Neighbourhood 11 MARCH 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
The high life How the jaw-dropping beauty of the South Coast continues to attract holiday-makers, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: HOLIDAYING IN THE SOUTH COAST
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PROPERTY STATISTICS
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PROPERTY NEWS
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PROPERTY NEWS
11 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
RSA
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast Discover the wonders of holidaying in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: UMZIMKULU MARINA, UGU SOUTH COAST TOURISM, WILD 5 ADVENTURES & ISTOCK
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he KwaZulu-Natal South Coast offers a superb lifestyle, with seaside town residents enjoying the warm Indian Ocean, the opportunities presented by the seasonal influx of tourists, the natural beauty of the area and affordability not found on any other coastline.
If you head south from Durban on the N2 or travel along the little old coast road, you find a smaller or bigger town every few kilometres or so, each with its own personality, identity and residential and tourist attributes. For many, the South Coast is the holiday-maker’s best-kept secret.
The northern-most South Coast town is Amanzimtoti, part of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, but from Scottburgh to Mtwalume, you’re in Umdoni or Ugu (translated as “the edge of the great water”) country. Then the so-called Hibiscus Coast stretches from Hibberdene through Port Shepstone, Shelly Beach, Margate and Southbroom to Port Edward on the Eastern Cape border.
Holiday homes and accommodation This coastline has long been popular with retirees, with stylish new mature lifestyle residential developments like Renishaw Hills near Scottburgh accommodating this demand. The retiree label largely comes from decades of holiday-makers from land-locked provinces choosing to retire where the weather is good and where they can spend their days fishing, playing golf and enjoying the beach lifestyle. Property in the South Coast is considerably more affordable than in other areas and, in many instances, the towns are much quieter (particularly out
of season). Certain South Coast towns, like Margate, are dominated by holiday-makers in season, while others are more residential. Guesthouses, B&Bs and camping and caravanning resorts abound, particularly around areas with Blue Flag beaches, spectacular views and natural surroundings. It’s a wonderful, affordable destination. The area includes apartment blocks, townhouse complexes, palatial freestanding homes and a wide variety of holiday accommodation. With the bounty offered by the warm Indian Ocean, the lifestyle is prized. Sally Caper has enjoyed many holidays in the South Coast with her husband, John, and their two dogs. “Last year, we sold a vast home in Gauteng and moved into a complex for over-50s here. John fishes, I play golf and at sundown we walk on the beach with the dogs or enjoy a sundowner with a sea view that’s beyond belief. And our kids now holiday with us two or three times a year. It’s not often that reality surpasses a dream.”
Explore
This coastline has numerous sea and land-based natural attractions.
The warm Indian Ocean makes it a holiday-maker’s dream. For scuba divers, there’s Aliwal Shoal, a dive site which is part of an ancient reef complex, as well as Protea Banks, off Shelly Beach – both are internationally ranked dive (and shark dive) sites. This coastline is perfect for spotting dolphins and whales. If you’re in the area in winter, you can witness the spectacular sardine run where millions of sardines migrate along the coast in it’s a feeding frenzy trailed by dolphins, sharks, birds and fishermen. With hiking and mountain biking paths, picnic spots and a variety of birds and animals, the South Coast offers ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. There are great nature trails, wetlands and forests inside and outside nature reserves such as Oribi Gorge, inland from Southport, and Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve near Umzinto. Oribi Gorge is also renowned for extreme sporting options such as bungee jumping. South Coast resident Jenny Clarke spends a great deal of time hiking and bird-watching in the area. “When it comes to my two passions, the South Coast is really a gem. There are so many opportunities to get out there and enjoy nature.”
EAT: • The Fish Eagle Restaurant, Port Edward: rated as one of the top five restaurants on the South Coast • The Waffle House, Margate: for hearty breakfasts and sea views • Enzo Pizzeria Trattoria, Scottburgh: for authentic Italian cuisine • Giorgio’s at the View Boutique Hotel, Amanzimtoti: for fusion-style cooking with Italian flair • Burlesque Cafe, Ramsgate: for home-style, rustic dishes • Casa Toscana, Trafalgar (reopens 14 March): for a wonderful balance of traditional Italian and a touch of elegant fine dining • The Cellar Boutique Restaurant, Port Shepstone: for an intimate dining experience • Stephward Estate Country House, Uvongo: for fine dining in a romantic and relaxed atmosphere
Because of the dense coastal vegetation, it’s tucked away, yet it’s right on the beach. Even though we live in Durban, my kids have grown up here, brought their friends from school, and they call it home – there’s not a chance we’d ever sell this lifestyle! SUE SLATER, HOLIDAY-MAKER
PUBLISHED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423
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11 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
With 300 to 400 species in the different eco-zones, bird-watchers love the South Coast. TC Robertson Nature Reserve alongside the Mpambanyoni River is a well-run wetland area, with a wide variety of birds and a few bird hides. Southbroom has the Frederika Nature Preserve, a tropical enclave between the Mbizane and Kaba rivers, and the Mpenjati Nature Reserve has guides who can take visitors along the beach at low tide to see the protected marine fossils. Visitors also enjoy visiting the Red Desert, one of the smallest deserts in the world, which looks like the red sands of Mars. There are also unusual flowers, shipwrecks and coves on walks along the Hibiscus Coast. On the rocks of Glenmore Beach, parts of the 1933 wreck of the Nightingale are still visible. South Coast towns like Pennington are some of the best places for off-shore and deep-sea fishing. Pennington is also a renowned surf spot – one of many along the South Coast. With a number of superb 18-hole golf courses, the South Coast is also known locally and internationally as the “Golf Coast”. Southbroom has the widely respected San Lameer and Southbroom Golf clubs, while Pennington has Umdoni Park Golf Club. Further south there’s the Wild Coast Sun Country Club and many others. On some courses, you can also find great accommodation to rent on the golf estate or nearby.
PROPERTY NEWS
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SLEEP: • The Gorge Private Game Lodge and Spa, Oribi Gorge • Desroches Hotel, Margate • Rock Shandy Beach House and Stone Cottage, Marina Beach • Coral Tree Colony, Southbroom • Umkomazi Rocks Beach House, Widenham • Highrocks Beach House, Widenham • St Helier Cottage, Umkomaas • Pumula Beach Hotel, Umzumbe • Clansthal Beach House, Clansthal • Umbhobe Beach House, Pennington • Selborne Villas, Pennington • Botha House, Pennington
For sale Median asking price:
R1,35m
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R1,3m
R1,04m
R1,4m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
55%
Property Type:
DO:
For a typical property in this area
house
32%
complex
R13,252 per month
Based on
apartment
13%
You’ll pay
R1,35m median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10,25% prime
• Explore the many beautiful beaches. • Go for a coffee tour of Beaver Creek coffee farm. • Take the family to the Wild Waves Water Park at the Wild Coast Sun. • Enjoy game viewing, hiking, mountain biking and zip-lining. • Play a few rounds at one of the choice golf courses in the area. • Get your adrenaline pumping at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve with Wild 5 Adventures. • Discover the South Coast Birding Route. • Go swimming, surfing, fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
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PROPERTY NEWS
11 MARCH 2018
Home Design Showcase
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entury Property Developments will be inviting members of the public to join in as it showcases home designs for Blue Hills Equestrian Estate by one of the top architectural firms – JK Designs. The Home Design Showcase started yesterday, 10 March, and continues today, 11 March, from 9am to 5pm at the Blue Hills Equestrian Estate in Midrand. Zotos Construction will also be there to provide accurate build costings and show visitors how to customise their own finishing schedules. Visitors will be able to
interact directly with the builders and architects and find out how to create their dream home in the countryside. Blue Hills Equestrian Estate features a Reddford House private school, equestrian facilities, large spacious greenbelts with walking trails and play parks, as well as a future commercial, retail and office precinct. Property values are expected to follow the soldout success of Waterfall Equestrian Estate, where values have increased 600% in the last seven years. Stand sizes range from 5,000m² to 15,000m² and are priced from R3,1m.
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood
Regardless of whether the market favours buyers or sellers, it’s important that homeowners have a plan of action if they want to achieve the best possible selling price for their property. In today’s age of readily available data, buyers are savvy and educated with regard to the property pricing and fair market value. As such, sellers need to price their property accordingly to ensure that they will attract the right buyers to the home. ADRIAN GOSLETT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND CEO, RE/MAX OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
Evergreen is coming to Zimbali
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uwait’s IFA Hotels and Resorts (IFA) recently announced that it had concluded a joint venture deal with Evergreen Lifestyles, Amdec Group’s retirement lifestyle business. This partnership ensures that the R3bn retirement offering within Zimbali Lakes Resort provides the launch pad for Evergreen’s expansion plans into KwaZulu-Natal. With a key focus on increasing retirement opportunities nationally, Amdec recently confirmed a R675m deal with the JSE-listed PSG Group, which will see the Evergreen
Lifestyle brand expand to 3,000 homes over the next three years. The Evergreen Lifestyle Zimbali Lakes will account for around 750 of these retirement units. Set within the Zimbali Lakes Resort, Evergreen Lifestyle Zimbali Lakes will include sectional title apartments, to be sold on a life rights basis. It’s geared towards the retirement market’s demand for secure retirement living for over55s and will provide a dedicated on-site healthcare centre, assisted living facilities, frail care and an array of luxury lifestyle amenities.
Funkt Woodwork in Silverton designs and manufactures a variety of timber products WORDS: ZENA LE ROUX IMAGE: SUPPLIED
Woodstock’s success continues
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ape Town central’s ongoing development over the last decade has caused an increase in demand for residential property in the area, which in turn has fuelled the regeneration of previously overlooked suburbs such as Woodstock, transforming them into mixed-use nodes. “We’re currently working with local and international retailers and commercial companies looking to strategically place themselves in the Woodstock/Salt River/Observatory precinct to take advantage of the area’s distinct benefits, all of which are sure to pique consumer interest,” says Chad Shapiro, senior commercial broker, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty CBD, City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard.
Q: How did your business start? A: A fter spending many years working in the architecture field, I realised there was a need for a manufacturing facility focusing on special installations and someone who could interpret the ideas and requirements of homeowners, architects and business owners and turn them into reality. As I did a woodworking apprenticeship before studying architecture, the foundation was already laid. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: We chose Silverton because it’s centrally located in Pretoria and most of our suppliers are either based here or do weekly trips into our area.
Lew Geffen, chairman, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty believes that Woodstock’s strategic future growth potential is due to its convenient proximity to the CBD as well as other numerous critical drawcards. “The main transport routes leading to the city’s other key nodes are easily accessible, and this is not only beneficial to the businesses in the area but also to the employees who face an increasingly congested daily commute.” Shapiro adds that an important factor in the keen ongoing interest for property investment in the area is the fact that Woodstock also benefits from being an urban development zone, which offers a welcome tax break.
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ith a vision of embracing all things wood, Funkt Woodwork offers highquality custom furniture, kitchen woodwork installations and “boutique shopfitting”. Owner Stefan Hefer tells us more.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Funkt Woodwork 083 276 0537 funkt.co.za
Q: How did you find your premises? A: A fter looking at many premises, I decided on Business Partners Business Park due to its central location, proximity to suppliers and the fact that I am next door to my two sister companies – Dira Designs and Fourth Revolution. Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: We’re situated in an industrial park which offers 24-hour security
along with adequate parking, access and services. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Dira Designs, Fourth Revolution, Modern Age Design and Houteng. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: Due to the location, rental prices are slightly above average. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: We don’t really deal with walkin clients, as we cater more for architects and designers. When we do our own designs, we visit the clients at their premises. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Yes, I’m planning to acquire my own premises large enough to house this company as well as our sister companies, along with a few other inter-disciplinary trades I make use of, such as steel manufacturing. We currently work from our own factory/workshop with the above-mentioned facilities close by but not yet under one roof. Q: Do you operate online? A: We have a website. Q: What’s your most popular service? A: It’s difficult to say, but most satisfaction for us and our clients usually comes from seeing a space transform from underused/underimagined to something useful, lasting and ultimately inspiring.