Neighbourhood 28 APRIL 2019
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Room with a view The well-equipped apartments of Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate outside Somerset West look out over the Hottentots Holland mountains and a vlei with abundant flora and bird life to enjoy, page 8
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IT’S GREAT... PROMISE
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NEWS & LIFESTYLE
28 APRIL 2019
Neighbourhood
Robertson Wine Valley
Editor’s exclusive
In your hood:
CARLA REDELINGHUYS
Jan Harmsgat Country House | 087 057 4507 | janharmsgat.com
Down in the valley The turnoff to Jan Harmsgat Country House sneaks up on you as you descend a sharp bend. Blink, and you’ll miss it. And what a pity that would be… IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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s the rows of red cannas start to appear alongside the road about 10km outside of Robertson, you know you’re in the Breede Valley – one of my favourite places in the world. Every year as my family and I make our annual trek to the Eastern Cape, we drive through the Robertson Wine Valley, past Jan Harmsgat Country House on the left of the R60, about two hours outside of Cape Town. And every year my husband and I say to each other that we really ought to stop there for a coffee and see what the place is all about – and then we promise that we’ll do it next time. It took us a few years to make good on that promise, but three weeks ago, we finally did. Why our fascination with Jan Harmsgat, you might ask? There are, after all, a slew of quaint B&Bs and cottages on the popular Route 62. Maybe it’s the estate’s enviable location deep in the valley amid lush pecan nut trees under which you can throw a blanket, enjoy a picnic and take in the breathtaking surrounds. Or maybe it’s the lure of the onsite restaurant – open to the public – that serves hearty South African boerekos. Or the fact that the estate is home to one of the largest pomegranate plantations in Africa, producing delicious juice and pomegranateinfused honey. Or the fairly recently introduced single vineyard wines made with grapes from the estate by award-wining Arendsig winemaker Lourens van der Westhuizen. Or, maybe, it’s all of the above.
helping wine brands grow their business and is now hoping to do the same with the Jan Harmsgat wines. He’s a busy man and often not on the farm, but if he’s around when you happen to be staying over, you’re in luck, because not only is he an amiable dinner companion with a wealth of knowledge of the area, wine, and pomegranates, he’s also the person who takes you on the 4x4 wine safari. Which is exactly what we go do after a delicious lunch of hake and chips and a fig, blue cheese, and biltong salad, washed down with the JHG Sauvignon Blanc – which complements the dishes perfectly. The weather is starting to turn, threatening rain, so we bundle up underneath blankets, Mitch pours us each a glass of JHG Cabernet Sauvignon, and we head off in the 4x4. We drive through the vineyards and pomegranate plantations – as far as the eye can see there are ginormous red fruit dangling from trees. What do they do with all of it? I ask. Export, mainly, then used for juice, then honey (the beehives are put among the plantations for maximum effect). The rest fall off and return from whence it came. It’s a quite a pity, I observe, because they could really do something with the remaining fruit. Like pomegranate-picking festivals. Or making pomegranate jam. (Watch this space – maybe in the near future both of these will become reality.)
As we arrive, we’re greeted by Francois Prins Manning, the general manager. He takes us for a quick tour of the estate and explains a bit more about its history. The 680ha farm was established in 1723 and the original thatched-roof buildings are still intact – and used as the accommodation quarters and restaurant. The 10 rooms – double, twin and family as well as a penthouse honeymoon suite – are all elegantly appointed, with everything you might need for a relaxing stay. (I was even allowed a soak in the tub after we checked in – the aromatic peppermint-infused bath salts a treat for this bath-starved Capetonian.)
We drive up and up and up the hill, towards the lookout spot. On a clear day you have a 360-degree view of the valley below you. But by now the rain is pouring and we’re soaking wet, wine splashing around the glasses as we bundu-bash over the rocky terrain. It’s such fun it doesn’t even matter that we didn’t get to see the spectacular view.
Francois then takes us to meet Mitch Boy, the wine portfolio manager. Mitch has more than a decade’s experience
My two least favourite varietals in general turn out to be my favourite ones of the night – the chardonnay
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and the pinotage. Both are big and bold; special-occasion wines. Food wines. And with only approximately 5,000 bottles of each produced per year respectively, you can understand the rather hefty price tag. (If you’re in the mood for more easy-drinking, at R85 per bottle the sauvignon blanc is a steal.) The chardonnay complements the springbok carpaccio perfectly, lifting the gamey flavour and emphasising the slight hint of spice in the meat. I try each of the reds with the slow-braised lamb shank, and while they each bring something different to the table, it’s the pinotage that stands out. Dessert is a pecan nut pie – made with nuts from the farm, of course – and ice cream. The perfect end to a perfect meal. As my husband and I sink into the comfy king-sized bed back in our room, the rain pattering gently against the window, we promise ourselves that next time we drive through the Breede Valley, we’ll stop at Jan Harmsgat. And this time it’s a promise we’re going to keep sooner rather than later.
Back at the estate and in dry clothes, it’s time for dinner. But first a wine tasting. Mitch and the winemaker stick to the well-known varietals: sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, chardonnay, pinotage, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The chenin, unfortunately for us, is sold out.
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28 APRIL 2019
Neighbourhood
In your hood:
Western Cape & Gauteng
In your hood:
Creation Wines | 028 212 1107 | creationwines.com Waterford Estate | 021 880 5300 | waterfordestate.co.za Constantia Glen | 021 795 5639 | constantiaglen.com Great Wines | 011 483 3118 | great-wines.co.za
NEWS & LIFESTYLE
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Stellenbosch Winelands
Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery | 021 809 1137 | vadas.co.za
Smokin’ hot
Sustainable farm-to-table fare at Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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aving developed the food offering at the two Hoghouse establishments over the past three years, chef PJ Vadas felt it was time to move on. The historic Jonkershuis at Spier Wine Farm that was Hoghouse Bakery has been relaunched as Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery. PJ’s focus is sustainable farm-to-table, taking the opportunity to work closely with the farmers at Spier and local suppliers – pastureraised beef, pork and chickens from Farmer Angus, lamb from Lowerland in Prieska, and fish from the Abalobi small-scale fishing programme.
Sweet sips Indulge those after-Easter chocolate cravings with a wine-andchocolate pairing WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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ine and chocolate may seem like strange bedfellows, but when paired correctly the interplay of fruit, sweetness and cacao can be marvellous. Get it wrong and you’ll end up with a mouth of bitter tannins. The solution? Leave it to the experts. Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley certainly did their research in creating their “Paradoxical Wine and Chocolate Pairing”, sourcing bespoke chocolates infused with flavour profiles to complement their wines. “We have two white chocolates, tempered and flavoured to fit the profile of the Creation viognier and pinot respectively, then a milk chocolate for the syrah and a dark chocolate for the merlot,” explains Creation co-owner Carolyn Martin. “Each has also been chosen for its weight and tannin structure to pair with the wines.” Waterford Estate also uses bespoke chocolates in their pairing, here crafted by Greyton chocolatier Richard von Geusau. Well-trained tasting room attendants are on hand to lead guests through the trio of pairings created by Von Geusau and Waterford’s cellar
master Kevin Arnold. Look forward to the Kevin Arnold Shiraz with a masala chai dark chocolate, the Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon with rock salt dark chocolate, and the Heatherleigh Noble Late Harvest paired with rose geranium milk chocolate. Up at Constantia Glen, Justin van Wyk crafts a superb range of Bordeaux-style wines, of which three reds are offered in the estate’s chocolate pairings. Unlike most estates, the wines here are all paired with dark chocolate, from a milder 60% chocolate with the fruitforward Constantia Saddle red blend, to an 80% dark chocolate with the flagship Bordeaux blend, Constantia Glen FIVE. While Gauteng may not have the wine estates of the Cape, a bespoke wine-and-chocolate experience is easy to come by thanks to Great Wines. With his years in the hotel and wine industries to draw on, owner Leslie Berman offers tutored pairings for private groups in and around Gauteng. The tasting pairs seven different cultivars with handmade chocolates from both South Africa and abroad. Ever wondered how rosé will pair with Turkish delight? Here’s your chance to find out.
hot arancini – smoked corn, rice and goats cheese with a creamy chipotle dip, melting pork belly with crispy crackling and a superb apple ketchup, barbecue beef brisket, smoked harissa chicken wings with yogurt and pomegranate, cucumber kimchi, and two substantial salads – one of gorgeous beetroot and goats cheese lifted to new heights with pistachio dukkah and delicately fragrant pickled fennel flowers. We couldn’t resist adding one of the day’s specials – sweet potato lavished with maple syrup and pecans, a generous portion that made sure we had leftovers to take home.
PJ’s inspiration is still Texas-style barbecue with influences from around the world, long slow smoking of meats, hearty comfort food – and from the bakery those legendary pasteis de nata – but he has introduced new dishes, including varied and substantial vegetarian choices.
If you still have space for something sweet, wander through to the bakery counter where an overwhelming choice of pies by pastry chef Brady Cromhout awaits. We decided on an alluring deep pink plum and fig pie, bursting with autumn ripeness, and a decadent pecan bourbon pie, rich caramel and crunchy nuts. An ice-cream bar stocked by Moro Gelato is an alternative tempting dessert.
The atmosphere is welcoming and informal, with endless lawns for kids to run around. Ordering is a simple matter of ticking boxes on the menu for the whole table to share. For the indecisive the chef’s platter is a boon. When we visited it featured piping
The renovation has created more covered tables in the back courtyard and converted two of the old Jonkershuis rooms into a lounge for enjoying coffee and bakery treats. A new parking space immediately outside the courtyard wall gives easy access.
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PROPERTY NEWS
28 APRIL 2019
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Tamboerskloof Cosmopolitan but quiet, a leafy suburb within walking distance of the city, Tamboerskloof has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity over the last decade WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: NADINE VAN DRIEL & GOOGLE MAPS
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amboerskloof’s position on the slopes below Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, with spectacular views over the City Bowl to Table Mountain, can’t be beaten. The only downside is the blowing south-easter in summer – made up for by being sheltered from winter storms by Signal Hill – and perhaps the steepness of its streets, which keep residents in training for the mountain hikes on their doorstep. Young professionals choose Tamboerskloof for the convenience of being able to walk to vibey Kloof Street and down into the CBD – it’s a short Uber ride back home again when laden with shopping or late at night. Families of all nationalities love the quietness of a suburb and homes with gardens combined with accessibility to the city. “The vibe is arty, eclectic, vibrant, peaceful,” says one resident. “There’s such a community spirit in Tamboerskloof – people actually walk around, the kids play in the park, and you generally know your neighbours.” Residents of all ages enjoy the closeness of everything. You’re only five minutes from good restaurants, shops and cultural activities, or the beaches of Camps Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard.
Property Part of Tamboerskloof’s appeal to so many age groups is the wide variety of property types. Victorian architectural gems complete with
wrought-iron, broekielace-trimmed verandahs give the streets character, while contemporary villas add a cosmopolitan touch. From older art deco apartment buildings and new sectional title developments, to freehold cottages and sprawling family homes, Tamboerskloof has a home for every stage of life. It’s also a popular base for visitors with numerous guesthouses and a flourishing rental market. “A great aspect of Tamboerskloof is the fact that there are loads of Airbnbs available close by for when you have visitors that need a place to stay,” says former resident Robyn Cronje.
Schools The German International School is in Tamboerskloof, itself an attraction for international residents, and all the City Bowl schools are easily accessible. St Cyprians Girls’, Herzlia, and Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck are the best known, while other families find it an easy enough run over Kloof Nek to Camps Bay High School. Close to home is Tamboerskloof Primary School, which recently celebrated 115 years of serving the local community, and several preschools including Montessori schools such as Explore & Discover.
Explore There are two main directions to explore from Tamboerskloof – up leads
to wild mountain trails appreciated by many residents for morning runs, dog walks and weekend hikes, whether all the way up Lion’s Head or around the slopes of Signal Hill. Down takes you to vibrant city life. First stop, Kloof Nek Road’s neighbourhood shops, restaurants and bars with gems such as Dinkel German Bakery. “A great cafe menu, German specialities in generous portions, sweet staff and a lush little courtyard at the back that’s perfect for catching up with friends, or just working on your laptop in peace and quiet,” says local food writer Sonia Cabano. She also recommends El Taqueria for affordable tacos and margaritas in all kinds of flavours and all-day breakfast tacos on Sundays. A couple more blocks away into the neighbouring suburb of Gardens, trendy Kloof Street is always buzzing, an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and the closest place for everyday shopping and services at Lifestyle on Kloof. Stroll further down Kloof Street and the whole of the CBD is at your disposal, the green oasis of The Company’s Garden and its museums, the independent Labia cinema, the bustle of Long Street, all the city vibe you want before heading home back up the hill to the peaceful green streets of Tamboerskloof.
*Map not to scale
Tamboerskloof is a central hub of Cape Town. Kloof Street is always pumping with visitors and the nifty bars attract the young and wild. The convenience was really what enticed us, not to mention the beautiful view we had of Table Mountain from our balcony. ROBYN CRONJE, FORMER RESIDENT
28 APRIL 2019
Neighbourhood
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PROPERTY NEWS
EAT • The Blue Café: the neighbourhood breakfast and coffee spot • Carne on Kloof: Giorgio Nava’s Italian steak restaurant • El Taqueria: tacos and cocktails • Dinkel German bakery: breads, pastries and cookies • Asoka House: Asian tapas and cocktails with a candlelit courtyard • Moveable Feast: French bistro style with Asian influences and music evenings • Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar: pizzas and a spectacular view of Cape Town • Thali: Chefs Warehouse’s Indian tapas • Unframed: original artisan ice creams and sorbets
You’ll pay
For rent
Median asking price
Median asking price
R3,195m
For a typical property (two-bedroom flat)
R31,364 per month
PLAY • Cape Milner: cocktails, meetings and hanging out by the pool • Tamboerskloof Swiss Tennis Club: social tennis • Labia: independent movies and documentary screenings • De Waal Park: dog walking and summer concerts • Hiking trails on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill
R15,000
59%
For a typical property (two-bedroom flat)
60%
APARTMENT
For a typical property in this area
• Kloof Nek Superette: groceries and fine wines • Olive Branch Deli: superb range of deli goods • Kloof Street: eclectic shopping from fashion to decor and furniture, collectible vinyl to delis • Lifestyle on Kloof: Wellness Warehouse, Woolworths Food and more • Gardens Shopping Centre: all your everyday shopping plus speciality groceries and boutiques
For sale
APARTMENT
Monthly bond repayments
SHOP
Based on
over a period of 20 years at 10.25% prime
R2,995m
R15,000
41%
For an apartment
R10,995m For a house
40%
For an apartment
R34,000 For a house
HOUSE
median asking price
HOUSE
R3,195m
2 tours in MAY
BOOK NOW!
3 tours in SEPT
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Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 28 APRIL 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 / R5.7 million
Ref# 1TV1433612
Atlantic Beach Estate / R5.35 million
Ref# 1TV1396696
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 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / A tranquil oasis situated in a greenbelt. This home is an immaculate gem. Designed by Enrica van der Linden and built for the owners with care and attention. A light, modern home with a timeless design.
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Paolo Girardi 083 259 8245
Atlantic Beach Estate / R4.5 million
Ref# 1TV1424036
Atlantic Beach Estate / R3.995 million
Ref# 1TV1415253
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / A loft area upstairs consists of two rooms which can be utilised as a study or play room leading off a TV area . Downstairs are the three bedrooms of which the main is ensuite with a full bathroom and a dressing room.
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Garage 1 / Home with an option of a third bedroom / hobby room or babies nursery. Very spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen with a gas fireplace. Very large dining room. The home is fully tiled. Main bedroom with an en suite.
Mandy Oschman 082 567 0398
Natania Taylor 083 259 8245
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
7
stneighbourhood.co.za | 28 APRIL 2019
WESTERN SEABOARD Blouberg: 021 557 1115 • Big Bay: 021 554 0033 • Milnerton: 021 551 8640 • Melkbosstrand: 021 553 1912 • Sunningdale: 021 556 2362 • Atlantic Beach Estate: 021 201 8706 • pamgolding.co.za/western-seaboard
Big Bay / R19.75 million
Ref# 1TV1429875
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 4 / This exquisite 3-level sea-facing home has everything and more including 180° views, a separate entry flat on the lower-level, 4 ensuit bedrooms, airconditioned throughout, a sauna in the master dressing room and a Jacuzzi on the upper deck. Follow PGP boards from Otto du Plessis Drive. Melody Poynton 084 551 9844
Sunningdale / R2.33 million
Ref# 1TV1430743
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Security village in Sunningdale - in the middle of a safe, friendly community lies this lovely home that’s perfect for the young starter family or even the lock up go lifestyle. Follow PGP boards from Sunningdale Drive into Oakland Hill Road. Paolo Girardi 083 259 8245
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
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST 072 571 8736 | paardevleiestate.co.za Shannon Kavanagh | shannon@balwin.co.za
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
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