Neighbourhood 16 SEPTEMBER 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Lush living
Milder and cooler than its surroundings, Hillcrest is a lovely green belt offering its residents a country life, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: HILLCREST
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PROPERTY NEWS
16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Hillcrest Executive sous chef of the Sugar Club at Beverly Hills Hotel, Prenolan Naidoo, tells us about his neighbourhood WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: SUPPLIED, STEPHEN PILBROUGH, PAULO MENEZES & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
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renolan Naidoo chose to move from Durban’s North Beach – “to escape the noise in the morning” – to the Upper Highway suburb of Hillcrest. This represents a notable Umhlanga-Hillcrest commute for him, particularly when, as a chef, his hours are usually very unsociable, but no matter, he loves the area. “It’s its own little paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a wonderful green belt, and the foliage and flowers in full bloom in summer is amazing.” At that elevation above sea level, Hillcrest’s climate is not only cooler, but less humid, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy country over urban, with gardens filled with flowers like roses. As much as Hillcrest has retained its country-like reputation, it’s grown substantially. Today, the suburb’s centre is a complex and dense maze of shopping centres and commercial enterprises. With the arrival of Watercrest Mall along Inanda Road, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t buy, eat or do in Hillcrest. But moving out from its heart, it’s still horse country, with smallholdings, equestrian and golf estates… ample room to breathe.
Home sweet home Prenolan lives with his family in a three-bedroomed simplex with a small garden, communal pool and braai area. “I’ve been living there for about a year now, and I was drawn to this property by the peace, tranquillity, privacy and space – it was a welcome step up from where I’d been previously.” For Prenolan, the garden was a big plus, not only because he’s a huge braai fan, but because he’s discovered the joy of gardening. “I’m learning about it, and thoroughly enjoying it as a hobby.”
EAT: • Butlers Restaurant and Event Venue: fine-dining establishment • Lineage Coffee: world-class coffee experience • Classique Braai Lounge: braai meat and African cuisine • Union Square: top-grade, fresh and thick cut steaks • Pallet Jack’s: safe environment for families to eat great food and have fun • Chilliplum: ethical, locally sourced, organic produce • Lupa Osteria: casual, affordable family dinner of pizza and pasta
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
It’s never a given that chefs enjoy cooking at home when most of their waking hours involve just that, but Prenolan does. “The kitchen is my favourite space in the home. I enjoy cooking that much, that even when I’m at home, I tend to spend more time in
the kitchen than the average guy. I loved this kitchen when I moved in, and all it needed were a few essential chef’s tools. The kitchen has always been the social hub of our home, and I love the way family and friends gravitate there.”
Gems in the neighbourhood For Prenolan, Springside Nature Reserve, the green lung that runs through Hillcrest Park, is a real hidden treasure. Well-managed by the Hillcrest Conservancy voluntary committee together with eThekwini Department of Natural Resource, it’s the flagship of the Hillcrest Conservancy, and encompasses 20ha of forest, grassland, wetlands and a host of bird species, wildflowers and small creatures. It has easy walks on clearly marked trails, a shaded picnic area, a resource centre, guided walks, children’s programmes and more. It’s a safe, secure and green space for individuals and families to enjoy, and Prenolan takes advantage of this. His favourite go-to restaurant is Butlers, where the atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu caters to every member of the family.
Perfect Sunday “When I get the (very) occasional Sunday off (we operate at maximum capacity on weekends because it’s the high-occupancy time), it’s a rare treat. In this industry, it’s vital to recharge your batteries, so a Sunday off is an opportunity to recoup for the upcoming work week. A free Sunday would be spent in bed, playing with my daughter, or lazing in front of the TV!” But Prenolan’s also the braai master. “I really enjoy a good braai, and try to cook outside as often as possible on an open fire. I also try to fit in some gardening. But my ultimate pleasure is spending time with my daughter, and she’s crazy about the beach and the sea. We visit there as often as possible, and family beach holidays are our favourite.”
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ADVERTISING SALES:
Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley, Samantha Durand and Leah de Jager Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za
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16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
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PROPERTY NEWS
When you work the hours I do – and in the hospitality industry – your home is your sanctuary. For me, Hillcrest offers the perfect balance of peace and quiet in a beautiful green landscape. PRENOLAN NAIDOO
SCHOOL: • • • • •
Kearsney College Highbury Preparatory School Hillcrest Primary School Hillcrest High School Curro Hillcrest
SHOP: • • • • • • •
Watercrest Mall Link Hills Shopping Centre Heritage Market Lillies Quarter Hillcrest Corner Christian’s Village Shopping Centre Hillcrest’s Village Centre
For sale
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R3,75m
R12,500
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R2,59m
R1,325m
R2,95m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R36,188
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R6,250 R13,500 R7,500 R12,750 For a garden cottage
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property type:
55%
Property type:
house
Based on
4%
apartment
41% complex
beach resort
46% house
R3,75m
median asking price
30%
11%
apartment
complex
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
13%
garden cottage
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PROPERTY NEWS
16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Secrets Beauty & Day Spa offers visitors a range of treatments to help them relax WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY IMAGES: BOWDITCH PHOTOGRAPHY
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tress of any kind wreaks havoc on your body, which is why more people are resorting to treating themselves to spa days for holistic therapy. Karen Landman wanted to offer people the chance to de-stress in an environment designed for restoration and opened the Secrets Beauty & Day Spa with its breathtaking sea views to enhance wellness. Q: How did your business start? A: I’m an international image consultant and make-up artist and my dream was always to be part of the beauty industry. Owning a spa was the perfect opportunity to help others look and feel great and to pursue my dream, so I bought the Secrets Beauty & Day Spa in March this year. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: We’re lucky enough to have a beautiful sea view and a few
restaurants within walking distance from the spa and, because of the area, we get lots of holidaymakers as clients. Q: How did you find your premises? A: T he space was previously used as a penthouse for holidaymakers, but during out-of-season time, it wasn’t fully booked, so it made sense to turn it into a day spa. Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: T he premises are ideally located right next to The Boathouse and we are surrounded by a few popular restaurants. We’re also right next to the beach. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: T he Boathouse, Thava Restaurant and a few guesthouses. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: I pay a high rental because of the location, but it’s worth it. Q: How many people go through your store each day? A: We do individual bookings where we see about six clients a day, but for group bookings, we see up to 18 clients per day.
Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Yes, I’m planning on opening a kiddies’ pamper room where we can host kids’ parties as well as mum and kids spa days. I’d like to also include some men’s grooming as part of the business offering. I’m also adding make-up for events as part of the services. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Our website is currently being upgraded to make it easier for clients to book their treatments online. Q: What’s your most popular service? A: Our most popular treatments are massages, especially couples’ massages, as well as facials and then our Secrets Pedicure in our top-of-the-range massage chairs.
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AM
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Secrets Beauty & Day Spa 064 379 5663 facebook.com/Secretsbeautydayspa
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Neighbourhood
16 SEPTEMBER 2018
ADVERTORIAL
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outh Africans have become increasingly dominant in Mauritius property in recent years, largely because of the lifestyle offering and favourable investment climate of the country, which the World Bank ranks as the best in Africa in which to conduct business.
components, as well as world-class leisure and sports amenities.
Most South Africans, whether holidaying on the island or reviewing investment opportunities, will be most familiar with the West and North Coasts, although the East Coast also offers a smattering of upmarket resorts.
The visiting Mauritius delegation also includes Caroline Leclézio, a legal and financial specialist from ENSafrica Fiduciary Ltd finance specialists, who will advise investors on the numerous benefits of business development on the island, including corporate and personal tax rates pegged at 15%, no capital gains tax, and government incentives available to foreign investors.
“The South-East Coast, however, is almost entirely unknown to the South African market and this despite the region being home to arguably the most beautiful lagoon in the world. It is with good reason, though, that the area has remained so pristine, charming and unspoilt,” says Diane Watkins, executive director, Barnes International Realty in Mauritius.
He says less than 20% of the gross land area will be developed. The remainder will be an unspoilt green lung, with construction dotted around numerous natural ponds and lakes.
Scores of South African companies, from the largest corporate to SMMEs, are already doing business in Mauritius, among them Investec, Woolworths, Aspen Pharmaceuticals, Medscheme, Standard Bank and Shoprite.
Azul dreaming A Mauritian jewel to be revealed in South Africa this week
“Most of the land around the Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny areas – the two villages that front the lagoon – has had a single owner for almost 225 years. That ownership was consolidated under the umbrella of the Compagnie de Beau Vallon Ltée some 97 years ago and remains intact to this day.” Watkins will be one of the leaders of an investment delegation that visits South Africa this week to introduce the South-East Coast to investors in Joburg and Durban. The primary delegates are from Barnes International and Compagnie de Beau Vallon Limitée, the developer of Pointe d’Esny le Village. Christophe Curé, group property manager, will represent Compagnie de Beau Vallon Limitée. Curé says the project was launched off-plan to the international market in March. It is Mauritius’ first integrated village development close to the ocean under the government’s Property Development Scheme and incorporates some 500 residential units, from apartments and penthouses to ultraluxury villas, commercial space, retail areas and hospitality and educational
Investing in property worth US$500,000 (about R6,355m) or more also comes with the benefit of permanent residence status to Mauritius. This is linked to the property and can be transferred to heirs through inheritance. Watkins says the new Pointe d’Esny Le Village lifestyle development is in a region that is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, and unexplored by most South Africans. Apartment prices start at around R5,4m and investment options range to the most luxurious villas that top the development’s investment scale at just over R28m. The Mauritius Investment Delegation is available for consultation in KwaZulu-Natal at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Umhlanga on Monday and Tuesday, 17 to 18 September. The delegation’s Joburg consultations will be at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton on Wednesday to Friday, 18 to 20 September. Contact Jérôme Espitalier-Noel on +230 5494 4992 or j.noel@barnes-international.com for an appointment.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Barnes International barnes-international.com/en Pointe d’Esny Le Village pointedesny-levillage.mu/?lang=en
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HOMEOWNERS
16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood MORE ONLINE: yourneighbourhood.co.za
It’s not inside, it’s out Increasingly, the outdoors is a stylish, integral part of the home, with furnishings and gadgets to match the indoors WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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s South Africans, our patios and outdoor spaces have always played an important role in our lives. We’re outdoor people. Today, interior decorators and designers are crafting that space with furniture and accessories that wouldn’t look out of place in your lounge, but designed specifically to withstand our South African climate – no more mass-produced stacking plastic chairs, weather-streaked cushions and mouldy furniture.
Alon favours the classic, sophisticated design of Mobelli’s Luxor range – available in two sizes, so you have no space limitations – particularly in everybody’s favourite anthracite colour.
Rugs
“The sleek, contemporary design means it can be used indoors or out. The porcelain top provides the soughtafter marble look without the hassles of natural marble, and the reverse bevel frame design is hot right now.”
Alon Sachs, co-owner of Mobelli Furniture + Living, believes the simplest and most cost-effective way to keep our outdoor rooms updated is simply by adding an outdoor rug. The available range of colours, designs and textures is nothing short of fabulous. “These outdoor rugs are easy to maintain and are resistant to UV, mould and mildew, which means they can be left outside.”
Dining
rivalling anything inside. Weylandts’ Sempre collection is designed for outdoor living. The attractive weightiness of the cement tabletop belies the simplicity of the styling, and to accentuate the trendy industrial look, it sports simple steel legs.
The cleverly designed legs are placed more toward the centre of the table, so you can add extra chairs right to the end of the table – really handy for unexpected or large groups of guests.
Eating out while staying in, will never date. Forget that plate on your lap, now it’s designer dining tables and chairs
Sound
Sure, you can have your portable Wi-Fi speakers for the world to see… or you could keep it natural, yet edgy.
WAS R16 000
NOW R11 990
Warren Husband of Homeation suggests we rock out with durable, all-weather rock speakers – Klipsch Landscape speakers – which literally blend into the environment. And there’s more than one colour – granite or sandstone. Warren describes it as “all-weather, durable, high-performance outdoor audio. The rock satellite speaker brings the world’s most dynamic, powerful and detailed sound to your outdoor living space in a discreet fashion”.
“The r munic Sofas for inv Lounging outside is everybody’s says C favourite pastime, but no need for divisio discomfort. You’ll want a comfy, the pre good-looking sofa in which to sprawl. and in Mobelli’s Bravo fits that bill. “It brings by the a softer aesthetic to the outdoor space, standa and is fully upholstered in quality turn c outdoor fabric that can be left outdoors invest all year round, sun or rain,” says Alon. greate the pri Tea and coffee seen h Honest, simple materials win the day. Weylandt’s proposes their Modello The ch Coffee Table – medium sized – made street of cement with an acrylic finish, so adhere it’s indifferent to the weather, and, at nigh hey, cement’s this year’s black. the pu of new chains Fish H establ Neighb have ta galleri stores of fabr in mat and Vi along t like Fi visitor
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2018/08/14 1:26:02 PM
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16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Neighbourhood
Fresh-faced Florida Road
An active UIP has contributed to the rejuvenation of Florida Road WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGE: STEPHEN PILBROUGH
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lorida Road, always a hub of retail, restaurants and revelling, has seen a rejuvenation recently after beginning to succumb to urban decay. This renewal is thanks to the efforts of local business owners in setting up and supporting the Florida Road Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) which aims to ensure that the experience of the public spaces in the area is a positive one.
“The role of the UIP is to optimise municipal service levels and lobby for investment in infrastructure,” says Cara Reilly, head, UrbanPlaces, a r division of UrbanMGT, which manages the precinct. “Better service delivery awl. and investment in infrastructure rings by the municipality means a high pace, standard of public spaces, which in turn creates a sense of business and doors investor confidence and encourages Alon. greater investment into an area by the private sector, which we have seen happening in Florida Road.” day. o The changes are simple but effective: ade street monitors to ensure bylaws are o adhered to, security guards patrolling d, at night, and cleaners who maintain the public spaces. The result is a flood of new business into the area including chains like Starbucks and Jack Salmon Fish House, as well as independent establishments like The Charlatan Neighbourhood Cocktail Bar which have taken up residence alongside art galleries, boutiques and speciality stores. The road has become the hub of fabric shopping with the big names in material like Hertex and St Leger and Viney, opening stylish showrooms along the road recently. Public events like Film of Florida have seen more visitors venturing back to the area. “A sure indicator of growth in any area is a crane,” notes Reilly, “and we’re
seeing several at work on the new KFC, Urban Lime’s initiatives including Florida Fields and the exciting 2six2 mixed-use development.” Much of the charm of the area is its architectural heritage, including many Edwardian buildings which have been restored and converted into businesses in recent years, but 2six2 will change the face of Florida Road with a contemporary facade providing both retail and residential space on the corner of Florida and Gordon roads. “Gough Cooper Property Group has strategically focused our attention to being part of the urban regeneration in the Florida Road precinct which we believe to be the heartbeat and soul of Durban,” says Jacques Klynsmith, marketing director, Gough Cooper Property Group. “Florida Road and the surrounding areas are certainly on the upward scale – various stakeholders have in recent years invested in excess of R10bn into buildings in the Durban CBD and surrounding suburbs with the vision of rejuvenating these areas into prime real estate to attract local and international visitors to the province. The Ethekwini Municipality, The Florida Road UIP and private stakeholders engage regularly to discuss implementation plans of transforming the area to attract more local and foreign investment.”
FLORIDA ROAD APP: The Florida Road UIP has a free app! The app aims to enhance the experience of Florida Road for visitors, businesses, residents and tourists, by providing a single “go-to” point for all local information. Download it from the app store on iOS or Android.
PROPERTY NEWS
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The recession and the property market
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ollowing the recent announcement of a 0,7% drop in GDP in the second quarter of 2018, South Africa has fallen into another technical recession. “The announcement of a recession does not bode well for any sector of the economy. In the world of real estate, this translates into a buyers’ market where the supply of properties outweighs the demand from buyers. Unable to afford the costs of a mortgage, more properties enter the market, with some falling claim to bank repossession and distressed property sales. There are also fewer buyers on the market during this time as many simply will not be able to afford the cost of purchasing property. Buyers who have planned for the possible recession will be able to purchase property at much lower prices,”
says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa. To lower the risks of loss, global investors generally look towards growing economies first when considering investment options. “Sellers of these sorts of properties that are located in idyllic locations, might have better luck marketing the home as a short-term rental for foreigners who are hoping to take advantage of a cheap international holiday,” Goslett suggests. “My advice to sellers over the next few months is to be more rigorous in their search for a real-estate agent than ever before. In trying markets like the one we’re currently facing, sellers will need to partner with the best in the business to ensure that they get the right price for their property,” Goslett concludes.
In the Joburg and Pretoria metros, we’re seeing an upward trend in sales across all price bands and even experiencing stock shortages in high-demand areas. It’s likely that the appeal these areas hold for first-time buyers, namely affordability and the development of mixed-use properties, is ideally suited to the lifestyle of young professionals. BRADD BENDALL, GENERAL MANAGER: REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS, PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES
Summer Park Umhlanga breaks ground
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ollowing the first-ever residential online sales launch nine months ago, Summer Park Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal officially broke ground on Thursday, 16 August. The response from the online sales resulted in R60m sold within 42 seconds of the online launch. Summer Park Umhlanga is situated in the heart of the Umhlanga Ridge town centre close to all amenities – from shopping centres, medical suites and hospitals, to trendy bars and restaurants. Summer Park Umhlanga is the only pet-friendly apartment within this area that boasts family-focused facilities like a creche and dedicated play areas for kids. Every homeowner
has direct access to their own enclosed private courtyard that brings in extra space and natural light. The Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre is increasing in popularity, as a total of 322 transfers took place from February 2017 to January 2018. In the last five years, the median price of Umhlanga property has increased by 48%. “By the end of August, we will see the Summer Park Umhlanga site transform into a fullyfledged construction site, with graders and construction workers steadily at work. We anticipate completion of the development around the second half of 2019,” adds Stefan Botha, director, Rainmaker Marketing.
Capitec reveals custom design of new HO
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apitec Bank has unveiled the design of its new head office in Technopark in Stellenbosch. The office will be custom-designed and owned by the company. South African architecture studio dhk designed the building while considering Capitec’s current occupancy and planned growth. The new building will be situated on two vacant and adjacent plots of land on the north-west edge of Technopark and will accommodate up to 21,500m2. A number of key concepts have been considered, namely, the identity of the brand, internal flow and green initiatives. dhk has designed a single three-storey building with a wide open-plan floor plate that “loops” around a central triple-volume atrium. The loop adopts a fluid curvilinear form that shifts along its length, capitalising on the property’s 360º views. The
floor plates are connected across the atrium by a series of feature bridges and staircases to promote interactivity between departments. The facade of the building was developed to accentuate the linear looped form with a simple ribbon of fenestration that responds to the everchanging orientation of the building. Director at dhk and lead architect on the project Peter Stokes says, “Capitec encouraged input from the architects and interior designers to incorporate the latest workplace trends. To future-proof the design of the building, a flexible and agile approach was taken. The flow within the building supports a high degree of interaction and collaboration between business units and the executives”. Capitec’s head office is set to be completed in February 2020.