, Bloemcool is all about small-batch handcrafted releases, and they’re turning both heads and palates among local wine-drinkers. Launched in 2015, Bloemcool is a tip of the hat to the 1693 origins of the Fairview property. Back then the farm was known as Bloemkoolfontein, and owned by one Francois Hugo who was (in)famous for washing and reusing his neighbours empty wine bottles. That eco-minded approach continues today, with all of the Bloemcool wines bottled in recycled glass, and back-to-basic labels of unbleached paper implanted with real cauliflower (“blomkool”) seeds. Once you’ve enjoyed the wine, scrape off the label and plant your own veggies! And you’ll certainly enjoy the wines, not least the latest addition to the range, the “Ploegperd” white blend of palomino, chenin blanc and grenache blanc.
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town
The grapes are all picked from old vineyards in the high-lying Piekenierskloof, including the oldest block of grenache blanc in the country. Fermented in both older barrels and steel tanks, there’s a delicate balance of citrus character and minerality on the textured palate. Bloemcool’s no one-trick pony though, and the range offers a half-dozen wines that are all worth discovering. There’s a heady blend of chenin blanc and muscat de frontignan named for the 17th-century “Dr. de Jager”, as well as the 100% semillon bearing the name most local farmers knew it by – “Groendruif”. And though the focus is on white wines, with chenin blanc playing a starring role, the pair of reds will also do you well this winter. The Bloemcool Tinto Fino from Tempranillo is a perfect winter warmer, while the limited production “Liefling Merlot” is classic in style and worth seeking out. But with only 199 bottles made, you’ll be lucky to get your hands on any.
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23 JUNE 2019
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
St Georges Mall
In your hood:
Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George | 087 898 6000 | gorgeousgeorge.co.za
Hit the roof
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
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SA coastline
Strandveld Vineyards | 028 482 1902 | strandveld.co.za Fryer’s Cove | 027 215 1092 | fryerscovewine.co.za Groote Post | 022 492 2825 | grootepost.com
Gigi at Gorgeous George is a cool new rooftop hangout where the food lives up to the vibe WORDS AND IMAGES: KIT HEATHCOCK
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here’s a gin masterclass happening on the pool deck, a sprinkling of hotel guests chilling on sofas, and in-the-know locals grabbing a quick lunch, when we visit the Gigi Rooftop restaurant and bar on a warm winter weekday. With sun filtering through hanging plants, sofas, leather cushioned benches, terracotta brick floors and tables with Lucie de Moyencourt’s Delftinspired tiles, the rooftop at the new Gorgeous George boutique hotel on St Georges Mall is a chic city hideaway.
or club sandwich. We really didn’t need a main dish, but curiosity – or greed – demanded a taste of the cauliflower risotto, a meal in itself with exotic mushrooms, nut crumble crunch and rich melting fior di latte mozzarella. There’s nothing casual about dessert – the milk and honey crème with granadilla and vanilla roasted nuts is
a delightfully decadent combination, and a gorgeous lemon curd ice cream with poached guavas showcases winter flavours. Booking is recommended for evenings, when the outside rooftop terrace layers up with heaters and fluffy blankets, or pick the cosy inside tables by the bar, where resident mixologist Jody Rahme has put together an equally varied menu of cutting-edge cocktails.
Chef Guy Bennett, who worked with Michael Deg at Delaire Graaff and was executive chef at Grande Provence for a year, is relishing the move to an urban setting. “The vibe’s really happening at nighttime, people flooding in, quite an electric energy. This menu has been rocking,” he says. Being involved from the word go, he’s designed a versatile and relaxed menu and works closely with farmers and suppliers, changing things up according to the season. Guy recommended sharing several small plates, and we fell in love with the inventive salads: earthy beetroot with crunchy walnut granola, lifted by acidity of pickled beet, chevin and a light hibiscus dressing; a sumptuous bowl of caramelised Jerusalem artichoke on chunks of creamy burrata, caramelised olives and fresh leaves. Even something as simple as mussels in a wine and cream sauce had a wow factor, gremolata, a dash of chilli, and sourdough toast soaking up the sauce. Then the chargrilled squid with chorizo and sautéed potato nicely balanced with remoulade and a herby mustard vinaigrette.
Taste the sea
Meat lovers will be happy to know that mains include free-range Oak Valley steaks cooked on a Josper charcoal grill, hand-cut chips, and easy lunch staples like a really good burger, fish-and-chips,
WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES
A handful of adventurous winemakers are tapping far-flung coastal terroir to produce memorable white wines… IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK
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ith a limited supply of fresh water, the threat of late winter storms, and constant howling winds, there are perhaps few corners of the Western Cape winelands as tricky to grow vineyards as the Agulhas Plain. But the uphill struggle reaps rich rewards come harvest time, and Strandveld Vineyards has garnered more than its fair share of awards for its remarkable Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc. Named for the single vineyard in which the vines are planted, the Pofadderbos is a perfect reflection of the harsh coastal terroir of the vineyard just a short drive from Africa’s southern tip. “This wine stands out with its saltiness and fresh green acidity, combined with ripeness from a longer, slower ripening,” says Conrad Vlok, winemaker at Strandveld Vineyards. With oyster-shell minerality balanced by a creamy, rich palate layered with citrus and fynbos notes “the terroir is really strong in this wine… the combination of gravel soil combined with constant cool sea breezes gives this wine a distinctive mineral tone”. Extreme viticulture is also the hallmark of Fryer’s Cove, whose vines
grow just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean at Doringbaai, 300km north of Cape Town. “Forged by the earth, tempered by the sea” is their motto, and the Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent example of this balance. Planted on soils of sand, seashell and limestone, the vines are coated in a thin dusting of wind-blown sea salt which helps to ward off disease. Cooling sea breezes lower the summer temperatures, ensuring long, slow ripening. The result is a remarkable sauvignon blanc blending a bright herbaceous nose with a lingering palate of citrus and stone fruit. It’s impressive now, but will keep improving through to 2025. The minerality of coastal sauvignon blanc is also given its due in the Seasalter from family-owned Groote Post. The 2018 vintage of their flagship white wine is a blend of sauvignon blanc (90%) and semillon (10%). Half of the sauvignon blanc was fermented and aged in barrel for eight months, giving the wine roundness on the palate that’s balanced by bright acidity and typical Darling minerality. Neptune would be pleased.
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PROPERTY NEWS
23 JUNE 2019
Neighbourhood
Property focus
Give or take Buyers’ vs sellers’ market: Where are we now? WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
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n the months leading up to a general election, the property market traditionally slows down to waitand-see election paralysis. Now that the elections are over, property experts are cautiously optimistic, although they agree that recovery will take time. “While it’s anticipated that – in the wake of the favourable election outcome – the residential property market will rebound, in reality any significant recovery is only likely to materialise in the later stages of the year after the seasonally quiet winter months,” says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive, Pam Golding Property group. “The post-election environment is likely to be better for the property market generally, however, a number of specific questions arise, including how the land reform issue will play out in terms of policy amendments or variations, and whether other marketfriendly reforms are introduced.”
Buyers are advised to pay attention to value in relation to what’s on the market. Buy the home that offers the best in relation to location and requires the least building interventions. Sellers are advised to ensure their home stands out when competing with the homes for sale in close proximity. DR ANDREW GOLDING, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PAM GOLDING PROPERTY GROUP
Adrian Goslett, CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, is similarly cautious. “It’s possible that we’ll see increased activity within the property market as investors become more certain about our country’s economic and political future. However, this is dependent on the sorts of policy decisions that emerge from the newly elected parliament – land reform, corruption, and SOE governance being hot topics to watch.”
Economic factors The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee’s decision on 23 May to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%,
leaving the mortgage rate at 10.25%, is another factor in the equation, but Samuel Seeff, chairman, Seeff Property Group, feels this was a missed opportunity to kickstart economic growth with a rate cut. “Following the conclusion of what’s largely seen as a successful election, not much has changed. Good news and a positive injection are needed to get the economy and property market back on track.” In early June reports indicated that the economy had contracted by 3.2% in the first quarter and that the GDP growth outlook for the year has been adjusted to 1% by the Reserve Bank and Moody’s. This news makes a fast recovery less likely. “It means the property market will remain weighted by the economic conditions and sellers will have to wait a bit longer before prices will start rising again,” says Seeff.
Lower end of the market Golding expects the lower end of the market to continue to hold up well relative to other sectors, especially the smaller sectional title properties favoured by students, first-time buyers and down-scalers. “These sectors of the market would also be those that would benefit most from a rebound or turnaround in the economy. First-time buyers are typically most sensitive to prevailing economic conditions and are a strong potential source of demand for the market. In areas where market price corrections have improved the perceived affordability of a property, it seems time on the market is declining and buyers are showing a willingness to purchase.”
Tips for buyers and sellers The experts agree that we’re currently seeing a buyers’ market and now is the time to make the most of it. “My recommendation to buyers is to act on the opportunity and buy as soon as possible before the market lifts again,” says Chris Tyson, MD, Tyson Properties. “Provided our political situation remains stable, the gap for getting a good deal on real estate is closing,” says Goslett. “For those who are able to afford it, there truly has not been a better time to invest in property than right now. The longer buyers delay entering the market, the longer the property market has time to recover and the higher price they’re likely to pay on a property.” For sellers who don’t have the option of waiting it out, Seeff advises, “Those who are buying are looking for an irresistible price and sellers should be ready to capitalise on that demand. The reality of an overstocked market means that although there’s an expectation of improvement, indications are that the market will continue to trade relatively flat for the rest of the year with price growth forecast to remain in the range to 4% at best.” “For sellers, there has never been a more important time to partner with a well-connected and knowledgeable real-estate professional than right now,” says Goslett. “Given that most South African sellers find themselves in a buyers’ market right now, it’s imperative to partner with a professional who can negotiate with buyers on a seller’s behalf.”
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ONLINE PROPERTY AUCTION 3RD JULY Bidding opens 8am 50 PROPERTIES ON AUCTION | VIEW THE FULL NATIONAL CATALOGUE AT BIDX1.COM OPENING BID R4M
LIQUIDATION
SOMERSET WEST, WESTERN CAPE
Prime development site in high demand area. Duly instructed in the Matter of Rocacube (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation) - Masters Ref Number: C137/2019. 9 967 m2. Prime land ready to be developed. 9 967m 2
FRANSCHHOEK, WESTERN CAPE
4 Bedroom home perfectly located in the Village. Family room with fireplace, undercover patio and heated, indoor swimming pool. ON SHOW 23 JUNE 2-5PM: 12 Akademie Street, Franschhoek. 4
OPENING BID R700K
RESERVE PRICE R4.5M
RYLANDS, WESTERN CAPE
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Characterful, single storey home in secure, upmarket lifestyle estate. Features include a veranda, pool and enclosed sun room. ON SHOW 22 JUNE 10AM-2PM: 3 Kogelberg Close, Erinvale Golf Estate, Somerset West.
347m 2
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2
2
738m 2
RESERVE PRICE R275K
RESERVE PRICE R195K
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649m 2
2
RESERVE PRICE R4.5M
ERINVALE GOLF ESTATE, WESTERN CAPE
Family home in Penlyn Estate. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.
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RESERVE PRICE R4.2M
RESERVE PRICE R3.75M
ST HELENA BAY, WESTERN CAPE
Modern beachfront family home with flatlet. Sea views throughout. Outside entertainment area with built-in braai and fire pit. ON SHOW 23 JUNE 2-5PM: 15 Beach Road Beachfront, Sandy Point Beach Estate.
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537m 2
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SOMERSET WEST, WESTERN CAPE
Modern, family home in private and secure estate. Views of the Helderberg mountains. Separate self-contained flatlet. Fireplace, gym, indoor braai room, outside built-in braai and covered patios. ON SHOW 23 JUNE 2-5PM: Unit 1,104 Oldenland Road, Worlds View. 4
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3
495m 2
RESERVE PRICE R1.8M
RESERVE PRICE R225K
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PLETTENBERG BAY, GARDEN ROUTE
Vacant land in exclusive estate. 730m 2
MITCHELLS PLAIN, WESTERN CAPE
Well-located offices. 91m 2
RESERVE R300K
CLANWILLIAM, WESTERN CAPE
Vacant stand with views.
BANK AUCTIONS
STRAND, WESTERN CAPE
Storage units. Investment opportunity with good returns.
1 215m 2
FAMILY HOMES INVESTMENT PROPERTIES APARTMENTS VACANT LAND SELECTION OF BANK PROPERTIES
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Vacant land with breath-taking ocean views. 948m 2
FULL NATIONAL CATALOGUE AVAILABLE ON BIDX1.COM
For further information, contact: BidX1 Jordan Brown Heinrich Moller Theodore de Beer
info@za.bidx1.com | + 27 (0)21 140 3541 081 714 1102 082 492 6254 064 518 4184
See auction terms and conditions on bidx1.com. In proud association with Pam Golding Properties.
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Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 23JUNE 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
Duynefontein / R3.495 million
Ref# 1TV1441059
Century City / R3.3 million
Ref# 1TV1441394
Milnerton / R1.295 million
Ref# 1TV1435239
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Perfect family home with exquisite finishes. Follow PGP boards from Otto Du Plessis towards Duynefontein.
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Well-priced property in a security estate, patio overlooking a well-established garden. Follow PGP boards from Rantaga Road to security at Century View.
Bedroom 1 / Bathroom 1 / Garage 1 / Stunning newly renovated apartment suited for the investor, or a single person, looking to enter the property market. Follow PGP boards from Loxton Road.
Gerrit Bruwer 076 196 9847
Paul 083 689 7593, Theo 082 500 2410
Garth Viljoen 082 955 0287
Table View / R1.075 million
Ref# 1TV1439602
Big Bay / R10.95 million
Ref# 1TV1401797
Sunningdale / R2.495 million
Ref# 1TV1442052
Bedroom 1 / Bathroom 1 / Garage 1 / “San Antonio” complex, cottage with garden. Follow PGP boards from Raats Drive into Meerlust, left into Libertas, 1st right to Devon Valley Way.
Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / This exquisite villa has everything to offer including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Table Bay. Follow PGP boards from Otto Du Plessis Drive.
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Located in one of the finest lifestyle estates, Westwood Village. Follow PGP boards from Sunningdale Drive into Oakland Hill Road.
Rosemary Louw 082 743 5915
Hjalmar Larsen 082 940 8034
Elmare Botha 083 381 2696
Parklands / R2.35 million
Ref# 1TV1441512
Parklands / R2.1 million
Ref# 1TV1389019
Parklands North / R2.995 million
Ref# 1TV1438576
Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 3 / This stunning home has so much to offer and is very well-kept. Follow PGP boards from Regent Road.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Stunning double-storey home, newly painted. 4 Spacious bedrooms with an additional baby room/office. Follow PGP boards from Regent Road.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Garages 2 / Spacious doublevolume home in sought-after area.. Follow PGP boards from Sandown Road, Tryall and Whitehall Way.
Lyndle Botha 076 645 5921
Lyndle Botha 076 645 5921
Jeannie Ray 072 136 1497
Neighbourhood
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stneighbourhood.co.za | 23JUNE 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 / R8.5 million
Ref# 1TV1377314
Atlantic Beach Estate / R6.2 million
Ref# 1TV1434449
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Garages 2 / Magnificent home nestled next to the fairway with spectacular views of Table Mountain, and catering for a large family looking for ease of living and lending itself to entertaining in its uncomplicated, and spacious open-plan layout.
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2.5 / Garages 2 / Immaculate tastefully designed home. Tucked away in a cul-de-sac with pathway access to a fairway, lies this immaculate find. You know this home is loved by the owners - it's perfect.
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Atlantic Beach Estate / R5.4 million
Ref# 1TV1433612
Atlantic Beach Estate / R4.85 million
Ref# 1TV1434017
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / A simply stunning, immaculate home. Completely private, situated overlooking fynbos and nature at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. This double storey home is set in a beautiful indigenous garden.
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / 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
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
“MY ESTATE – MY FAMILY – MY LIFESTYLE”
CONSTRUCTION HAS COMMENCED!
1, 2 and 3-bedroom, appointed apartments
stunningly-
FREE eco-friendly appliances Cutting-edge, 24/7security A modern, world-class Lifestyle Centre
Views of the magnificent Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains Easy access to Stellenbosch University, business centre and Stellenbosch Winelands Proximity to superb shopping centres, schools and medical facilities
But above all Balwin IS quality!