Neighbourhood PTA - 11 October 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

RSA

Neighbourhood 11 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Copperleaf Estate Don’t miss the food and wine fair, page 05

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

LIFE GRAND CAFE

FLOORING

What’s ON SHOW in Pretoria this weekend? Get the full list at yourneighbourhood.co.za

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: CPT CITY BOWL

MALL OF AFRICA

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

Bowled over

his week’s national spotlight is on Cape Town’s City Bowl. For me, one of the most impressive things about the city centre is the continual development taking place there. I chatted to Rob Kane, chairman of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District, who told me that there are even more reasons to celebrate the building going on in the Mother City: • P ortside, which was launched last year between Buitengracht and Bree streets, has been rated the most sustainable tall building in South Africa, earning a 5-star Green Star As Built rating. It is also the tallest building in the Cape Town CBD. • The expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), will double the building’s exhibition capacity. • The new Netcare Christiaan Barnard Hospital on Cape Town’s Foreshore is under development alongside the

CTICC, bringing more world-class health care to Cape Town. • The iconic Triangle House in Riebeek Street is being transformed into a Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence and will offer at least eight floors of residential units. • The redevelopments of Touchstone House in Bree Street and the Twinell Building between Long and Loop streets are sterling examples of preserving Cape Town’s unique architectural heritage while moving buildings into the 21st century through the introduction of innovative green technologies. • The Iziko South African Museum in the historic Company’s Garden is being expanded and renovated.

WHAT IS THE CCID? The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) was established in 2000 and is the first of its kind in South Africa. The CCID is funded by property owners to provide complementary urban management services to a specific geographic area. These services include supporting and augmenting the City of Cape Town’s safety and cleaning efforts in the central city; ensuring that the environment is well managed; ensuring that social development issues are addressed; and ensuring that the central city is promoted as a leading business destination.

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423

Student nights Pretoria still has trendy party spots where students can enjoy a great night out WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: AAND KLAS

ith some places shutting down in Hatfield Square in the past year to make way for a potential residential development, students may be left wondering what hot spots are left in Pretoria where they can enjoy a great night out. Rest assured there are still a couple of spots where they can take off a load.

Rock out

Visit Aandklas on the corner of Hilda and Prospect streets in Hatfield to enjoy the best in South African rock and alternative music in a chilled atmosphere. The bar opened in June 2006 and is situated in a 70-year-old house, a heritage building created by Norman Eaton, a prominent Pretoria architect. With four bars, eight big screens, foosball and pool tables, Aandklas is perfect for a great night out for rock music fans and is superfriendly on the student budget. This

bar has offered great live music from performers such as aKing, Jack Parow and Bittereinder over the years and is home to one of the longest-running quiz nights, in Pretoria on Wednesday evenings. Its annual Spring Day and Halloween parties and its biannual Potjiekos Party are a hit among partygoers. For great live tunes and a buzzing crowd, visit Aandklas.

Sports thrill

Celebrate and cheer on your favourite sports team at Trademarx, situated off Kirkness Road at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where you can watch the latest matches on one of the 50 or so LCD screens or two big-screen TVs. This sports bar, which opened in June 2007, has interesting sports memorabilia, including top Springbok jerseys from Francois Hougaard and Jesse Kriel, decorating its walls. With a view of the fields at Loftus Versfeld, check out the

players live as they train while you enjoy a tasty lunch. Try a Passion Wagon jam jar, a double Richelieu and Coke, or a 1 L carafe of Merlot with the Trademarx platter of beef samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, boerewors and cheese grillers. Exciting events hosted by this restaurant include the University of Pretoria’s official Spring Day party, the Pre-Spring Day party and various hostel socials. Trademarx provides friends and family with fun-filled sports viewing.

EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF: Aandklas 012 362 3712 facebook.com/AandklasPta Trademarx 012 344 5000 trademarx.co.za

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info EDITORIAL TEAM Group Editor: Claire Barnardo claire.barnardo@thecreativegroup.info Managing Editor: Charis Le Riche Creative Director: Mark Peddle

Art Director: Leah de Jager Designers: Craig D’Oliveira, Megan Cooper Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Proofreader: Marana Brand Editorial Intern: Lauren Albertyn Online Editor: Lauren Joubert

ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Neighbourhood Manager: Dylan Rothschild dylanr@yourneighbourhood.co.za Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

10-course indulgence

About 100 guests enjoyed haute cuisine with top Peruvian chefs at Life Grand Cafe WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

uests enjoyed haute cuisine created by top chefs Emilio Macías and Andre Patsias at a 10-course Peruvian-themed tasting at Life Grand Cafe in Waterkloof recently. Guests from embassies, including Columbia’s, Mexico’s, Ecuador’s and Portugal’s, began their journey of flavour with a Pisco Sour cocktail, a signature Peruvian drink. Maira Koutsoudakis, co-owner and designer of Life Grand Cafe, says they then moved on to the first course: oysters with rose Leche de Tigre (a Peruvian citrus-based marinade) and roasted flowers, butternut squash with coffee, and watercress and asparagus complemented by crispy pork skin, crème fraîche and pansy flowers. She says chefs Macías and Patsias love working with different colours and textures and making use of unusual ingredients to complement their dishes. “A delicious springbok tartare with cornichons, ramson capers and sorrel was followed by a herbal ceviche made with smoked sea bass, granita accompanied by burnt flowers, and leaves. The duo combined white, black and red quinoa with seared mushrooms, semi-dried scallops and a coral broth,” says Maira. The final course consisted of braised beef tongue with green peas, tejete oil and pea shoots. Dessert was a mouth-watering pairing of caramelised goat’s milk served with wild berries, yoghurt and nasturtiums. Maira says Latin American cuisine is taking the world by storm with its interesting ingredients and incredible flavours. She says the fusion of Native European, Asian and African flavours paired with the creativity of a new generation of chefs growing in Peru has been recognised by San Pellegrino in its 50 best restaurants in the world. Chefs Macías and Patsias have refined their art at a number of highly respected restaurants on San Pellegrino’s top 50 list of best restaurants, including Noma in Denmark, Astrid y Gastón in Lima and Quique Dacosta in Spain. With their expertise and passion for Peruvian ingredients and flavours, the chefs aimed to create an out-ofthis-world experience for the guests. Maira says, “We were so impressed by the dishes created by chefs Macías and Patsias that gourmands wanting to taste traditional Peruvian cuisine are now able to enjoy a number of new favourite Peruvian items on the menu. It’s this zest for life that makes Life Grand Cafe the ideal venue for exploring Peruvian cuisine.” TASTE IT YOURSELF: Life Grand Cafe 012 346 1031 lifegrandcafe.com

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Retrofest at Nirox R

olling lawns, cloudless skies, good food and drink, ’60s and ’70s tunes wafting through the air… It’s all about relaxing and reminiscing at the fourth Retrofest, to be held at Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle on 31 October.

Enjoy good food and retro tunes on the lawn at Nirox WORDS: CATHERINE BLACK

IMAGES: HENRY ENGELBRECHT

The concert will feature a selection of South African acoustic musicians interpreting artists such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. “Retrofest is an ode to an era of music that changed the world. It’s a celebration of the great songs of the ’60s and ’70s, when songs precipitated a new consciousness, and ideas of peace, love and unity were sung,” says co-organiser Lloyd-Anthony Smith.

Retrofest is an ode to an era of music that changed the world LLOYD-ANTHONY SMITH, CO-ORGANISER, RETROFEST

The featured artists on the day – Josie Field, Donovan Borne, Bye Beneco, Nic Dinnie, Justin Serrao, the Urban Village and Runaway Train Cult, among others – each have their own unique style and story to tell. “For example,” says Lloyd, “the Urban Village is a band of young self-taught experiential artists from Soweto whose indie folk sound is layered with funky acoustic melodies and a blend of traditional influences.” The Runaway Train Cult, on the other hand, is a fully acoustic band, featuring violin, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, sax, double bass

and drums. “Their genre is a mix of Appalachian country, bluegrass, gypsy and contemporary folk,” he says. Although you can’t bring food and drink into Nirox, you won’t starve, because an impressive array of food will be on offer, courtesy of the Epicurean Emporium, which curate some of Joburg’s finest food vendors, including Che Argentine Grill, Soul Souvlaki, Li Kitchen (dim sum), Pappou’s Prego and others. There will also be a fully stocked bar serving bubbly, craft beers and artisanal cocktails. “We’re also adding a few surprise retro elements, such as stalls selling vinyl and retro sunglasses, and an outdoor film screening after the sun goes down,” Lloyd adds. Retrofest forms part of the Acoustics Now series of concerts, including Valentine’s Blues, Guitar Giants and, come April 2016, a new classical concert, all of which aim to foster the live art of music. To get the most out of the day, arrive early and take a tour of the sculpture park before settling on a blanket in the gardens to enjoy the start of the Joburg summer. Buy your tickets online at acousticsnow. org or at the gate. Children under 12 pay half price and infants under two enter free. Keep in mind that no food, drinks or pets will be allowed. Gates open at 10am.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Retrofest 082 875 2865 acousticsnow.org

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Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Under foot

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Get into the mood

Celebrate October

The smart home is, for many, the next major evolution in the way we live WORDS: CHRIS REID

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

IMAGE: KASTHALL

WORDS: RITA HELLO

Kollege Frat Party of the Century

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

On 17 October Kollege and Arcade Empire are bringing beer pong, keg stands and live music to the capital city. Dance along with Desmond & the Tutus, Sutherland, We Are Charlie and our very own December Streets. Tickets are available online, or at the door from 4pm. No under-18s. ID required. Book via Ticibox. SEE FOR YOURSELF: Amorim Cork South Africa 021 881 3022 amorimcork.co.za Kasthall kasthall.com

Suzelle DIY: The Book

3 T

he minimalist industrial look in flooring is being softened with more traditional materials that are in turn being given a modern, technical treatment . Surfaces such as concrete screed have been the flooring of choice for a few years now. While there’s no denying their practicality and minimalistic appeal, there’s a rising trend in interiors to eschew the industrial and focus on soft floor treatments instead. This doesn’t mean wall-to-wall carpeting is the answer, but that natural (and sometimes very old-

school) materials are back in focus. The swing back to natural, softer flooring ties in with broader social trends towards people seeking to create living spaces that feel more grounded and connected. The sentiment is that the trend towards minimal spaces has left us with homes that are often aesthetically appealing but alienating and cold.

Suzelle’s in town! With more than 50,000 subscribers on YouTube, and a new book, Suzelle is a constant source of entertainment and inspiration. Grab the opportunity to meet Suzelle and Marianne in person at Atterbury Theatre on 17 October at the launch of Suzelle DIY: The Book. Get beauty tips and recipes, view never-before-seen videos, and learn about interesting DIY projects. Because everybody can! Discussion at 10am followed by a book signing at 11am. Book via Computicket.

Rita-Mari Ludike is a freelance art director, photographer and the blogger behind Rita Hello: ritahello.com

homes. Importantly for designers, these materials offer functional benefits such as sound insulation and warmth too, making the spaces both appealing and liveable.

In response, we’ve seen more and more designers increasingly using materials like wood, cork and leather in product design for a few seasons.

The biggest obstacle designers have to overcome with these flooring choices is their association with retro interiors. So, at construction stage, we’re seeing a more technical, experimental take on old-school options, particularly cork and carpeting, with 3-D texturing adding depth and graphic appeal to surfaces.

Now, however, this is going beyond individual decor pieces to become part of the space itself, bringing a new element of tactility into

This updated view on the materials gives them a contemporary twist and broadens their appeal for a new generation of homeowners.

Copperleaf Food & Wine Fair Enjoy the tranquil, beautiful scenery of the Copperleaf estate with your pick of craft beer or a glass of wine. The Stall and Copperleaf are hosting a food and wine fair between 10am and 3pm on 17 October, in honour of Ernie Els’s Birthday. You’ll be able to eat and drink to your heart’s content at more than 10 wine farms, five craft beer breweries and curated food stalls.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Kollege Frat Party of the Century goo.gl/IjFJWC Suzelle DIY: The Book goo.gl/KjwtPz Copperleaf Food & Wine Fair goo.gl/OhKU8x

SPOTLIGHT

11 OCTOBER 2015

Neighbourhood

RSA

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on SA’s featured neighbourhood

Spotlight on the City Bowl With cafe society, cultural happenings and the mountain on your doorstep, Cape Town’s City Bowl offers an enviable lifestyle WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: PRIVATE PROPERTY, CLAIRE GUNN, ANTON SCHOLTZ, CHANTELLE HORN - CRAVE & ISTOCK

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

At the heart of happening Cape Town, the cosmopolitan City Bowl and its suburbs have soared in popularity in recent years as young professionals have joined those savvy longtime residents who have been enjoying its amazing views and proximity to the centre of town for years. “It feels like living in a European city rather than in suburbia,” says Mel Hagen, who has lived in Oranjezicht for 34 years. “We’re really close to everything, within walking distance from the CBD, down Government Avenue, which is a delight through the changing seasons.” Gallery owner Penny Dobbie is another longtime resident, who was way ahead of the curve: “When we selected Tamboerskloof 43 years ago it was singularly unfashionable, and all our friends in Constantia, Bishopscourt and so forth thought we had seriously lost the plot. We were attracted to the area because we wanted to be in a more vibey, cosmopolitan area and, of course, we have a view that is absolutely world-class.” Those gorgeous views over the city to Table Mountain or towards Lion’s Head and Signal Hill are a big attraction, as is the easy access to the mountain itself. The trails take you deep into nature within minutes of leaving the streets of Vredehoek, Oranjezicht or Tamboerskloof, allowing residents to combine innercity living with energetic walks, runs or bike rides, even before work. More affordable than the restored

Victorian houses and larger homes on the upper slopes, the apartments and cottages of Vredehoek and Gardens are home to young professionals drawn by the vibrant hum of the city centre, now revitalised and full of creativity. “There is an electricity to town, especially in the evenings – it comes alive with beautiful and interesting people,” comments Reese, who has been living in Gardens for the past six years. “There is always something happening, whether it is a new restaurant opening, live music or a gallery exhibition.”

I love sitting in the Company’s Garden, reading and doing some peoplewatching, going to a pub to watch a game, catching an awesome local band performing, or checking out a new exhibition REESE, RESIDENT, GARDENS

At First Thursday events, when art galleries and workshops stay open late on the first Thursday of the month, visitors are encouraged to walk between cultural happenings. Moonlight Mass is a regular cycle ride through streets on the night of the full moon. Infecting the City brings interactive art to the public spaces in March. And the Zombie Walk on Halloween has become a fun yearly fixture for charity. And that’s only the start of the list of events on the doorstep of City Bowl residents. Every day there’s the buzz of cafe society to dip into at will. Favourite neighbourhood gems include The Blue Cafe in Tamboerskloof, The Sidewalk Cafe in Vredehoek and Societi Bistro in Orange Street. Or stroll down Kloof Street, Gardens, for an embarrassment of riches.

SPOTLIGHT

Bacon on Bree, Bocca, Charango and Birds, to name a few of my favourites,” adds Reese. “Also it has great places for drinks like Door 221 and Mother’s Ruin Gin Bar.” When you need to escape the bustle and breathe deeply, there’s plenty of green space to relax in. De Waal Park in Upper Orange Street is ideal for dog walkers, families and picnics, with a Victorian bandstand that hosts free summer concerts and a weekend coffee shop. Or carry on up the hill to the Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) in Heritage Park and volunteer to weed lettuces, make compost and learn about organic vegetable growing. The hip Saturday morning organic market that it supplies is now held down at Granger Bay and is a regular shopping date for urban foodies. And, of course, the historic Company’s Garden is a personal back garden for many locals, flanked by the South African National Gallery and Iziko South Africa Museum. While there is a tendency for young families to move out to the ’burbs when the kids grow to school age, whether for a greater choice of schools or for larger properties with gardens, those who stay put have schools such as Herzlia, St Cyprian’s, Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck, the German International School Cape Town (DSK) and the French School of Cape Town to choose from. If you love to feel the hum of urban living, be part of the city’s cultural activities, soak up its creative energy, walk to work and see the mountain on your horizon every day, then City Bowl living is the answer.

Bree Street in the CBD has claimed its place as foodie central. “You can’t go wrong with Bree Street. You’ve got

WATCH THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD COME TO LIFE AT

privateproperty.co.za/city-bowl

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAL • B occa, for great pizzas and pasta and a lively vibe • S ocieti Bistro, for tasty bistro fare and a lovely courtyard for sundowners • T he Blue Cafe, for tasty breakfasts with a relaxed neighbourhood cafe vibe lack Sheep, for a trendy crowd and • B seasonal modern cuisine • B acon on Bree, for the best artisanal bacon sandwiches • T he Company’s Garden Restaurant, for relaxed lunches in an outdoor setting

BOCCA

SOCIETI BISTRO

You can’t go wrong with Bree Street. You’ve got Bacon on Bree, Bocca, Charango and Birds, to name a few of my favourites. Also it has great places for drinks like Door 221 and Mother’s Ruin Gin Bar REESE, RESIDENT, GARDENS

BACON ON BREE

THE BLUE CAFE

DOOR 221

There is an electricity to town, especially in the evenings – it comes alive with beautiful and interesting people REESE, RESIDENT, GARDENS

MOTHER’S RUIN GIN BAR

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

SPOTLIGHT

Those gorgeous views over the city to Table Mountain or towards Lion’s Head and Signal Hill are a big attraction, as is the easy access to the mountain itself. The trails take you deep into nature within minutes of leaving the streets of Vredehoek, Oranjezicht or Tamboerskloof, allowing residents to combine inner-city living with energetic walks, runs or bike rides, even before work LABIA MOVIE THEATRE

And, of course, the historic Company’s Garden is a personal back garden for many locals, flanked by the South African National Gallery and Iziko South Africa Museum

COMPANY’S GARDEN

MORE THINGS TO DO • Watch awesome indie and mainstream movies at the Labia Movie Theatre on Orange Street. • Work out at the Virgin Active health club in trendy Wembley Square. • Shop at City Bowl Market on Hope Street on Thursday and Friday evenings. • Indulge in afternoon tea at the (Belmond) Mount Nelson Hotel. • Join aquarobics classes at Swimmable in Gardens Centre. • Take a free cable car ride up Table Mountain on your birthday.

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Property demand in the Cape Town City Bowl

14%

17%

Properties listed for sale in the Cape Town City Bowl comprise approximately 7% of the total sale listings in the Cape Town region.

Approximately 9% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Cape Town region is attributable to properties listed for sale in the Cape Town City Bowl.

Properties listed for rent in the Cape Town City Bowl comprise approximately 14% of the total rental listings in the Cape Town region.

Approximately 17% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in the Cape Town region is attributable to properties listed for rent in the Cape Town City Bowl.

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Median asking prices for City Bowl properties for sale

R3,18m A typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R5,33m

R5,14m

R2,85m

A property in a complex

A house

A flat/apartment

SPOTLIGHT

Property types for sale

30%

Complex

House

67% Flat/Apartment

Property types for rent

19%

8% Complex

House

Median monthly asking prices for City Bowl rentals

73% Flat/Apartment

R18,800 R22,200 R21,000 A typical rental property (two-bedroom apartment)

in a complex

for a house

R16,100 for a flat

2 bed, 1 bath AVAILABLE NOW.

Not ready to buy? Find a rental now. A home for everyone www.privateproperty.co.za

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Mall of Africa rapidly nearing completion

The Mall of Africa in Midrand will include at least 261 retail tenants WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

ocated in Midrand, the R3,5bn Mall of Africa seems to be on track for completion at the end of April next year. The largest retail development to be constructed in a single phase in Africa, it is also the catalyst for the construction of a new city, the Waterfall CBD. The development is being financed by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance. Tia Kanakakis, architect from MDS Architecture, the firm responsible for the mall, says some of the initial 12 cranes at the development have started to come down in recent months, confirming that the structural components, the roof and the facade are well advanced. “Although there’s still scaffolding visible from the exterior, the interior

of the mall is also progressing well, with various finishes and landlord tenant installations being completed. The leasable area will be 131,000m², with 261 tenants setting up shop in this new luxury development. “The inception of the design took place in 2012 and the inspiration for the mall and courts was drawn from the natural and geological beauty of the African continent,” she says. The major tenants are Edgars, Woolworths, Truworths, Checkers, Ster-Kinekor and Game. According to Kanakakis, the centre

has high shopfronts, wide malls and an abundance of natural light, and is designed in an aesthetic palette with unique elements, such as parts of the structure opening up to the outdoors. This includes the north piazza of the

The inspiration for the mall was drawn from the natural beauty of Africa TIA KANAKAKIS, ARCHITECT, MDS ARCHITECTURE

mall tying into the commercial zone of the Waterfall CBD, and the south side of the mall opening up to the southern Town Square, a restaurant node with magnificent views. Gerhard Saayman, an engineer at Aurecon, which is providing design and construction supervision teams for the project, says the sheer size of the mall, with its building area of 485,000m² (the equivalent of 65 rugby pitches), makes it a rewarding project to work on. According to him, there will be four courts depicting different climate zones on the continent within the mall.

These include the Oleum court depicting oil-rich West Africa, the Great Lakes court depicting East Africa, the Crystal court depicting the mineral wealth of South Africa and the Sand court depicting the deserts of North Africa. “The main construction period for this massive development is only 32 months, making it a challenge for the main contractor, who requires a huge amount of design and construction documentation to be produced by design consultants in a short period of time. “A unified team with a deep understanding of timelines and construction sequences of retail developments has been needed to fast-track the construction of such a large project,” says Saayman.

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Analyse it

PROPERTY NEWS

RSA

NATIONAL NEWS STORY

PATRICK CAIRNS

Opening the door to different neighbourhoods in SA

A $20bn lesson L

ast month news broke of what is certainly the ugliest corporate scandal of the year. Vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen admitted that it had been cheating on US emissions tests for its diesel vehicles for more than six years. The fallout was swift and brutal. Volkswagen’s share price dropped nearly 30% in a week, the CEO resigned, angry customers and investors began filing dozens of lawsuits against the company, and authorities announced investigations all over the world. Given the huge number of vehicles involved, Volkswagen faces a potential fine of $18bn (about R250bn) from the US Environmental Protection Agency alone. Bloomberg estimates that the total cost of settling class action lawsuits and paying other fines around the world could take the company’s total liability to more than $20bn. That is double its total net profit for 2014.

New to the Neighbourhood:

Cape Town City Bowl There’s nothing more exciting than moving into a new neighbourhood. Here’s what Lucia Knight loves about her new home in the Cape Town City Bowl WORDS: ANDREA KIRK

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Q: How did you find your property? A: It took five months of dedicated searching. We scoured the internet and eventually found what we were looking for through Chas Everitt International Property Group.

Given the potential scale of the impact, one can’t help asking what Volkswagen gained from doing something so unethical and potentially criminal. This is particularly vexing because it isn’t even the first car manufacturer to be caught out. A number of other companies, including General Motors, Ford, Caterpillar and Volvo Trucks, have all been found guilty of cheating in their emissions tests, although on a much smaller scale.

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It is a rather depressing list of corporates that believed that whatever short-term profit benefit they were getting was worth the long-term risk to their credibility. They also showed that they were prepared to disregard the needs of their customers to serve their own interests.

If that happens, it is market share that Volkswagen will never regain. And there is a lesson in that not only for Volkswagen, but many other businesses too

fter months of searching, Lucia Knight and her husband, Thom Pierce, have found “the one”: a three-bedroom cottage near vibey Kloof Street in Gardens, Cape Town. We find out what they love about city living at the foot of Table Mountain.

Q: What do you wish you’d known before you started looking? A: How tough the market really is in the City Bowl. There’s a very short supply of properties available and the market is highly competitive. When you see something you like, you need to act very quickly or risk losing the opportunity to buy it. We had to decide whether it was a “yes” or a “no” after just one look at the house, because we didn’t want to risk it getting snapped up by someone else.

There’s a very short supply of properties available and the market is highly competitive

Q: What do you love about your new property? A: There are so many things to love about the house and the area, but what really sold it to us was the spectacular view of Table Mountain from the upstairs areas.

It may be asking too much, but the enormity of what Volkswagen faces will hopefully lead to some introspection in boardrooms around the globe. The world is changing, and businesses can no longer ask to be judged only on how much money they are able to make.

Q: Did you know exactly which area you wanted to be in? A: We knew we wanted to be in the City Bowl, but we were flexible about exactly which area we’d buy in. Anything from Vredehoek to Green Point would have worked for us.

As new technologies and services that put the customer first and ensure sustainability change the way in which business is done, companies that sacrifice the environment and their own customers’ wellbeing for the sake of profit are going to be pushed aside. Analysts are already talking about the likelihood of Volkswagen’s blunder speeding up the adoption of electric vehicles from competitors such as Tesla Motors.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about the area? A: It’s so close to all the action. We used to drive here in the evenings and on weekends to go out for dinner or meet up with friends. Eventually, we realised we wanted to live where the fun happens. Now we’re within walking distance of all the great coffee shops and restaurants on Kloof Street, which we love! It’s a freelancer’s paradise because there are so many cool spots to set up office for the day.

If that happens, it is market share that Volkswagen will never regain. And there is a lesson in that not only for Volkswagen, but many other businesses too.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Visit Private Property at privateproperty.co.za.

Q: What’s your favourite local coffee spot? A: Anywhere on Kloof Street.

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

Choosing an offer It’s not always the highest offer that’s the most worthwhile WORDS: LEANDI CAMERON

IMAGE: ISTOCK

The seller should get everything in writing by way of an offer to purchase IAN OLIVIER, PRINCIPAL FRANCHISEE, PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES

here are more buyers than well-priced homes in sought-after areas, and stock levels are under pressure. The point is the same in the more affordable markets. In any town or suburb where the demand from prospective buyers exceeds the number of homes for sale, it is usually only a matter of time before property sellers start to receive

competing offers to purchase and have to decide which of them to accept or reject, says Ian Olivier, principal franchisee at Pam Golding Properties.

Then again, you might choose to accept a lower offer from a prospective buyer who has already been preapproved for bond finance, says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO, BetterLife Home Loans. “What if you received an offer for considerably more than your asking price, for example, provided you were prepared to move out and give the buyer occupation by the end of the month? You might not be willing – or able – to accept it,” he explains.

“Most people would be tempted to accept the highest offer and would accordingly make plans to accommodate the buyer. However, the seller should get everything in writing by way of an offer to purchase. Sellers should at least establish a link to the moving date with the date on which all conditions are met, and preferably on registration of transfer. The golden rule is to make sure that the buyer is willing and able,” he adds.

Olivier adds that any decision to accept an offer lies with the seller. The job of the professional agent is to present all offers. They should highlight the positives and point out the potential pitfalls. They should look after the best interests of their client (the seller), with due regard for the interests of all other parties involved. If you do end up in the middle of a bidding war for your home, you should look for the offers with the fewest contingencies.”

Neighbourhood

11 OCTOBER 2015

In some cases, they ask to be allowed to occupy the home urgently, and if this is allowed, the seller is then faced with extensive and costly eviction processes

PROPERTY NEWS

Property scams? A number of leading estate agents are cautioning the sellers of high-end homes against scammers who are putting in offers without having any intention of actually buying the property

ady nce, erLife n r ou

WORDS: GEORGINA GUEDES

IMAGE: ISTOCK

n April this year, Donna Sipman, a property consultant at RE/MAX Masters who handles property sales in the Blair Atholl Estate and Bryanston area, was approached by a professional woman who asked to view houses in Blair Atholl.

he r

pt f ll itives hey their r the . If ing or ies.”

The woman claimed to have an architectural background and “fell in love” with a house built in a particular architectural style. She put in an offer for close to the asking price of R26m and explained that she was waiting for a R400m payment into her foundation for projects that she was initiating in Africa, namely building schools and hospitals. She met with the seller and requested that certain renovations be made before she moved in. Sipman checked the woman’s credentials with another agent she had mentioned knowing, and it seemed that she was legitimate even though she had never before made an offer. Seven days before the 12-day waiting period expired, she phoned to say that there was a delay in the transfer of the R400m and offered to take the sellers and Sipman out to lunch to make up for the inconvenience. Over the next few weeks, her excuses became increasingly unbelievable, and despite reassurances, she eventually stopped taking calls. Sipman and the seller issued her a notice of breach, giving her seven days to come up with the money, and then sent a formal cancellation of the sales agreement. Shortly afterwards, Sipman was contacted by another “colleague” from

the same “foundation”, asking to put in an offer on another R60m house in the same suburb. “And I had to go through the whole process with her again,” says Sipman. “As an agent, I have to broker any deal. I can’t say no because I think someone’s scamming us, and you can’t ask people for their bank statements up front.” The modus operandi is always the same: the scamsters ask to be shown highvalue houses, seem set on one, make an offer that’s close to the asking price and then come up with excuses for why they can’t come up with the money. Sipman has seen some of these fake buyers sign transfer documents and even forge bank guarantees to keep the game alive. In some cases, they ask to be allowed to occupy the home urgently, and if this is allowed, the seller is then faced with extensive and costly eviction processes. “It’s almost like they’re on some sort of a joyride or thrillseeking expedition,” says Sipman. This may seem like an isolated incident, but is in fact part of a growing trend that high-end estate agents are seeing. Sipman herself has had four such experiences this year, and there are reports of similar stories from agencies such as Pam Golding Properties and Homes of Distinction. Sipman says it’s important for high-end estate agents and sellers to be aware of this type of scam and to make sure that all documentation is legitimate and to not give in to any requests until the money is on the table.

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Beautiful living at Westlake Eco-Estate Situated near the Westlake wetland and its diverse bird- and animal life, Westlake Eco-Estate offers the practicality of urban living at the edge of nature

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BALWIN PROPERTIES Balwin Properties has been developing spectacular townhouses since 1996. The company started off developing property in the south of Johannesburg and has grown to the north and east of the city. Inspired by four brilliant directors, Balwin Properties is turning over a new leaf and is continually evolving to produce eco-friendly products and facilities within each of its new and exciting developments, in order to reduce the carbon footprint of its developments. Every new development produced by Balwin Properties is tailor-made to meet its customers’ needs and improve their standard of living and lifestyle.

11 OCTOBER 2015

aya Angelou said, “I’ve learnt that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.” But it can be difficult to find time for both – doing what we have to do and doing what we want to do. Balwin Properties’ latest development, Westlake Eco-Estate, in Modderfontein, enables this balance: it is not only the perfect environment for beautiful living, but is also conveniently located for easy access to business centres, schools, shopping centres and healthcare facilities, and it offers residents access to a wide range of world-class on-site leisure, sporting and entertainment facilities. For those who need to get their heart rate up, Westlake offers a squash court, fitness track and a Discovery Vitality gym. For residents who wish to unwind, Westlake has an on-site spa, green walkways and picnic pockets.

ON SHOW The show unit at Westlake EcoEstate is available for viewing on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 2pm to 6pm.

Enjoying quality time with friends and family is easy in the Westlake Lifestyle Centre, with its restaurant, entertainment centre, braai area, children’s play area and swimming pool – all in the safety of the 24-hour physical and electronic security of the estate.

Westlake Eco-Estate offers young men and women, single professionals, couples and families the perfect opportunity to make a beautiful life for themselves The one-, two- and threebedroom apartments are stylish, spacious, beautifully finished and Wi-Fi-ready, come standard with eco-friendly appliances and are fitted with smart meters, for practical, convenient green living. Work on this 790-unit development has begun, and the show unit is expected to be ready in October this year. Already proving popular with homebuyers and investors, Westlake Eco-Estate offers young men and women, single professionals, couples and small families the perfect opportunity to make a life for themselves – a beautiful life!

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For more information:

CONTACT

Slade Brookes, 083 612 2515 slade@balwin.co.za balwin.co.za

estlake

eco-estate m o d d e r f o n t e i n

11 OCTOBER 2015

MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide A:

Waterkloof Heights

Alphen Park

Magalieskruin

Waterkloof Park

Amandasig

Menlo Park

26, 27, 40, 45

Waterkloof Ridge

28, 33, 34, 43

Amberfield

Meyerspark

26, 27, 36

Wierdapark

Arcadia

Midfield Estate

Willow Acres

Midrand

Willow Acres Estate

28, 41

Midstream Estate

Wonderboom

Woodhill

Woodhill Estate

B: Baileys Muckleneuk

Blue Valley GolF Estate

Midstream Ridge Mnandi

Boardwalk Meader

26, 40, 42

Monavoni

Brooklyn

Monument Park

26, 27, 42

Brummeria

Mooikloof Eq Estate

26, 27

Zwartkop

Buffelsdrift

Mooikloof Gardens

26, 27

Zwavelpoort

Moreleta Park

26, 27, 41, 43, 45

Murrayfield

26, 27, 43

C: Centurion Golf Estate

24, 44

Clearwater Estate

Clubview

Newlands

Cornwall Hill

Newmark Estate

Country View Estate

O: D:

Olympus

Die Hoewes

24, 42

Die Wilgers

36, 45, 46

Doringkloof

Paarl

Pierre van Ryneveld

Pretoria Central

Pretorius Park

38, 43

E: Eldoraigne

35, 40, 46

Equestria

26, 31, 36, 42

Erasmuskloof

34, 40, 42

F: Faerie Glen

40,42

G: Garsfontein

26, 42

R: Raslow

Rietfontein

32, 46

Rietvalleirand

33, 41, 43

Rietvlei Height Country Estate

Rooihuiskraal

Rooihuiskraal North

H: Hatfield

Hennopspark

Highveld

24, 44, 46

I: Irene

24, 44

Irene Proper

K: Kameeldrift East

Kloofsig

Knoppieslaagte

Kyalami AH

L: La Montagne

Laezonia

Lombardy Estate

Lynnrodene

Lynnwood

Lynnwood Glen

38, 40

Lynnwood Manor

Lyttelton

Silver Lakes Estate

26, 27

Silver Lakes Golf Estate

Silverton Ridge

Soshanguve

Soutdowns

Soutdowns Estate

Stone Ridge Country Estate

Summerfield Estate

T: Thatchfield Estate

The Meadows

The Orchards

The Reeds

25, 35, 44

The Wilds

V: Val de Grace

26, 27

Val De Vie

W: Wapadrand

Waterkloof

26, 27, 41

Waterkloof Glen

Agency Guide Adrienne Hersch Properties Aida Leapfrog Pam Golding Properties Pandora Rawson Properties Seeff Properties Sotheby's International Realty Val De Vie

46 42 - 43 44 - 45 22 48 30 - 39 24 - 28 40 - 41 23

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 11 OCTOBER 2015