Neighbourhood 15 JULY 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Head to the hills Artist Nicky Chovuchovu paints a picture of life in Botha’s Hill, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: BOTHA’S HILL
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PROPERTY NEWS
15 JULY 2018
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Botha’s Hill Well-known artist Nicky Chovuchovu tells us about his neighbourhood WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH, SUPPLIED & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
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he long and winding road up to Botha’s Hill not only leads to cooler climes but far more of a country lifestyle and environment, even though it’s a mere eight-minute drive from the bright lights of Hillcrest. Shopping centres here are not malls, but rather small clusters of shops, eateries and art outlets, with names like Fainting Goat and Sugar Loaf Centres. Living out here, you’ll find numerous arts, crafts and antiquetype stores, pursuits and studios. Named after Philip Rudolph Botha, grandfather of General Louis Botha (1862–1919), first prime minister of the Union of South Africa, Botha’s Hill has some of the most spectacular views in the country. It’s the gateway to The Valley of 1,000 Hills and is also along the Comrades Marathon route.
Home sweet home Botha's Hill resident, well-known artist Nicky Chovuchovu is Zimbabwean born. “I grew up in Harare where my father was an artist, and I watched him paint and do commercial artwork in his studio and at home. My childhood was filled with creative adults because my father always had apprentices in his studio, so in my spare time, I’d work with them on commissions. The most exciting was creating the stands at the Harare Agricultural Show, much like the Royal Show here.” After finishing high school, Nicky went to work with him full time before he secured his first job as a commercial artist in a supermarket chain, “I worked there for seven years, but I grew tired of being confined to working exclusively with their three corporate colours. I needed to be free, so I began reading books on the Fauvist movement led by Henri Matisse, and I started to paint like them.” Nicky moved to South Africa in 2003, and after a stint in Joburg, then Durban, he settled in Botha’s Hill in 2009. “Living in Botha’s Hill feels special because it has a tranquil country feel PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
There’s a part of me which enjoys the freedom of being surrounded by farm animals, and growing my own food, and that’s all possible in Botha’s Hill NICKY CHOVUCHOVU
SCHOOLS: • Kearsney College • Hillcrest Pre-primary, Junior and High schools • Curro Hillcrest • Waterfall College
SLEEP: • • • •
Makaranga Garden Lodge Eagle Wind Manor Phezulu Safari Park The duBoirs
SEE: • Valley of 1,000 Hills • Phezulu Safari Park • Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market • Giba Gorge Mountain Biking • Giba Gorge Horse Trails
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PROPERTY NEWS
which suits me. I can have backyard chickens without the neighbours complaining about my rooster sounding his early morning alarm! It’s a massive contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city life I had been used to before I moved here. Botha’s Hill sits just about halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the N3, so it is convenient.” He adds, “The neighbourhood has a safe family feel, and that makes it a wonderful hometown.” Nicky lives with his wife and children in a spacious home, “I have my studio here too, which is my favourite space in the home. This is where I create all the wonderful ideas I put into paintings, woodcut prints and textiles – I enjoy experimenting with new forms of art, some of which does not make it into the public eye.” Nicky sells his work directly to the public, and a number of galleries – particularly in Cape Town – stock his work.
“I bring all the art materials to you and guide you on painting your own masterpiece. No one needs to be artistic, it’s for the fun of it, or the therapy if you like. It’s ideal for team building, bachelorette parties, fundraising, you name it, and can be hosted in private homes or even restaurants.” Nicky loves the Valley of 1,000 Hills. “I really enjoy visiting the villages, and taking a peek into the majestic Zulu way of natural living.” There are a number of different aspects to the 1,000 Hills tourism experience – from cultural to action to food – and although it’s a tourism drawcard, it’s often forgotten by locals. There are numerous arts and crafts outlets there too, most of them featuring quality traditional work. For eating out, Nicky has his favourites, “For lunch and dinners, my best go-to spot is Chilliplum. If we’re in a pizza or burger mood, it’s The Drum and Bell Country Pub and Restaurant or The Pot and Kettle Restaurant. Our favourite breakfast or morning coffee spot is Stretta Cafe.”
Gems in the neighbourhood Perfect Sunday Country and craft markets, real seasonal changes, roaring fires and, of course, the renowned boy’s private high school Kearsney College, all contribute to the sense of country, and even quirkiness. Nicky’s own Paint and Sip Art Party concept is a great example of neighbourhood gems,
For sale
If Nicky’s not at work in his studio, a braai with the family is his idea of a perfect Sunday, “We love being at home, but equally, we could all set off to fish at the local Inanda or Shongweni dams. They have great facilities for families, and when the weather’s perfect – which it usually is in KwaZuluNatal – it’s a great, relaxing outing.
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R2,01m
R15,000
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R1,45m
R907,500
R2,5m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R20,241
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
R5,000
R7,500
R12,750
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property type:
73%
Property type: Based on
house
3%
apartment
24% complex
52% house
R2,01m
16%
median asking price
apartment
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
32% complex
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
15 JULY 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood A
fter being retrenched, Brenda Pieterse had to reassess her life and tap into new skills to create an income. She turned to freshly-baked cakes and Occasional Cakes KZN was born. Q: How did your business start? A: I was unemployed for 18 months after being retrenched and had to assess what skills I had that could generate a sustainable income. I have been making special-occasion cakes for family and friends for over 30 years, so I set up a Facebook page to test the viability of establishing a home bakery. Although the market is saturated, I persisted until Occasional Cakes KZN became a thriving and sustainable business. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up your business? A: I live in Hillcrest. It has easy access to all main routes and is close to all shops, schools and amenities. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I converted my garage into an adequately-equipped work studio and have the luxury of working from home.
Occasional Cakes KZN offers delectables made just for you
WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: My time is flexible, so running my business from home is convenient for me. I work by appointment and clients are comfortable and get my personal, undivided attention. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Residents from the Hillcrest area.
page (@hillcrest.kzn1) where I showcase my work and plan to offer online orders soon. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: Corporate cupcakes, kids’ birthday cakes, wedding cakes and iced biscuits. I also make hand-mould cake toppers and figurines.
Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: A round R15,000 a month, which I’m obviously spared from paying. Q: How many people go through your business each day? A: On average, two clients a day, with about three cake orders a week. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I’m looking at the prospect of offering online orders, with basic, affordable cakes. This will allow employment opportunities for semi-skilled cake bakers and decorators. This expansion would also open opportunities to cater for high-volume corporate functions. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: I have an active Facebook
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Occasional Cakes KZN 084 877 7737 facebook.com/hillcrest.kzn1
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Neighbourhood
15 JULY 2018
PROPERTY NEWS
Buoyant property market in Glenashley P
roving that old school is cool, is the popularity of Durban North suburb Glenashley with its large properties and traditionallybuilt houses, many of which have been recently modernised.
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The area is well established with good primary and high schools, plenty of shops and other amenities and easy access to both the hub of Umhlanga and the CBD via the M4 Ruth First Highway. “The suburb and homes are family orientated with their larger stand sizes and area offering such as sought-after schools and playgrounds,” say Charmaine Powell and Casey Holloway, coowners, Harcourts Synergy. According to Private Property data for June, Glenashley was the 13th most searched-for suburb in Durban with a median asking price of R3,95m. “The market here is quite active and consistent. Properties range between R3m and R5m although occasionally houses for around R2,7m do come on the market,” says Maurizio Dalle-Vedove, Glenashley area specialist, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty. These often need some renovation but it makes
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Snap up a fixer-upper or modern masterpiece in this popular area WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA IMAGE: MICAELA DE FREITAS
them attractive to buyers looking to create their dream home in this ideal location. “Many older homes have been bought and renovated into large, designer masterpieces with the highest price on our books currently R8,2m,” note Powell and Holloway. “The shopping complexes in the area have also been extended and renovated, becoming quite a hub for a mix of businesspeople, families and trendy up-and-comers. The market is currently very buoyant and sellers who list at a fair price are seeing sales within a shorter period than the general market average of four and a half months. While we are feeling the effects of a buyers’ market, Glenashley is holding its value and is still very attractive to purchasers.” The whole area enjoys interest, but the single-apartment building in the area, Glenashley Heights, is particularly popular. “It offers fantastic sea views, good security and is well situated on transport routes and close to shops, restaurants and the library,” say Powell and Holloway. “The promenade which runs parallel to the beach is also in demand and there are some impressive freestanding homes here.”
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
15 JULY 2018
Urbanisation of retirement
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waZulu-Natal’s North Coast has experienced a property boom in the last few years. A big part of this growth is due to urbanisation, which is fast becoming a reality in areas such as Umhlanga, Ballito, and Sibaya Coastal Precinct. The Parliamentary Monitoring Group for South Africa says that eight out of 10 people in South Africa will be living in urban areas by 2050. As it stands, it's estimated that around 63% of South Africans are already living in urban nodes. Before, retirement homes and estates would be situated in quiet coastal towns or countryside regions. However, there has been an increase in retirement opportunities mushrooming in the heart of cities and urban spaces.
In the past year, there has been an introduction of at least three new retirement opportunities along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal that are centred in urban bustling spaces, with the anticipation of more being introduced in soughtafter, metropolitan areas in the near future. The Retire KZN community is already pinpointing popular urban areas to retire to, including the latest report where 26% of the community are looking at Ballito, 20% are leaning towards Umhlanga and 14% are showing an interest in the Sibaya Coastal Precinct. KwaZulu-Natal continues to go through developmental progress. As a result, it is creating ideal, relaxed coastal urban areas that fit the needs of a wide variety of individuals, especially retirees.
Especially since the eco-estate trend has seen such a popular uptake, many of the more upmarket housing developments are beginning to construct homes with built-in charge stations in the garages. We foresee this trend growing in line with the growth rate in popularity and demand for electric vehicles in South Africa. ADRIAN GOSLETT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND CEO, RE/MAX OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
The best luxury apartment complexes in SA
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ew World Wealth released their ratings of the top-10 luxury apartment complexes in South Africa. The rating criteria included design and space, communal gardens, maintenance, location, views and scenery, security and reception features, activities available, quality of fittings, and appeal to wealthy buyers. They listed the below as the top 10 that best met these criteria: • The Bantry, Bantry Bay (Western Cape) • Melrose Arch, Sandton (Gauteng)
• Embassy Towers, Sandton (Gauteng) • Whitehall Court, Killarney (Gauteng) • The Houghton, Houghton (Gauteng) • San Michele, Clifton (Western Cape) • Franklin Row, Illovo (Gauteng) • De Meermin, Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape) • V&A Marina Apartments, V&A Waterfront (Western Cape) • The Pearls, Umhlanga (KwaZulu-Natal)
New headquarters for Barloworld Logistics
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ork has begun on the new headquarters of Barloworld Logistics in Irene, south of Pretoria. The company will vacate its Sandton offices to occupy the site, a mixed-use precinct named Irene Boulevard, developed by Abland with Giflo Developments and architectural services company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. According to Abland development director Thinus Delport, the precinct will comprise a 16,000m² lifestyle and shopping centre. Barloworld Logistics’ headquarters will be a four-star, green-rated building. It will make up 5,500m² of the property. “We broke ground mid-March this year and are aiming
for completion of the Barloworld Logistics headquarters in April next year,” Delport says. The mixed-use precinct on Alexander Road just off the Botha Avenue interchange is close to the N1 highway. There are plans for a Gautrain station in the vicinity. “Barloworld Logistics’ new headquarters is a physical embodiment of our vision for the company – modern, future focused and fit-for-purpose,” says CEO Kamogelo Mmutlana. Phase 2 of the development will begin in Q3 this year. This will offer retail and lifestyle amenities that include a leading national grocer, new and existing restaurants, and beauty and health facilities.
Neighbourhood MORE ONLINE: yourneighbourhood.co.za/advice/design-and-decor>
On trend The four looks for any dining room
WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
F
orthright interior designer Grant Webster of Fahrenheit Design believes when it comes to giving your dining room a new look, “it’s wisest to assess the space and feeling surrounding your proposed upgrade, and if necessary, get some professional advice, before throwing down that credit card. The wrong look can so easily be purchased and installed into an environment for which it is unsuited”. He says that dining rooms are cloaking themselves in a host of different outfits, here are his top four.
Pure and simple
Minimalism is all about removing everything that doesn’t serve a purpose and keeping the space pure and simple. Grant explains, “All you need is a plain table or level surface, with sufficient seating, which could be a built-in or bench seat. Lighting is often reduced to a single fitting or concealed. Dining here is about the food and the company and leads naturally to a sophisticated yet simple palette of tastes, all real and authentic – just like the wine and the single highlighted piece of art on the wall.”
For the free at heart
For those who want something bolder, Baroque may be for you. Grant sees this look as richly over the top. “The Baroque space is host to many a late and raucous dinner party, a space more attractive by night than day. Lots of antiques, velvet cushions, antique and ornate picture frames, many family and friends’ portrait frames, and shining and antiqued accessories and candlesticks clustered under a painting by John Constable or a lesser cousin. This look is created with lots of mismatched furniture and reflective
surfaces, the scent of roses, sunflowers and tulips all together, serviette rings and side plates, back plates, and a myriad glasses for the champagne, the wine, the sherry, and the odd brandy.”
Country comfort
If a more homely and approachable look is your thing, cottagey is what you are looking for. Grant explains, “Cottagey was a functional look from around the 1600s to the early 1800s, and shouldn’t be confused with its more sophisticated sibling, the artsand-crafts look. Here the chairs must be noisy, rickety and the floor surface uneven. Colours are unimportant. Throw out your electric conveniences, forget about Wi-Fi or anything space saving, get a wonky beaten oak table, and some knee blankets to keep your guests warm, since no heater will work with such a look. An old jar with water and some daises will be just the thing to brighten up the space.”
Modern chic
For those who are looking to rejoin the 21st century, there’s the contemporary look. “This look is filled with just the right quantity of desirable fabrics, comfortable and new chairs, and a clean-surface dining table,” says Grant. “The walls are a warm shade of grey, the wallpaper accent could be graphic – stylised strelitzias on a textured background. Metallic (copper this season) cutlery, matt brushed; earthenware place settings, smooth, pastel blue-green; and mustard accent serviettes. The lighting is LED, warm white and quite subtle, accented by tall standing lamps and smaller naked Edison bulb type ones. Curtains are linen, the floors real wood – oiled oak, open grain and natural. The cushions are velvet.”
Neighbourhood
15 JULY 2018
PROPERTY NEWS
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PROPERTY NEWS
1 JULY 2018
Neighbourhood
OFFICES - END USER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - FOR SALE - HILLCREST
Stunning office block with fantastic frontage to Old Main Road, Hillcrest, and easy access to the M13 on and off ramps. These transitional zoned offices of approximately 512sqm are set on level land of 4050sqm in manicured gardens. There are approximately 50 parking bays on site with shaded awnings and drive through automated access. These offices boast light and airy private and open office spaces as well as an inside and outside social area and a beautiful ground floor board room with doors opening to the gardens. The ground floor is wheelchair friendly with ablutions and ramps already in place.
To view, contact Dawn 074 322 2012
OFFICES - FOR SALE - HILLCREST This prime position home lends itself to a conversion for offices, a retirement centre, veterinary clinic or garden nursery with its close proximity to the hub of Hillcrest and special consent zoning allowance. The house is approximately 250sqm set of 3700sqm of level land. Facing onto the busy Hospital Road in Hillcrest, this boasts good exposure to passing traffic. This property is set in a sought after location with walking distance to Hillcrest Corner, Highbury School and Hillcrest Primary School.
To view, contact Dawn 074 322 2012
INDUSTRIAL - TO LET MARIANHILL
TO LET 17 000m2 WEB CL714
WAYNE ASHFORD
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TO LET 4 300m2 WEB CL690
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1000 amps WEB CL705
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