Neighbourhood 22 APRIL 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Stepping up Why people from all walks of life are choosing to live in eco estates, page 4
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22 APRIL 2018
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Eco estates Discover what the country's eco estates have to offer
WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK
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scaping into unspoilt landscapes and peaceful nature reserves rich in wildlife and beauty on weekends and holidays is one of the joys of living in South Africa. Now it’s possible to take it one step further and integrate that awayfrom-it-all feeling into everyday life by moving to an eco estate.
“Eco estates have become the current trend in developing real estate – particularly in areas rich in natural beauty,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
estates, but residents can expect nature hikes, mountain biking and bird-watching to be the main leisure activities, and, with conservation top of the list, most wildlife estates don’t allow domestic pets.
The term eco estate can be confusing, as it also applies to suburban estates with a green building focus. In the context of this write up, the term refers to sustainable lifestyle estates that have made nature conservation a priority. Also termed wildlife estates, these low-impact developments set aside a major portion of their land as a nature reserve, either rehabilitating overused farmland back to its indigenous state or conserving pristine landscapes. Building is done at a low density, landscaping is kept to a minimum and gardens are usually not fenced, allowing wildlife to roam freely, and are limited to indigenous plants. Lifestyle elements vary between
Into the wild
RAPTOR'S VIEW WILDLIFE ESTATE
A big part of the attraction is that buyers are able to live on true wildlife estates – where the animals, birds and plants are the real ‘residents’, humans are the ‘visitors’ and large parts of the estate are respectfully left undeveloped and untouched – while still being within easy reach of good schools, shops and high-speed internet connections
If leaving the city behind entirely isn’t possible, Zebra’s Nest Eco Estate, 15 minutes east of Pretoria, or Meyersdal Eco Estate, south of Joburg, have the best of both worlds. Zebra’s Nest has just seven 4,2ha stands, so residents live among zebra, nyala, klipspringer and more. Two dogs are allowed per household with strict rules on their management. Meyersdal has 343 stands of varying sizes adjoining a larger nature reserve and offers mountain bike trails, squash and tennis courts, as well as dams with catch and release fishing.
INTERNATIONAL
“Most purchasers who buy in these estates are looking to remove themselves from the busy city life and would like to go back to their roots.
INTABA RIDGE SECURE ECO ESTATE
1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
For example, Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate, outside Hoedspruit, comprises 1,000ha of bush with single-storey thatched houses built on up to 300 1ha stands. An extra attraction for families is the Southern Cross environmental school established here in 2002. This school serves many families relocating to the area, including those at nearby Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, which offers 200 0,5ha stands on 400ha of bushveld with impala, kudu, warthogs and other game.
Close to the city
BERRY EVERITT, GROUP CEO, CHAS EVERITT
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING
“Technology is now making it much easier to live permanently on a wildlife estate and run your business from there rather than just visiting for weekends and holidays,” says Berry Everitt, group CEO, Chas Everitt International, “and this is especially boosting demand for estates in areas such as Hoedspruit, Mbombela/ White River and the Waterberg.”
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Family life is always a consideration and the ‘rural’ feel of the smaller schools holds great appeal,” says Retha Schutte, regional executive, Pam Golding Properties Pretoria.
On the coast
If your nature idyll needs a beach to complete it, there are many choices. Breakwater Bay Eco Estate outside Mossel Bay adjoins Oubaai golf course, which has a host of facilities, a fynbosclad clifftop and coastal valleys home to bushbuck, grysbok, steenbok and rooikat, with prime views of whales and dolphins in the ocean below. Kenton Eco Estate between Port Elizabeth and East London has 2km of private beach, coastal dunes and a forest.
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“There’s a big demand for estates to develop around our environmental assets, such as our coastal forests. These resources present an attractive lifestyle element to potential buyers,” says Simon Peacock, broker/ owner, RE/MAX Dolphin Coast. The Balinese architecture-style Ekubo Coastal Estate on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast includes a coastal forest, wetlands, bush and grasslands with beach access, walking trails and a clubhouse. These three estates are still under development, with strict architectural guidelines, and encompass sustainable and green building concepts as part of their long-term conservation plan.
ECO-SENSITIVE ESTATES: Estates which include either golf courses or agriculture but also dedicate a significant area to nature conservation. Examples are: • Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate, Mpumalanga • Simbithi Eco Estate, KwaZulu-Natal • Zimbali Coastal Resort & Estate, KwaZulu-Natal • Pezula Private Estate, Western Cape • Wedderwill Country Estate, Western Cape • Westlake Eco Estate, Gauteng
CHARACTERISTICS OF WILDLIFE/ECO ESTATES: • The greater part of the land area is preserved as natural landscape. • Conservation of indigenous wildlife and vegetation. • Low housing density. • Includes indigenous plants and minimal landscaping. • No golf courses, agriculture or other commercial developments impacting the indigenous fauna and flora. • An environmental management plan is in place.
MORE WILDLIFE/ECO ESTATES: • Lissataba Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit • Brightside Eco & Aero Estate, Mpumalanga • Bergsig Eco Estate, Limpopo • Phezulu Game Estate, KwaZuluNatal • Intaba Ridge Secure Eco Estate, KwaZulu-Natal • Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate, Eastern Cape
ROYALSTON COASTAL WILDLIFE ESTATE
Situated amongst rolling hills and open fields along with ocean views, Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate is a 1 000 hectare secured residential reserve in Port Elizabeth, where residents escape the commotion of the city and have the opportunity to interact harmoniously with nature.
Just some of the idyllic features boasted by Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate include: • • • •
Being one of the Eastern Cape’s largest Gazetted Private Nature Reserves, boasting many critically endangered species; A coastal protected forest bordering the lake along with tree canopies which provide sanctuary to a vast array of birdlife; Secure with convenient access to shopping centres, schools and private medical facilities in close proximity; High security with guards and patrols 24 hours a day, coupled with rapid armed response teams to provide residents with security and peace of mind; • Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails; • Fishing and Leisure Activities; and • A serene and sheltered, family-friendly dog park
To join this unique residential lifestyle experience or for more information, please contact: info@royalston.co.za - sales@royalston.co.za Tel: 041 372 2113 - Fax: 041 372 2115 Port Elizabeth - South Africa
1 000 head of free-roaming game drift between homes as they visit the expansive lake and watering holes, while leisure bomas and bush campsites are interspersed around the reserve for barbecue or picnics with friends and family. While three villages have been established on the scenic Greater Estate, those who wish to downscale but not compromise on luxury and comfort have also been catered for with a new Lifestage Village which has joined the luxurious residential line-up.
www.royalston.co.za
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PROPERTY NEWS
22 APRIL 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Finesse Drive in Umhlanga offers luxurious chauffeur services WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Umhlanga area focusing on creating an exceptional experience without compromising on style and comfort. As a result, Finesse Drive opened its doors in June 2017. Kimeshen tells us more about the business.
Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: I own the property, so we don’t pay a rental amount, but the average rental in the area for the space we have is about R12,000 a month.
Q: How did your business start? A: I often travelled around Cape Town or Joburg with my two business partners and we’d hire a chauffeur to drive us around. The business idea emerged after we considered the amount of money we spent on these trips and the service we received and decided that we could offer an even better service to the KwaZulu-Natal market.
Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: We receive about 50 requests per day for transfers and tours.
Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: Umhlanga is the hub of the upperend tourism market in Durban. It’s also close to the airport, which is where the majority of our business comes from.
Q: Do you operate online as well? A: We have a website and a Facebook page (facebook.com/finessedrive2) which is constantly updated with new service offerings.
Q: How did you find your premises? A: I own the premises in my personal capacity and when we were setting up, we decided to use the space as we only needed a back-end office to monitor our cars, drivers and bodyguards.
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ime is money, and for businesspeople, being chauffeured ensures business continuity. Being driven around in style is a bonus. Kimeshen Raman and his two business partners identified the need for luxury chauffeur services in the
Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: We have some nice hotels around us which give us business. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: City Lodge, Protea Hotel and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
PIETERMARITZBURG & MIDLANDS Office Tel: 033 342 8108 • Email: nicci.vaughan@pamgolding.co.za
AN AESTHETIC MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING WITHIN SOUGHT AFTER MOUNT VERDE R7 400 000 Situated within the exclusive Mount Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, this magnificent 35ha property awaits a discerning buyer who will enjoy living in a secure, private game reserve. On the banks of your own private watering hole there is a luxury “tented camp” with a swimming pool! Currently the property runs completely “off the-grid” with solar power (but there is the option of connecting to Eskom power), and 2 boreholes feeding 8 x 10 000 L water tanks. Important to note: Mount Verde Wildlife Sanctuary allows owners to fence off up to 10% of their properties. Domestic animals and horses are allowed! pamgolding.co.za
Nicci Vaughan 082 810 3934
beach resort
Ref# 1PM1362494
/PamGoldingProperties @PamGoldingGroup
Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: We recently opened part two of Finesse Drive, which is our tour company, catering for tours to the international and local market.
Q: What’s your most popular service? A: Our beautiful cars are the highlight for our customers; they’re the perfect combination of style and luxury.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Finesse Drive Kim, 072 169 7775 Mo, 083 845 9479 finessedrive.co.za
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Home office space Create a good-looking workspace that inspires creativity and productivity WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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orking from home sounds like everybody’s dream situation, but it can be challenging. You need to have a great, dedicated space so that you want to be there. You may not spend all week in there, but it still needs to speak to you.
The global change in work patterns
According to a Regus survey, The workplace revolution: a picture of flexible working 2017, more than 70% of South African businesspeople polled expect to see an increase in demand for flexible work hours and 63% reported working remotely 2,5 days a week or more. Elize van den Berg, founder of lifestyle retailer Beetroot Inc, says, “This is great news for many of us who would like more flexibility to work where and when it suits us. More good news is that a home office comes with tax breaks. But according to online tax consultants at TaxTim, ‘The taxpayer must have an area of their home, which is used exclusively for this purpose.’”
Make it a dedicated space You must create a dedicated office space in your home. Elize says,
“People often tuck their home office into an unused space that’s not good for anything else. Mistake. It can’t be an afterthought in a dark corner or high-traffic area. Choose somewhere you’re going to love spending time, with good lighting, a view if possible, and sufficient plug points. If clients visit you, you’ll need space for an extra chair or sofa. And don’t forget excellent connectivity and cellphone coverage.”
A good-looking, functional space
“Get busy on a decor scheme that lifts your heart,” says Elize. “If you love colour, consider a bright wall to inspire alertness and focus. This workspace is where you’re going to have bold and brave ideas. If you prefer a neutral palette for a calming effect, I’d still suggest injecting some energy with bright scatter cushions, coordinated files and desktop accessories. “For furnishings, the most important investment is your chair,” says Elize. “Find one that’s ergonomically comfortable and have it set up specifically for you. Next, choose your desk. You need to have everything easily at hand, but it doesn’t all have to be on the desk surface. If you have good
storage solutions, a smallish worktop is all you need – this also encourages tidiness. Consider shelves that you can position near your desktop. “If your work means you move from one work surface to another, consider utility trolleys,” says Elize. “You can scoot them from one workstation to another.”
Where to meet clients
If you’ll have clients in and out of your space, be sure to create an area for them. Having a beautiful sofa and coffee table is usually more than sufficient. Consider getting a customised, comfortable couch, or reupholster one you already have to match your home office decor scheme. When it comes to choosing accessories, give them as much thought as everything else. “Rather save up to get something as beautiful as it is functional – an accessory you love, even if it’s just a pen holder,” says Elize.
Add value
“The home office is the most important room in the house, yet often we treat it like the least important,” says Elize. “It should be functional, practical, a place that reflects who you are and complements the work you do.”
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Family | Food | Fun
Tucked in Simbithi Eco-Estate on the North Coast, is the beautiful Fig Tree Restaurant: a place of community, family and relaxation. At the Fig Tree, couples enjoy romantic dinners, families gather over lunch and strangers leave as friends. Visit us at Simbithi Country Club, Shakas Rock Main Road. All are welcome: The Fig Tree is open to members of the public; no access code needed. Reservations: 032-946 5403 Operating hours: Monday 8am-9pm. Tuesday to Saturday 7am-10pm. Sunday 7am-6pm.
www.simbithi.com
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The Ramaphosa effect on Cape Town property
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ccording to Carl Nortje, MD, Rawson Developers, experienced operators in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, 2018 sales of his company’s multiunit residential complexes have been brisk. For investors seeking a rental income, retirees, or upmarket university student accommodation, Rawson develops close to transport nodes and major facilities such as sports stadiums, schools and universities, especially within the urban development zone. “The election of an experienced businessman, Cyril Ramaphosa, as president of South Africa, the 2018 Budget and the Cabinet reshuffle have favoured the prospects of economic recovery. The rand/US dollar rate improvement, lower cost of imports and lower interest rates
are encouraging a more positive view of our economy – adding impetus to our credit standing globally. “According to Lightstone, sectional title units have recently outperformed freehold in price growth. You need to follow the money to get a real view of what is stimulating the Cape Town market. Without doubt, our residential complexes are exactly what the market wants right now – rising, stable rental returns for investors wanting to cover their bonds, cheap and efficient access to transport modes, including the MyCiTi bus service for students and workplace commuters, and beautiful indoor/outdoor living spaces with secure shared facilities and parking,” say Nortje. “The election of Cyril Ramaphosa is the icing on a very attractive cake.”
It can be difficult to find apartment blocks with adequate security, but the blocks that get it right can significantly add value to the properties in the complex, not to mention the fact that it creates a more pleasant and safer experience for visitors and residents alike GRANT REA, CERTIFIED SALES AND LETTING SPECIALIST, RE/MAX LIVING
Monopoly Durban Edition board game
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he recently launched Monopoly Durban Edition board game features well-known landmarks such as Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World and The Pavilion shopping centre, among others. Durban is the second South African city to be featured in the board game, after Cape Town.
Michelle Burger, area principal, Pam Golding Properties Durban, adds, “The Monopoly Durban Edition board game is also a plus for local residents, as it’s a clever way of making the game more relevant for anyone who loves this city. It will certainly re-ignite many Monopoly players to go out and buy this new version for a fun and personal gaming experience.”
“It’s not surprising that Durban features so prominently on the international arena, as apart from its high tourism, cultural and leisure appeal, it’s home to a host of different residential areas ranging from entry-level through to the top echelon, making it the perfect metro to use as a base for Monopoly,” says Carol Reynolds, area principal, Pam Golding Properties Durban Coastal.
Reynolds says it’s a further positive endorsement for a city that has previously been underestimated and which is now coming into its own. “With the recent surge of interest in Durban from a tourism perspective, and just based on its dream climate and lifestyle offering – including a world-renowned promenade and all the amenities one could wish for – it’s the perfect time for Durban to gain further recognition.”
The Regency Apartment Hotel launches
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he Regency Apartment Hotel was recently unveiled to VIP guests as it enters a key construction phase. The luxury lifestyle development is due for completion in June 2018. The R350m development is situated in the Menlyn node, positioned for easy access to the Menlyn business district, the malls and conveniently close to the highway for access to Joburg or the OR Tambo International Airport. The luxury apartment style hotel suites will be available for business or leisure accommodation. This is the first Regency hotel and was created by Key Spirit Development in partnership with MD Siyanda Dlamini’s new hotel management company (soon to be launched).
“The impressive 220 suite development will cater to a mix of local and international professionals, investors, diplomats and embassy staff with different needs and requirements. Additional conferencing facilities are available for corporates on request. There’s a growing demand for accommodation to cater to the busy Menlyn district and we have created the ideal offering,” says Siyanda Dlamini, MD, The Regency Hotel Group. Designed by award-winning architecture firm, Archactive International, and developed by Key Spirit Development, The Regency Apartment Hotel is the ideal solution for long- and short-term business or leisure travel to Menlyn, Pretoria.
All systems go for Ridgeside Exciting developments on the cards for the new mixed-use precinct WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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tretching towards the hill from Gateway to Umhlanga is a tract of land that will soon be home to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most exciting mixed-use precincts – Ridgeside. “Given its extraordinary location, between the Umhlanga village and the ridge, combined with superb sea views, Ridgeside is being developed as a top-end mixed-use precinct. We’re seeing premium-grade corporate offices, high-end retail and luxury residential facilities being built,” says Chris du Toit, commercial director, Tongaat Hulett Developments. “Its proximity to King Shaka International Airport and the Durban CBD adds to its desirability.” The R1,2bn Umhlanga Arch development is central and its striking architecture, 163 high-end apartments, and office and retail space will ensure that it becomes a landmark in the area. Buyers have snapped up sites at Enigma Private Estate, the fastest-selling estate in the Umhlanga area to date and the only development in the region currently to offer individual stands for sale, which in this petfriendly estate start at R3,5m. Developments still to be launched include Ridge 7, by
property developer FWJK, a stand-alone sectional title office block comprising a floor area of 7,700m2; a 640unit retirement complex adjacent to the Umhlanga Manors; and The Skye, a mixed-use space comprising residential apartments, retail spaces and a hotel. The Taylor-Made Property Asset Managers commercial property investment firm has purchased a site to develop residential units, a four-star international hotel and commercial offices. “The term ‘dynamic urbanism’ comes to mind when talking about Ridgeside,” says Gavin Rogaly, founder and commercial director, Taylor-Made. “This
is a very desirable location and we’re in the final stages of negotiations with a global hotel brand, which has extensively researched the node’s appeal, to develop a 165-room hotel with an additional 40 executive long-stay suites. In addition, we will be developing some 300 to 350 luxury residential units, contemporary offices and destination retail space.” Du Toit says Ridgeside is a prime location for many high-profile developments and the momentum building there is unsurpassed. “Many national and international brands are now investing in property and the project is facing an exciting future.”