Neighbourhood 2 SEPTEMBER 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Safe and sound
Nature rules in the secure and sought-after Mount Edgecombe, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: MOUNT EDGECOMBE
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PROPERTY NEWS
2 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Mount Edgecombe Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER *Map not to scale
IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH & GOOGLE MAPS
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ount Edgecombe Country Club Estate was KwaZuluNatal’s first new-age gated estate, one where, behind secure closed gates, residents lived a wonderfully charmed life. Distinctive, colonial green roofs, crisp white buildings, a conservancy nurtured by environmentally protected areas, alien vegetation control, and exquisite golf greens… all added up to the good life, where nature rules with the most picturesque dams, towering trees, bird- and wildlife. The estate was part of the Tongaat Hulett master plan when it shifted some of its land holdings from sugar to development. Today, not only is Mount Edgecombe still one of the province’s leading gated golf estates, but it’s also surrounded by 14 office park developments. Commercial properties like Broadlands Activity Park, Mount Edgecombe Activity Park
and Old Mill Industrial Park, continue to provide space for those who’ve chosen to leave Durban’s CBD or entrepreneurs who’ve set up home here. A key factor for the region’s growth is the massive new interchanges and infrastructure which simplifies access to Cornubia, Umhlanga and the north-south artery, but will provide a route from Mount Edgecombe to Pinetown. Mount Edgecombe is a mere 3km from Umhlanga, 15km from Durban and 35km from King Shaka International Airport, with world-class access to all corners of the province.
Property Mount Edgecombe has a significant advantage in terms of proximity to King Shaka International Airport, retail, commercial, industrial, Umhlanga Village and its supreme beaches. It ticks all the boxes. Life at Mount Edgecombe revolves around Mount Edgecombe Country Club, which comprises Estate 1, Estate 2, and the country club. Security is tight, with 24-hour access control from various points of entry, electrified perimeter fencing, and onfoot patrols. Drive through the gates, and it’s a carefree lifestyle on offer. Director of Thule SA and Mount Edgecombe resident Richard Downey adds, “I really enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and the security of living within the estate. Our family have an active lifestyle and we spend time together making use of the mountainbike track and paddling on Pani Dam. It’s also such a close-knit community, we greet all our neighbours on our morning runs. I also love that our factory is close to home and our new Thule store in Cornubia down the road makes a great cup of coffee!” There are other, more affordable, residential developments outside
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
the estate, like popular Kindlewood, and – recently broken ground – the Mount Edgecombe Retirement Estate, designed largely for Mount Edgecombe Country Club residents who love life there, but by moving into the retirement village, can access a higher level of care. For young people, those residential estates fringing the estate are often a stepping stone for later, when they can afford a home at Mount Edgecombe. Resident Caylee Toll says, “We moved from the Berea out here two years ago, and we haven’t regretted it. We love the village lifestyle, but we also like the proximity to La Lucia and Umhlanga Ridge where we both work – we have more time to spend with the children.”
Schooling With the population explosion of this northern section of KwaZuluNatal, there’s an unceasing demand for quality schooling. There are a number of excellent, older schools in the Durban North, Umhlanga and La Lucia areas like Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School and the newer schools of Reddam House Umhlanga and Crawford College La Lucia. The reputable schools of Northlands Girls’ High School and Northwood School are still immensely popular, and for younger students, there are numerous primary and pre-primary schools such as Atholton, Umhlanga, La Lucia and Victory Christian Academy.
Explore Living in the Mount Edgecombe Country Club, there’s ample wandering to be done close to home. Carl Ridgeway says, “As an avid golfer, living within sight of a golf course has to be the finest way to live. And that’s not even taking the myriad
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Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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EAT:
We love Mount Edgecombe because it’s well-positioned, secure, and we have the perfect lock-up-and-go situation. We travel extensively, and really appreciate the facility whereby they check up on our house every day we’re away. LYNNE AND JOHN OSTERBERG, RESIDENTS
other advantages of estate living into account. I love that my family is secure, and I never have to worry about that.”
of the numerous mountain-biking clubs and routes through the sugar cane or Holla Trails in Ballito.
With two world-renowned signature golf courses, and a host of other sporting and leisure amenities (and lessons), such as tennis, squash, fishing, mountain biking, bowls and paddling, life here is full and varied. But living here doesn’t limit residents to the estate – Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Cornubia are almost on their doorstep, so retail therapy is plush and plentiful. Five minutes away, are the excellent beaches and restaurants of Umhlanga Village, with its long promenade for those and their dogs. If you want to take it further, ramble through Hawaan Forest or along the boardwalk, or choose one
Lou Harvey, a popular local handbag designer, has lived in Mount Edgecombe for a number of years and she loves the lifestyle the area offers her. “There are great places for eating out and my favourite spot is definitely Remo’s Originale in Mount Edgecombe for the best coffee. It’s also close to the Umhlanga blue-flag beach where my son loves to swim in the sea and build sandcastles.” Beachfront hotels such as the Oyster Box and the Beverly Hills offers everything from accommodation to restaurants to spas, and exclusive shopping is on a plate at the Pearls Mall.
For sale
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R3,395m
For a typical property in this area
R3,395m
R2,425m
R3,75m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R78,041
HOSPITALS: • Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital • Netcare Umhlanga Hospital • Gateway Theatre of Shopping
SLEEP: • • • • • •
Mount Edgecombe Estate Lodge Afri-Lala bed and breakfast Kingfisher Lodge The Oyster Box Beverley Hills Teremok Marine
R18,000
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom property in a complex)
• The Watershed Cafe: magnificent views over Pani dam and the golf course at Mount Edgecombe Country Club • Boar’s Head: informal lunches and dinners at Mount Edgecombe Country Club • Remo’s Originale: Italian-inspired eatery • SW1: South East Asia with a twist • The Chef’s Table, Umhlanga: sophisticated dining experience
For a typical property (three-bedroom property in a complex)
R18,500
R15,000
R20,000
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property type:
37%
Property type:
house
Based on
9%
apartment
54% complex
27% house
R3,395m
14%
median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
apartment
59% complex
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PROPERTY NEWS
2 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Weylandts has just spread its wings to Ballito WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY
in 1992 and in Cape Town in 1996. In this time, I travelled widely to source unique furniture and establish Weylandts’ unique combination of clean, contemporary design and the raw beauty of natural material. In 1999, I opened the first Weylandts retail store in Durbanville and from there we’ve grown. Today we have 11 stores nationwide with Ballito being our latest retail store. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: Our newest store is at the Lifestyle Centre in Ballito. The North Coast is developing at a fast pace and the Lifestyle Centre is well-positioned to service that area. The lifestyle and type of customer in the area is also a great fit for our brand.
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
he Weylandts’ brand has become synonymous with simplistic, contemporary and beautiful furniture. Chris Weylandt took over the reins from his father to grow the legacy of making beautiful living easy. He tells us more about their latest addition to the Weylandts brand in Ballito.
Q: How did you find your premises? A: We’d been looking into the viability of opening a Weylandts retail operation in Ballito for over two years. After exploring various standalone destination sites along the N2, we were approached by Bruce Rencken, owner of the recently revamped Lifestyle Centre. We were very impressed by what Bruce had created over a short period of time. There was a definite synergy between the centre’s new-look offering and our brand.
Q: How did your business start? A: My father opened a traditional furniture store in Windhoek in 1964, the same year I was born. After studying in Cape Town, I got interested in how the business was run. This led to our first manufacturing plant in Namibia
Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: The Ballito Lifestyle Centre has a good energy and is located in a good spot. It’s easily accessed from the M4 and N2. Importantly, it caters to the specific, laid-back lifestyle of the people in the area.
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Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Scarla May Nail and Body Bar and the Katmandu restaurant. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: Compared to bigger cities, it’s very competitive. As a national brand, getting into a smaller emerging market like this is a great opportunity. Q: How many people go through your store each day? A: A s the store has just opened on Saturday, 1 September, we’re hoping to see as many clients as possible as the word spreads of our opening. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Yes, we’ll be opening a store in PE in November. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, our online store went live on 15 June. It’s an exciting new way of doing business. It doesn’t replace the tactile experience of visiting one of our unique stores, but it’s aligned with our strategy for the future. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: The Marconi sofa has been one of our most iconic, and most popular sofas. It’s bold, it’s unique and it’s an effortless combination of clean design and organic beauty.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Weylandts Ballito 087 820 1444 weylandts.co.za
19880
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Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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Growing demand for sectional titles
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significant number of investors aiming to downsize from larger properties are setting their sights on the Cape Town City Bowl. “Sectional-title ownership has risen in popularity over the past 10 years. Issues of affordability for many buyers make sectional-title choices more appealing. Asking prices tend to be proportionately lower for sectionaltitle than freehold ownership. Factors such as security, communal living and fixed monthly costs in the form of levies, add to the appeal for buyers looking to downsize,” says RE/MAX Living sales associate David Spence. This demand is further emphasised by increases in the average sales prices for sectional-title property across Vredehoek, Tamboerskloof
and Gardens. Gardens has seen the greatest increase in average sales prices for sectional-title properties in the City Bowl with 11,2% from July 2017 to 2018. Vredehoek saw average sale-price increases in freehold and sectional-title properties of 18,7% and 8,8% respectively. Over the past 12 months, Higgovale has achieved the highest average freehold sales prices in the City Bowl, with Oranjezicht coming in second. The average sales prices of sectional-title properties have seen demand for Vredehoek climb. Oranjezicht saw the highest investment in the City Bowl from buyers, with combined sales of R325m, yet this is down 21,5% compared to combined sales of R414m the previous year.
It’s clear that taxation is a significant factor for any investor, and the implications of ownership for the next generation should always be considered when making the decision to purchase an offshore property GEORGE RADFORD, HEAD: AFRICA, IP GLOBAL
Landscaping meets building design in Pran Boulevard
Spring into cleaning It’s a great time to leap into action and give your space a deep clean WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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sychologists (and cleaning companies) report that clients who take charge of cleaning and organising, also take charge of their general health. In a nutshell, spring cleaning, says American psychologist Dr Jonathan Fader, has been associated with improved mood, decreased stress, and heightened creativity. Opening windows and letting in fresh air, eradicating everything from mould to stale smells, lift our spirits and give us a fresh start.
Washing machine
Washing machine interiors can become grubby, even emitting an odour. Disinfect with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (add a quarter cup bicarbonate of soda to a quarter cup water to the detergent container, and two cups vinegar into the drum). Run hot water into the machine – don’t let the machine drain – switch off, and allow this to sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Restart the machine, drain the water, and wipe it dry.
Bedding
Your duvets, under-blankets, and comforters need an intermittent refresh – two to three times a year. Read the manufacturer’s label – most will go into
your washing machine quite happily, otherwise, hand wash or dry clean.
of white vinegar on the bottom, let it bubble, then wipe with a sponge.
Beds
Carpets
For stains, make a paste of lemon juice and salt, or mix borax into a paste with a little water. Apply the mixture to the stain, work it in lightly, and leave it for 30 to 60 minutes. Wipe off with a clean towel or vacuum. Refresh your bed, and even give it a nice scent. There are a few recommended methods, but the most popular is to spray the mattress very lightly with vinegar, then lightly sieve bicarbonate of soda over that. Leave it for a few hours, then vacuum up any remaining soda. Many essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties, so you can mix a tiny quantity into your bicarbonate of soda – smells good too, and can aid sleep.
Oven
That burning smell when you put on the oven, means it’s time to clean it. There are a few alternatives, but this works: chip off any loose, burnt pieces; spritz them with ammonia. Now sprinkle bicarbonate of soda and a few drops
Experts suggest deep cleaning high-traffic areas three to four times a year, and other lesser used ones, once or twice, even 18 months for, say, a bedroom. You can do this yourself by renting a machine, or call in your favourite carpet cleaner. If you have loose rugs, clean them every four or five years — or every 10 years if a rug is not walked on much. Overcleaning contributes to wear and tear.
Tiles
Clean kitchen and bathroom tiles with a cleaner with a neutral pH. Alternatively, pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda into four litres of water, and apply the liquid with a mop. For grout, use the same mixture, but for tough stains, call in the pros.
Patio furniture
Furniture which stays outside is prone to mildew, and it will get dirty. Mix two cups white vinegar and two tablespoons dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water. Work it into the grooves of the plastic, rinse with cold water, and dry in the sun.
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ocated on Umhlanga Rocks Drive in the Ridgeside precinct in Umhlanga, Pran Boulevard consists of two separate office buildings of three levels each above ground floor, linked together on each level with enclosed glazed bridges. There are three parking levels providing about 250 parking bays, as well as a ground-floor podium level with timber decks, walkways, landscaping, and water features. The total building area, including the parking levels, is about 18,600m². Paragon was commissioned by Shree Property Holdings to design the landscaping as part of the holistic design of the project. This meant using the building’s design language throughout the landscaping. “The client gave us the design freedom to sculpt the landscaping to complement the buildings’ angular and
distinctive design,” project architect Jurie Geldenhuys comments. A four-star Green Star rating was the target from the offset, which the project received in May this year. Over and above these specific client requirements, Paragon also had to adhere to the very specific requirements of the Ridgeside Management Association (RMA) concerning the treatment of corner sites in the precinct, as set out in the RMA Design Guidelines Volume 0 and 1. These guidelines relate to planting types, which had to be presented and approved by the RMA Design Review Committee. The guidelines also include planting recommended for use on specific streets, that 90% of all planting is to be indigenous, and that the landscaping plans are to list and motivate plant types to be used for approval.
Bridgestone South Africa’s new HQ
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he new Bridgestone South Africa headquarters will be ideally situated between Joburg and Pretoria within the rising commercial city of the Waterfall City development in Midrand to accommodate business growth, support collaboration, enhance operations and provide an easily accessible location that is central even for customers. “We’re honoured that Bridgestone has entrusted Abland to develop their new offices as part of our Waterfall Precinct development, which is set to become one of the largest motor nodes in South Africa. We’re committed to ensuring we bring their vision to life and make
this an exciting place of work for all employees,” says Grant Silverman, marketing and leasing director, Abland. The site will be one of the largest motoring cities in Gauteng and home to flagship car brands such as BMW. Poised to be the new CBD of Gauteng, Waterfall is rapidly developing into a true lifestyle and blue-chip business destination in Joburg and it’s the growth node of Gauteng. The business precinct is seen as the economic hub of the African continent. Bridgestone expects to move into the new and modern premises in February next year and start trading on 1 April.
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PROPERTY NEWS
2 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
Yellowwood Park
This leafy suburb with its large houses at good prices attracts families WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGES: PRIVATE PROPERTY
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ranquillity abounds in the established suburb of Yellowwood Park which lies adjacent to the Stainbank Nature Reserve. It derives its name from the yellowwood trees which line the streets, some forming arches which shade the whole road. Large affordable homes with big gardens on streets named after birds and excellent maintenance, make it an attractive area for buyers. “The Yellowwood Park footprint includes Woodhaven, Woodlands and Montclair,” say Amanda Niemand and Sheena Wolvaardt, Tyson Properties Yellowwood Park. “Each of these areas have their own characteristics with variable demographics. Yellowwood Park consists of solely freestanding, while the other areas are a combination of freestanding, apartments and complexes.” Peter Lomax, director, Wakefields Yellowwood Park and Chatsworth, says properties range in price from R1,05m to R3m. “The current market is solid for homes below R1,2m,” he says. Niemand and Wolvaardt report similar prices. “Currently our mandates and sales indicate the lowest prices to be around R400,000 and the highest around R2,7m.”
Coedmore Road, also known as Millionaires’ Mile, is in high demand as it backs onto the nature reserve with beautiful views. “There is a high demand for apartments and complexes as younger and first-time buyers find it financially less demanding and more affordable in terms of surplus cash available monthly,” say Niemand and Wolvaardt. “Many buyers are young professionals and skilled artisans who work within the industrial hub known as the Durban South Industrial Basin and easy access to public transport, hospitals, schools, malls, shopping centres and access to all major road and rail networks make this area very attractive.” Discussion around the development of the harbour and within Yellowwood Park is ongoing. “Impact studies have been conducted over the last 10 years regarding development within Yellowwood Park, as well as open-harbour dredging and container terminals being developed in the industrial areas to the south,” say Niemand and Wolvaardt. “These developments will no doubt increase the demand for properties in this area and there has also been a huge demand from logistical companies opening in the Durban South industrial basin which will ultimately encourage more property developers to enter the area.”
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HOUGHTON GOLF CLUB
2ND A VE
Available daily for viewings WARREN BECKER 082 302 3004 | warren@thehoughton.com ASHLEIGH SMITH 073 220 7357 | ashleigh@thehoughton.com Houghton on 12th, 53 Second Ave, Houghton | Show apartment 8555