ISSUE #02
T H E S OM E R S E T W E S T
AUTUMN 2017
WITH COMPLIMENTS
J O U R N A L
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F S O M E R S E T L A K E S A D V E N T U R E L I F E S T Y L E E S TAT E
Outdoors
Arts
Property
Guesthouse
Encountering the big cats at Cheetah Outreach is an incredible educational experience
A look at local photographer Laresa Perlman’s stunning images of nature
Why investing in estate property in Somerset West is an invaluable pursuit
The ultimate Somerset West getaway at the stylish Spanish Farm Guesthouse
OWN A PIECE OF THE SOMERSET LAKES LIFESTYLE
Dining
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The atmospheric wineries of Somerset West make the perfect place for refined dining
Adventure
Mountain biking in the Helderberg with the Wannabees Cycle Club
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DĂŠcor
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Stuck with a small space? Take a look at these designs for compact homes
Travel
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The Overberg region offers holidaymakers a taste of coastal bliss
Adventure / Dining / Lifestyle / Business / Culture / Education / Exploring
GET FREE EDUCATION FOR A YEAR
Buy a house or townhouse at Somerset Lakes today, and your child will be entitled to a year of free schooling at Reddam House Somerset* from R2.37-R5.7m NO TRANSFER DUTY and VAT INCLUDED Contact our sales office today on 021 202 2200 *The following T&Cs apply: 1. The commencement date for the promotion is 1 October 2016. 2. The developer reserves the right to vary or cancel the offer at any time. 3. The offer only applies to the school. 4. The offer is subject to the availability of positions for learners at the school. 5. The offer only applies to purchasers who purchase a new property from the developer after the commencement date of the promotion in Somerset Lakes and not to any second hand sale or sales by any other seller entity as the developer. 6. The offer/opportunity available to an owner/purchaser to take up a scholarship will only become valid upon the fulfilment of all the suspensive conditions contained in the agreement of sale of the property and the registration of transfer of the property from the developer to the purchaser. 7. The aforesaid offer/opportunity will expire on a date determined by the developer and has to be taken up by the purchaser/owner within one calendar year following the date of registration of transfer of the property in favour of the purchaser/owner. 8. The offer is subject to the standard conditions for admission of learners applied by the school when considering applications by prospective pupils to attend the school. 9. The offer is not transferable or exchangeable for cash. 10. The offer may be varied by the developer to accommodate a combination of one or more pupils of different ages up to a monetary ceiling determined by the developer. 10. The offer is limited to an amount that will not exceed a single year’s tuition fees.
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The Somerset West Journal
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Welcome
to The Somerset West Journal, your guide to everything great in Somerset West Now that summer is truly here, we are looking forward to an adventurous few months of enjoying Somerset West. Whether it’s attending outdoor concerts or hitting the beach, Somerset West boasts a wealth of activities to keep you busy well into autumn. From sipping fine wines to exploring the region’s incredible natural highlights, we’re enthusiasts for the many offerings of this beloved region. In this issue, we take a look at fine dining in the Somerset West
05 GUESTHOUSE A visit to Spanish Farm Guesthouse, a boutique overnight abode with cutting-edge style.
Local restaurant culture is booming; here’s a glance at a few of our favourite spots.
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le M Cyc Helde the nabees Wan
04 EVENTS Our guide to what’s happening in the Somerset West region.
06 EATING OUT ers
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winelands, where regal estates like Vergelegen and Morgenster offer fine feasts, bar none. We visit the extraordinary Cheetah Outreach sanctuary, ride the roads of the mountain-biking region with the Wannabees Cycling Club, and venture into the scenic surrounds of the nearby Overberg for a little getaway.
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Features 08 DINING The best dining in Somerset West happens at its wineries, where refined local cuisines are served.
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12 ADVENTURE Mountain biking with the Wannabees Cycle Club brings outdoor adventure to Somerset West.
Lifestyle 12
10 SOMERSET LAKES What it’s like to live at Somerset Lakes, and what the residents think of the lifestyle. 14 DÉCOR Turn your tiny space into a dream home with our handy tips.
16 PROPERTY Estate living is all the rage in the Western Cape; why you can’t miss out on the opportunity to invest here in Somerset West.
We hope that this second issue of The Somerset West Journal inspires you to also enjoy all the wonders the Helderberg region has to offer. Jessica Editor
07 ARTS We catch up with interior designer Jani Goussard and photographer Laresa Perlman to learn about their work.
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17 OUTDOORS Delving into the intriguing world of cheetahs, we have a look at the inspiring conservation programme at Cheetah Outreach.
Publishing Team
18 TRAVEL
The Somerset West Journal was conceptualised, written and designed by creative communications agency PURE.
A holiday adventure exploring the stunning coastal region of the Overberg and its picturesque towns.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Andrew Burke EDITOR
DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Jackie Lampard
Jessica Gliddon
ILLUSTRATOR
jess@purepublishing.co.za
Eva Faerch
MANAGING EDITOR
STYLIST
Eeden la Grange
Marianne Burke
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www.somersetlakes.co.za Jan Minnie
SALES MANAGER jan@somersetlakes.co.za 082 444 3433
Erika Minnie
SALES AGENT erika@somersetlakes.co.za 082 923 7107
SOMERSET LAKES SALES OFFICE reception@somersetlakes.co.za 021 202 2200
For business enquiries or article contributions, please visit www.purepublishing.co.za, call (021) 424 6918 or email hello@purepublishing.co.za The Somerset West Journal is distributed quarterly and is available on request (reception@somersetlakes.co.za) or online at www.somersetlakes.co.za. All information was correct at the time of going to press, but subject to change. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
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The Somerset West Journal
Events Every Wednesday
LIVE MUSIC AT NEETHLINGSHOF The Neethlingshof winery in Stellenbosch will be hosting a relaxing evening with acoustic guitarist, Francois Haasbroek, every Wednesday in the new year. The historic estate is known for its lovely wines, historic manor house and great restaurant.
The relaxing sounds of folk and rock will be complemented by a glass of wine and cheese and charcuterie platters for the perfect evening chill session, best enjoyed while watching the striking sunset over the winelands. Time: 17:00-20:00 Cost: Free www.neethlingshof.co.za
1st Sunday every month
LIVE AT VERGENOEGD
Vergenoegd Wine Estate is hosting live summer concerts every first Sunday of the month during the summer season, featuring some of South Africa’s best musicians, such as Arno Carstens, Matthew Mole and Jimmy Nevis. Enjoy a day out with delicious wine, bubbly and food, and look out for a special appearance of the winery’s resident ducks.
Every Sunday
BLAAUWKLIPPEN FAMILY MARKET Not far outside of Somerset West, this beloved market makes for an ideal family weekend excursion. There’s a wide range of foods on offer, including banting burgers, Indian samosas, Greek kebabs, German Flammküchen and Chinese dumplings, all paired perfectly with Blaauwklippen wines. There is also arts and crafts, antiques, and pony rides for the kids. Time: 10:00-15:00 Cost: Free www.blaauwklippenfamilymarket.co.za
19 February 2017
SANLAM CAPE MILE SWIM FOR MS This charity swim works to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis as an official part in the Sanlam Cape Mile. The Cape Mile 1.6km open-water swimming race takes place at the Grabouw Country Club’s Eikenhof Dam, giving swimmers the chance to participate in a safe competition.
Time: 12:00-17:00 Cost: R50-R550 www.vergenoegd.co.za
Every Friday
Time: 08:00-13:00 Cost: R170 www.facebook.com/capemileswim
BEER & BBQ FRIDAYS Every Friday, Gordon’s Bay Brewery pairs with Santa Anna’s, fine purveyors of Mexican corn tortillas, at The Hangar for Beer and BBQ Fridays. From 16:00 until late they serve beer and amazing food, with something new offered at each event. Grab a pint or one of the venue’s famous gin and tonics on tap. Bring your friends or the whole family to this friendly event. Time: 16:00-late Cost: Á la carte www.facebook.com/ thehangarredsky
18 February 2017
HELDERBERG CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
5-10 March 2017
TOUR DE BOLAND MASTERS
Time: 11:30-20:00 Cost: R70 www.facebook.com/ events/316428452051605
3-4 March 2017 The Boland starts the week prior to the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The ride starts in Riebeek West on Sunday, 5 March with a race briefing and a relaxed ride. Nearly 700km and five days later, with 7 000m of climbing, the race ends just outside of Stellenbosch. Cost: R4 000-R32 000pp www.tourdeboland.com
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Craft beers have been undergoing a revolution as of late. Twelve craft brewers, all from the Western Cape, will attend the Helderberg Craft Beer Festival, featuring a wide variety of beverage choices.
Numerous food vendors will offer snacks to accompany the beer, and a discotheque with live music will make the event an enjoyable experience for all.
RMB STARLIGHT CLASSICS AT VERGELEGEN WINE ESTATE The enchanting Vergelegen Wine Estate is all the more charming by night under a carpet of stars. Enjoying this stunning setting with a selection of South African artists, such as lyric soprano, Pumeza Matshikiza; principal
tenor, Jacques le Roux; and local queen of rock, Karen Zoid, under the baton of maestro Richard Cock. This AfroSymphonic programme also features members of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and the vibrant Mzansi Youth Choir. Time: Gates 16:00, Concert 19:30 Cost: R250; children aged 4-12 and pensioners R230 www.vergelegen.co.za
The Somerset West Journal
Guesthouse
A BREAK AWAY TO Spanish Farm
We take a peek inside Spanish Farm Guesthouse and Luxury Villas, a contemporary guesthouse on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland mountain range
Observing the otherworldly vistas that radiate out from Spanish Farm Guesthouse and Luxury Villas, it seems as though Somerset West falls away at the Helderberg’s feet. As the tall trees sway in the sea breeze far beyond the bustling town, a sense of peace immediately permeates the surroundings. It is hardly surprising then that the estate has won a SALI award. Spectacular views and exclusive privacy are just two of the trump cards of this exquisite property. Perched on the mountainous slopes of Somerset West, this contemporary, indigenousinspired estate consists of a main guesthouse, a cottage, four selfcatering private guest villas, as well as a honeymoon suite and a ground floor one-bedroom villa.
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Architect Stephan Lennard from Lennard and Lennard Architects was committed to include as much of the estate’s natural surroundings as possible in the villas’ design. He wanted the structures to blend into nature, encouraging an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. “The best buildings are the ones you can’t see,” Lennard explains, referring to the motive behind the villas’ rooftop garden design. Viewed from a lookout point high up on the estate, the villas are barely visible. The recently completed luxury villas adorn the estate’s lower precinct. They are set in regal indigenous gardens with flawless fynbos vegetation and ample birdlife. Each villa has a wooden deck for private sunbathing, and most have nature pools, from which one can admire the ostentatious sea and mountainscapes. In the winter months, each villa’s fireplace radiates a permanently blazing fire to set the atmosphere.
The villas were designed to blend into nature, encouraging an indoor/outdoor lifestyle
Guests can find a book on the villa’s bookshelf to peruse, or pass the time cooking and sipping a red from the surrounding vineyards. The property’s original house was reincarnated into a warmhearted guesthouse by the owner. The guesthouse has three rooms, all of which have Wi-Fi, DStv, and access to a sauna, an opulent rim-flow pool and a jaw-dropping walking trail that borders the top part of the estate. It offers remarkable views of the encircling mountains and breakfast can be enjoyed on the outside patio. The overwhelming silence, peace and tranquillity instantly becomes addictive. Morning yoga sessions are on offer, or enjoy a lingering midday massage. Allow lazy days between the nature pool and the neverending views, reading a book or absorbing the sun’s rays. It’s a truly luxurious experience. www.capesummervillas.co.za/ spanish-farm
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Local
The Somerset West Journal
EAT OUT
in Somerset West 1
Pajamas and Jam
In the appealingly cluttered confines of Pajamas and Jam restaurant and coffee shop, wherever you look, a pleasing sight looks back. Whether it’s a pile of old suitcases or well-worn sea-glass bottles, Pajamas and Jam offers a treasure trove of items. Open from Monday to Friday 07:30 to 16:30, Saturdays 07:30 to 13:00, closed on Sundays.
This restaurant and café is hidden in the Strand’s industrial precinct, but there is nothing industrial about it. Quite the opposite in fact. This restaurant-antiques boutique is an enchanting space with a dashing reputation. Prodigious breakfasts and lunches, freshly baked breads and cakes, home-made preserves, barista-served coffee and free Wi-Fi are all on the menu.
This restaurantantiques boutique is an enchanting space with a dashing reputation
It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. For a filling breakfast, try their light and fluffy bacon and pea soufflé for something different. There are also incredible pastries, tarts and cakes, and plenty of lunch options, from pastas to burgers and more.
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Chelsea Village
Meander into the leafy green courtyard of Chelsea Village, and a definitive tranquillity sets in. Located in the heart of Somerset West, this boutique shopping experience provides a wide variety of gifts, clothes and more. There is also a jewellery shop, the Chelsea Village Café, and a Hertex fabrics and interiors shop.
Chelsea Bean’s renowned Eggs Benedict is not to be missed 6
One of the highlights of the centre is Chelsea Bean, which offers a leafy, romantic setting. The café offers a wide selection of breakfast items and sandwiches; its renowned Eggs Benedict is not to be missed. Moroccan tiles and a hodgepodge of antique furniture make it simply charming, and a selection of local jams and coffees are available. This French countryside-inspired lifestyle village’s contagious serenity makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Public Holidays from 09:00 to 13:00, closed on Sundays. Coffee shops and restaurants are open from 08:00. www.chelseavillage.co.za
Arts
ARTS Laresa Perlman
Photographer Laresa started taking photos at the age of nine when her dad gave her a yellow Minolta underwater camera. “I was fascinated by the ability to capture a moment in time and be able to keep it forever,” she says. Her particular passion is
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Issue 02
taking pictures of nature, including plants, insects and animals. She also teaches photography from her farm in Montagu, and is the founder of the CEASE Initiative, which stands for: Creating Empathy, Awareness and Solutions, through Exposure. The initiative aims to collaborate with people, businesses and organisations to create empathy and awareness by exposing real life situations, heroes, issues and relevant topics. “Photography is my passion, and over the years, I have been blessed with meeting so many wonderful people,” she says. Laresa is a homeowner in the Somerset Lakes estate. www.laresa.co.za
Q&A with Jani Goussard Paint and Décor The Colour Collectors Jani Goussard is the founder of Paint and Décor, an interior design service based in Somerset West. A new element to her work is The Colour Collectors, offering a unique take on using colour in your home
distorting the colours’ true nature. My parents started challenging what a paint shop was destined to be and aimed to revolutionise paint to the softer side of hardware.
Tell us more about Paint and Décor: The Colour Collectors
Interview & Photography by Mark Grandcourt
Paint and Décor started in 1999. At that stage, paint was not a décor item at all. My dad started a sample pot initiative, allowing customers to take home little pots of paint to test in their home’s light. This changed the landscape of home painting forever. My parents moved here from the Kalahari, and that is when my dad got interested in the paint industry. Being a farmer at the time, my mom had time to dabble in interior decorating. It was the norm to go into a hardware store or warehouse to go pick out your colour blocks. Of course, these spaces were punctuated with fluorescent lights,
Essentially, we started with an allencompassing interior decorating service. It was about five years ago when we realised that colour itself was the most important aspect of interior decorating. This was when I joined the business. With my background in fine art and architecture, I’ve realised that I can clothe building interiors and exteriors in the colours that make people happy.
What are your go-to tips? I like unique scenarios. My advice would be: 1) Applying light colours to a room is always a winner. 2) Paint the ceiling two shades lighter than the walls. 3) Call a colour collector. 4) Painting the third of the wall a bold colour will give your room an edge, without being overwhelming.
Paint and Décor is the mothership of the business and The Colour Collectors is something I added
Our ideal is not to follow trending colours, but rather the colours that trend in your heart
when I started to explore colour collections. Our ideal is not to follow trending colours, but rather the colours that trend in your heart and that suit you. We use the Swedish NCS (Natural Colour System). This system was developed by scientists. It’s based on how the human eye perceives colour.
Why do you find the reincarnation of interiors or objects fascinating? Coming from an architectural background, you are prone to think about how to change a space while working with what you have. Colour can communicate something different.
Furniture is also a variable aspect that we often forget about. For some time, we managed the textile aspect of the business, but today, we believe and invest in the collaborative strength of different companies to deliver the best results.
Where do you find your inspiration? I think I get it from two places. Firstly, I’m fascinated by nature; the way one can distil nature, analyse it and receive multitudes of colour. Secondly, I’m fascinated by human psychology. www.verbeeldingstudio.wixsite. com/launchpage
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The Somerset West Journal
Dining
Dining by
VINE Somerset West is home to a selection of boutique wineries offering fine dining for the culinary-inclined
A
s with many wine regions, the history of the Western Cape is inextricably tied to that of its wineries. In fact, the areas surrounding Cape Town owe their development to the devotion of its settlers for utilising the Mediterranean terroir for growing French wines. As cultural institutions of the region, it then followed that these wineries became responsible for the subsequent spread of fine dining across the Western Cape. So to eat out in Somerset West and enjoy a world-class meal, there is really only one type of venue to visit.
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at Morgenster CHEF GIORGIO NAVA
Although its name derived from the German word for "morning star", Morgenster has a long Italian heritage. It was originally part of Vergelegen, but the Morgenster portion was given to Jaques Malan of Piedmont, Italy in 1711. Almost 300 years later, another Piedmontese immigrant, Giulio Bertrand, bought the estate. Today, Morgenster is famous for its award-winning olive oils and Bourdeaux blends. Its crowning achievement, however, is its recently opened restaurant,
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headed up by the much-heralded Italian chef Giorgio Nava, famous for his Cape Town restaurants 95 on Keerom, and Carne. The chef is devoted to the purest of Italian culinary philosophies: keeping the best quality ingredients as true to nature as possible. 95 on Morgenster offers dishes like Gli Scottadito di Agnello alla Piemontese: a grilled Karoo lamb chop with olive oil and rosemary. It utilises regional ingredients, loyal to the Italian culinary ethos. “The restaurant gave me a chance to
Somerset West boasts a select handful of wineries that make it one of the most appealing destinations for wining and dining in the Western Cape.
talents of European chefs that have chosen to make the Winelands their home, such as the Italian chef Giorgio Nava and French chef Gregory Czarnecki.
In the culinary world, wine and food have a long partnership
In the culinary world, wine and food have a long partnership, with the art of the sommelier having been tied to French cuisine for hundreds of years. Wineries make a natural home for restaurants, seeing that the pairing of wine with food originated with the earliest fine dining restaurants of France.
The wineries of the Cape Winelands attract prominent chefs from around the world, and Somerset West is no different, boasting the culinary
The Western Cape’s wineries have upheld these traditions by boasting bountiful venues
uniquely devoted to the refined culinary products. If anything ties them together, it’s a singular devotion to their place of origin. Whatever their culinary tradition, respecting the products of the winelands is key to their culinary approach. While the renowned foodie town of Stellenbosch is right on its doorstep, Somerset West has more than enough fine vineyards to hold its own. Bringing international culinary influence to local products, these stunning venues utilise the produce of one of the Cape’s oldest wine regions to bring an incomparable dining experience to its patrons.
We keep it regional, simple, and countrysideinspired do simple, fresh Italian cuisine,” Nava says. “We use local herbs and vegetables. Our trout comes from Lourensford Farm. The cuisine is regional, simple and countryside inspired.” Nava opened the restaurant as he was looking to complement his current culinary offerings with a new business. “My clients can eat one night in town, one night in the Winelands,” he explains. “The olive oil was of good quality, and the estate had Italian ties.” Nava also says that the similarity of the Winelands to Italy drew him to open the restaurant. “Cape Town and Sicily have a similar climate, with similar ingredients,” he says. “I feel at home here.”
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potato mushrooms and umeboshi, or Karoo lamb, served with sweetbreads, gremolata, pumpkin and harissa.
Executive Chef Michael Cooke focuses on using seasonal inspirations to maximise the resources he has at hand. “Our menu reflects the wide variety of produce that is available in this area,” Cooke says. The restaurant’s style, he says, is “locally sourced, globally influenced.” For example, in winter, guests might choose from coffee-roasted duck, sweet
Vergelegen’s vines are some of the oldest in South Africa. Planted around 1700, the first vines included varieties such as Blue Muscadel, Steendruif and Frontignan. Today, the winery boasts many beloved varietals. These wines are an integral part of Cooke’s culinary approach, honouring the bond between sommelier and chef.
Camphors at Vergelegen EXECUTIVE CHEF MICHAEL COOKE
“Vergelegen’s award-winning wines are the starting point when we plan our dishes,” Cooke says. “I collaborate with our sommelier and restaurant manager, Christo Deyzel, on new dishes. Every course is carefully crafted to perfectly match with selected Vergelegen wine varietals and vintages that ultimately provide guests with a multisensory dining experience.”
Every course is carefully crafted to match with selected Vergelegen wine varietals
Image by Gabrielle Holmes
Vergelegen’s signature restaurant, Camphors, is named after the historic trees that adorn the front of its homestead. The eatery has been repeatedly hailed as one of South Africa’s top restaurants, having been awarded three stars in the Roussouw’s Restaurant Guide.
The chef comes from a storied background, having worked at the Greenhouse at Cellar-Hohenort, La Colombe and The Fat Duck with Hestor Blumenthal. “[Our cuisine] embodies a sense of place and the hyper-seasonal menu pays homage to the environment from where we source our raw ingredients,” Cooke explains. “These could range from beetroot and green almonds to honey and fennel pollen. Pine needles might be sourced near the hilltop winery, or I might pick nasturtiums on the banks of the Lourens River. The underlying aim is to have a better appreciation and understanding of the original produce; where it comes from, the story and the imagination and creativity invested in producing every single dish.”
The Restaurant at Waterkloof CHEF GREGORY CZARNECKI The makeup of the region has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s menu. Waterkloof even has an outlet for artisan producers Healey’s Cheese, located at the front of the estate, giving guests the chance to sample local dairy delicacies.
Waterkloof Winery is one of the most dramatic-looking wineries in the Western Cape. This contemporary glass box perches on the edge of a mountain, emerging after a circuitous journey up a mountainside. Its position exposes it to cool winds, creating a unique terroir. Along the mountainside, horses work the land, testament to the winery’s devotion to biodynamic winemaking. Here much of the restaurant’s produce is grown. The restaurant’s French-born chef,
Gregory Czarnecki, has won many awards, most recently the Chef of the Year at the 2016 Eat Out Awards.
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Pairing pushes the boundaries of the gastronomic experience
“The Helderberg definitely influences my cooking style,” says Czarnecki. “The area is full of natural resource and Waterkloof’s location inspires me. Sometimes inspiration can just be a flower arrangement, a piece of art on the wall or the vineyards in autumn.”
Being part of the Waterkloof winery has been key to shaping the identity of the restaurant. “I think as a chef it’s great to be exposed to unique terroir-driven wines and winemaking,” he says. “We search for the perfect pairing to push the boundaries of the gastronomic experience. Working on a wine estate definitely influences our cooking approach.”
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The Somerset West Journal
Somerset Lakes Advertorial
LIFE ON the lakes
Somerset Lakes offers bountiful opportunities for adventure living, relaxing and enjoying the scenery of Somerset West
Buy Now Call 021 202 2200 or visit
www.somersetlakes.co.za
7:00pm
A DAY LIVING AT SOMERSET LAKES
Watch the sunset over the distant mountains on the clubhouse’s timber deck, while having a leisurely drink and enjoying a braai with your neighbours.
From sunrise to sundown, 24 hours living in the Somerset Lakes Estate is a truly great experience
8:00pm
8:00am
The summer light streams through the window as you slowly rise from slumber, stretching your arms to welcome in the new dawn. You get up and make a pot of coffee, looking out at the manicured lawn and the grapevines crawling up the trellis, with the beautiful blue of the lake spread out before you. A perfect start to a day.
10:00am
Head out for a leisurely morning walk around the lake, admiring the abundant birdlife, and beautiful way the water reflects the surroundings.
1:00pm
It’s time to head out for a day of watersports. You go for a bit of stand-up paddle boarding, then a nice swim to cool off. Kids frolic in the lake, biking on the wooden boardwalk, jumping into the water and splashing about. Some of them have just finished their school day at the neighbouring Reddam House Somerset.
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3:00pm
The afternoon is spent jogging through the stone pine forest. Since you’re feeling particularly energetic, you decide to tackle the shady obstacle course to challenge your fitness fortitude.
5:00pm As it grows cooler, you head inside the welcoming warm space of the Somerset Lakes Clubhouse, under the stylish circular lights overhead. You set yourself up in a comfortable lounger, taking time to peruse a book while enjoying a drink and a snack from the club bar and catching up with other residents.
Finish off the evening catching up on your favourite programmes at home thanks to dish-free DStv satellite, and browse a bit of internet on high-speed fibre, before heading off to bed, resting easy that you’re safe and secure in this effortlessly enjoyable lifestyle estate.
You get up and make a pot of coffee... with the beautiful blue of the lake spread out before you
The Somerset West Journal
RESIDENT PROFILE
THE GRIND
Shelley Gardella has been living in Somerset Lakes since it opened, and is a big fan of her home. We caught up with her during her daily routine. Why did you decide to move to Somerset Lakes? We were looking to buy our own house instead of renting, and we loved the concept of Somerset Lakes. There are also so many exciting plans for the future, so it seemed like an ideal investment opportunity for our family. Once we heard that Reddam House was opening, we managed to secure a plot in Heron’s Rest and the rest, as they say, is history.
What do you love most about living here? Our life has become less complicated. We get to spend more time doing fun things together in the estate, instead of wasting time sitting in traffic driving to and from school. We walk the kids to school, or they ride their bikes… we’re living life the way it should be. There are so many things for the children to do after school, in the comfort of our own ‘back garden’: playing in the lake, swimming in the pool at the clubhouse, making friends with the other children, not to mention the most awesome forest, with all the activities it has to offer. My children love the zip-wire. All the kids want to come over for play dates, so they can play in the forest or around the lake.
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This February, Somerset Lakes will be hosting The Grind, a popular obstacle course fitness challenge children play on the beach, watching the sunset over Cape Town.
This multilayered event features a host of different activities, from tyre courses and climbing walls to just about anything you can think of that results in getting covered in mud, sweat and smiles.
What is your favourite thing to do at Somerset Lakes? The list is endless. I love spending the afternoons relaxing either in the forest or around the lake, while the children play or ride their bikes around the estate. Early morning or late afternoon runs are also my favourite.
competition for all ages. For younger grinders, there is the Rapid Grind Young Guns, and the Rapid Grind Masters is for athletes over 40. The Rapid Grind Elite has obstacles modified in a similar way to an indoor sprint obstacle course race (ISOCR) event, making for a very tough challenge.
There are a variety of races for participants to choose from. There’s the Rapid Grind, which involves over 30 obstacles over 5km and is great for a group run. The Grind’s motto is: “Anyone can do it”, and they take it seriously, offering
The Little G is an obstacle course just for kids, and if they live on the estate and are between the ages of four and 11, admission is free.
There have been so many changes; this place is starting to be like a proper little village. Waterford Green is complete and more families are moving in. The clubhouse is built and the swimming pools are ready. When we moved in, they had only dug the foundations. Heron’s Rest is well underway and some of the houses are getting ready to welcome their new owners within the next month.
Are there any favourite places near Somerset Lakes you like to visit? We are so spoilt for choice here in Somerset West. There are so many top-class wine estates just
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on our doorstep. My personal favourite is Vergelegen. Otherwise, for live music and food stands, we have Root 44 market. We also love to head to the Helderberg Nature Reserve and enjoy the many walks available there.
Kingfisher Terrace
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The Lakes
There are also so many exciting plans for the future, so it seemed like an ideal investment opportunity for our family
I cannot wait to visit the clubhouse, so I can enjoy relaxing there while the
The Grind 2017 will take place at Somerset Lakes on 25 February from 08:00 until 18:00. Ticket prices start at R120 but vary by race, and are cheaper if booked before the event day. For more information, visit: www.thegrindrace.com or www.somersetlakes.co.za
What changes have you seen in the time you’ve lived at Somerset Lakes?
SELLING NOW
In the mornings I meet with a couple of the moms from the estate and we go for a walk. What a way to start a day!
Whatever their age, the victors receive a medal and a Grind hamper to take home, plus the satisfaction of having conquered the course.
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128 prime spot luxury homes • Two & three bedrooms • 72 to 135 square metres • R1.4 to R2.07 million
58 prime spot luxury homes • Three & four bedrooms • 202 to 320 square metres • R3.4 to R5.7 million
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51 luxury garden cottages • Only three bedrooms left • 145 to 175 square metres • R2.37 to R3.1 million
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The Somerset West Journal
Ride your
HEART OUT The Helderberg basin and its surrounds are brimming with countless mountain-bike trails to discover and explore. This verdant mountain range is the ideal setting for biking, whether you are a beginner or pro, the Wannabees Cycling Club is there to help
What makes this club so appealing is that it is a onestop shop for riding on these local trails
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Adventure
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ycling is the new golf, according to some. At least that’s what the chairman of the Wannabees Cycling Club, Wynand van Zyl says. There is a lot to love about this sport: it’s individually-focused and social, and it's a therapeutic way to shed the day’s stress. Simply focus on where you will place your front wheel next. Fortunately, those who are keen on cycling in Somerset West have the Wannabees to help them out. The club was founded in 2005, when a group of roadies realised that they wanted to explore more than just Somerset West’s tarred roadways, and go a bit more wild.
The alternative route to Stellenbosch There is more than one way to navigate the winelands, but by far one of the best is by bike. Take a different route to Stellenbosch with the Wannabies by riding from Eendrag, to Graham Beck, Vredenburg Farm, Vredenburgh Estate, Winery Rd, Raithby Rd, Kuikens Vlei, Nuwerus, Lyngrove, Charles Back, Roulou, Johan Roos, Somerbosch, R44, Root 44, Stellenrust, Dornier and finally to Blaauwklippen, the final trail before heading back to Somerset West.
The Somerset West Journal
“When the club began, our chairman at the time met with owners at wine farms stretching between Somerset West and Stellenbosch,” explains Van Zyl. The club used these associations to establish a series of trails for the club’s bikers. This would shift the entire landscape of cycling in the Helderberg, making it an appealing playground for Somerset West’s trailblazers. Just five years ago, the Wannabees Cycling Club had a handful of cyclists. Today, the club is a fully functional business, made up of 1 800 members. To get access to the area’s scenic routes, a permit is necessary. What many people don’t know is that it is quite expensive to keep Jeep and singletracks in tip-top shape. This is where the Wannabees are crucial to local riders, making it a one-stop shop for riding local trails. The region boasts a huge variety of trails to explore. First, there is the Wannabees Cycling Club trail, a members-only trail that starts at the Lord Charles Hotel. It ventures through Eendrag, Graham Beck, to Vredenberg Farm and Vredenberg Estate on Winery Rd, then continues to
Issue 02
Longridge, Ernie Els, Alto, R44, Root 44, Stellenrust, Dornier before arriving at Blaauwklippen. The terrain varies across this mid-level ride, from open highway expanses to scenic vineyard vistas. A shorter and more popular coffee ride is the 19km trail to Somerbosch. The route is jam-packed with singletracks and spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards. Along the route, there are helpful signs that indicate trail difficulty. Green signifies an easy ride, while blue
The Wannabees Cycling Club is like a big family, offering endless support to its members and black trail markers indicate a more difficult route. These scenic trails offer a true showcase of the Helderberg’s diverse wildlife. Blue cranes, buck, caracal, African fish eagles and snakes are often spotted among the encircling fynbos and vineyards. This easy route is ideal for beginners finding their feet. The club doesn’t only do mountain-biking trails, but
also offers tracks in the heart of leafy Somerset West, where you’ll find Southey Vines and Geelsloot Parks, located just off Somerset West’s Main Road. There are 3.2km of thrilling trails and skill training areas, all of which have been developed by Wannabees. The Wannabees club is open to every kind of bike rider, including road cyclists. These roadies can tackle the 130km trail, which includes the four passes of Sir Lowry, Helshoogte, Franschhoek and Viljoen's Pass, which goes on for 130km and climbs 1500 metres. There is also a scenic ride out to Rooi-Els and back. The Wannabees Cycling Club is like a big family, offering endless support to its members. Groups stay in touch through Whatsapp and groups are organised depending on cycling experience, so that the club can nurture and uplift every
Permits Permits can be bought at Pedalworx, William’s Bike Shop, Velo Life Helderberg, Helderberg Cycleworld, Somerbosch Wine Estate and Mason’s Bike Inn. Membership of Wannabees Cycling Club can be bought online at www.wannabees.co.za.
rider’s potential. This family extends to the wider Somerset West community. Recently, Wannabees funded an additional school building in the Raithby community. The club gives back by lending financial support to youngsters who want to partake in national races and events.
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The Somerset West Journal
Décor
Trends by Marianne Burke
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SMALL SPACES Stuck in a tight space? Fear not. No matter how compact your abode, with a few clever tricks, it can feel like you’re living in a palace Whether it’s because of budget, architectural features or it’s that you just like being in a cosy space, sometimes we need to make a small room work. There are more than a few tricks for making a room look bigger than it is. In a small house or apartment, using mirrors
or reflective objects can create the illusion of a larger space. For example, a selection of differently shaped mirrors arranged on one wall can open up a room. Using geometric shapes and light, pastel colours, any space can be made comfortable. All you need is a little imagination.
Wall-mounted shelving can clear up room so that furniture can be placed beneath it, creating a convenient storage option. Or even try using clear furniture, which won’t seem to take up any space since it’s see-through. Whatever approach you choose, there’s no better way than embracing your cosy digs.
Reflective Use mirrors or reflective objects to give the effect of a larger space 01 Keyhole mirror from www.weylandts.co.za
02 Deja vu chair from www.cremadesign.co.za
03 Empty Cube side table from www.robert-thomson.com
04 Infinity floor mirror from www.weylandts.co.za
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Colour trends
Plascon Evening Mist EC1
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Plascon Tiny Pink R1-A2-3
Plascon Metallic Silver DRM 1
Plascon Winter Lilac P5-D1-2
Interior photos: Greg Cox / bureaux.co.za
Pale pastels and silver
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Hanging Optimise your walls for more space
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Stackable Grab shelving in an assortment of reconfigurable shapes
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Stacked System by Muuto from www.cremadesign.co.za
Shape shelf set of three by Sixth Floor from www.superbalist.com
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Octo wall shelf single from www.superbalist.com
Stacked by Muuto from www.cremadesign.co.za
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01 Hanging hexagon shelf by Sixth Floor from www.superbalist.com Interior photo: Muuto available at cremadesign.co.za
02 Triangle hanging shelf by Sixth Floor from www.superbalist.com
03 Retro wall shelf from www.weylandts.co.za
04 Hang It Up shelf from www.weylandts.co.za
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The Somerset West Journal
Property
Estates of
THE CAPE Buyers are attracted to security estates firstly because of the safety aspect they provide; and secondly, because of the lifestyle these kinds of estates have to offer
Buyers today are looking for secure estates that bring the best of both the city and the country to their doorstep. Somerset West has the answer
W
hile there are plenty of housing estates in the Western Cape, this is generally a more popular type of development in other provinces. But in the suburban parts of Cape Town, the gated estate is growing in popularity, attracting buyers who want to have more space and live closer to nature, but still feel safe. Somerset West has experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years. Although it’s next door to Stellenbosch, property here offers much better value than its popular neighbour, giving Somerset West an edge.
Still technically part of Cape Town, Somerset West has a city-inthe-country feel. Even though the surrounding mountains and ocean are constantly in view, the town maintains a cosmopolitan feel, with an urban selection of shops and eateries, and a mixture of international, upcountry and local people. With championship golf courses, wineries, universities, a major airport and extensive modern shopping centres, it caters to every lifestyle.
25% of buyers in Somerset West are from elsewhere in South Africa. Local property shows annual growth of 12% to 16% in most price ranges, with strong gross rental returns often between 7% and 10% per annum. Semigration is responsible for a great deal of this, with those from Gauteng and other provinces flocking here.
For those from other provinces, Somerset West is especially in demand. Steve Caradoc-Davies of Harcourts recently told the website Property 24 that at least
Reddam House, an educational investment The Somerset Lakes development offers a particular advantage for young families keen to invest in Somerset West, besides the benefits of it being part of the estate and its prestigious IEB education. All properties purchased from Somerset Lakes will be given one full year’s tuition for one child per family at Reddam House Somerset. “With the rising cost of education becoming a big concern for many South Africans, we know that this bold move will appeal to many parents who are also looking for the safety and convenience that lifestyle estate living provides,” explains Jan Minnie, spokesperson for Somerset Lakes.
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The demographic of Somerset West is also becoming increasingly varied. While Somerset West used to be known for its large retirement community, this age group now accounts for only 23% of purchases. About 40% of recent buyers are younger, under the age of 40. According to recent research by Lightstone Property, in the last year, prices for houses in Somerset West’s gated complexes have outperformed those of freehold homes in the town by over 10%. There has been an increase in purchasing activity in the estate market, with about R15 billion worth of estate properties traded every quarter. Lee Siebert, broker/owner of REMAX Helderberg, told Property 24 that for the majority of home buyers, security has become the most influential factor when buying a home. “Most buyers want to buy in a development that allows their children to play and interact with their peers within a safe environment,” she says. “Buyers are attracted to security estates firstly because of the safety aspect they provide; and secondly, because of the lifestyle these estates have on offer.” Also, homes within security estates generally have higher growth over the long term than properties that are not located within an estate. “Due to the high demand, the value of these homes will generally outperform other types of homes within the same area, making them a good investment option,” explains Siebert. It seems estates are the way to go for Winelands property owners, and the investment couldn’t be better.
The Somerset West Journal
Outdoors
Issue 02
the programme collaborates with conservation facilities worldwide.
ANIMAL INSTINCT The most graceful of big cats, the cheetah is an extraordinary creature. Thanks to the work of Somerset West’s Cheetah Outreach, members of the public can get up close and personal with this incredible animal Ebony the cheetah is stretched out in the grass. He blinks his eyes in contentment as he gives off a low, rumbling purr. There is a lot that makes the cheetah extraordinary, but this fact is one of the most disarming. This is a similarity only shared with smaller felines – most big cats cannot purr. It’s easy to forget this is a wild animal. Run by a devoted group of staff and volunteers, Cheetah Outreach lets visitors get close to these incredible beasts under the careful supervision of handlers. Lisa Bathurst is one of these, who started volunteering here out of her passion for the big cats. “I really enjoy educating people,” she says. “Many people don’t realise how endangered cheetahs are.” Cheetah Outreach’s primary purpose is educational, spreading awareness about the incredible nature of Africa’s fastest land animal. There are only about 6 600 cheetahs left in the wild, and just a few thousand living in captivity. These are minute numbers, considering there were once more than 100 000.
Although cheetahs are able to reach up to 100 kilometres per hour, the big cat’s small stature makes them easy victims to bigger predators, and their numbers have been greatly diminished by habitat loss. But Cheetah Outreach is about much more than cheetahs. The facility homes several small animals native to the region. There is a caracal named Grace, and a family of long-legged, long-eared servals. There are two adorable meercats, Sebastian and Minki, who were rescued from captivity, a pair of jackals, and several bat-eared foxes.
Perhaps the centre’s most important programme is its work breeding Anatolian Shepherd, a unique breed of Turkish dog. These dogs are incredibly devoted to the herds they protect, making them very effective at dissuading large predators. Cheetah Outreach donates these dogs to farmers for a trial year. Farmers normally suffer livestock losses of up to 40%; with the dogs placed, these figures plummet to less than 4%. Cheetah Outreach takes its role as part of the community seriously, often hosting school groups from
Encountering a cheetah creates an emotional connection
the local area. “It costs just five rand to enter Cheetah Outreach,” Lisa explains. “This is to make sure every South African can afford to learn why it's important to save cheetahs. We also have the Bus to Us programme, where we bus children from local schools to the facility. Our goal is to reach the next generation of politicians and conservationists.”
the animals. This can only be achieved with hand-reared cats. “Our motto is ‘See it sense it save it’,” Lisa explains. “We believe encountering a cheetah creates an emotional connection. These ambassador cheetahs can then, in turn, raise funds and promote education to help their wild cousins.”
Ultimately, the purpose of the centre’s work rests on bridging the gap between humans and cheetahs, creating a bond with
Cheetah Outreach is open 09:30 to 17:00 every day. Encounters take place between 10:00 and 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. www.cheetah.co.za
Wander around the facility’s expansive Paardevlei grounds and you might happen upon a handler encouraging one of big cats to jump on a platform or chase after a piece of meat. This is part of Cheetah Outreach’s enrichment programme, which ensures that the animals in captivity have as satisfying a life as possible. Headed up by Debby Wettlaufer,
The many creatures of Cheetah Outreach 4 SERVALS
1 CARACAL
3 BAT-EARED FOXES
2 JACKALS
2 MEERCATS
3 ANATOLIAN SHEPHERDS
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The Somerset West Journal
Travel
Overberg
BY THE SEA
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ollow the winding coastal road stretching from Somerset West towards the east, and it won’t be long before you find yourself in the Cape Overberg. Here, sweeping mountains plunge into the sea, fynbos edges up against rocky shores. While the region is known for inland destinations like Caledon and Swellendam, the coast is where the Overberg really comes into its element. These waters are warmer, sheltered from the brunt of Atlantic swells as it turns into the Indian Ocean. There is nothing quite like the calm, peaceful atmosphere of these secluded seaside towns.
01–03 ROOI-ELS, PRINGLE BAY & BETTY’S BAY Driving towards Rooi-Els, the striking profile of the Cape Peninsula rises up. Progress along this winding coastal route, and one stunning vista after another comes into view. Although these three holiday towns are just around the corner from Somerset West, you quickly feel as though you’re miles away. These enclaves only have the basics, but that’s all that’s needed, as the focus here is firmly on optimum relaxation. Pringle Bay is built around a small estuary that winds its way through the beach houses, offering a perfect place for sea kayaking and leisurely walks. Betty’s Bay is the most developed, peppered with fish and chips shops. It is also home to the Stony Point African Penguin colony; the black and white birds can be spotted from the wooden boardwalk, waddling in the brush.
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Image by Peter Titmuss
As the summer wanes, there is surely no better place to idle away a few lazy days than in a trip through the scenic towns that dot Africa’s southern coastline 01 02
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04–06 HERMANUS, GANSBAAI & PEARLY BEACH As you approach Hermanus, rows of small suburban houses give way until you reach the town centre, where plunging cliffs are lined with small boutiques and cafés and are populated with the hustle and bustle of eager seaside crowds. Hermanus is Cape Town’s favourite playground. This upscale seaside destination is picturesque and relaxing, famous for both its whales and its wines. The area also attracts a huge number of international tourists during the massive Hermanus Whale Festival in September.
Stroll along the cliffside paths and the beauty of the town really unfolds. A bush-fringed trail winds up and down the cliffs, adjacent to cafés and restaurants overlooking the water and creating an atmospheric buzz. On the weekends, a vibrant market occupies the main square. While the sealife is a huge draw, perhaps the most appealing thing here is the refined nature of the town itself, sporting some of South Africa’s finest luxury boutique hotels like Birkenhead House
The Somerset West Journal
Issue 02
Here the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet amidst craggy rocks and the call of seagulls 07–09 CAPE AGULHAS, ARNISTON & DE HOOP RESERVE
Image by wallix
Although many mistakenly believe that Cape Point is the southernmost point of Africa, the title actually belongs to the small fishing town known as Cape Agulhas. This geographic point is marked by a charming red and white
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Hermanus is Cape Town’s favourite playground 08
striped lighthouse and a plaque commemorating this fact. The windy, rocky area around the lighthouse feels like the edge of the world. Here the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet amidst craggy rocks and the call of seagulls.
Near to Cape Agulhas nestles the charming seaside town of Arniston. Named after a shipwreck, this town boasts a picturesque historic village, called Kassiesbaai, full of whitewashed buildings with thatched roofs. Travelling east, before reaching the end of the Overberg at Infanta, a tiny settlement at the mouth of the Breede River, is the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve is one of the Western Cape’s finest parks, bringing together the diversity of land and sea wildlife, and offering one of the largest conservation areas of rare fynbos species. A hike along the trail reveals Cape mountain zebra, eland, bontebok and ostrich, all wandering through the reserve. Rock pools, game drives and hiking and cycling paths abound, and the less adventurous can enjoy landbased whale watching.
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or the Marine Hermanus; and gourmet restaurants, such as Benguela Cove restaurant or the Creation restaurant, nestled in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hermanus is unique in that it offers winelands close to the sea. At Hemel-en-Aarde, some of South Africa’s finest wineries lie up the quiet mountain road, boasting dramatic views over the small wine valley. The towns to the south of Hermanus would probably be overlooked if it were not for Gansbaai’s thriving shark cage diving industry, which attracts many tourists eager to meet sharks under the frigid waves.
But as you pass by one lazy coastal community after another, you’ll feel the charm of the region, especially in Pearly Beach, a small town nestled along pristine white sands. Rent one of the small cottages and escape into blissful serenity.
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The Somerset West Journal
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Investec Specialist Bank, a division of Investec Bank Limited registration number 1969/004763/06. Investec Specialist Bank is committed to the Code of Banking Practice as regulated by the Ombudsman for Banking Services. Copies of the Code and the Ombudsman’s details are available on request or visit www.investec.co.za. A registered credit provider registration number NCRCP9. Investec Wealth & Investment, a division of Investec Securities Proprietary Limited. 1972/008905/07. Member of the JSE Equity, Equity Derivatives, Currency Derivatives, Bond Derivatives and Interest Rate Derivatives Markets. An authorised financial services provider No.15886. A registered credit provider registration number NCRCP262. 24/7/365 Global Client Support Centre 0800 1Place (75223) Cape Town 021 416 1000 Durban 031 575 4000 Johannesburg 011 286 7000 Port Elizabeth 041 396 6700 Pretoria 012 427 8300 Stellenbosch and Winelands 021 809 0700.
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