Property MARCH 2011
Winner of 9 publishing awards
Has the 2010 World Cup helped Foreign investment in SA?
Est. 2004, Issue 218
GAUTENG
decor, trends, luxury, design & real estate
Paragon Architects take on the world
Sandton’s first
9 771810 469103
Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide Why Mozambique property is on the up
11 0 0 3
Guest editor real estate Berry Everitt, CEO Chas Everitt international
RSA R34.95 (incl Vat) Other countries R21.90 (excl Tax) Park Inn by Radisson, Sandton +27 (0)11 303 1000, parkinn-sandton.com
park inn by Radisson
ou choose When Brettenwood you choose Brettenwood Coastal Estate, Coastal you Estate, choose you to choose invest to in invest a property in a property thatthat offers offers thethe highest highest ds of luxury standards and quality. of luxuryThis and quality. award This winning awardestate winning isestate just 5isminutes just 5 minutes northnorth of Ballito, of Ballito, offers offers exquisite exquisite range of unique of unique ecec ones onesinin d inland views sea and and inland boasts viewsexcellent and boastssecurity, excellentnatural security,architecture natural architecture and aand a range o live. which to live.
Contents
MARCH
27
THE MIDWAY MARK
of legislation will impact the
A little bit city, a little bit country,
industry in 2011.
Midrand is forging ahead as an area to watch.
44 62
80
DECOR 09
16
HOT PROPERTY – HOT SPACE The new concept bookstore, Skoobs, at Montecasino takes
SIXTH SENSE Eclectic style and spectacular views combine in this fabulous Sea Point apartment.
80
Lourens, and fine fare at River
the buy-to-let market.
SOCIETY Out and about with the beautiful
50
energy, and the growth of the
52
Where to place your bets, and a brighter outlook for office-focused funds.
54
AUCTION A stylish Sandton penthouse, the
HONEYMOON BLISS
commercial and industrial sectors
Honeymoon getaways to suit
turn the corner, and the right to
everyone’s taste.
name a new species of iris.
56
OFFSHORE Luxury villas in Eden Island, a
HOT PROPERTY – HOT DESIGN
magnificent lifestyle estate in
Furniture designer James Mudge,
help buying in France.
Mauritius, UK opportunities and
aesthetically friendly security, the a new range of Afro-chic fabrics.
36
PASSIONATE BY DESIGN Rasmuss of Paragon Architects are making their mark both
BIG MONEY OR ‘FEEL GOOD’ SENTIMENT?
PROPERTY FUND
be buying.
Anthony Orelowitz and Henning
the shelf right now.
A new property forum, easy solar
artists whose work you should
and Fezorati Coffee Emporium.
HOT PROPERTY – HOT SHOP
COMMERCIAL
guest house industry.
SOUTH AFRICAN ART TO WATCH
Deck Country Estate, Petits Fours
The most covetable items on
22
home insurance and the health of
the Chivas Property Dinner.
MOZAMBIQUE
colours you’ll need for winter and
HOT PROPERTY – HOT PLATE Insight from winemaker Estelle
11
and Sandton, the importance of
DESIGN 12
Upmarket apartments in Atholl
Talking furniture and interiors at
LUXURY 30
RESIDENTIAL
ON THE MARCH
Five up-and-coming young
TRENDS 10
48
people in Gauteng.
reading to a whole new level.
16
30
36
59 60
Legal experts are here to advise non-resident property investors.
47
PROPERTY MATTERS Everything you need to know about buying property in Mozambique.
REAL ESTATE GROUND CONTROL
The eco-friendly Nkwichi Lodge on the banks of Lake Niassa.
locally and internationally.
42
AUTHENTIC PARADISE
NAMIBIA
72
THE HILTON ARRIVES The Hilton Windhoek adds a new dimension to the tourism sector.
ON THE COVER
Has the 2010 Fifa World Cup
THE YEAR OF THE CONSUMER
Sandton’s first
lived up to our expectations?
Park Inn by Radisson.
We look at the impact it’s had on
Real Estate Guest Editor, Chas
See page 26 for details.
foreign investment over the past
Everitt International CEO Berry
Namib-Skeleton Coast National
nine months.
Everitt, believes two key pieces
Park, and a new wind plant.
73
PROPERTY MATTERS A positive economic outlook, the
March 2011 | 1
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Property
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EDITORIAL Editor Sandy Welch sandy@medianova.co.za Gauteng Bureau Chief Jackie Gray writer.jackie@gmail.com KwaZulu-Natal Bureau Chief Anne Schauffer anne@medianova.co.za Senior Subeditor Yaron Blecher Subeditor Mariola Fouché Features Writers Genevieve Fisher, Andrea Firth (Western Cape) André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal) art Art Director Warren Uytenbogaardt warren@medianova.co.za Mid-Weight Designer Trudine Scannell Senior Retoucher Tim Lake CONTRIBUTORS Berry Everitt, Jackie Gray, Carol Johnson, Joan Muller, Gareth Stokes, Lisa Witepski Photographers Val Adamson, Sally Chance, Jacques de Villiers, Danie Nel, Karl Rodgers, Paul Shiakallis, Brenda Veldtman PRINTING CTP Printers Cape Town ADVERTISING sales@medianova.co.za Group Sales Director Shanee Smart Western Cape Sales Michel Jones, Justin Lyons, Tharien Nel Gauteng Sales Rui Barbosa, Anine Ehlers, Marc Lahoud
Kwazulu-Natal Sales Charles Roets, Jenni McCallum Namibia Sales Mynard Slabbert Directory Sales Mavashini Naidoo, Obed Sealetsa Production Manager Elly Hammersley Traffic Controller Liesl Dodgen marketing Circulation Director Vanessa Marks Senior Marketing Coordinator Amanda Africa Marketing Intern Lucinda Piet PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTD Managing Director Tony Vaughan tony@medianova.co.za PA To Managing Director Cheréés O’Reilly cherees@medianova.co.za Associate Publisher (Namibia) Mynard Slabbert mynards@mweb.co.za Finance Manager Laetitia Bothma tish@medianova.co.za Senior Bookkeeper Shafeeqah Davids Credit Controller Lizel Deane Online Manager Andrea Firth Online Assistant Catherine Riley Technology Coordinator Jean-Paul Siljeur Receptionist Kim Africa Drivers Willem September (Western Cape) Joseph Khoza (Gauteng)
Nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PICA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PICA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th SAB Environmentalist of the Year & Environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PICA Awards 2007: B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure Mondi Magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse Media Owners Challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended Mondi Magazine Awards 2004: Industry – Finalist Launch Edition: April 2004
Quietly Tiling Africa
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Malls Tiles is the largest independent tile distributor in South Africa and carries the largest range of tiles.
GAUTENG 8th Floor, Fredman Towers, 13 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2196 PO Box 785828, Sandton, 2146; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)11 884 2830 KWazulu-natal Ground Floor, 55 Gladys Mazibuko Road, Berea 4001 Postnet Suite 329, Private Bag X10, Musgrave 4062; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)31 208 5278 Namibia Phone +264 (0)61 248 161 Fax +264 (0)61 245 942 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Email subs@ramsaymedia.co.za Online magsathome.co.za Local Phone 0860 100 203 Fax 086 670 4101 International Phone +27 (0)21 530 3255 Fax +27 (0)21 531 7303 SMS 41871 with reference ‘Property Magazine’ (R2/sms) for subscription enquiries EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES General editorial@medianova.co.za Socials Western Cape socials@thepropertymag.co.za Socials Gauteng socials@thepropertymag.co.za Socials KwaZulu-Natal socialskzn@medianova.co.za Hot Property hotproperty@medianova.co.za Published monthly in three regional issues: Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Current ABC Audited Circulation (Q3 2010, July–September) Western Cape – 27 789, Gauteng – 28 068, KwaZulu-Natal – 17 829, Total Nationally – 73 686 Web Stats: Unique Page Impressions – 37 589; Property Club Members – 24 884 Amps Audited National Readership (2010A) 370 000
Property has the 2010 World Cup helped Foreign investMent in sa?
Western Cape
Why MozaMbique property is on the up
Guest editor real estate berry everitt, Ceo Chas everitt international
Property HAs THE 2010 WORld CUp HElpEd FOREIGN INvEsTMENT IN sA?
GAUTENG
ParaGon architects TAkE ON THE WORld
Property HAs tHE 2010 WORld Cup HElpEd FOREIgn InvEstMEnt In sA?
Sandton’s first
Park inn by radisson ParaGon architects tAkE On tHE WORld
oVerBerG Bliss
Langezandt Fishermen’s Village ParaGon architects take on the World
Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide
kWAzulu-nAtAl
Guest editor real estate BERRy EvERItt, CEO CHAs EvERItt IntERnAtIOnAl
stylish APARTMENT
Guest editor real estate BERRy EvERITT, CEO CHAs EvERITT INTERNATIONAl Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide Why Mozambique property is on the up
Eclectic living in Sea Point
Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide • Why Mozambique property is on the up
On this month’s covers Western Cape: Langezandt Fishermen’s Village. Johan Roodt, +27 (0)82 483 9496, langezandt.co.za Gauteng: Park Inn by Radisson, Sandton. +27 (0)11 303 1000, parkinn-sandton.com KwaZulu-Natal: Stylish apartment – Eclectic living in Sea Point
We are pleased to announce the launch of our Contracts Division which has been initiated to best serve the tile requirements of Developers, Architects, Construction and Interior Design companies. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
KwaZulu-Natal • Cindy 083 381 1097 Shaun 083 794 8285 email: contractskzn@mallstiles.com Gauteng & Mpumalanga: • Andy 083 588 2481 Brian 082 327 3057 • Chris 083 603 3978 Imraan 083 786 7554 Western Cape: • Hamied 082 968 6445 Archie 082 458 8303 email: contractswc@mallstiles.com Rest of South Africa and Countries surrounding South Africa • Hassan 083 456 8703 email: hassan@mallstiles.com • Raoof 084 525 5058 email: rj@mallstiles.com
Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright Media Nova (Pty) Limited. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.
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ED’S LETTER
In the eye of the beholder Photograph Ruvan Boshoff
One of my favourite fairytales of all time is The Emperor’s New Clothes. I love it because you can apply it to so many everyday situations. (If you’ve lost touch with your childhood roots and can’t remember the story, go to emperorsnewsuit.com.) My interpretation is that it’s about people forcing themselves to believe something because everybody else believes it, which in turn guarantees they are cool. Until one day someone points out that actually it’s not cool … The latest case in point is those power bracelets that claimed to balance your body’s natural energy field. With absolutely no concrete studies, the producers convinced people through clever marketing and the endorsement of various celebrities that their product was the answer to becoming a super-human. Consumers snapped them up faster than you can say ‘passing fad’. Then some savvy Australian decided to ask for proof … and it emerged that there wasn’t any. But back to my favourite fairytale. I suppose you could say the child in the story was what we’d call a ‘whistleblower’, someone who’s not afraid to tell the truth as they see it. That’s pretty much how the case of Wendy Machanik Properties was brought to light. At the time of going to press, the company had been prohibited from trading for misappropriating trust funds. It’s not the policy of this magazine to judge anyone, particularly as the case is still under review. What was most disturbing to me, however, was the public backlash on various internet news sites against the real-estate industry as a whole, something I think is unwarranted. As a homebuyer, though, do you have cause for concern? The main thing is to safeguard yourself – never hand over money without being given proof of where it will be deposited, and only deal with agents who have a Fidelity Fund certificate or a membership card for the IEASA.You can also request to view, by means of a password, the trust account in which your deposit is being held, and insist that the trust fund is audited twice a year. It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were cautiously anticipating the 2010 Fifa World Cup. I remember pessimism still outweighing optimism, hotel beds not yet filled, and people who’d been promised buckets of money through renting out their homes suddenly realising it wasn’t going to happen. And then we had that incredible month when we got to polish our rainbow. So, now, almost nine months after the event, what’s actually happened? We went ahead and built it – but have they come? Find out in our Insight story on page 22. And for just a few minutes, relive the glory.
THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE ONLINE
VISIT Browse thepropertymag.co.za for the latest features. FOLLOW US on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag SUBSCRIBE Call 0860 100 203 to learn more about our special subscription offer. 0861 765 833
Sandy Welch, Editor
If you haven’t yet, you really should …
4 | March 2011
Visit the Carl Smyth Gallery in Eden
Invest in a piece from La Grange’s
Learn more about Cape Town’s
on the Bay, Cape Town, to see
new Gmelina furniture range. I’m
bid to become the World Design
Richard Scott’s Gold Tree paintings.
crazy about the fact that it’s all
Capital for 2014. The theme of the
(And maybe even buy one!) I love
made from sustainable wood, and
bid, which will be submitted in March,
the principle behind these artworks,
that the suppliers are carefully
is ‘Re-connection’, and it will cover a
in which Richard is saying that if you
sourced for their green credentials.
variety of different aspects of the city,
plant your own golden seeds, one
This Sims Accent Chair is based on
from the Integrated Rapid Transport
day your gold tree will grow. He has
a mid- century design.
system through to the recently
already proven to be an artist with
+27 (0)11 444 5379
named area, The Fringe: Cape Town’s
huge investment potential – a work
lagrangeinteriors.co.za
Innovation District. If it wins, the city
called ‘Jacaranda Tree’ he sold in
will get the opportunity to present its
2002 is today worth R54 720.
perspective on design to the rest of
He has released a limited edition of
the world for the whole year through
24 ‘Gold Trees’ exclusively to
a series of events. World Cup fever all
the gallery.
over again.
+27 (0)73 915 8897,
+27 (0)21 419 1881,
thecarlsmythcollection.com
capetown2014.co.za
welcome to what you really need ...
a luxury hotel in Cape Town from only R550*
You tell us
Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email letters@thepropertymag.co.za. TIME OUT This is just a short note to compliment you and your team on a fascinating edition of your regular magazine. During my busy year I don’t find time to digest all of the articles, but having spent three fantastic weeks at our holiday home in Hermanus, I found plenty time between cricket matches on the TV to read the interesting articles you put together in your December/January issue. Well done! Normally I scan the magazine to see prices of homes in those exotic places, and also look with interest at the movement of prices that are more in our price range. From now on I will be reading everything, including some of the unusual adverts, such as the one for the solar sheet. Getting to see those items for homes and where to find them is a big attraction, so be assured I am looking forward to your next issue. Bob Cork, Westlake, Cape Town
LETTER th of the Mon
SOLD! I have just read the February issue of The Property Magazine, and it’s truly a great read.Well done on the new look and feel. Most importantly, thank you for allowing me to be your first guest editor. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you and your team health, happiness and success for 2011. Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance, Cape Town
PEER REVIEW I picked up the February issue of The Property Magazine, and 45 minutes later I had read every page. Enthralling! I honestly don’t remember when I last lay down with a publication and read it from cover to cover. I guess when you’ve been in PR for 18 years, you’re inundated with publications to browse through to find angles, columns and opportunities, and it’s often difficult to just switch off and see a magazine for what it is. Compliments on an enjoyable read, fascinating articles, spacious layout and fresh look. Wishing you lots of luck in the future with your publication. Here’s to a rewarding 2011! Nicole Chamberlin, via email
Backdropped by the slopes of Devil’s Peak, with sweeping views of Table Bay harbour, the plush new 183-room Upper Eastside Hotel is located in Woodstock, offering convenient, hassle-free access to downtown Cape Town and its surrounds. Gourmet dining, cocktail lounge bar, library and smoking room, concierge and an extensive collection of Cape wines.
Loved your Dec./Jan. bumper issue! It was more than informative for all the property consultants I know. Keep it bumping! Dave Kekana
WINNING LETTER Write to us and you could win a Bugatti Glamour Range kitchenware hamper valued
Cape Town’s first boutique business hotel. Cool. Discreet. Glamorous. And, best of all, a bargain.
at R1 500! Thanks to a team of specialist designers, the comprehensive range of products is all about quality, beauty and practicality. italianlifestyle.co.za
Brickfield Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town • Tel. 021 404 0570 reservations@uppereastsidehotel.co.za * Room only. Terms and conditions apply.
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7(&+12 /2*,&$/ .,7&+(16
HOT PROPERTY
HOT space
1
2
3
Get your book fix in style The exciting new concept bookstore, Skoobs, is anything but bookish.
A
bookstore of Skoobs’s calibre has long been overdue in South Africa. The first of its kind in the country, this ‘Theatre of Books’ is located in the heart of Montecasino and smacks of great international bookshops, such as the UK’s Waterstone’s. Measuring
1 200m over two levels, Skoobs (the name is derived, more or less, from ‘books’ 2
spelt backwards) is plastered from floor to ceiling with books in every genre. A Starbucks coffee shop occupies a corner of the ground floor (this writer, for one, is particularly happy to welcome Starbucks to South Africa’s shores). Visitors can partake of a quick cup of prime java, or take a more sedate approach and treat themselves to a delicious quiche while poring over their latest literary purchase. Also located on the ground floor is a fanciful, interactive animal-themed section for the little ones, and a beautiful, Skoobs-logo-shaped fish tank that contains custom-designed ‘water books’. The second floor can be accessed via a winding staircase or glass lift and encompasses a number of unique internal ‘nodes’, including a classy champagne bar, complete with baby grand (naturally). The ‘Mind, Body and Soul’ section of the store features its own Zen garden Words Jackie Gray Photographs Paul Shiakallis
and hanging wicker basket chairs (perfect for meditation), and a Tuscan-themed ‘courtyard’ houses all manner of delightful gardening and cookery books. Those of a less bibliophilic persuasion are also catered for in the form of a soundproof gaming station. Gaming fundis can try out all the latest Xbox, Nintendo and Sony PlayStation games before making a purchase. Clearly, Skoobs is a leap forward in the evolution of South Africa’s literary landscape. It will be a tough act to follow.
4
+27 (0)11 513 2800, montecasino.co.za
Origami cranes ignite the imagination. 2Attractive, open-plan design – no fustiness here. 3Enjoy your new
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more fabulous
1
getaway destinations.
read over a Starbucks coffee in the café area. 4Taking the phrase ‘school of fish’ to the next level.
March 2011 | 9
HOT PROPERTY
HOT PLATE
From Continental and Med fare to city havens and country hideaways – you’ll find it all in Jo’burg.
Style comes in small packages Estelle Lourens, winemaker at Uitkyk, talks to us about the recent release of the estate’s 2007 Carlonet to mark the wine’s 50th anniversary, as well as what it is like being a woman in the ‘boys’ club’ of winemaking.
Q What is your most memorable wine experience? It was in 2003 when I took a bottle of the
2001 Carlonet – my first vintage at Uitkyk – home for my father to taste. It was the first wine he actually liked. Until that point, no wine, whether made by me or anyone else, had impressed him. It was a very special moment.
Q What would you pair the 2007 Uitkyk Carlonet with? Nurturing, sustaining foods, such as lamb
Q What wines do you currently enjoy drinking? At the moment it would be chilled whites, particularly the 2010 Uitkyk Sauvignon Blanc, as it is crisp and refreshing, and the 2009 Uitkyk Chardonnay, for its elegance and citrus tang.
Q As one of the few female winemakers at an established estate, what has working in a male-dominated industry been like for you?
Ascot Boutique Hotel prides itself on providing classy accommodation on an intimate scale. Situated in the trendy suburb of Norwood, this establishment offers 15 individually styled rooms, each of which has been tastefully decorated and features all the modern conveniences. There’s also a small restaurant, gym, bar and conference facilities on site. Socialites will undoubtedly find the hotel to their liking, thanks to the many upmarket restaurants, coffee shops, salons and art galleries in the area. +27 (0)11 483 3371, ascothotel.co.za
Sugar, spice and all things nice …
Those hankering for a decadent treat need look no further than Petits Fours. These sumptuously decorated, French- inspired coffee shops and delis have fast gained a following in Johannesburg and offer all manner of mouth-watering pastries,
I have always found my fellow winemakers
cakes, cupcakes, tarts, quiches, pies, croissants, sandwiches,
to be very enabling and supportive, ready to
and of course, petits fours. The newest branch has opened at
give advice and also to give me the chance
Verdi Shopping Centre in Blackheath and, like its Randridge Mall,
to do things my way. In my earlier days there
Fourways and Blouberg sister stores, the sheer choice of nibbles
were some colleagues who tried to make
overwhelming. The upside down apple and butterscotch sauce
things easier for me, but more out of a sense of
cake is particularly good. An exquisite range of French decor,
gentlemanliness than paternalism.
sugar decorations, chocolate fondue and herbs and spices are
+27 (0)21 884 4416, uitkyk.co.za
also available. +27 (0)11 782 1778, petitsfours.co.za
10 | March 2011
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher and Jackie Gray
shank or oxtail.
HOT PROPERTY
HOT SHOP
Exotic fashion, stylish accessories and sophisticated tipple to entice you.
JEAN-EALOGY South African fashionistas can now indulge in the whimsical women’s clothing brand, Lily Jean. Inspired by the beat of the Brazilian samba, the exotic, tropical flora of Bali and the wild Australian outback, the range is now available at all Alexandra Del Lago stores. +27 (0)11 079 2539, alexandradellago.com
Get your fez on
The colourful Middle Eastern-inspired Fezorati Coffee Emporium and chic new Bedouin Braai Tent in Centurion offer a refreshing twist to the usual business-dining options. Linked to the Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre in Bondev Park, these eateries specialise in business lunches, teas and dinners, and are perfect for breakaway sessions and post-conference unwinding. Fezorati serves traditional coffees, mint teas, light local snacks and hot breakfast buffets. Guests looking for something a little more exotic can visit the Bedouin Braai Tent, where boerewors rolls cooked to perfection over charcoal will help you relax after a busy week at the office. A visit to these eateries needn’t be strictly business related – they’re both great for simply socialising too. +27 (0)12 658 8000, royalelephant.co.za
A PERFECT TEN Maintaining a tradition of excellence that reaches back to 1830, Tanqueray No. Ten is the only gin in the world to be distilled from whole fresh citrus fruits and botanicals. Its distinct flavour creates exceptionally fresh-tasting cocktails, such as this martini: 70ml Tanqueray No. Ten 5ml vermouth Stir the ingredients and serve in a frozen martini glass with grapefruit peel to garnish. +27 (0)21 442 7374, brandhouse.co.za
Countryside jewel
River Deck Country Estate in
PRECIOUS HEART
Honeydew, Johannesburg,
Wear your heart on your sleeve (or
has all the right ingredients to
wrist, rather) with this gorgeous new
become the next countryside
limited- edition watch from Louis Vuitton.
dining hot spot. Previously
The Tambour Heart timepiece consists of
known as Ramkietjie, the
white diamonds set in the shape of a heart,
restaurant has undergone a
with a Pomme d’Amour dial and patent
series of renovations and now offers fully fledged dining, conferencing and
leather double-wrap strap, featuring, of
wedding facilities, set amid beautiful surrounds with willow trees, peacocks
course, the famous Louis Vuitton motif. The
and whimsical river frontage. Opulent wedding fare and simple, delicious
watch is available in a small and medium
pub lunches are on offer. The estate also organises monthly entertainment
version. Available from Louis Vuitton stores.
acts; these events are popular, so be sure to book in advance. Several villas,
louisvuitton.com
a chapel, a playground and an organic market are to be incorporated into the estate in the near future. +27 (0)82 414 5129, riverdeck.co.za
March 2011 | 11
HOT PROPERTY
HOT DESIGN JAMES MUDGE is a Cape
Making your home beautiful is as important as keeping it safe for you and your family.
Town- based furniture designer and manufacturer
everywhere,
Sophisticated security
including at the
arrangements impacting on the aesthetics,
upmarket wine-farm
then the new Trellidor Clear Guard is definitely
whose products are appearing
If you’re tired of your home’s security
restaurants Pierneef à La Motte and the Olive
worth investigating. The product consists of an
Shed at Tokara. He talks to us about his love of
aluminium frame and a high-tensile steel mesh
antiques, building his mother’s house and his
insert that keeps intruders out but allows your
must-have furniture item for 2011.
views to remain unobstructed. 0861 873 55 43 67, trellidor.co.za
Q What is the most memorable project you’ve worked on to date, and why? I built a house at the sea for my mother a
few years ago. It is made of wood, and it was like building a giant piece of furniture. I have
surrounded by natural bush. Looking back,
Winter woollies
it was a mammoth task – I’m not quite sure
winter yet, but it pays to plan
how I managed it. My team and I used a lot of
ahead. Woolworths’s winter range
just returned from a family holiday there, and it certainly is special – a giant fishing shack
You may not be thinking about
second-hand material, which added enormous
steers away from the usual greys
character to the home, and it seems to be
and monochrome winter shades
getting better and better with age and use.
Q What is the one home interior item you are lusting after? I am after a big antique leather sofa with a
this season and instead employ vibrant colours, such as deep purples, bright fuchsias and rich blues. 0860 100 987, woolworths.co.za
horse-hair-and-goose-feather stuffing – the type that goes ‘pfhhh’ when you sit on it. It’s definitely on my ‘most wanted’ list.
Q Where do you find inspiration for the work you do? I find antiques very inspiring, as they often come from a time when things were done properly by people who spent a lifetime acquiring their skills. There is a lot more to making solid wood furniture than most people think. I also find my raw materials very inspiring, as well as flea markets. I love seeing the junk that people collect as well as how they have adapted everyday items to suit their needs.
Q What project are you currently working on?
We’ve got you covered Evolution Covered, a new range of Afro-chic
fabrics, is hot on our radar for adding interesting
Apart from my usual trade, I’m working on a
touches to interiors. Designed by Karen Stanek
proposal for another wine farm and have a few
and Amanda du Plessis, and manufactured
more pieces to make for Mavromac’s flagship
locally, the range is inspired by the friends’
showroom in Cape Town, which I completed at
family heritages and their travels in Africa.
the end of last year.
Available exclusively from Home Fabrics.
+27 (0)79 171 8240, jamesmudge.com
+27 (0)11 266 3700, homefabrics.co.za
12 | March 2011
HOT PROPERTY
HOT DECOR
Outdoor elegance
Look out for the new luxury range of outdoor furniture, the Bellini Dining Collection from MBM. Elegant in white, it’s the perfect solution for al fresco entertaining. The armchairs are carved from aluminium, and the chairs are covered in Mirotex weave, ensuring they are light and easy to move around and stack. The range is resilient to UV rays, salt water and harsh weather. It retails from R1 980 for an armchair to R4 680 for a 90 × 90 table. 0861 222 626, mbmafrica.co.za
Get wired
The latest must-haves in lighting design are wire lighting systems. Unobtrusive and functional, they are able to light up the darkest corners with ease, and are perfect for high, cathedral or vaulted ceilings, as well as for ceilings interrupted by soffits, beams or exposed ductwork. For an added, unusual decor touch, they can even be used vertically. The Lighting Warehouse offers three different kinds of wire lighting system, Zira, Nuka and Sarabi – all available in ready-to-install kits. +27 (0)11 201 2621, lightingwarehouse.co.za
Paint it clean
If you’re sick and tired of dirty exterior walls, you’ll be glad to hear that Duram has developed South Africa’s first self-cleaning exterior wall paint. Duram NanoTech paint contains microscopic particles that are energised by the sun’s UV rays. This enables them to loosen and decompose dirt, mildew, fungi, algae and pollution. The revolutionary nanotechnology also ensures that the paint does not deteriorate as quickly as normal paint, and improves its hardiness and scrub resistance. 0800 500 222, duram.co.za
Outdoors in the city
Cane Time’s new Tribeca Collection is perfect for city slickers looking to add a touch of style to their outdoor enclaves. Created for Dedon by American outdoor furniture design king, Richard Frinier, the range is inspired by the vibrant New York precinct of the same name. +27 (0)11 262 2752, canetime.com
March 2011 | 13
HOT PROPERTY
HOT STUFF
02
There is also an audio function
that enables you to record audio notes. To convert the handwritten and audio notes into
TAKE NOTE
digital documents, all you have to do is plug the smartpen into your computer and let the special Livescribe desktop software do the rest. Taking minutes in your weekly staff meetings just got a whole lot easier!
A smartpen gives you the best of both worlds.
01
For those who prefer taking
notes the old-school way, with good old pen and paper, the Livescribe Echo Smartpen will ease you into the digital realm. You will need a special Livescribe Notebook in which to write your notes, which the pen records accurately.
+27 (0)11 684 1545, circuitcity.co.za
ENTERTAINMENT Out and about in March
WHAT’S ON Top Gear Festival 17–20 March Get down to the Kyalami Racetrack to catch your favourite TV motorheads, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, live. They’re joined by the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team and SA’s very own F1 champion, Jody Scheckter. The festival promises to be the biggest motoring festival South Africa has ever seen. computicket.co.za
Tribute to Mahler, by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, 16–17 March Catch the last two performances of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s (JPO) tribute
Dreamgirls
Produced by Hazel Feldman and featuring an all-South African cast, the fabulous Broadway hit, Dreamgirls,
to Gustav Mahler at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. Amazing young soprano, Kelebogile Boikanyo, will join the JPO to sing Das himmlische Leben from Mahler’s Symphony no. 4 in G major. The JPO will also perform the Nachtgesang, Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner’s opera, Tristan und Isolde. computicket.co.za
is playing at the Teatro at Montecasino from 11 to
Hobby-X, 3–6 March
27 March. The musical tells the rags-to-riches tale of a
If you’re an arts and crafts aficionado, don’t miss this exhibition at the Coca-Cola Dome
1960s girl group and what they have to endure in their
in Northgate, where about 250 stands are showcasing the latest craft supplies and hobby
quest for fame. The stage production later became an
innovations. A full entertainment programme and workshops are also featured. (The first day is
Oscar- winning motion picture. computicket.co.za
for trade only.) +27 (0)11 478 3686, hobby-x.co.za
14 | March 2011
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PRIME PROPERTY
Sixth
This tasteful Sea Point apartment tantalises with its expansive sea views, elegant use of bright colours, and effortless style.
Sense
Words Sandy Welch Photographs Jacques de Villiers
PRIME PROPERTY
Opposite The passageway has been dramatically shortened and an accent wall painted turquoise – the perfect backdrop for the family’s photo gallery. Antique oriental panelling has been converted into a door. This page Eclectic design features in the wallpaper in the guest bathroom, while splashes of turquoise and mustard fulfil the homeowner’s desire for bright colours.
March 2011 | 17
PRIME PROPERTY
‘… I love that wherever you look, your vision is stopped by beautiful things.’
18 | March 2011
PRIME PROPERTY
Opposite In the brightly lit open-plan kitchen, the splashback has been sandblasted to pick up on the design of the antique wooden cupboard doors. This page, above The large open-plan living area is complemented by oversized furniture in the lounge, including a 4m couch; the 12-seater dining room table can be seen in the background. Below The main en-suite bathroom with its oval freestanding bath and raised shower and toilet is separated from the bedroom by lightly sandblasted glass doors, ensuring there is an even flow of light between the rooms.
March 2011 | 19
PRIME PROPERTY
The incredible sea views can be taken in from every room in the apartment – even when you are lying in bed.
T
he sea. That’s the first thing you notice when you walk into this spacious sixth-floor apartment. It stretches out in front of you, around you, below you, from almost every angle. It’s a sight so overpowering it would be a challenge for any interior designer’s work to compete with it – but then, after more than 20 years in the business, Sharon Sager and her team are always up for a challenge. Their solution was not to fight with the incredible vistas, but to make them the key component of the apartment and to allow everything else to work around them. ‘We wanted to make sure that every angle in each room is directed towards the sea view,’ Sharon explains. This became the responsibility of the senior designer at Sager and Associates, Mikha Notwala, and it was no small task.The apartment required major renovations, such as enclosing the balcony, knocking down various internal walls to rid the home of its old-fashioned, elongated passageway and poky rooms, and installing bulkheads to give form and depth. The result is a clever flow of home that allows light in everywhere, from the entrance through to the open-plan living spaces, the kitchen and the bedrooms. An important element of the brief was that there needed to be ample room for entertaining. ‘The couple have people over a lot, and we had to make sure this was accommodated,’ says Sharon. To this end, the living area flows from a sizeable dining area
housing a 12-seater dining table through to a large lounge with a library, flat-screen TV and home theatre area to one side, and a small dining area, where the couple have breakfast, to the front. Two beautiful white leather loungers are strategically placed in front of a window in the corner so that its occupants have totally unobstructed vistas of the ocean. Each zone can operate as a separate individual space or work together with the rest to form a communal area – ideal if there are lots of visitors. To complement the vast canvas of the living space, Sharon has chosen bulky, oversized furniture. ‘I needed to ensure all the proportions are exaggerated because of the size of the room,’ she explains. ‘To me, lighting and proportion are the be-all and end-all.’ A 4m-long couch, large wingback chairs and a jumbo ottoman make up the lounge, while a large and dark built-in wooden cabinet dominates the wall in the TV area. The homeowners, who frequently travel to India, Dubai and central Africa, wanted intense, jewel-like colours to reflect prominently, and to this end Sharon abandoned her usual leaning towards a neutral palette. Instead, she’s introduced bright splashes at surprising intervals. One of the walls in the passage is teal blue, for example, and this flows through to the glass splashback in the guest shower. A rainbow- streaked carpet runs down the passage, and the massive couch in the lounge is cerulean blue.
In the guest bedrooms, bright throws and headboards dominate. The master bedroom features a fuchsia headboard, and bright floral and striped fabrics are to be seen throughout the home. Apartment living demands smart usage of space, and Sharon has considered this carefully, while ensuring that the storage solutions are never obtrusive. In most cases, cupboards have been built into walls to look like wood panelling, and feature opening mechanisms that don’t require handles. The cupboards in the bedrooms all slide open, to maximise space. The washing machine and dryer have been conveniently placed in cupboards in the spare bathroom. But it’s in the detail that Sharon really comes into her own. Antique oriental doors sourced from Gilles Botbyl have been converted into cupboard doors in the kitchen, and another has been made into a sliding door for the guest bathroom. Glass kitchen splashbacks have been sandblasted to reflect the design on these doors. Textured wallpaper in the entertaining area resembles Issey Miyake fabric and has been mirrored in the glass at the entrance to the apartment. A huge marble slab next to the dining area has been adapted to contain cleverly hidden Salton hot trays. ‘I wanted the design to be not only contemporary, but also eclectic,’ Sharon explains, One of the focuses was on creating a contrast to allow more light in, so ample recessed lighting was used to ensure light
flows easily from one room to the next. Nowhere is this more evident than in the main en-suite bathroom. To best utilise the natural light, glass doors have been installed to separate the bathroom from the main bedroom, and these have been sandblasted with the same design as that used in the fabric of the headboard. The freestanding oval bath as well as the interleading raised shower and toilet are all brightly lit by a rose-shaped chandelier and perfectly complemented by the warm marble walls and floor. When it comes to high-tech home comfort, nothing has been overlooked, from underfloor heating and air conditioning through to a sophisticated security system that videos all visitors to the home, and the latest in home entertainment systems with recessed speakers. No challenge was too small for Sager and Associates – including having to get the huge marble slab and various items of furniture lifted up to the residence by crane. What’s Sharon’s favourite aspect of the apartment? ‘I think the living spaces look so beautiful, and the kitchen works so exquisitely with them. I love that wherever you look, your vision is stopped by beautiful things,’ she says. It’s an apartment that delights every one of your senses, from the delicious aroma of the sea breeze and the sounds of the crashing waves through to the tactile fabrics, vibrant colours, attention-grabbing artworks, and of course, that awe-inspiring view.
With thanks to …
Visit thepropertymag.co.za for a look at other
Sager and Associates, Sharon Sager, +27 (0)21 465 4095, sager-associates.com
extraordinary homes across the country.
20 | March 2011
INSIGHT
Big money
or ‘feel good’ sentiment? The 2010 Fifa World Cup cost at least R30-billion to stage. Have foreign investors flocked to our shores since? Words Gareth Stokes
Cala-bashing – The FNB Stadium within the Soccer City Complex in Johannesburg. It was renamed Soccer City Stadium for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The stadium was designed to resemble a giant calabash and cost R3,3-billion to build.
22 | March 2011
INSIGHT
Photographs 123rf.com
S
outh Africa was in rapture when Fifa President Sepp Blatter announced on 15 May 2004 that we would be hosting Africa’s first-ever Soccer World Cup. The decision triggered an unprecedented countrywide infrastructure overhaul as we geared up to welcome 32 national teams and thousands of football supporters from across the globe. The government poured billions of rand into football stadiums, airport upgrades and road and rail infrastructure, to make sure the event went off without a hitch. And they deployed thousands of additional law enforcement officers to ensure an incident-free tournament. The event proceeded smoothly, prompting the usually fickle Sepp to award South Africa 9 out of 10 points for its hosting efforts. Nine months on, with the event largely forgotten, economists are trying to work out whether the R30-billion ‘bill’ represented money well spent. Nobody disputes the ongoing benefit to the country from the Bus Rapid Transport system, the Gautrain and other public transport solutions. And tourists and visiting businessmen will marvel at the country’s world-class airport terminals for decades to come. So the only infrastructure white elephant we have to deal with is the handful of one-event-only stadiums now littering our post-2010 landscape. Those who narrowly focus on the pluses and minuses linked to specific infrastructure projects are missing the point. The World Cup was about much more than rands and cents. It lifted South Africa onto the international stage and helped to destroy the many preconceptions educated Westerners held about the African continent. They’ve finally adjusted their ‘just bush’ assessment of our country to ‘high tech with high-tech capabilities’. Hosting the event was akin to lighting a massive billboard exclaiming, ‘Hello! Take a look down here. We’re South Africa, and we’re open for business!’ In the months following the tournament, both South Africa and Africa emerged as central themes at numerous global events and conferences.The continent featured at the Fortune Global Forum in New York City in June 2010 and at the World Affairs Council conference held in Atlanta in July.
By hosting an event of this magnitude, South Africa has helped Africa to come of age. Maria Ramos, group chief executive of ABSA Group Banks, sums it up: ‘We need to get away from this idea that Africa is about aid and health. Europeans and Americans need to start changing their minds [and assist us in] unlocking economic value and entrepreneurship on the continent.’ We’ve already enjoyed the short-term benefits of the event. The tournament added 0,5% to our GDP number through 2010 as tourists spent on retail, food, entertainment and accommodation before, during and after the event. A survey conducted jointly by the National Department of Tourism and South African Tourism concludes there were 309 000 event-specific tourists who spent in the region of R3,6-billion during their stay here. Overall visitor numbers swelled nicely too. From January to September 2010, South Africa welcomed 5 944 568 tourists, up from 5 087 634 in the first nine months of 2009. ‘The tournament has positioned South Africa as a viable investment market and the spin-offs of improved perceptions abroad could have a longlasting impact not only on South Africa and its development, but on the continent as a whole,’ says Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk. He’s talking about the long-term dream for massive and sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) to South Africa. Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer of the country’s World Cup Organising Committee shares this sentiment: ‘It is exciting to see that business leaders around the world wish to leverage off the tournament.’ Although the ‘Gateway to Africa’ tag preceded the World Cup by many years, there’s no doubt the event generated additional interest in the continent. Suddenly, the likes of US retail giant, Walmart, and global banking brand, HSBC, were on the hunt in our territory, ready to put their shareholders’ money to work. Has the event led to the avalanche of FDI we’d hoped for? A superficial look at the latest South African Reserve Bank quarterly bulletin suggests things are looking up. Capital flows topped R98,7-billion to 30 September 2010 – in addition to the R113,9-billion through 2009. But closer scrutiny proves these numbers disappointing. The bulk of these flows are
March 2011 | 23
INSIGHT
Clockwise from top left Inside FNB Stadium; Cape Town Stadium, Green Point – construction cost: R4,4-billion; Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban – construction cost: R3,4-billion; Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth – construction cost: R2,05-billion; predictions are clouded as to whether South Africa will see a good return on its investment in building the stadiums for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
24 | March 2011
Photographs 123rf.com
‘The tournament has positioned South Africa as a viable investment market and the spin-offs of improved perceptions abroad could have a long-lasting impact.’
INSIGHT
portfolio inflows: yield-seeking money channelled directly to the country’s equity and bond markets. Walmart’s decision is similarly guided. The Investec Asset Management equity research team says the recent bid for Massmart highlights Walmart’s search for yield and growth by developed-market investors starved of returns and pessimistic about growth prospects in their home jurisdictions. The World Cup was never going to have a noticeable impact on FDI, which has actually declined in the quarters since. The Reserve Bank says capital inflows for direct- investment purposes dropped from R2,9-billion in the second quarter of 2010 to just R1,1-billion in the third quarter. W hy? Dawie Roodt, chief economist at the Efficient Group, says South Africa’s FDI is inherently low relative to other sub-Saharan economies. He ascribes this phenomenon to the country’s sophisticated financial markets. Let’s say international investors want exposure to the property industry in both Mozambique and South Africa. Their options in Mozambique are limited to investing in physical assets – they’d have to buy an office block in Maputo, for example – whereas their easiest option in South Africa would be to simply purchase shares in one or more of the country’s world-class listed-property companies. It takes many years for an international company to bite the bullet and move into a new market. Chris Hart, an economist at Investment Solutions, reckons Walmart was most likely thinking about investing in Africa even before South Africa was chosen to host the event. ‘It seems to me as if South Africa is showing signs of developed-market maturity, which means potential FDI is being diverted to stock market acquisitions,’ says Chris. He would prefer the likes of Walmart to arrive on South African soil and build up their business from scratch, because brownfield developments offer multiple benefits to emerging economies. There were hopes in the run-up to the tournament that renewed international investor interest would breathe some life into the lacklustre residential real-estate sector. Real-estate professionals wanted to get as much mileage from the ‘free’ marketing as possible. Although difficult to back up statistically, it seems international buyers have remained on the fence since June/July last year. ‘So far all the World Cup did for us was to increase our international exposure,’ says Laurie Wener, MD Western Cape for Pam Golding Properties. ‘There’s been a massive increase in international traffic on our website, which supports this viewpoint. But this interest hasn’t translated into additional sales.’ Why not? Laurie says we shouldn’t ignore the combined impact of a strong rand and a weak global economy on international real-estate investors and speculators. Developed-world investors simply don’t have the stomach for ‘expensive’ offshore property investments right now.
The majority of international visitors to our shores before, during and after the World Cup enjoyed the country’s infrastructure and hospitality. And their experiences could easily guide future offshore property decisions. That said, any decision by a foreigner to purchase in South Africa would only reflect six to eight months later. Potential investors would have to scout their properties, offer on the properties, arrange finance and then wait for the deeds office to do its stuff. We may yet see some activity in the first quarter of this year. It’s unfortunate that the tournament coincided with an extremely depressed global economy. International real-estate companies are more concerned with staying afloat in their respective markets than exploring new opportunities. Y ou can cover the World Cup’s impact on real estate and other direct investment with a blanket comment, provided here by Dawie Roodt: ‘The event definitely turned more eyes towards South Africa. But rather than encourage new investment, the World Cup acted as a catalyst for foreigners who already had their eyes on our markets. The shift to emerging markets got under way well before the RSA-versus-Mexico game on 11 June 2010.’ This change in focus saw an unprecedented US$68- billion (approximately R472-billion) flowing into Africa during 2009. The bulk of this cash came from the United States, with China hot on their heels. And going forward, most analysts expect emerging economies, such as China and India, to dominate the African FDI landscape. South African companies are doing their bit too – almost all of the top 40 listed firms have expanded their African footprint over the past decade. If South Africa wants a larger share of this FDI – the money that contributes to physical assets rather than sheltering temporarily in local financial markets – then we’ve got plenty of work to do. The government has to roll up its sleeves and begin pruning some of its less attractive policies, particularly those centred on labour and taxation. The positive glow from the World Cup soon grows cold when potential investors are faced with rigid business structures, racial quotas, poverty, crime, militant trade unions and repeated wage strikes. ‘The investment we’re attracting at the moment is despite government policy rather than because of it,’ observes Dawie. Property professionals have their work cut out for them too. ‘A year ago at this time, we were all looking forward to the World Cup and its impact with great excitement,’ says Seeff Properties Chairman Samuel Seeff, ‘but there won’t be any underpin from this event through 2011.’ His sentiment is shared by Rael Levitt, chief executive at Auction Alliance, who sums the matter up: ‘The bottom line is that this year we don’t have the World Cup to boost infrastructural spend, tourism, mid-year retail and, most importantly, investor sentiment.’
March 2011 | 25
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t’s not often one finds the the hotel and complimentary in right hotel, for the right price business class rooms and suites. t’s not often you find the right hotel, class rooms and suites. Facilities include In addition to the secure under in the right location. But for the right price, in the right location. secure underground parking, a fitness exactly what travellers ground parking facility, an outdoor swimming pool andtravellers the Butthat that is is exactly what travellers can room, have access to a fitness to the midmarket Park Inn Fresh, youthful and friendly; the ing the Radisson Blu and Park Inn expect from the mid- market Park Inn world- renowned RBG Bar & Grill,room, which out by Radisson, Sandton. Conveniently everything from itspool signature prides itself mastering the essentialsbrand better brings expanding by the Radisson Radisson Blu and Park InnAfrica with Sandton can expect. located serves door swimming andgrilled the world ParkonInn by Radisson brands into by Radisson brands into Africa and intends in the heart of Sandton, the new hotel offers dishes to local cuisine and light snacks. than the competition. This fantastic concept renowned “RBG Bar & Grill” of Conveniently located in the heart colour to life and prides itself on the intention of opening eight new 273Sandton, spacious rooms six Inn suites.by Business The conferencing facilitiesfrom at the signature Park has been enthusiastically received, having opening eight new hotels this year. everything of the and Park Radis fering mastering the essentials better than hotels in 2011. persons, holidaymakers and retail enthusiasts Inn by Radisson, Sandton, can accommodate most recently won the coveted top ranking Park Inn by Radisson, Sandton, son has 273 spacious rooms includ grilled dishes to local dishes and the competition. This fantastic con will be close to Sandton City Shopping up to 160 delegates. In addition to four in the prestigious JD Power and Associates 118 Katherine Street, 2146, Sandown light snacks. ing sixthe suites. hasHotel beenGuest brilliantly Johannesburg, South Africa Centre, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, meeting rooms, there’s a 154m2 conference 2009 cept European Satisfactionreceived, If conference facilities are re Businessmen, holidaymakers and most recently winning the highly T: +27 (0)11 303 1000 the Sandton Convention Centre and the room that can be divided into two separate Index Study. quired, Park InnasSandton shopping enthusiasts ranking in isthe F: +27 (0)11 303 1001 Park Inn top by Radisson brand an prestig All the the meeting rooms well as the hotel Thecoveted Gautrain Sandton Station. will be close torooms. info.sandton@rezidorparkinn.com extension of theJ.Radisson Blu brand2009 operated conference room up havetonatural hotel is bright, modern, comfortable can accommodate 160 del all The amenities – Sandton City Shopexpandable ious D. Powers European by T he Rezidor Hotel Group. The association lighting, air conditioning and cutting-edge and well equipped. Every guest room boasts ping Centre, the Johannesburg egates. In addition to four meeting Guest Satisfaction survey. Theparkinn-sandton.com Park a mini bar, a coffee maker and an interactive audiovisual equipment. Indoor and outdoor between the two brands has strengthened Stock Exchange, the Sandton Con rooms, the 154 m² conference room Inn by Radisson brand is an exten Park Inn’s position within the growing entertainment system. High-speed wireless pre-function areas are also available. be divided into two separate sion of the Radisson Blu brand op vention Centre and the Gautrain can Fresh, youthful and friendly, the Park Inn mid- market hotel sector. The Rezidor Hotel internet is accessible throughout the rooms.brand All brings the meeting rooms Sandton by The Rezidor Hotel Group erated is continuing its growth strategy of Group. Park Inn Sandton colour to life, and in hotel and Station. complimentary in business by Radisson The hotel is bright, modern, com cluding the expandable conference This association between the two 118 Katherine Street 2146 Sandown 26 | March fortable and2011 well-equipped. Every room have natural lighting. Indoor brands has strengthened Park Inn’s Johannesburg South Africa guest room boasts a mini bar, coffee and outdoor pre-function areas are position within the growing mid- T: +27 (0) 11 303 1000 maker, and an interactive entertain also available as well as the latest au market hotel sector. F: +27 (0) 11 303 1001 diovisual equipment and air condi ment system. High-speed wireless The Rezidor Hotel Group contin info.sandton@rezidorparkinn.com Internet is accessible throughout tioning in all the rooms. ues its growth strategy of expand www.parkinn-sandton.com
The NEIGHBOURHOOD
The midway mark Bucolic countryside on the one hand, bustling corporate hub on the other, Midrand is as diverse as it is sprawling. And with a number of new developments planned for the near future, its multifaceted character is set to expand further still. Words Lisa Witepski Photographs Paul Shiakallis
This page The Castle Kyalami boutique hotel, one of Johannesburg’s more eccentric landmarks, is a fine-dining, conferencing and wedding venue.
March2011 | 27
the NEIGHBOURHOOD
T
he first inhabitants of the area that would later become Midrand were iron smelters attracted to the region by the Jukskei River, according to Nadia Hurter, Midrand Manager for Seeff Sandton. Much later it became a midway point for travellers between Johannesburg and Pretoria and became known as Halfway House. It was only in 1981, when Halfway House was merged with Olifantsfontein, that the area officially became a town and was renamed Midrand.‘Midrand has since been incorporated into the Johannesburg City Council, but maintains its name and status as a separate city,’ Nadia says. It also retains a unique atmosphere. Drive past the New Road or Allandale turn-offs on the N1, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is a centre dedicated to commerce and money-making. After all, clustered around the spaghetti-like intersections that distinguish this area as an important highway landmark are the offices of such prestigious multinationals as Siemens, Neotel, BMW and Vodacom. However, it would be entirely incorrect to conclude from this single slice of real estate that Midrand is a mini city. It is, as Brian Hickson of Jawitz Properties points out, a ‘largely undefined and amorphous hub’, starfishing between Centurion, Sandton, Kempton Park and Kyalami. So large an area inevitably encompasses a significant number of suburbs: to the east there’s Glen Austin and President Park, southwards there’s Kyalami Glen,Waterfall Estate and Waterfall Equestrian Estate, to the north you’ll find Samrand, Blue Valley Golf and Country Estate, Beaulieu and Randjesfontein, and to the west, Glenferness and others. Naturally enough, each of these suburbs has its own character. ‘The area that was first known as Midrand – Halfway House and Halfway Gardens – is fairly high density. Although these have residential parts, they also started to attract corporate and commercial entities when Jo’burg’s CBD lost
28 | March 2011
its lustre. Besides offering a convenient location, the area provided a more affordable option than the Sandton CBD,’ says Brian. But much of Midrand swings to the other side of the spectrum: areas like Beaulieu, Kyalami and Glenferness remain zoned for agriculture, and could easily serve as the setting for a Jilly Cooper novel. Nadia says, ‘Part of Midrand’s appeal is that it has a calm, rural atmosphere while still offering proximity to the business hubs of Gauteng. Moreover, the newer properties provide sleek, modern living, often in complexes that have the added benefits of security in an enclosed community. The older residential settings of V orna Valley and Noordwyk have a sedate, relaxed feel to them, while the apartment blocks closer
to the business hub are vibrant and eclectic.’ Nadia’s assertion that the city ‘has something for everyone’ is borne out by its diverse buyers and investors. ‘Many of those who work in the multinationals based in Midrand choose to live here, too. The upmarket gated communities have attracted wellto-do, young, up-and-coming professionals who enjoy the lock-up-and-go lifestyle,’ Nadia says. ‘A large Indian community has settled in the area – mostly young couples purchasing in the middle of the market – and there’s a shopping mall dedicated to Indian culture and culinary tastes,’ Nadia adds. ‘There has also been an influx of black buyers and young people looking at properties across all price ranges, eager to be close to work opportunities.
The NEIGHBOURHOOD Midrand’s diverse properties have made for a very dense, varied population.’ If the properties aren’t homogeneous, neither are their prices. Nadia reveals that it’s possible to buy a one-bedroom or bachelor apartment for as little as R350 000, while some townhouse complexes start from R550 000. Brian maintains that larger apartments, measuring around 100m², in suburbs like Carlswald and Halfway Gardens, are a little more expensive because of their proximity to shopping centres and other conveniences, so you can expect to pay around R1- million. Freestanding homes are also modestly priced, from R850 000. Prices are a little higher for cluster developments: although some start at R750 000, a three-bedroom, two- bathroom property in a secure, gated development could cost anything between R1,2-million and R2,5-million. The next step up is estate living, encapsulated by the ever- popular Kyalami Estate. Here, prices range from R2,5- million to R8-million, says Brian, adding that the higher end of the market includes large family homes with big gardens. ‘Security is, of course, the major attraction at Kyalami Estate,’ he observes. ‘Such is the demand for its safe environment that what started out as an affordable development has become very upmarket, and many of the homes have been upgraded, while others still are currently undergoing refurbishment.’ Then, for the jodhpur and vegetable garden set, there are the agricultural estates, such as Saddlebrook and Blue Hills, as well as the plots of Beaulieu, where a 1ha property may set you back anything from R4-million to R20-million. What about rentals? ‘Midrand remains a lower- to upper- middle-class rental area, and is popular with tenants who work in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Midrand itself,’ answers Seeff ’s Alisha Paterson. ‘Apartments can be leased from R3 500/month, while townhouses can be found in the R6 000 to R9 000 bracket.Houses in the suburbs fetch between R8 000 and R15 000, and then there are the security estates, presenting beautiful family homes priced from R15 000 to R25 000.’These prices have remained fairly steady, even during
the recession and have contributed to Midrand’s reputation for offering consistent value for money, Nadia reports. ‘Since buyers have such a large range of properties and price brackets to choose from, sellers who overprice their homes cannot expect to sell,’ she notes. ‘As a result, prices have remained realistic and, in our experience, serious sellers are pricing right.’ Value for money isn’t the only advantage of settling in Midrand, she continues. For the corporate investor, there are the obvious factors that have driven growth in the past, including visibility, space and easy access. These very characteristics have made Midrand a favourite among function planners, conference and exhibition organisers, and it includes some of the country’s premium meeting facilities. Chief among these is, of course, Gallagher Estate, the erstwhile home of the Pan African Parliament, which continues to draw such prestigious events as Decorex. Midrand’s centrality is a major plus for residents, too, especially given the area’s situation smack-bang between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with efficient access granted by the N1 Highway and main roads through Kyalami and Sunninghill. Lifestyle needs are catered for with shopping centres at Carlswald, Crowthorne, San Ridge and The Boulders, while religious services for many dominations are provided for in the nearby Russian Church, the Midrand Islamic Society and St Saviour’s Anglican Church, which, Nadia relates, was moved in 1983, brick by brick, from its location in KwaZulu-Natal, where it was built in the 1860s. From a recreation point of view, Midrand’s semi-rural setting makes for some interesting, natural excursions: key destinations include the Lory Park Zoo, home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in South Africa, as well as the Glen Austin Bird Park Sanctuary. Moreover, if your garden is looking sparse or you’re searching for a rare orchid, this is the place to go shopping: the proliferation of nurseries in the area makes it a haven for Keith Kirsten wannabes. There’s also unusual family entertainment on offer, in the
form of the dancing Lipizzaner horses, as well as Richard Loring’s Theatre on the Track. But, if these pursuits are all too sedate and you need a change of pace, head to the Kyalami Racetrack. In spite of this range of amenities, Brian believes that Kyalami would benefit significantly from improved infrastructure. ‘The reality is that just 15 years ago this was the fastest-growing area in the country – yet development did not keep pace. Crime became an issue, the roads weren’t able to cope with volumes, and although there are some good private schools in the area, there aren’t enough public institutions – or shopping centres and hospitals, for that matter – to feed the number of people who live here.’ Consider that residents in the mood to watch a blockbuster on the big screen or experience fine dining need to visit Fourways or Sunninghill. But, he’s quick to add, this is about to change. With Midrand pinpointed as a major station on the Gautrain service route, Brian predicts that the area is poised to experience a rebirth. ‘It will become easier than ever to commute to the major centres, and doubtless many potential buyers will hasten to take advantage of properties that will remain more affordable than anything that Sandton or Rosebank has to offer.’ A second spin-off is that, with Midrand well on its way to becoming a significant centre in its own right, the municipality will be inspired to address challenges such as cleaning up the CBD, he adds. In fact, says Nadia, since 1983, several billions have been invested with this end in sight. There are other developments that will add to the future desirability of the area, Brian continues: Waterfall City, which will feature its own hospital, pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, along with a hotel, retail and office precincts, conference centre, gym and several lifestyle estates, is well on its way to becoming a sought-after address. The planned Zonk’Izizwe development, comprising entertainment, official and residential space, and it is rumoured to become one of the biggest nodes within the southern hemisphere.
‘Midrand is well on its way to becoming a significant centre in its own right.’
Left to right The Russian Orthodox Church – people of several religions feel at home in multicultural Midrand; a balance still exists between urban development and countryside tracts in the Midrand area.
With thanks to … Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more information
Jawitz Properties, Brian Hickson, +27 (0)11 466 0966, jawitz.co.za
on the top neighbourhoods in South Africa.
Seeff Sandton, Nadia Hurter and Alisha Paterson, +27 (0)11 784 1222, seeff.com
March2011 | 29
LUXE LIVING
Honeymoon Bliss The most romantic getaways in South Africa
GET THERE
from Cape Town
Pod
When Wallpaper magazine lists your establishment as a favourite designer hotel a mere six months after its opening, you know you’re doing something right. This was the case with Pod, Camps Bay’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Conceptualised and designed by Greg Wright Architects, and set a stone’s throw away from the famous Camps Bay Strip, Pod is minimalist chic at its most luxurious. Making use of wood, granite and slate, and with a colour palette reflecting the surrounding sea, sand and mountains, this 15-room hotel prides itself on being cool in the most sophisticated way. The notion of ‘cocooning’ is evident everywhere at Pod, where private nooks and interesting enclaves make you feel as if you’re staying in your own private villa, even when the hotel is brimming with guests. Special honeymoon touches include:
• a 70m² Deluxe Suite with sea views, open-plan shower, champagne on tap and slick finishes • beach service, with staff attending to you and your other half ’s every whim. WHY WE CHOSE IT:
It is possibly Cape Town’s best-kept secret. +27 (0)21 438 8550, pod.co.za
30 | March 2011
Words Andrea Firth, Genevieve Fisher and Sandy Welch
DESIGNER’S DREAM
luxe living 1. THE ROYAL TREATMENT
La Residence
The scene at La Residence, high up on a slope in the Franschhoek Valley, is like a fairy-tale – glass chandeliers from India and glittering gold finishes twinkle at you in the reception area of this Royal Portfolio property. This luxury boutique hotel is opulence at its most eclectic, with artwork, furniture and decor items sourced from every corner of the globe and expertly curated with an undeniably Afro-chic slant by co-owner Liz Biden. So sumptuous are the 11 suites that every one of them could serve as a honeymoon hideaway. The suites are individually themed, from the Armani Suite’s monochrome aesthetic to the colourful and vibrant Nomatemba Suite. Each suite is a treasure chest of glamour, with attention to detail overflowing from every corner: Charlotte Rhys body products, boxes of Twinings tea, bookshelves lined with classics, not to mention the sparkling wine and fruit platters on arrival. The views from the balconies are of sweeping valleys and vineyards. A few of the rooms also look out onto a pond, where a family of ethereal black swans live. The focus is on customised honeymoon experiences, something that Ivanka Trump took advantage of when she chose to honeymoon at La Residence. Upon booking your stay, it is suggested that you let management know about the occasion, as they have various options available. Special honeymoon touches include:
• rose-petal and candle turn-down with bubble bath • for the more adventurous, a return trip by helicopter to the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town for high tea, followed by a ride up the cable car for sunset • dual massage and reflexology treatments in the spa • horse-drawn carriage tours of the town and surrounding vineyards • (by prior arrangement) private dining in the sunken lounge or out among the vineyards. Why we chose it:
You will most probably never see anything like it again, unless you are a celebrity, rock star or of royal ilk. The Roving Ambassador, +27 (0)21 426 0991, therovingambassador.co.za
2. Supreme solitude
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
If silence and solitude is your thing, there couldn’t be a better honeymoon choice than this. Set in the rugged foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, it offers just the right doses of romance, luxury and seclusion, in an incredibly beautiful setting. The Riverside
Honeymoon Suite is set in a standalone cottage at the end of the property, providing complete privacy.With a separate lounge, two outdoor patios in front and your own private plunge pool complete with pool loungers at the back of the property, it’s elegant decadence at its very best. Two flat-screen TVs, a bronze bath perfectly positioned next to a door that opens out onto the wilds, an outdoor shower and a massive four-poster king-size bed all add to the opulence. Dine at Makana, the gorgeous outdoor restaurant featuring chef Floris Smith’s amazingly inventive dishes, or have your meals served privately on your suite’s patio. Be sure to take a gentle stroll to view the Bushman art against a spectacular mountain backdrop. You’ll find the opportunity for romance everywhere.
1
Special honeymoon touches include:
• rose petals strewn over the bed • complimentary sparkling wine • his and hers massage at the spa gazebo • a picnic for two by the dam • Why we chose it: It’s the ultimate solution for a secluded honeymoon where romance reigns and luxury prevails. +27 (0)21 481 1860, bushmanskloof.co.za
3. Treetop Seclusion
The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve
Set deep in the forest overlooking the Knysna estuary, the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is one of the most picture-perfect honeymoon retreats on the Garden Route. The special experience starts the moment you park your car at the bottom of a steep hill and are transported to the top by bush vehicle. Chattering monkeys greet you from the trees at reception, and it is sometimes hard to work out where the forest ends and the hotel begins, so cleverly have the buildings been designed to blend in with their setting. The Upper Tree Camp suites are perfect for honeymooners. They’re spaced a fair distance apart from each other for the utmost privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass abounds, maximising the views and bringing the forest inside, and the bathroom has expansive views across the valley. There are two double-ended baths – one outside, so you can enjoy an outdoor soak under the stars, and the other perfectly positioned right by the window. There’s also a daybed where honeymooners can cuddle and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. Spend your days sun-worshipping at the stylish Moroccan-style Chutzpah pool area, chilling out with a spa treatment, or book the Bubble Barrel and sauna area for a totally private outdoor bath in, yes, a barrel. There are two different dining areas offering al fresco and indoor dining, and the cuisine is exceptional.
2
3 Special honeymoon touches include:
• a honeymoon gift with sparkling wine, chocolates and card. Why we chose it:
It’s breathtakingly beautiful, wild and spontaneous. A unique experience. +27 (0)44 386 0046, phantomforest.com
4. Beach Bliss
The Last Word Long Beach
The Last Word Long Beach deserves the final say in intimate honeymoon hotels. Tucked away in quaint Kommetjie, this five-star slice of heaven was the winner in the 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards for SA’s Leading Luxury Beach Hotel. The six-bedroom hotel has unrivalled seafront positioning, providing views that
4 stretch across white beach sands and azure ocean to the lights and mountains of Hout Bay. There’s an in-house chauffeur service to lift guests to restaurants and take them on tailor-made tours of Cape Town. Special honeymoon touches include:
• romantic turn-down with rose petals and surprise dessert • truffles and bespoke bubbly on arrival • complimentary picnic hamper • breakfast in bed or on your private patio or balcony. Why we chose it?
Its intimate personal service makes you feel instantly at ease, and the views will take your breath away. +27 (0)21 794 6561, thelastword.co.za
March 2011 | 31
LUXE LIVING The mammoth Catharina Suite is usually the designated honeymoon suite, and with its plush French-style furniture, king-size bed, separate dressing room, office and balcony, it’s fit for royalty. The pièce de résistance is the bathroom. With its vintage lion’s paw bathtub, chandelier lamps, incense and candles, it’s hard not to feel like a pampered Shakespearean queen. It’s those little extras that make this boutique hotel so special – the white-gloved butlers that tip-toe around, seeing to your every need, the rose petals in the bath and the candlelit dinners on the balcony, savoured to the strains of classical piano drifting over you. Special honeymoon touches include:
• sparkling wine and homemade biscuits on arrival • breakfast in bed. WHY WE CHOSE IT
If there’s a more romantic boutique hotel in the province, we certainly couldn’t find it. +27 (0)12 344 6035, illyria.co.za
GET THERErg
from Jo’bu
FABULOUSLY QUIRKY
Forum Homini
Special honeymoon touches include:
• bed canopy ‘let-down’ and rose petal dusting • champagne, flowers and bride’s gift • in-suite spa treatments. WHY WE CHOSE IT:
Forum Homini is great for honeymoon couples looking for something off the beaten track. +27 (0)11 668 7000, forumhomini.com
32 | March 2011
Words Jackie Gray and Sandy Welch
Located within the Cradle of Humankind, Forum Homini is definitely out of the ordinary.The rooms take the form of 12 luxury caves carved into the landscape.The honeymoon suite is nestled away from the main suites, and has a king-size canopy bed, double outdoor shower and sumptuous bath for two, overlooking the bushveld. A fireplace, stalactite-shaped lights, a Bubble Chair and a love couch add to the appeal. Award-winning restaurant, Roots, is located on the premises, so be sure to enjoy at least one delicious meal here.
luxe living 3. OLD-WORLD LUXURY
Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa
Check in and tune out. That’s exactly what you can do as honeymooners at Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa, and it couldn’t be easier. Set on some 120ha of forestland, this charming country farmhouse epitomises old- school courtesy and service. The honeymoon suite offers the utmost privacy, and you get to enjoy your own climate-controlled pool, separate lounge area and a bathroom to die for, complete with freestanding bath, fireplace and candles. On request, special honeymoon
1
2
touches can include:
• chocolate hydrotherapy spa bath on the night of your arrival, private dinner for two and romantic turn-down with sparkling wine, strawberries and gift • couple’s massage treatment • private picnic lunch at the waterfall. Why we chose it:
It’s the setting that makes this such a desirable venue. And with so many opportunities for intimate moments, it will linger in your memory for years to come. +27 (0)13 764 9500, cybele.co.za
4. Wild and free
Tshukudu Bush Lodge 3 1. Decadence in the city
Melrose Arch Hotel
If contemporary urban funk is your thing, look no further than Melrose Arch Hotel in what is arguably Johannesburg’s hippest lifestyle development. Innovative architecture and outstanding design characterise this hotel at every turn. And, in keeping with this, the penthouse suite offers a honeymoon opportunity that is replete with real style. The suite’s facilities include a walk-in dresser, lounge area, fireplace, patio, outdoor shower, garden, separate guest bathroom, office and kitchenette. It’s decorated in an opulent blend of warm, natural tones, and the luxurious personal touches, including mood- enhancing lighting and luxury baths with candles, make the experience that much more special. Admittedly, having life’s luxuries served up on a silver platter like this makes it difficult to leave. But if you do somehow manage to drag your self away from the suite, be sure to make the hotel’s famous pool area your destination of choice. There you can hang out at the hotel’s extraordinary Pool Bar. The tables and chairs are half submerged in the water, and
4 oversized metal buckets planted with fully grown trees line the seating area. Sip on your favourite drink and even enjoy a meal here as music filters up as if by magic from beneath the surface of the water. Special honeymoon touches include:
• VIP snack tray • romantic candlelit turndown with rose petals scattered on the bed and in the bathroom.
For couples who share a love of the bush, sitting in a sunken bath high up on a hill with sweeping views of the savannah plains of the Pilanesberg National Park around you must sound like a dream honeymoon. And that’s exactly what Tshukudu Bush Lodge has to offer. The lodge consists of no more than six individual, custom-designed chalets built into the rocks, providing you with the ultimate in privacy and luxury. Plush leather sofas, double beds, cascading crystal chandeliers and soft, vibrantly coloured furnishings typify the interiors, and each chalet has its own fireplace and balcony, so they’re perfect for romance in all seasons. Tshukudu is famous for its service and African-inspired cuisine, so come prepared to be spoilt – especially as newly-weds, the staff here always go the extra mile to make sure honeymooners’ stay here is the experience of a lifetime. Special honeymoon touches include:
Why we chose it:
In a nutshell, Melrose Arch is perfect for the cosmopolitan, city-loving couple. +27 (0)11 214 6666, africanpridehotels.com
• champagne on check-in • post-game drive candlelit bubble bath and dinner on private deck.
2. Ultimate romance
Why we chose it:
Romance and opulence combine at this magnificent Pretoria guesthouse. Set among beautiful gardens overlooking the Jacaranda City, Illyria House is classy, elegant and extravagant – exactly what honeymooners need to make them feel special.
Intimacy, luxury and bushveld. Need we say more? +27 (0)14 552 6255, tshukudu.co.za
Illyria House
March 2011 | 33
LUXE LIVING
GET THEREan
from Durb
CITY SENSATION
The Oyster Box
The Oyster Box as urban? Why not? It’s this five-star Red Carnation hotel’s extraordinary good fortune to be right in the heart of Umhlanga – KZN’s residential and commercial hotspot – as well as on the prestigious north coastline … complete with landmark lighthouse. The setting is sensational, with sweeping views north and south, direct beach access, and it’s just down the road from all the urban action. On honeymoon at the Oyster Box, there’s little reason to leave the hotel precinct. It’s all on tap, from the award-winning, out-of-this world spa with sensational treatments for two, to a deluxe suite with private plunge pool and six fine-dining venues. Anyone for fresh oysters and champagne on the Ocean Terrace as the sun goes down, or dinner at the chef ’s table in the sunken wine cellar? And then there’s the opportunity for popcorn and a cuddle in the back row at the movies – the Oyster box has a 24-seat theatre screening romantic classics.
• rose-petal turn-down • chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne in your room • couple’s spa treatment in the spa or in their rooms • romantic picnic on the beach • personalised package to make your honeymoon simply unforgettable. WHY WE CHOSE IT:
It’s sheer luxury at every turn, with the indulgence swaying between complete solitude and sublime sociability. +27 (0)31 514 5000, oysterboxhotel.com
34 | March 2011
Words André Fiore and Anne Schauffer
Honeymoon couples will enjoy:
luxe living
1
2
1. Delightfully Different
4. Luxuriously wild
Tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley, close to Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg, Mouse and Richard Poynton’s five-star lodge has a well-deserved reputation for being a romantic gourmet getaway … with a delightful difference. With only 11 rooms – each lovingly and thematically decorated by Mouse – there’s a great sense of quiet and beauty here. Life comes down to roaring log fires, long strolls in the mountains, and sensational seven-course gourmet dinners prepared and shared by passionate, highly entertaining chef … Richard himself. For food lovers, this is gourmet heaven.
Within this prime 23 000ha Big Five reserve, Phinda has six exclusive, glorious lodges, each with its own charm and character. The intimate Vlei Lodge fringes the reserve’s wetland system along the edge of the rare sand forest, and the six air-conditioned thatched suites – each with private plunge pool, luxurious en-suite facilities, dressing room and perfectly positioned game-viewing deck overlooking the vlei – are cleverly, carefully embedded into those environs. Intimacy and exclusivity form the cornerstone of a stay at Phinda Vlei. Delectable, innovative pan-African cuisine is served on the vast game-viewing decks or in exquisite, remote bush settings (private dining in your suite can be arranged.) You may choose from a vast array of activities on site or off, or simply ignore the world and relax in your private plunge pool and watch the wild world go by. In addition to the twice-daily game drives, Phinda conducts bush walks, canoe trips, boat cruises, horse riding and even night turtle drives (seasonal).
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
3 who’s garnered so many awards for her culinary prowess at Hartford that most have lost count.
Special honeymoon touches include:
• tranquillity, beauty, candlelight and a romantic, soothing setting. Why we chose it:
It’s extraordinarily different. Surrounded by the majesty of the Drakensberg, there are glorious walks, birdlife, serenity and fine, fine food with the most entertaining commentary. You’ll love it. +27 (0)33 267 7243/9900, cleomountain.com
2. Country Charm
Hartford House
Hartford considers luxury to be the journey, not the destination. Spend time with them, and it’s inarguable. Hartford didn’t start out as a boutique hotel – it was a grand homestead alongside a magnificent, world-class stud farm, and evolved into the five-star establishment it is today. Hartford offers loads of colonial history and architecture, an extraordinary new spa, a select range of eternally stylish accommodation to suit every taste, and a gourmet kitchen watched over by the young, exciting executive chef, Jackie Cameron,
Special honeymoon touches include:
• a honeymoon off the beaten track in a charming lakeside suite • sumptuous dining by candlelight at the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs restaurant in the historic dining room or on the rambling colonial veranda. Why we chose it:
It’s luxuriant horse country, picture-postcard stuff, glorious accommodation with your own deck hanging over the lake – and gourmet food fit for kings and queens. The spa, too, is quite exceptional. +27 (0)33 263 2713, hartford.co.za
3. CASUALLY INTIMATE
Thonga Beach Lodge
If you love your beach clean and uncluttered, Thonga’s your remote, unadorned honeymoon ideal … with a little rejuvenation centre for spoiling, of course. Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled in beautiful coastal dune forest in a World Heritage site, with sweeping views of the beach below. It’s renowned as a great dive site.
4 All 12 spacious, air-conditioned, thatched suites are raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the dune soils, while the use of bleached wood, glass and natural materials creates a wonderfully airy feel. Thonga’s intimacy and remoteness entice you to indulge in long leisurely walks on the beach or to enjoy a sundowner cruise on Lake Sibaya.They’ve captured that perfect balance between peace and quiet and things to do. If you’re desperate to call Mum, climb a sand dune – that’s your only chance of cellphone reception. The dining area consists of a large thatched ‘rondavel’ that opens out onto an expansive wooden deck, and most meals are served al fresco.
Special honeymoon touches include:
• the most civilised and romantic bush experience imaginable – so small and so intimate that they can truly tailor the experience to the honeymooner’s needs.
Special honeymoon touches include:
• deep, deep bubble bath against the backdrop of the sea. • dining by candlelight on the beach. Why we chose it:
It’s simple. No formality. It’s all about shorts, tees, costumes and sarongs (or scuba diving, great food and like-minded company if you so choose). Thonga is for those comfortable not taking along that little black number. +27 (0)35 474 1473, isibindiafrica.co.za
Why we chose it:
&Beyond Phinda has justifiably won a slew of accolades for its lodges, and it’s entirely true that on your visit to Phinda, you will feel like royalty. No pomp and ceremony though; it’s all sophistication and sensitivity to your needs and those of the environment. Chances are you’ll fall head over heels in love with this kind of Africa. +27 (0)11 809 4447, andBeyond.com
March 2011 | 35
Passionate by Words Jackie Gray Photographs Brenda Veldtman
DESIGN
Passion, innovation and excellence are the three fundamentals driving Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss, the directors and shareholders of Paragon Architects.
P
aragon Architects has established itself as a serious force locally and internationally. Its footprint includes South Africa, Angola, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Brazil. Included under the Paragon banner are several independently owned and managed businesses: Paragon Interface, Hub Architects and Aspire Architects, through which the group covers all aspects of architecture and design within the commercial, sports, leisure, education and retail sectors. Paragon’s owners, Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss, both caught the architectural bug early. Anthony recalls how, when he was seven years old, he watched the house his parents had commissioned ‘grow’ out of the ground. ‘The architect who designed the house was Mike Challis, who at the time was an up- and-coming director at RFB Consulting Architects. It was a magical experience to see this structure taking shape. Suffice to say I was hooked on architecture from then on. ‘When I was older, Mike gave me vacation jobs throughout my high-school years. I don’t think I added a day’s value to RFB, but Mike recognised my passion for the craft and took me under his wing. In those days there was definitely a greater sense of mentorship.’ As a young boy, Henning would accompany his father on his Saturday morning run into downtown Johannesburg. At the time, a number of tower blocks were being constructed. Corrugated sheet fences encircled these buildings and it was through holes in these fences that Henning would stare, entranced by the busy worksite, while his father carried out his errands. ‘My father used to say that an architect was the only person who knew what everyone on a building site was doing,’ explains Henning. ‘I liked the thought of that, even though I know that’s not actually the case now. It was this concept that planted the seed of my architectural passion.’ Upon graduating from architecture school, Anthony worked for Stauch Vorster
for a year. He received a good grounding in commercial architecture during this time as well as a wake-up call. ‘The year 1991 was tough for the company,’ Anthony says. ‘One Friday I returned from site to find all the partners had left early, and out of a staff of over 30, only four employees, myself included, had not been retrenched. This event made me realise how tough architecture could be and that if I wanted to mitigate the risks, I needed an additional skill set.The following Monday I applied for an MBA course at the Wits Business School.’ Anthony went on to work for Standard Bank Properties for the better part of three years, where he put his newly gained knowledge into practice. ‘At Standard Bank, I learned about structured finance, how to analyse client and project risk and the drivers which would enable successful property developments. I always intended to go back to architecture, though, so in 1996 I started the architectural practice that was to become Paragon Architects.’ At university, Henning served as an intern at Tasso Hatzifotiadis, an architect who was passionate about architecture and life in general. ‘My days with Tasso began with coffee and prayer,’ he remembers. ‘Tasso’s passion permeated everything he did and it taught me that even the smallest things could bring joy and should be appreciated. He also taught me that architecture was messy and sweaty, and that long nights weren’t restricted to university.’ Henning also worked in Düsseldorf and Berlin for two years during the time of rapid social change and development that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. In late 1997, after a year of working in Hong Kong, Henning began working with Anthony part-time on some of his projects. They took to each other, and what began as a temporary arrangement became permanent in early 1999, when the pair won a commission in the first phase of Melrose Arch.This triggered the founding of Paragon Architects. Paragon’s rise from that point on has been nothing short of meteoric. Since
Far left Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss with a model of Sandton’s paradigm- busting Deneys Reitz Towers. Left and below The unmistakable AFGRI Head Office building in Centurion.
March 2011 | 37
DESIGN
Top left to right Views of Cape Town Stadium. Bottom left to right Sleek, modern lines define the ABSA Capital building in Sandton. Opposite, top The Tiber Rosebank building on the corner of Jellicoe Avenue and Oxford Road. Bottom The Deneys Reitz Towers gleam in the sunlight. Inset Detail of the glass panels that clad the Deneys Reitz Towers.
2000, the company has completed projects for Boeing, Routledge Modise Evergreens Attorneys, General Motors, Oracle, Motorola, Nashua Kopano, Sun International, Discovery Health, ABSA Capital, T-Systems, Standard Chartered Bank and TBWH, to name a few. Of their past projects, the Deneys Reitz Towers, the Green Point Stadium, the Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr building and the unmissable AFGRI Head Office in Centurion stand out. In respect of the Deneys Reitz Towers, Paragon was asked to produce an iconic building that would break the mould. Situated in Alice Lane in Sandton, this project proved challenging, as the site was small and came with an 18-storey height limit. Anthony explains, ‘The first thing we did was notionally split the building into two towers. This accentuated the structure’s verticality. Making the southern tower taller further enhanced this aspect. On the north and south facades, three glass types were utilised. The way in which the glass was used made
38 | March 2011
it difficult to distinguish between spandrel and vision areas. On the east and west facades, long, deep, vertical and horizontal glazing strips were used to cut through the aluminium gables. The use of these devices deconstructed the rhythm and scale of the facade and in turn enhanced the iconic nature of the building. All of this had to be achieved while still meeting the building’s very exacting functional requirements and tight budget constraints.’ According to Anthony, one of the building’s greatest design challenges was the integration of the cores and vertical transportation into the shell of the building’s organic form. Introducing a ‘gasket’ into the core allowed the inner facade to move inwards and outwards without affecting the building’s functionality. The Deneys Reitz project has proved highly successful and has transformed Sandton’s skyline. Although perhaps not the most enjoyable project from a process perspective, Henning
and Anthony concur that the R4,2-billion Green Point Stadium was technically exhilarating. ‘The Green Point Stadium project was a baptism of fire,’ remarks Henning. ‘We were directly involved through a joint venture with the design of the roof and facade of this structure, but it was first and foremost an extended exercise in project politics and was conducted in an atmosphere of poisonous public opinion and relentless resistance. It seemed as if nobody wanted the stadium, yet the clock was ticking. Although thoroughly unpleasant in many ways, the stadium presented a huge learning opportunity, which we grasped with both hands. The site and setting influenced the design to a large extent and forced a certain clarity into the product that is unique among the World Cup stadiums.’ Paragon has more than enough work on its plate to keep the staff there busy for some time. The largest project the company is currently involved with is the new head
office for Alexander Forbes. Located opposite the Gautrain station in Sandton, this building covers an area measuring approximately 36 000m2. Other projects include the interior design of their Paragon Interface company, a new call centre for Cell C, private-school projects, a new head office for BBDO Spencer Stuart, a 5 000m2 office and retail node for a below-the-line advertising company, a motor showroom conversion on Katherine Avenue and the refurbishment of the old Nestlé building for the Innovation Group in Randburg. Before the year is out, Paragon would have tackled an 18 000m2 corporate office project in Sandown, a 36 000m2 office block in Mpumalanga and a 34 000m2 precinct redevelopment in Sandton’s CBD. And that’s just Paragon Architects’ primary business projects. The company’s other divisions are also working flat out on their own assignments. The company is also involved with the design of one of the Brazilian World Cup stadiums and is working
Henning: Where do you live? ‘I live in Parktown North in a house that was completed in the same month I was born. It has hardly been touched, apart from some refurbishment on our part.’ Hobbies/sports? ‘Photography used to be a hobby of mine. I have never been of the sporty persuasion.’ Family? ‘I am married to an architect, Philippa Rodseth. We have two children, Natascha and Alexander. They are welcome to become architects when they grow up, so long as they don’t become merchant bankers, as that line of work has fallen into disrepute after the whole Lehman Brothers fiasco.’ Favourite
restaurant?
‘Doppio
Zero
in
Greenside, because it’s kid friendly.’ Anatoli’s in Cape Town is another favourite. Their Turkish delight is unbeatable.’ Favourite getaway? ‘Brazil. Just about any part of it.’ You’re currently reading? ‘The Language of Passion.’ Favourite website? The Cool Hunter. Anthony: Where do you live? ‘I currently live in an old house in Craighall Park, which I think was partially renovated by Ian Gandini. Hobbies/sports? mountain
biking.
‘I
like
waterskiing
However,
my
and
favourite
pastime is cooking and eating.’ Family? ‘I’m married to a psychologist, Zahava Aarons. We have two boys, Saul and Joshua. Unlike Henning, I wouldn’t object to their becoming merchant bankers!’ Favourite restaurant? ‘Nobu.’ Favourite getaway? ‘Churchaven.’ Currently reading? ‘The Big Short; and
VERSUS, THE MOST EXCLUSIVE COATINGS USED ON THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS BUILDINGS AND HOMES.
The Shock of the New.’ Favourite website? ‘YouTube. It allows you to virtually walk through any building on the planet; that’s a wonderful thing.’
on a sculptural tower at Brazil’s airport. According to Henning, Paragon doesn’t ascribe to any particular signature style; rather the company tends to view each new project as an opportunity to improve on the last. Anthony says, ‘Embedded in our design culture is a conscientious effort to push the boundaries of design, knowledge, sustainability, materials, buildability and efficiency. Importantly, this has to be achieved in the context of yields, rental rates and a very competitive market. ‘In terms of our design style, we try to avoid falling into a specific or definable “signature style”. I hope that when people look at the ABSA Capital building, Oxford Corner, Deneys Reitz and AFGRI that they appreciate the building for its beauty and functionality, but won’t necessarily be able to link any of them to Paragon based on their design.’ Although Paragon shies away from being pigeonholed, Henning and Anthony aren’t
averse to listing a few choice elements that characterise their creations.‘Our buildings are generously proportioned and filled with light. They feature dramatic spaces that surprise and leave their mark on your memory. They are well proportioned and thoroughly detailed. They feature a strong formal presence, are distinctive and not always subtle.’ Paragon wouldn’t be where it is today without having an ear to the ground for SA’s architectural trends and needs. ‘For instance, we are currently investing heavily in software systems and studying green building techniques,’ says Henning ‘This will put us one step ahead of our client’s needs. We are working with our clients and consultants to produce buildings that are better for the environment and healthier to build and use.’ Henning and Anthony are of the opinion that an architectural institutional culture is lacking in South Africa to some extent, with the ‘official’ definition of the country’s architectural needs being driven by a people
who, ‘quite frankly, have never practiced beyond incredibly narrow confines’. Anthony and Henning love what they do, and it shows. ‘Passion is something you discover you either have or you don’t as you go along, and architecture gives you back more than you put into it. At least most of the time,’ says Henning. ‘So you begin to love it and it allows you to unlock the visible world and a whole new world of meaning in turn.’ Anthony’s sentiments about his choice of career are similar to Henning’s. ‘I have never had to question what I wanted to do with my life,’ he says. ‘Every day of my professional life I grow and learn. I think that architecture is one of the few professions that, if you are conscious about your processes, will enable you to improve incrementally, day by day, week by week. Over the period of a working life, that’s a very powerful process and can lead to a very fulfilling existence.’ +27 (0)11 482 378, paragon.co.za
+27 11 885-3136
info@versuspaint.co.za www.versuspaint.co.za March 2011 | 39
ASK THE EXPERTS
Photographs Karl Rogers Hair and make-up Desire Fouche
Foreign property investors are in good hands with these legal top guns.
ground control 42 | March 2011
ASK THE EXPERTS
BRAZINGTON SHEPPERSON & MCCONNELL ATTORNEYS
DYKES VAN HEERDEN INC.
BOTHA & LOVEGROVE INC.
HENKEL-GREGORY INC.
Gareth Shepperson, Partner
Johan van Heerden, Director
Kim Lovegrove, Director
Mike Gregory, Director
How does your firm assist foreigners looking to invest in SA? Our firm provides a one-stop shop that delivers a comprehensive service to clients. These services range from sourcing properties, advising on investment vehicles, tax implications, procurement of finance and due diligence through to registration, and advice on leases. As vice-chairman of SAPOA Gauteng, I have the opportunity to ensure our clients have access to the most current and relevant property information available. What type of people/businesses are looking to invest in the country? The majority of transactions by foreign buyers in the Tshwane/Pretoria area relate to embassies and organisations seeking residential property or offices close to the national government. What elements work in favour of foreigners looking to invest here, and what works against them? South Africa consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in the global property performance arena, and has enjoyed a longer period of growth than any other BRICS country. Despite a strengthening rand, South African property remains relatively inexpensive, and it therefore makes excellent financial sense to invest here. In addition, SA’s land registration system offers security of title. Although our tax and regulatory system is not as generous as some tax havens, it is easily navigable with sound advice.
How does your company assist foreigners looking to invest in SA? We provide tax advice, and advise on the best legal entity to purchase the property. We also assist in forming legal entities, such as trusts, for the clients. Their monies are paid into our trust account. In addition, we facilitate the transfer of monies back to the clients if they subsequently sell the property and wish to repatriate the monies. We developed the first online internet reporting system in the world. This means that our overseas clients can see exactly what is happening day and night on their transactions, as each transaction is updated online each time an event happens. What type of people/businesses are looking to invest in the country? Mainly people wanting to buy residential properties. Our clients come mostly from Germany, England, Holland, and of late, from Africa, particularly Nigeria. What elements work in favour of foreigners looking to invest here, and what works against them? Clients are buying at the bottom of the property cycle. The process is very easy and there are currently no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in SA. The deeds registry is one of the best in the world, giving the parties security of tenure. What works against foreign investors are the high transfer duties payable and the difficulties in having the transfer documents signed.
How does your company assist foreigners looking to invest in SA? Our skilled and enthusiastic team provides a one-stop service with regards to any property requirements for international and local clients. Our legal skills, personalised attention to detail, quick turnaround times and dedication permit us to exceed our client’s expectations. We enable our clients to understand current property trends, ensure that all legal implications have been discussed in full before they sign their contracts and we assist them in applying for bonds at any financial institution of their choice, as there are specific areas of legislation, rules and regulations that apply to foreigners. Further, the new Consumer Protection Act comes into force on 1 April 2011, which will also be of relevance, especially when investing in property with the purpose to rent. What type of people/businesses are looking to invest in the country? SA is a developing country with a variety of properties on offer, not to mention the diverse scenery as well as business opportunities. With an emerging real-estate market, SA is attractive to any business or foreigner looking to invest.
How does your company assist foreigners looking to invest in SA? We ensure, through specialist advice, that the investor avoids all the potential pitfalls and is fully aware of the timelines and cost implications of any investment, big or small. We belong to a network of property specialists that assists with sourcing any type of property investment. We have close connections with a number of UK law firms and property specialists (I’m personally qualified as a solicitor in the UK) and we are fully equipped to set up any offshore or local SPV. What type of people/businesses are looking to invest in the country? There is a strong demand for commercial/industrial properties, particularly storage and warehousing, but any property with a solid lease and a double-digit yield will be snapped up. What elements work in favour of foreigners looking to invest here, and what works against them? SA has one of the best registration systems in the world and the cost of acquiring commercial properties is relatively cheap. In Namibia, for example, the investor must pay VAT and transfer duty of up to 12% of the purchase price, which cannot be claimed back. On the negative side there’s the strength of the rand and the banks’ loaning only up to 50% of the property value to foreigners. Poor municipal service delivery may also be a factor.
+27 (0)12 430 4303 | bsmlaw.co.za
+27 (0)11 279 5000 | dykesvanheerden.co.za
+27 (0)12 991 2197 | kim@blinc.co.za
+27 (0)83 950 9070 | mike@hglaw.co.za
March 2011 | 43
the CHIVAS PROPERTY DINNER
On the
march
Words Jackie Gray Photographs Nadine van Heerden
Think African elements, opulent lighting, warm, earthy tones and impeccable service. Such was the setting of January’s Chivas Property Dinner, held at March restaurant at Melrose Arch Hotel.
44 | March 2011
THE CHIVAS PROPERTY DINNER
1 3
4
2 Amanda Landers, Wanda-Michelle Erasmus. 2Zuki Ndungane, Kelly Anderson, Kyle Mapukate, Anine Ehlers. 3Ryan Bakos. 4Hanru Erasmus.
1
D
ecor was the main topic of discussion at the first Property Dinner of 2011. Not just the decor of the incredibly chic March restaurant, where the event was held, but South African decor in general, as a number of the country’s notable furniture manufacturers and interior designers joined us for the evening. Chivas once again came on board as sponsors, much to the delight of the whisky lovers in attendance, and March restaurant was the perfect setting. With its clean lines, ultra-modern furniture and funky fusion menu, March is the epitome of stylish dining. Media Nova MD Tony Vaughan welcomed the guests and assured them any ‘dodgy’ photos would be airbrushed accordingly.‘However the magazine cannot be held responsible for any ex-lovers or tax collectors that might recognise and come after guests after publication,’ he quipped. The restaurant’s head chef Hanru Erasmus invited us to enjoy the first course of the evening. As we savoured the caprese terrine, Jacques and Debra de Bruin, co-owners of custom furniture manufacturer, Young Cherry’s Designing, kicked off the conversation by proclaiming our country the ‘decor capital’ of the world. ‘Our colour palette is innovative and vibrant, and many of our top designers have initiated decor and design trends that have caught on worldwide,’ said Debra. ‘For instance, Kim Hutton introduced Manhattan and Second World War
elements to the industry, Craig Whitehead blended stripes with dramatic masculine features, and Lynne Blumberg has gained international recognition for her corporate and residential interior design.’ Carrying on the decor theme, Wanda-Michelle Erasmus of Wanda-Michelle Interiors told us more about her business. She caters for the top end of the domestic and leisure markets and has recently opened new premises on Jan Smuts Avenue in Parktown North, and intends opening a branch in Cape Town before the year is out. She describes her design style as contemporary yet warm. ‘Cocoon’ elements and tactile textures also feature strongly in her work. The starter, a pungently flavoured ‘field mushroom cappuccino’ gave cause for some concern. ‘Is it supposed to smell like that?’ one guest wondered, to which Hanru responded that the truffle foam on the surface of the ‘cappuccino’ was the source of the strong aroma. ‘Stir it into the soup and you’ll find the flavours addictive,’ he assured us. Jacques continued the discussion we’d initiated, attributing the success of Young Cherry’s Designing to diversification. ‘We initially made the mistake of putting all our eggs in one basket. We soon wised up and have since serviced over 300 clients across the industry,’ he said. Jacques drew some interesting parallels between the construction and design industries, saying that both of them took a knock during the recession but that things were beginning to look up.
A delicious duo of quail was next on the menu, served with a Chivas and date sauce that impressed Chivas Brand Ambassador Zuki Ndungane. Zuki said Chivas has a number of exciting events lined up for 2011, including partnerships with Fabiani, Aston Martin and Tag Heuer. Another notable event on the Chivas calendar is the ANC’s 100th birthday celebrations. ‘We intend to raise the bar even further in 2011, and consumers can look forward to some surprises.The year has already got off with a bang with the launch of a South African Chivas website.’ Sarah Anderson of Sean Williams Contracts, specialist importer and distributor of premium quality furniture, said the company has gone from strength to strength. ‘We make a point of fostering good client relations and pay attention to detail,’ she said. Sean Williams has completed projects for Deloitte, ABSA Capital, Nando’s, Wimpy and Europa. Conversation shifted to the fierce competition in the design industry and the fact that many a business had been established only to fail months later. Sevens and Bakos Brothers have stood the test of time though, something that can be attributed to strong family ties and dedication to excellence. Sevens was represented by Ian and Laura Brink, who manage the marketing and distribution sides of the business,
March 2011 | 45
the chivas Property Dinner
The Menu Starter Caprese terrine – Accompanied by Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Soup Field mushroom cappuccino. Accompanied by Silver Myn Chardonnay Main Duo of quail with a Chivas and date sauce. Accompanied by Cederberg Gen V Red Oxtail ravioli. Accompanied by Delheim Vera Cruz Shiraz Dessert Assiette gourmande – a painter’s
5
palette of March’s ‘hip’ sweets.
6
7
Accompanied by Chivas Regal 12-Year–Old Blended Scotch Whisky March restaurant 1 Melrose Square Melrose Arch, Johannesburg +27 (0)11 214 6666, africanpridehotels.com
and Bakos Brothers was represented by CEO Ryan Bakos. Laura explained that Sevens has purposefully remained a niche player, rather than expanding for the sake of it. ‘The business is still very much a family affair and will stay that way,’ she said. Bakos Brothers is set to celebrate its 40th birthday later this year, and the group is shifting towards manufacturing furniture in South Africa, to allow customers to access Bakos quality at more affordable prices. Ryan was accompanied by Tamsin van der Spuy, co-founder of Kaleidoscope Cosmetics, which has experienced great success in South Africa since 2003. As dinner drew to a close with a decadent assiette gourmande of March restaurant’s sweets, Amanda Landers of Amanda Landers Interiors commented that there is a definite shift away from ‘cheap and nasty’ decor products, as consumers are demanding organic, authentic, quality products. The evening proved highly enjoyable overall, and if the sentiment of everyone in attendance is anything to go by, then 2011 looks set to be a bumper year.
8
9
Adéle Maritz. 6Tony Vaughan. 7Jacques de Bruin. 8Ian and Laura Brink. 9Tamsin van der Spuy. 10Jackie Gray. 11Sarah Anderson,
5
Kelly Anderson. 12Debra de Bruin.
10
11
Chivas Regal For connoisseurs there is only one whisky: Chivas Regal. The iconic brand is available in over 200 countries, selling one bottle every second, worldwide. Globally recognised as the ultimate premium-blended Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal sets the standard of excellence for all distilled spirits. Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky is smooth, round and full- bodied. On the tongue it has a richness that is honeyed and yet slightly smoky, and a long finish. Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky is a Pernod-Ricard brand. +27 (0)21 880 8800, pernod-ricard.co.za
Guest list Kelly Anderson and Sarah Anderson, Sean Williams Contracts. Ryan Bakos, Bakos Brothers, and Tamsin van der Spuy. Ian and Laura Brink, Sevens. Jacques and Debra de Bruin, Young Cherry’s Designing. Anine Ehlers, The Property Magazine. Wanda-Michelle Erasmus, Wanda-Michelle Interiors. Jackie Gray, The Property Magazine. Amanda Landers, Amanda Landers Interiors. Zuki Ndungane, Chivas. Tony Vaughan The Property Magazine and Adéle Maritz dhk{ }thinkspace.
46 | March 2011
12
T ES U G R O IT ED rry Be itt er Ev
Real estate
residential, commercial, property fund, auction, offshore
The Year of the Consumer The year 2011 sees the introduction of two pieces of legislation that will mark a turning point in South Africa’s real-estate industry, as the power shifts back to property buyers and sellers.
Main photograph 123rf.com Profile photograph Zoom Photography
T
here has been talk for years about the empowerment of real-estate consumers through technology, with the wealth of information and ‘for sale’ listings on the internet making for much better informed – and demanding – property buyers and sellers. However, I think the real-estate industry in SA ain’t seen nothin’ yet when it comes to consumer power, and that a couple of pieces of legislation will mark 2011 as a watershed year in this regard. First up is the new Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which comes into effect in April and has already prompted many real-estate companies to make changes to their sales documentation. The guiding principle of the CPA is that consumers have a right to get what they think they are paying for – whether it’s a hamburger, a haircut or a house – and it basically makes the suppliers of goods and services responsible for ensuring that buyers
understand fully any contract they enter into, and that they have not been subject to any false representation or nondisclosure. There is still some doubt in real-estate and legal circles about how this will affect the use of the voetstoots – or ‘as is’ – clause traditionally inserted into most home sale agreements – and about whether estate agents will be regarded as suppliers or facilitators in terms of the new law. But I don’t think the industry is going to wait for answers to emerge from test court cases. My belief is that the CPA is very quickly going to bring about huge changes in the way properties are bought and sold – including ‘ordinary language’ sales agreements that are easier for consumers to understand, as well as a rapid rise in the use of certified inspectors to provide independent home appraisals, such as those that are a prerequisite for all home purchases in the US and the UK. The other biggie for property consumers this year is the legislation dealing with the
new compulsory qualifications for estate agents. In 2011 we will see the start of a process that ensures that all estate agents have a proper NQF Level 4 or Level 5 qualification by the end of 2013. All those who joined the industry after July 2008 will need such a qualification by the end of this year in order to register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate. In SA, this certificate is effectively an agent’s licence to operate and the customer’s guarantee that any money entrusted to the agent is either safe or will be refunded by the EAAB if it is misappropriated. The new estate agent qualifications will hold even greater benefits for consumers, not the least being the right to expect a much higher level of knowledge and a much more professional service from agents. And this, combined with the power conferred by the CPA, will no doubt bring about renewed awareness that the real drivers
of the property market are not inventory levels, interest rates or smart marketing, but homebuyers and sellers themselves.
Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International March 2011 | 47
Residential Real Estate
Zen meets Africa
John Fuller of Vogue Construction constructed the homes.
Four upmarket, stylish homes in a complex called Naibor are now on the market in Atholl. Designed by Arthur Quinton Darryl Croome Architects in collaboration with Shaista Manekia of Aevum Developments, the homes combine the wide-open spaces of Africa with Zen-like simplicity. Indigenous raw materials have been used throughout the complex, and each of the four 680m2 homes is north facing. Designed along open-plan principles, the double-volume entertainment areas lead out onto large timber-deck patios with spillover pools and water features. Solar geysers have been incorporated, and furthering the green building principles used in the homes, breezeways have been created for cross ventilation, minimising the need for artificial cooling. Cori Quinton Interiors was responsible for the interior design, and has given the homes imported Italian kitchens, sculptural modern staircases and the finest of finishes. The complex is protected by 24-hour manned security. Aevum Developments, +27 (0)72 518 9809
City living personified Those seeking affordable designer living need look no further than the latest offering from Kent Gush Properties. The Foundry comprises 58 trendy apartments located a mere 5km from Sandton City and the Gautrain station on Bowling Avenue. Tammy Menton, marketing director of Kent Gush Properties, describes some of the development’s features: ‘Foundry kitchens will feature built-in dining tables and full- height stacking laundry cupboards and pantries. The bedrooms offer subtle en-suite bathroom options with luxurious finishes, and the exterior patios will feature L-shaped benches, allowing for additional seating. Study areas will be will be DStv and Wi-Fi enabled.’ Several entertainment ‘pits’ will be integrated into the development, including a rooftop terrace complete with braai facilities and firepit. Overlooking the pool will be a clubhouse with a fitness centre, bar, restaurant, business centre and manager’s office. One- and two-bedroom homes with floor space of between 60m2 and 80m2 are available to buyers. Prices range from R799 000 to R1,25-million. The development was launched in February, and construction is due to start in July. 086 154 7767, kentgush.co.za
48 | March 2011
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher and Jackie Gray
incorporated into the two-bedroom units, and all units
Residential Real Estate
Avoid underinsurance pitfalls Let’s face it – most of us don’t pay enough attention to the fine print in our insurance policies. Failure to do so can cost you a significant amount of money that
Your Move Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International
you don’t necessarily have, and most importantly of all,
Realty’s
you can avoid the loss entirely by taking 30 minutes
Executive Director,
to critically review and update the true value of your
Ya’el Geffen
insurable assets, such as your home, once a year. ‘For instance,’ says Mandy Barrett, Glenrand MIB’s marketing
As with any love
sales, service and product solutions manager, ‘thanks to
affair, once the
the rise in property replacement costs, your home could
endorphins kick in,
be significantly underinsured in the event of a major
there’s no turning
catastrophe – a fire, earthquake, floods or any other
back. You’re hooked.
major “peril” as the insurance industry defines them,’
It’s all you can think about and everything
She gives the following example: say you bought your
else pales in comparison. If you fell in love
home 10 years ago for R300 000 and insured it for the
with a holiday property during the holidays
same amount. Since then it has appreciated in market
and have designs on it, consider this advice
value to R750 000. However, the key replacement
before you take your new- found holiday-home
value (the cost to rebuild the home from scratch at
romance to the next level. Remember that the
today’s prices) could be as much as R1-million, leaving
most important rule of property investment
you with an underinsured component of R700 000,
is ‘location’. Ultimately, the goal is to buy a
based on replacement and other costs. However, that’s
property that will appreciate in value and be
merely the first pitfall among many when it comes
easy to sell when the time comes to do so. If you are thinking of renting out a property,
to underinsurance. ‘Simply put, do yourself a favour,
to ensure a good return you will need to rent
consult your broker and make sure your property is adequately insured,’ says Mandy. +27 (0)11 329 1111, glenrandmib.co.za
Mandy Barrett, Glenrand MIB’s marketing sales, service and product solutions manager
‘It could be that we are going to see the return of GASH, with buyers seeking out smaller but stylish homes in top areas.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International
it out for a few months at a time and during peak season. You’ll also want to ensure that it is in a desirable location, close to the amenities and activities for which holidaymakers typically seek out the area, otherwise you might battle to find leaseholders. If you buy a holiday home for your own use, realise that it’s a lifestyle choice, and don’t expect to sell it after 5 or 10 years and make a huge profit. Yes, you will achieve capital appreciation, but if you weigh up what you would have spent in terms of maintenance, the cost of money (the revenue that you have put in, with no expected return) and your bond repayments, you will most likely just break even. From an investment and rental-potential perspective, it is important to know a little about the local housing market. You should understand what attracts holidaymakers and investors to the area, whether this trend is likely to continue, and how property values and rental prices are performing. It’s important to remember that a holiday house requires upkeep in the same way as your own home, so consider a low-maintenance home that is solidly built with durable materials best suited to the climate. An old fixer-upper is not a good option unless you’re going to be there frequently or have permanent staff in place. Also, if you’re only going to be around for a few weeks of the year, a property in a secure estate or complex might be a better option than
Buy-to-let looking healthier
a free- standing beach home. Those wanting to commit to a holiday home should partner with a credible real-estate
After a weak performance for most of 2010, it seems as if the buy-to-let market is becoming more attractive,
agent that is familiar with the area and the
particularly in areas where homes are valued at under R1-million, and in the apartments rental market. FNB
local market, and can offer advice on the tax
Home Loans Strategist John Loos says there is a shortage of supply in the apartment rentals market, which will
implications of buying a secondary residence.
ultimately result in landlords’ being able to ask for higher rentals. According to figures released by Stats SA,
In the words of Elvis Presley: ‘Wise men say,
residential rentals grew by an average of 5,6% year-on-year in November. For the first time in five years, estate
“Only fools rush in.”’
agents surveyed are also expecting an increase in demand in this segment, and they believe investors will once
Until next month!
again start considering this market.
Ya’el
COMMERCIAL Real Estate
Be square
Three Cities Group’s Inn on the Square, on Greenmarket Square, Cape Town, is getting a much-needed facelift that will bring the hotel in line with its branding as a ‘young, dynamic and colourful mid-market destination’. Donovan Brown of Coffee Project, in association with Blacksmith Interior Inspirations, is the project manager for the R30-million refurbishment. The fresh look of the hotel’s 165 guest rooms will incorporate crisp lines, whitewashed walls, modern artworks and cutting-edge facilities. Guests with current bookings for Inn on the Square will be accommodated at the nearby Hotel on St George (also a Three Cities Group hotel) while the work is in progress. The renovations are scheduled for completion at the end of August this year. 0861 333 3000,
Inn on the Square also recently relaunched its restaurant, Dish.
innonthesquare.co.za
New forum South Africa’s real-estate industry can expect big things from the newly formed National Property Forum (NPF). Made up of three of South Africa’s largest black estate agent organisations, namely the Nu Nation Property
‘SA is just brimming with new ideas, new projects and new opportunities.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International
Network, the Black Estate Agents Forum South Africa and the South African Forum of Real Estate, the NPF is headed up Leo Mlambo and collectively represents over 4 000 estate agencies and principals. The NPF already represents a very large percentage of the estate agents currently registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). ‘It should be stressed that we are a non-racial organisation open to all estate agents who subscribe to our constitution and values,’ says Leo. ‘One of our primary aims is to be the authoritative voice of the industry, speaking in the interests of agents on all major platforms both nationally and internationally.’ With this in mind, the NPF intends to form strategic alliances with a variety of independent service providers, such as banks, attorneys and mortgage originators, to secure innovative and efficient services that are affordable and client-focused. Transformation is also high on the agenda. Nomonde Mapetla, CEO of the EAAB, responded positively to the establishment of the NPF, saying, ‘The EAAB supports the formation of the NPF and is confident that it will address challenges faced by black professionals while simultaneously assisting the professionalisation of the industry.’
Hospitality hike The KZN North Coast guest house market has reported record growth in consultants Corinne Lategan and Ian Bannerman of Pam Golding Lodges & Guest Houses. ‘The bedding down of the new airport, coupled with the development of La Lucia and Umhlanga Ridge office parks, has had an extremely positive impact on hospitality businesses in the areas of Durban North, Umhlanga, Ballito, Salt Rock and Blythdale – all within 15 minutes of King Shaka International Airport,’ says Corinne. A steady influx of corporate travellers in Ballito, Umdloti and Salt Rock is specifically benefitting four- and five-star guest houses. Once the Dube TradePort is fully operational, the business hub is expected to have a domino effect on all subsidiary service-related businesses, including the hospitality industry. +27 (0)31 765 2557, goldinghotels.co.za
50 | March 2011
Compiled by André Fiore and Andrea Firth
demand in both the corporate and leisure markets over the last nine months, say
Commercial Real Estate
Better education The 10 King David schools are the latest network of schools to come under the specialised services management of Broll. The company oversees everything from access control to security, hygiene and grounds maintenance. According to Broll’s Mike Maycock, universities and other tertiary education institutions could greatly improve costs and efficiencies if they managed their vital functions properly, and could greatly benefit from Broll’s expertise. ‘A well-honed facilities management model, strong management team and experienced support staff enable delivery of the unique and often challenging aspects that come with facilities management for educational institutions,’ he says. ‘Broll’s customised service is geared towards the smooth
BRIC work
running of an education facility, and we offer everything from mechanical and electrical
South Africa has been invited to join the BRIC nations, a group of the world’s
maintenance, cleaning,
most promising emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China. Chinese
security and landscaping to
President Hu Jintao has invited President Jacob Zuma to the BRIC’s third
the maintenance of sporting
heads- of- state meeting in Beijing in April 2011 for a formal induction. According to
facilities, conservation
the International Monetary Fund, the BRIC nations will account for 61% of global
programmes for the upkeep
growth in three years’ time. Miller Matola, CEO of the International Marketing
of grounds and other key
Council of SA, says the move is expected to ‘boost investment and trade
facilities, including water
opportunities for the country, as it has done for the other four states’. Last year
treatment plants and swimming
both local and foreign investment in South Africa increased, with median property
pools.’ Mike adds that a safe,
prices reportedly growing by 7,3% and 8,3% in July and August respectively.
well-maintained environment
Investor confidence is predicted to rise by 6% in 2011. Incentives to invest in
facilitates better learning.
South Africa include its favourable exchange rate, attractive climate and beautiful
+27 (0)11 441 4000, broll.co.za
Mike Maycock
landscape, as well as its strong and growing market. +27 (0)11 483 0122, imc.org.za
Mine innovation A R2,5-billion mine dump processing plant is set to be in operation by 2013 in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces. The new plant is predicted to generate in excess of 400 jobs for the area, will process approximately 1,1-million tons of material from the mine dumps and produce 500 000 tons per year of ‘pig iron’, which is consumed in steel production. State-of-the-art technology will be used to recover residual iron ore from mine dumps that would otherwise have been unprocessable. Donovan Chimhandamba, head of the Strategic Projects Fund at the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), believes that a project of this magnitude is ‘ground-breaking’ and offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge mining innovation, with strong BB-BEE participation at an early stage. ‘We are very excited by this project not only because of its strong commercial merit, but also its high developmental impact and environmental cleaning aspect,’ says Donovan. 086 184 3633, nefcorp.co.za
Easy energy In a bid to further galvanise private and commercial buy-in to energy saving initiatives, Eskom, via its Integrated Demand Management (IDM) division, has introduced another channel through which users can claim solar water heater rebates. Those participating in the programme can now purchase their solar water systems directly from certain suppliers at the rebated cost. The responsibility to claim the rebate will lie with the suppliers. Eskom has 108 accredited suppliers, 245 registered distributors and 124 registered independent installers affiliated to the programme. To qualify for a rebate, consumers must purchase an Eskom- approved system and it must be fitted by an accredited installer. IDM General Manager Nosipho Maphumulo says this new claims mechanism should go a long way towards encouraging South Africans to convert to solar water heating systems. Under the current rebate system, 33 000 claims have already been paid to consumers and approximately 6,4GWh/year have been saved. Eskom hopes to save 578MW and to facilitate the installation of 925 000 solar water heaters by 2013. 086 0037 566, eskom.co.za/dsm
March 2011 | 51
Property Fund Real Estate
Stellar performance won’t be repeated Although property stocks remain a great bet for income-chasers, the impressive 30% total return notched up by the sector last year is unlikely to be repeated. Evan Robins, head of listed property at Old Mutual Investment Group SA (OMIGSA), expects a ‘below-average’ year for the sector. He notes operating conditions will remain tough for much of 2011 and market expectations may therefore be too positive. Evan says, ‘Listed property is not a bargain, and we expect that 2011 will be one of below-average returns, with total returns
‘Listed property is not a bargain … ’ – OMIGSA
likely to be in the lower double digits.’ While listed-property prices have increased substantially, Evan points out that direct commercial property prices have not risen to the same extent. This is reflected in muted growth in property companies’ portfolio valuations. As a result, listed property companies are now trading at a historically high premium of around 10% to their direct property valuations. And while property company results held up relatively well for most of 2010, final quarter earnings disappointed. Evan says that while further interest rate cuts remain conceivable, there is a greater chance that bond yields will end 2011 at higher levels, which poses a significant risk to capital growth. Listed- property yields usually rise in tandem with bond yields, and higher yields mean lower prices. If inflation remains low, this will be beneficial in real terms for property owners, as contractual rental escalations are in nominal terms, so property owners benefit when inflation surprises on the downside. This is one reason why Evan expects distribution growth to exceed inflation this year, despite challenging operating conditions. ‘With an 8% forward-yield and medium-term, above-inflation distribution growth, we believe listed-property investors are most likely to achieve lower double-digit returns this year if the bond market is stable. This remains a decent return from a high-yield asset, considering the current low-return, low-inflation environment. It warrants particular consideration from income-dependent investors with some risk tolerance that also require capital growth. But investors should temper their expectations.’
Where to place your bets
Historic Performance for 2010 Individual Stock Performance
Everyone knows that past performance is no guarantee of future
Total return YTD
performance. So while Fortress Income Fund B (65,7%) Vukile
REIT Index
10,46%
Property Fund (47,39%) and Growthpoint Properties (41,77%)
PUT Index
25,50%
were the top performers in terms of total return last year,
PLS Index
30,95%
fund managers don’t necessarily believe that these counters
SA Listed Property Index (SAPY)
29,62%
will again top the property pops in 2011. Ian Anderson, chief
Capped Property Index (PCAP)
24,81%
investment officer of Grindrod Asset Management, is placing his
FORTRESS-B
65,70%
bets on the A units of both Fortress and Hospitality Property
VUKILE
47,39%
Fund. ‘Both appear to be offering value at current prices. Their
GROWTHPOINT
yields are among the highest in the sector and the guaranteed
OCTODEC
distribution growth rates should not be underestimated in the
PREMIUM
current economic climate.’ Ian also believes Redefine Properties
RESILIENT
34,25%
presents a buying opportunity at current share price levels, after
SA CORPORATE
33,30%
Real Estate Fund may finally be able to put its chequered past
Ian Anderson, Chief Investment Officer, Grindrod Asset Management
41,77% 39,11% 35,05%
HYPROP
32,91%
EMIRA
31,67%
CAPITAL PROPERTY
23,87%
‘It offers the highest yield in the sector at 9,25% and is likely to show positive distribution growth during
PANPROP
23,85%
the year.’ Evan Jankelowitz, director of property equity specialists Sesfikile Capital, likes Resilient Property
REDEFINE
22,08%
Income Fund. ‘From a fundamental perspective, Resilient is positioned nicely, with non-metropolitan retail
ACUCAP
22,08%
still showing strong trading densities, despite the recent global crisis. There’s also growth potential in what
HOSPITALITY-A
22,03%
appears to be an accretive development pipeline. However, the price does reflect the opportunity.’ Keillen
FORTRESS-A
Ndlovu, head of property funds at Stanlib, believes that Capital Property Fund and Emira Property Fund,
FOUNTAINHEAD
among others, will outperform in 2011. ‘Capital is trading at a yield similar to the market, yet it offers better
SYCOM
16,27%
growth prospects driven by a superior portfolio and great management. A merger with Pangbourne is
HOSPITALITY-B
-4,73%
another positive – size, liquidity and, hopefully, a better rating.’ Keillen notes that Emira is well priced at a
Information Source and Methodology
forward yield of 8,75% against the market’s 8,3%, with similar growth prospects. The stock has vacancies of
Data I-Net Bridge, unless stated otherwise
15% in the office portfolio, creating an upside if the market turns.
Calculations and Forecast Estimates Catalyst Fund Managers
behind it in 2011 and deliver above-average returns for investors.
52 | March 2011
21,85% 20,67%
Compiled by Joan Muller, FINWEEK Property Editor
a disappointing performance last year. Ian says SA Corporate
(Jan.–Dec. 2010)
PROPERTY FUND Real Estate
‘Lower vacancies in office and industrial properties mean more jobs, which is always the best news for the market.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International
Property shines in top 100 survey
Outlook improves for office-focused funds It appears that the office market is taking a turn for the better, with signs of increased demand for space in some prime nodes, which bodes well for property counters with a large exposure to the sector. A number of property funds, including the likes of Redefine Properties, Growthpoint Properties, Emira Property Fund, Pangbourne Properties and Octodec Investments, have office vacancies approaching or exceeding 10%. Izak Petersen of Mergence Africa Property Fund notes that higher take-up and measured rental growth is starting to come through in select office nodes as the economic
In addition to being the best-performing asset class in
recovery gains momentum, slowly but surely. Izak notes
2010, listed property also features prominently among
the Sapoa/IPD Office Vacancy Survey for fourth
South Africa’s top 100 companies. The latter ranks the
quarter 2010 indicates that prime office properties
best-performing companies across all sectors of the
in areas such as Sandton, Cresta and the
JSE. Norbert Sasse, chairman of the Property Loan
Johannesburg CBD in Gauteng, and Bellville,
Stock Association (PLSA) and CEO of Growthpoint
the Waterfront and the CBD in Cape Town,
Properties, says 15 of the top 50 best-performing
are either fully let or have minimal vacancies
companies in terms of ‘profit after tax’, as well as
of around 1%. However, Izak warns there are
‘growth over 10 years’ are listed-property companies.
still risks in the system, such as corporate
Moreover, property stocks represent 13 of the top
downsizing and liquidations, which can
100 companies in terms of overall performance over
potentially drive down rentals.
five years, despite the R127,5-billion listed-property sector still representing less than 4% of the JSE’s total market capitalisation. He says that, given last year’s total return performance of close to 30% and the sector’s strong representation among SA’s best institutional, should regard meaningful exposure to
Bricks and mortar spin best profits
listed property as an asset class as being fundamental.
Listed property has beaten all other major asset classes over both the short and longer term, latest
listed investments, any serious investor, retail or
figures from Catalyst Fund Managers show. Over the past 12 months until the end of 2010, listed property delivered a total return of 29,62%, followed by equities as measured by the All-Share Index (18,98%), bonds (14,96%) and cash (6,93%). Looking at a longer investment horizon of five years, listed property again recorded the highest annualised return of the four traditional asset classes (18,07%), followed by equities (15,24%), cash (9,14%) and bonds (7,92%). Whether listed property will continue to outperform equities is anyone’s guess. However, Catalyst Investment Manager Paul Duncan says listed property remains an attractive alternative to cash and bonds for investors dependent on an income. The key differentiating factor between listed property, and bonds and cash, is that the income paid out on a quarterly or biannual basis by property companies usually grows every year, while the income earned on bonds and cash remains static. Paul notes that property stocks currently offer an average forward yield of just more than 8%, which compares favourably with the 5,34% on overnight cash deposits and the 7,31% yield to maturity on R157 government bonds.
Norbert Sasse, Chairman, Property Loan Stock Association and CEO, Growthpoint Properties
Asset Class
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Annualised
SA Listed Property
28,4%
26,5%
-4,5%
14,1%
29,6%
18,07%
Equities**
15,24%
41,2%
19,2%
-23,2%
32,1%
19,0%
Cash***
7,5%
9,3%
11,7%
10,3%
6,9%
9,14%
Bonds*
5,5%
4,2%
17,0%
-1,0%
14,96%
7,92%
Source: I-Net Bridge, *BESA All Bond Index, **All-Share Index, ***STeFI 12-Month Cash Index
Spoilt for choice Property investors can look forward to sharing in the spoils of a number of previously unlisted retail, office and industrial property portfolios that are set to join the ranks of the JSE’s R127,5-billion property sector in the coming months. If all the deals that are
Keillen Ndlovu, Head of Property, Stanlib
currently under discussion materialise, the listed-property sector will have five companies with a market cap exceeding R10-billion by mid 2011, compared to only two at present (Growthpoint Properties and Redefine Properties). These two heavyweights are likely to be joined by Old Mutual’s much-anticipated listing of its R12-billion property portfolio, the R15-billion merger between Hyprop Investments and unlisted shopping centre owner Attfund Retail, as well as the R14- billion merger between sister funds Capital Property Fund and Pangbourne Properties. Analysts say that more as-yet- unannounced mergers, acquisitions and new listings are also likely this year. Keillen Ndlovu, Stanlib’s head of property funds, estimates there could be over R20-billion worth of new listings by mid 2011. Although new listings are generally welcome news for investors, because they bring more choice and liquidity to the sector, the downside is they could see an outflow of money from established counters to some of the newer ones. Keillen says, ‘Assuming that there are no additional inflows into the sector, there could be pressure on existing stocks if portfolio managers decide to rebalance their portfolios by selling a portion of existing holdings to fund new listings.’
March 2011 | 53
Auction Real Estate
Immortalised in an iris In collaboration with the WWF Table Mountain Fund, Strauss & Co. fine art auctioneers are involved in an innovative fundraising bid for the naming rights to a new species of iris, as rare and endangered as it is beautiful. The iris, recently discovered near Saldanha Bay on the West Coast, flowers briefly in the spring and puts on a show of exquisite pale blue flowers. Sadly, even though it’s only just been discovered, the species is already on the brink of extinction. The money raised from the auction will support the WWF Table Mountain Fund to protect and restore the fauna and flora of Table Mountain and the Cape, both of which are part of the most biologically rich, yet threatened, places on earth. The auction runs online until the end of March, and the highest bidder will win an original botanical illustration of the iris and the right to name it. +27 (0)78 044 8185, straussart.co.za
A home in the sky
The auction takes place on 17 March at The Hilton Sandton hotel.
The magnificent Sandhurst Towers penthouse will be going under the Auction Alliance hammer this month. The 1 000m2, three-storey property has a high-tech home automation system and consists of four bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, an air purification system, designer bar, private lobby, basement parking, exquisite pool, large entertainment area, as well as butler accommodation. ‘We are expecting an exciting auction, as this property is attracting interest not only from local buyers, but also from individuals abroad. The views are breathtaking and the features are all state-of-the-art,’ says Michele Antelme of Auction Alliance. The auction takes place at the Hilton Sandton hotel at 138 Rivonia Road on 17 March. +27 (0)11 430 5555, auction.co.za
A head start
Rich pickings
Just as 2010 was drawing
The commercial and industrial auction property market has reached a turning
to a close, Rawson Auctions
point, and there are some excellent opportunities to be had by investors and
achieved R10-million in sales
owner-occupiers in 2011, says Roy Lazarus of Park Village Auctions. Towards the
in one week, an achievement
end of last year, such properties on auction found a ready market at good prices
that group MD Tony Clarke
– subject to important provisos. ‘Those provisos have much to do with whether
describes as ‘remarkable’
the property is well tenanted, has a stable power supply, is in reasonably good
for a new auctions division.
condition, is well positioned relative to transport routes and markets, and has a
Rawson Auctions CEO Tanya
good rental income producing a steady return on investment, with potential for
Jovanovski says the group’s
further growth,’ he says. Manufacturing, retailing, distribution, warehousing and
relationship with Standard
office accommodation are in strong demand among savvy buyers, and auctions
Bank, ABSA and FNB is what
will satisfy these market needs. +27 (0)11 789 4375, parkvillageauctions.co.za
enabled them to play a full part in the distressed sales market, and she says it’s likely that this market will continue to be a major income- earner for possession are going for bargain
Tony Clarke, Tanya Jovanovski
prices, and are particularly well suited to investors who are prepared to renovate them – on a modest scale – and rent them out,’ Tanya says. A few of the sales that contributed to the success of the young division (Rawson Auctions has been operating for a little over a year) included a penthouse in the eight-storey Intaba residential project in Claremont, a four- bedroom home in Rondebosch and other, smaller repossessed properties that Rawson Auctions sold on behalf of the banks. +27 (0)21 658 7100, rawson.co.za
54 | March 2011
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher
another half year. ‘Properties in
THULAMANI
Official launch Sunday 27 February from 12h30 – 17h00.
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R2.85 Million incl. VAT
Contact: Natasha 083 271 1176 | www.thulamani.co.za
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Offshore Real Estate
Dip your toes
The powder-sand beaches, tropical sunshine, lush greenery and temperate climate of Seychelles are all within your reach at the luxurious, 56ha marina development, Eden Island. The developers are now offering two
‘Property investors have an increasingly global view and are scouring the world markets now for good growth prospects.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International
free-flowing, four-bedroom, ocean-front villas with occupation available in August 2011. Each priced at $2,495-million (R17,6- million), including notary and residency fees, the homes come fully furnished to designer standards, from deluxe four-poster beds to well- appointed living areas with all the creature comforts, such as luxury Miele appliances in the kitchens. Each home has a veranda that opens out onto the pool, as well as a private outdoor staircase leading into the turquoise ocean below. There is air conditioning throughout the homes, as well as private moorings with water and electrical points for residents’ boats. Eden Island offers homeowners exclusive facilities, including the use of the fitness centre, a delicatessen, clubhouse, kids’ play area, communal pools, and tennis and volleyball courts. +27 (0)82 882 8996, edenisland.sc
Eden Island ha four beaches ands 16ha of private waterways.
A French vintage Heritage Properties of Europe specialises in sourcing prime properties and wine estates in the south of France for South African investors. They have on their books a restored 19th-century château with two towers and 730m2 of habitable space. The property is set in the Bordeaux countryside within a beautiful, 23ha park. Priced at ¤2,899-million (R27,5-million), the main house includes grand reception rooms, eight en-suite bedrooms, two dressing rooms, a home cinema and a games room. Original parquet flooring, a stone staircase and fireplaces are among the significant features together with light, elegant and spacious rooms. Separate from the house is a caretaker’s cottage, a dedicated wood- panelled office suite and library, garaging and stables, an infinity swimming pool and a hard court for tennis or basketball. This château is surrounded by vines, and is a stone’s throw away from St Emilion and Bordeaux. +27 (0)11 482 1876, heritagepropertiesofeurope.com
Pound pounce The strength of the rand combined with the relaxation of exchange controls makes this an opportune time for South Africans to invest in UK direct commercial property, says Broll Investment Broker David Adams. He adds that commercial property capital values in the UK have recovered by 20% to 30% from their trough in the current cycle. Broll highlights two appealing investment prospects. The first is a £7,7-million (about R87-million) A-grade office property requiring around R30- million purchase equity and representing an initial yield of 6,2%. The second is a freehold supermarket in South West London with seven years remaining on lease for £1,3-million (about R14,8-million). It requires R5,5- million purchase equity with an initial yield of 6,62%. +27 (0)21 446 2507, broll.co.za
Black River magic Situated in the popular Black River district, on the west coast of Mauritius, Matala Lifestyle Estate is only three minutes from the beach. Nestling in the Black River Gorge National Park on 18ha of tropical beauty, the 71 luxury villas come in three different designs, ranging from a three-bedroom, 250m2 villa to a four-bedroom, freehold stands, each with private swimming pool. They have designer finishings and are air conditioned in each bedroom with bathroom en- suite. Matala Lifestyle Estate is an Integrated Resort Scheme, meaning that owners and their direct family get residency on the island. Plots range in size from 0,2ha to 0,45ha and are priced from $590 000 (about R4,2-million) to $840 000 (about R6-million). Villas are priced from $945 000 (about R6,7-million) to around $2,098-million (around R15- million). Phase 1 of the development is currently under way and is scheduled for completion by January 2012. +230 261 2233, seeff.mu
56 | March 2011
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher
489m2 villa situated on a half hectare of land. All the villas rest on large landscaped
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Authentic paradise
Words Sandy Welch Photographs courtesy Nkwichi Lodge
Discover a side of Mozambique that you probably havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realised exists, at Nkwichi Lodge.
P
Clockwise from top left Four-poster beds carved from tree trunks add to the romance of the suites; meals can be enjoyed wherever you decide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even on the beach; canoeing is one of the gentle pastimes on offer; some of the baths have been built into the rock.
icture the perfect combination of rural simplicity, desert island bliss and understated luxury, and you have Nkwichi Lodge. Situated in the Manda Wilderness Community Conservation Area in a secluded bay on the sandy banks of Lake Niassa, the ninth largest lake in the world, this environmentally friendly resort is just the answer to a total escape from it all. There is, quite simply, very little else to do other than relax in a hammock on the beach, swim in the warm freshwater lake among the teeming tropical fish, go fishing or canoe across the clear blue waters. The lodge offers a few different accommodation options. Mokolo House, a private retreat with two en-suite bedrooms, is surrounded by the forest and has views of the lake. Songea House and Chalet, a 10-minute walk from the main lodge, is ideal for those in a group, with its own entertainment venue, outdoor dining area and private beach.
Then there are six other chalets, each perfectly situated to offer the utmost privacy. Taking pride of place in each is an enormous four-poster bed, cleverly created from old tree trunks and draped with a mosquito net. Some of the baths have been carved out of the natural rock, while showers have been erected in overhanging trees, all adding to the authenticity of the experience. Meals are an event here, and most of the fresh produce is grown on the Manda Conservation Project Farm.You can opt to either eat on the Lakeshore Deck or engage in some of the excursions, which include lunching under one of the largest baobab trees in Africa or having dinner on the beach under the stars. The lodge, which was completely hand-built from indigenous materials, is run along sound eco-principles, with a strong emphasis on supporting the local community. mandawilderness.org
March 2011 | 59
Mozambique matters
Investing in property in Mozambique is an increasingly attractive option. Here’s what you need to know.
Owning property in Mozambique In Mozambique, buildings and property may be owned and sold, but all land is state owned and cannot be bought, mortgaged or sold. Instead, concessions are granted for 50-year, renewable leases. This simply means you lease your land and own your building. In general, foreign individuals cannot own property, unless they can prove residency of over 10 years. The quickest, easiest way to obtain the lease is through ownership of a company incorporated and registered in Mozambique, which provides a means for foreign investors to gain work and residency permits necessary for them to benefit from the investments and hold title to the land. By owning a company with a lease, you gain the land, property and assets, which are immediately transferred to you, the new owner. External sources are a better option for financing, as Mozambican banks will generally only offer
Boom town
Bazaruto Island hosts large, freshw lakes that are fr ater eq by a wide varietuented water birds, suchy of flamingos, and as inhabited by croc are odiles.
short- term loans. South African investors score here because of access to British banks, such as Barclays, Standard Chartered and Lloyds TSB, which operate in Mozambique and SA. Mozambique is a welcoming country with many investment opportunities, but it’s worth getting the right advice and guidance through the property processes to ensure a hassle- free investment. mozambique.mz
JHI Real Estate Mozambique, a subsidiary of South African property services group, JHI, has recently opened another branch office in Matola, and is set to expand its presence in Mozambique still further to other key growth areas in the region. Wayne Wright, JHI’s business development director, says the company expects retail development in the country to increase significantly over the next few years. ‘Mozambique is experiencing a strong demand for retail that reaches the masses. Already, Pick n Pay and SPAR have embarked on aggressive strategies to establish a presence in Maputo and Matola, with developers eager to accommodate them in strip malls built to specification,’ says Wayne. A project with the potential to transform the downtown Maputo area is the 380 000m2 FACIM (Maputo International Trade Fair) development. Located on prime land, it will include retail, hotel, offices and residential buildings, and negotiations are under way to also incorporate a marina and pedestrian walkways. +27 (0)11 911 8000, jhi.co.mz
Developments to watch Looking to purchase a holiday home in Mozambique? Here are
The perfect holiday spot
some developments
During the 1960s and early ’70s, Mozambique was one of the most popular
Estate is an eco-friendly
holiday venues for South Africans. Then visits became nigh impossible
beachfront security
with the onset of civil war, which ended only in 1992. In the past 15 years,
estate situated between
Mozambique has emerged as a country with international investment
the towns of Vilanculos
potential. Apart from offering superb holiday venues, the 2 470km
and Inhassoro. There are
coastline has perfect beach destinations and some excellent offshore
146 private homes for
dive sites. There are also a number of national parks, reserves and forests
sale, and you can choose
worth investigating. Bazaruto Island View
for intrepid explorers with 4 × 4s to traverse. Only five to six hours’ drive
from four different architectural styles. Marketed by Vilankulos Beach Properties,
from Jo’burg, it’s becoming an increasingly popular location for holiday
with the cooperation and assistance of the developer, Mozambique Property
homes. The development of hotels is also on the rise – the Polana is being
Development and Investments, you can buy here at an interest rate- free option,
refurbished, there is a new Park Inn in Tete, and Kempinski Hotels are
with terms of between 6 and 60 months. Another establishment of note is Villa
reportedly also investigating suitable sites.
nu Mar, about 40km outside Xai-Xai on the southern coast. The villas are situated on 13ha of coastal-fronting land and their designs follows traditional Mozambican architecture. The villas are priced from R300 000 and fractional or full- title options are on offer. The development includes a restaurant and convenience store, and has 24-hour security. Lake Poelela, 15km south of Zavora, also has good investment potential. Situated around the 54km, clear, blue lake, the 10ha development already offers some established, individual title homes, or you can choose to build your own, either on the banks of the lake or further back in the shade of the trees. Bazaruto Island View Estate, +27 (0)11 467 4443, mozprops.com; Villa nu Mar, +27 (0)83 630 3607, villanumar.co.za; Lake Poelela, +27 (0)15 793 0766, info@kruger2canyonproperties.co.za
60 | March 2011
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher and Sandy Welch
Villa nu Mar
PROMOTION
OWN A PIECE OF
MOZAMBICAN PARADISE Villa nu Mar offers ideal full- and fractional-title opportunities for investors.
Main photograph Villa nu Mar blends in seamlessly with its idyllic natural coastal environment thanks to the use of indigenous building materials. There are 20 villas, priced from as little as R300 000 each. Inset, top and bottom centre The spacious villas are divided into 8-, 10- and 12-sleeper units, making them perfect for family getaways. Inset, bottom left and bottom right Views of the ocean and lake, where holidaymakers can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkelling and sailing.
S
ituated about 40km north of the coastal town of Xai-Xai on the southern coast of Mozambique is Villa nu Mar. This picturesque gem lies along the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean, nestled between breathtaking freshwater lakes, lush forests and the ocean. Mozambique is quickly becoming a haven for relaxation, investment and development opportunities, and Villa nu Mar is the ultimate full- and fractional-title residential development. Villa nu Mar comprises 13ha of pristine coastline with unspoilt sand dunes and endless wide beaches. There are 20 villas that can be owned either through fractional or full title, starting from the unbelievable price of R300 000. Three architectural options are available: • An 8-sleeper unit with a total area of 294m², of which 89m² comprise the sundecks.This
option includes a living area with lounge, dining room, kitchen, and private sundeck with swimming pool or Jacuzzi. The bedrooms include a family unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms and private sundeck, and there’s a large bedroom unit with bathroom and private sundeck. • A 10-sleeper unit with a total area of 351m² (sundecks: 89m²). This option includes a living area with lounge, dining room, kitchen and private sundeck with a swimming pool or Jacuzzi.There is a family bedroom unit with two bedrooms, a loft, three bathrooms and a private sundeck, plus a large bedroom unit with bathroom and private sundeck. • A 12-sleeper unit with a total area of 395m² (sundecks making up 95m² of the area). Included in this option is a large living area with bar, lounge, dining room, kitchen, and
private sundeck with a swimming pool or Jacuzzi, as well as a family bedroom unit with two bedrooms, a loft and three bathrooms, plus a private sundeck, and a second family bedroom unit with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private sundeck. The living and sleeping areas will be connected by elevated timber walkways. The design of Villa nu Mar is done in such a way as to leave the minimum environmental footprint on the sensitive dune habitat. In order to support the local economy, local materials and indigenous timber from approved suppliers will be used in the building process, as will local Jekka thatched roofs. The villas will be finished in traditional Mozambican style so that they fit in with the local environment, and they will be designed to emphasise privacy as far as possible.
Fully furnished, full-title villas are available from R2,2-million and four villas will be available by the end of January 2011. The launching and retrieving of private boats will be allowed from a registered launching area 5km from Villa nu Mar. Boathouses can be built on request and are included in all fractionally owned properties. A landing strip for private aircraft with hangars has been approved by the Mozambican government and will be developed 30km north of Villa nu Mar. There will be a selection of recreational facilities available for the use of owners of the villas. These include a restaurant and convenience store, fishing of all sorts, snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, and ‘non-motorised’ watersports, such as sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and canoeing. +27 (0)83 630 3607, villanumar.co.za
March 2011 | 61
networking
Society Living the high life in Gauteng
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GUESS Summer Fashion Showcase: 1Sam Hart, Tammy Lederle, Julia Freemantle, Jess Webb, Danica Dawes 2Hazel Joubert, Tammy Farrell 3Simona Ferrari, du Toit 7Gerry Elsdon, Jan Malan 8Nicky Mitchell-Coyles, Paul Leisegang, Rukeya Isaacs, Alex Harris. The Paddocks launch: 9Tammy Menton, Derek Wheals, Peter MacKenzie, Kent Gush 10Kim Hutton, Derek Wheals, Loreili Wilson, André Wright, Brendan Smith.
To see who else we’ve featured in our Society pages, visit thepropertymag.co.za. Email social photographs for consideration to socials@medianova.co.za.
62 | March 2011
Compiled by Jackie Gray
Bryce Thomson 4Juliette Notley, Bridgette Saville, Francois Staples, Milan Ash 5Nicky Greenwall, Robin Fryer. SA Fashion Week: 6Malcolm Klûk, Christiaan Gabriël
HERMANUS
CROW’S-NEST POSITION
MAGNIFICENT HEMEL-EN-AARDE ESTATE R19 million Exclusive Sole Agent
John Leppan • 082 801 5252
WORLD-CLASS HOMESTEAD STRADDLING 5 LARGE ERVEN It really just does not get better … Architect designed and master-built to perfection. Every conceivable luxury feature, including gourmet fitted kitchen, natural shellstone fossil tiles, interior shutters, two stunning water features and two designer pools. Offering wonderful living areas with abundant natural light, spaciousness, separate accommodation wings for owners, guests and family, magnificent library, artist’s studio, gallery and wine cellar. Beautiful landscaped indigenous garden with over 5 000m2 of fynbos under irrigation.
Home virtual tour • www.hpsrealty.co.za Estate • www.hemel-en-aarde.co.za
GREEN POINT
R16 900 000
BREATHTAKING VIEWS
www.remaxliving.co.za HIGGOVALE
R11 500 000
Elegant, best views in Cape Town! Perfect for Ambassadors and entertainers, great flow to outdoor spaces from all rooms. Separate flatlet, ideal for housekeeper or student. Staff accommodation. Xandra Bolliger 082 646 8948 RE/MAX Living 021 423 4488
UPPER TAMBOERSKLOOF
Web ref: MP 413429
R11 000 000
SEA POINT
R16 900 000
INCOME PRODUCING, MAGNIFICENT GUESTHOUSE
Perfectly situated on the Atlantic Seaboard. 6 Bedroom suites and block of 8 Separate apartments. 17 Secure parking bays. Wonderful garden setting with pool. Hannelore Harms 082 337 6992 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
BANTRY BAY
Web ref: MP 252593
R8 995 000
IMMACULATE IN EVERY WAY Sunny secure family home on 1061m². Modern picture perfect view setting. Set against Table Mountain this home will blow you away. Open plan living with light spacious areas. Exceptional value. An opportunity not to be missed!
GLASS ACT - SPECTACULAR VIEWS
Contemporary living has a new address. Urban revolution of exceptional quality. A new residence designed by award winning architect with superb proportions. An absolute must to see . Occupation March 2011
SEA VIEW SPLENDOUR IN SUNSHINE CITY
Gerlinde Moser 082 569 4644 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
Petra Davidan 082 490 6329 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
Cindi Marcus 082 290 3211 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
SOMERSET WEST
Web ref: MP416412
R7 900 000
CITY BOWL
Web ref: MP 415476
R1 250 000
Step into a luxurious garden apartment with direct access to pool. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Secure u/c parking and storeroom.
SEA POINT
MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY ESTATE LIVING Charming property,
LIVING ON TOP OF YOUR WORLD, SUPERB CITY PAD
OPPORTUNITY TO GUT AND REDO
Gerlinde Moser 082 569 4644 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
Gudrun Hille 082 550 3054 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
Martin Freedman 082 356 6280 RE/MAX Living 021 422 3976
offers tranquility and style for the discerning buyer looking for something unique and private on ±10 000m² with tennis court, pool and guest cottage. Excellent investment. Web ref: MP 414179
Living
24/7 Security, gym, pool, 2 en suite bedrooms, open plan kitchenlounge in the East side Urban Renewal Hub.
Web ref: MP 410143
Web ref: MP 389940
R950 000
1 Bedroomed apartment with enclosed balcony in popular beachfront block, mountain views.
Web ref: MP 302479
City Bowl and Atlantic: 021 422 3976 www.remaxliving.co.za | www.remax.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
SURPASSES ALL EXPECTATIONS A sophisticated combination of concrete, wood and glass make up the outstanding finishes of this distinctively classic beach house. Elegant and understated in design and stature, this property offers the address, the lifestyle and the privilege of being truly one of a kind. This 500m2 home is complemented by a 3 200m2 garden paralleled by beach and coastal vegetation.
De Werf – Final subdivision! Only a few select stands left – 2 000–5 800 sqm from R 2.2 Mill–R 3.3 Mill
Wedderwill Country Estate is a secluded residential mountain retreat in the heart of the Cape Winelands. It borders the renowned Vergelegen Wine Estate, with the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West and the pristine white beaches of False Bay all in close proximity. For those who love the great outdoors, the entire Estate is surrounded by natural beauty. Unfarmed fynbos areas are home to indigenous fauna and spectacular birdlife. Live your dream – 15 ha farm – enjoy “Lebensraum” – so rare these days. Magnificent manor home, 2 guest apartments, wine cellar, separate timber log guest cottage, winemaking and farming equipment included. Owner relocating. Priced to sell R 11 Mill Ref: http://www.wedderwillproperties.co.za/ lifestylefarm_meridien.htm
Ulundi – African game lodge style home on Wedderwill A game lodge surrounded by vineyards and next to the Wedderwill Game Reserve. Indoor/outdoor living at it’s best. Entertainer’s paradise. On 5 200 sqm of established indigenous garden. 3 bedrooms en suite, individually themed lounge, dining area, gourmet kitchen. R 5.9 Mill – incredible value for the right person. Ref: http://www.wedderwillproperties.co.za/ forsale_home3.htm
To get more information on the entire estate, go to: www.wedderwillproperties.co.za | www.dewerf.co.za will tell you about our final subdivision – De Werf.
Wedderwill is different – it takes 1 ½ hours to see it all – that is why I work by appointment only. Make time – it’s worth it.
www.wedderwillproperties.co.za | wolf@dewerf.co.za Sole agent: Wolf Vosse 021 858 1909 or 082 769 8788
LEAPFROG SANDTON
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY WEBSITE SOUTH AFRICA www.leapfrog.co.za by Leapfrog Property Group
The Colony Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Office 011 788 0688 www.leapfrog.co.za
Best Website Award
WESTCLIFF
R16 000 000
ILLOVO
R9 000 000
CONTEMPORARY, REFINED MINIMALISM
BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL SERENE GARDEN
Designed by Pierre Swanepoel this modern, idyllic lifestyle combines safety, privacy and comfort.
A timeless home, unique in South Africa, designed by renowned Portuguese Architect D’Aldoim
Offering 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a beautifully appointed kitchen. The versatile high-design
Guedes. Pause... Take a breath and succumb to the magnificence of the garden. 4 Original receptions
interiors, with double-volume spaces, flow seamlessly to the expansive, levelled, highveld lawn and
with marble flooring as well as exquisite wooden corner windows. Spacious gazebo. 4 Bedrooms
indigenous trees. This home marries the best of South African living within a high quality design.
and 3 bathrooms. Wine cellar, strong room, glassed conservatory plus a cottage / doctors rooms.
Ronald Ennik 083 273 3707 / Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353 Web ref: 86949
Ronald Ennik 083 273 3707 / Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353 Web ref: 85668
HOUGHTON
R7 200 000
HENNOPSRIVIER
R5 500 000
HAYDENBRY HOUSE. WORK-FROM-HOME POTENTIAL
A PIECE OF PARADISE
Spacious, north-facing 1000m² home set on 3965m² stand. Ideal for a large family, small hotel,
A 21.5 Hectare bushveld property, within 40 minutes from Sandton, with 4 residential homes in
guest house, doctor’s rooms or subdivide the land. 7 Reception rooms, separate bar area, guest suite
the heart of the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy - proclaimed as such. Ideal for an extended
and kitchen. 4 Bedrooms (main en suite with dressing room) and 3 bathrooms. 1 Auto garage with
family or for 3 or 4 families wishing to share a remarkable guest lodge or country estate together.
additional parking for 15 cars. Landscaped garden, pool, lapa / braai with pizza oven. 2 Staff suites.
The homes are in good condition, tucked away in beautiful gardens within a secure, fenced area.
Ronald Ennik 083 273 3707 / Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353 Web ref: 86731
Ronald Ennik 083 273 3707 / Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353 Web ref: 85890
BOLD MOVES
85 on Central - Illovo / Atholl A superb development of 5 exclusive cluster units, all with 4 bedrooms en-suite (one unit with 5 bedrooms en-suite), 85 on Central is not just for anyone. with everyconceivable luxury feature built-in, from smart controlled central air conditioning, central sound control system and 8-camera security, to the hi-tech kitchen with AEG appliances, custom-designed skylights, computerised irrigation system, extra height custom garage doors and Aquamarine designed pool and ponds, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living the life youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always imagined for yourself. Contact Vered today on 011 341 1300 Denise Farber 082 558 5154 or Bradley Gogoski 082 828 9658
127 - 3rd Road - Hyde Park A striking contemporary design with exquisite finishes. An elegant bright and sunny family home that has 5 luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite, marvelous reception rooms, wine cellar / home theatre all open to an entertainment patio overlooking rim-flow pool with wooden decking. This positionally perfect home is an ideal setting for a tranquil and peaceful lifestyle. State of the art security and garaging for 4 cars. Contact Vered today on 011 341 1300 Stephen Brick 082 551 7971 or Nina Obel 082 552 7325
VERED estates
J U S T W H AT YO U WA N T
Creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property
... 600 offices globally
Namibia
property investment, real estate & leisure
Y
ou know that a city’s arrived as a prime tourist destination when it gets its own Hilton hotel. Located in Independence Avenue in the heart of the CBD, the Hilton Windhoek hotel is a fitting tribute to the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. The hotel is perfectly positioned to service the needs of a diverse clientele: it provides business travellers with easy access to the commercial hub of the city, while eco- tourists and cultural tourists are given a luxurious base from which to explore the historical sites and cultural places of interest for which Windhoek is renowned.
72 | March 2011
In keeping with the international standards of excellence expected of a Hilton, this five-star hotel has a minimum standard of 35m2 for its King Guest rooms, and all are decorated with African contemporary designs. Think comfortable workspaces, high-speed internet access and bathrooms with separate bath and shower. A step up are the King Deluxe rooms, which are all 43m2 and boast spectacular 180º views. If you’re planning on a longer stay, you should opt for the Executive Garden rooms, which come with their own private terraced garden with sun chairs and dining table. Executive and Suite guests have exclusive
access to the Executive Lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast, canapés and drinks throughout the day. In terms of facilities, the hotel has a heated 17m lap pool, a spa and wellness centre and a fitness area. It’s also ideal for conferences, which can be accommodated in several venues, flexible spaces, inside and outside breakout areas, and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests. To satisfy the most diverse of palates, a variety of dining experiences are on offer. Ekipa is an all-day dining restaurant, while Centrum, the lobby lounge café, offers a variety of snacks, pastries and cakes. The outside terrace both a la carte pub and bar
food favourites, while the spectacular ninthfloor Skybar offers tapas and meze. If you’re in search of a party atmosphere, head for the high-energy bar on the mezzanine level, where live entertainment is offered. For those after a quieter experience, D’Vine, the wine bar on the mezzanine level, offers special cheese and wine, biltong and chocolate menus as well as classical wine tastings. It’s the perfect venue for private, tailor-made dinners. There’s no doubt that local and foreign guests alike are going to find this newcomer to the cityscape a welcome addition. +264 61 296 2929, hilton.com
Words Carol Johnson
newest addition to Namibia’s rapidly growing The Hilton The hotel portfolio, the Hilton Windhoek, delivers arrives everything you’d expect from this famous brand.
Namibia matters
Positive economic outlook Economists are predicting a rosy outlook for Namibia’s economy this year, with a rise in interest rates only expected towards the end of the year.
‘Business mortgage credit grew by an annualised 27,9% in November last year.’ – Bank of Namibia
Growth of about 3,5% in the general economy is expected, largely due to the increase in fishing quotas, and the establishment of the Ohoronogo cement factory, which will become operational early in the year. The factory, which is expected to produce more than 700 000 tonnes a year, will also provide employment for more than 300 people. The Bank of Namibia has predicted better-than-expected returns from the country’s agricultural and mining sectors. The bank reports that the main demand in business credit is for property space, with business mortgage credit growing by an annualised 27,9% in November last year, the highest recorded since December 2008.
The power of wind
Namibia will soon be able to generate its own wind power, thanks to a project to be established at Diaz Point in Lüderitz. A joint agreement between United Africa Group, Japanese company Sojitz Corporation and Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) should see the wind plant become operational by 2013. The wind plant is expected to generate 90MW of power. Currently, Namibia largely imports power from South Africa and other neighbouring countries, so the wind power initiative will go a long way towards helping Namibia establish an independent energy source.
‘The wind plan t is expected to generate 90MW of power.’
Conference on the cards If all goes well for the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), a national conference will be held in April, during which the selling of urban land to foreigners will be reconsidered, with the alternative being long-term leasing for urban land instead of full investment. Northern town councils have adopted policies of donating or offering a 50% discount on land sold to foreign investors perceived to be bringing development to the towns. The result is that foreign individuals own the majority of urban land in towns such as Oshikango, Ondangwa and Halao Nafidi. Another issue to be discussed at the proposed conference is the development of the new Strand Hotel. CEO of the NCCI, Tarah Shaanika, says the chamber fully supports Ohlthaver & List’s investment plan for the new hotel. The NCCI believes it is important for construction of this development to begin soon as it would provide a source of income and livelihood to many Namibians who are currently unemployed and need a source of income desperately.
Conservation consciousness One of the most significant developments in the history of conservation in Nambia, since its independence in 1990, occurred late last year when it was announced that Dorob National Park would form part of the eighth-largest protected area in the world and the largest park in Africa, known as the Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park. The Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park stretches along the entire length of the Namibian coastline of 1 570km, covering an area of 10 754-million ha, stretching from the mouth of the Kunene River in the north, to the mouth of the Orange River in the south. It comprises four main terrestrial management areas, the Sperrgebiet National Park in the south, the Namib-Naukluft Park, the Skeleton Coast Park and now the Dorob National Park. Various stakeholders in the Erongo Region were asked to come up with an appropriate name for the final addition to the park. The Topnaar Traditional Authority proposed the name Dorob National Park, with ‘dorob’ being derived from the indigenous name, Doro-!Hub (‘dry land’) used by the Topnaar Khoikhoi people to refer to the stretch of coast between Lüderitz and the Kunene River. The inclusion
Compiled by Genevieve Fisher
of this stretch of Namibian coastline into the Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park indicates the country’s role and commitment towards conservation on a global scale.
March 2011 | 73
Langstrand – Namibia
POR
Exquisite. Peaceful. Spacious. Rising up between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, this magnificent beachfront beauty is open for offers! The property boasts 5 en-suite bedrooms, study, TV room, lounge and dining area with indoor barbeque, fitted kitchen with gas stove and scullery, guest toilet, heaters, and heated towel rails throughout. Outdoor swimming pool. Garaging for 3 cars. Huge erf – offers complete privacy. Lots of balconies and patios with superb views. Linked alarm system. Malinda Brasler +264 (81) 127 2670 | malinda@fineandcountry.co.na
Ludwigsdorf – Windhoek
N$9 900 000
Luxurious living, spectacular views! This stunning 6-bedroom home offers a kitchen, 6 bathrooms, double garage and much more. It was designed for utmost style and comfort. Every detail fashioned to make this property a benchmark for excellence and enjoyment. Ria +264 (81)129 9400 | ria@fineandcountry.co.na
Central – Windhoek
Fine & Country Namibia Telephone: +264 61 229 306, Fax: +264 61 229 504 Email: regardt@fineandcountry.co.na Address: Kaiserkröhne, Shop 10, Windhoek, Namibia
N$7 000 000 cc registered Moroccan-style home Situated in one of Windhoek’s most upmarket areas and offering excellent views, this property boasts 6 bedrooms, of which 3 have separate entrances. One of the features includes an indoor swimming pool with an automated retractable roof. The residence is secure, yet has an open feel to it. Jan +264 (81) 373 8555 | jan@fineandcountry.co.na
Prosperita – Windhoek
N$9 200 000 neg. | cc registered Warehouse Easily accessible from main roads. Secure, industrial warehouse with total floor space of 490m2, situated on 4 741m2 of prime industrially zoned property. V ery neat. Jan +264 (81) 373 8555 | jan@fineandcountry.co.na
N$480 000
Business opportunity The Little Beer House in City Central is an ideal opportunity for the restaurateur who enjoys a challenge. The restaurant currently offers the opportunity to break away during the buzz of daily city life – enjoy light lunches, a beer after work, informal business meetings … Unlimited potential! Jan +264 (81) 373 8555 | jan@fineandcountry.co.na
Ludwigsdorf – Windhoek
Ludwigsdorf – Windhoek
N$4 650 000
For the executive Modern 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, spacious home for the entertainer, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, lots of parking, two flats with separate entrances … For the upmarket individual. Ria +264 (81) 129 9400 | ria@fineandcountry.co.na
www.fineandcountry.co.na
Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greenest Homes High style - low impact From temples of glass and steel, to palaces made from prssed earth and recycled blue jeans, Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greenest Homes 2 tours the most amazing properties on the planet - and proves that luxury and ecology can exist under the same roof. s -ON PM s 7ED AM s 3AT PM s 3UN PM PM PM
O M E Y A GOLF & RESIDENTIAL OASIS
WELLNESS @ OMEYA NAMIBIA
the well @OMEYA
VASER - BEAUTY - HEALTH - NAMIBIA
OMEYA GOLF & RESIDENTIAL OASIS INTRODUCES LUXURIOUS WELLNESS...
Omeya Golf & Residential Oasis does not only offer an 18 hole championship golf course, it offers so much more. Introducing a whole new level of wellness:
VASER
The Well @ Omeya is the only facility in Africa that offers Vaser Liposelection/Hi-Def. VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) High Definition Contouring Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that precisely and efficiently removes unwanted body fat. The Well @ Omeya has a professional team of expert doctors and after care therapists that will ensure your experience leaves you satisfied with the final results.
BEAUTY
The beauty retreat is a haven, set in the majestic Namibian escarpment and prides itself in privacy, professionalism and overall client satisfaction. We offer Beauty and Pampering Treatments like aromatherapy massages, manicures/pedicures, anti-aging facials, as well as expert Treatments such as Botox, Fillers, liquid face lifts, cellulite reduction and non-surgical Cosmetic Treatments.
HEALTH
We have the facilities and dedicated therapists to help those patients needing care and accommodation after undergoing debilitative surgery. Deep Tissue Massage, correct eating plans, rehabilitive exercise, etc. If you are looking to rejuvenate and be pampered or need the care and attention to help you recuperate, or even for pure selfindulgence, then look no further than The Well @ Omeya - Namibiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Rejuvenating Retreat.
NAMIBIA
The Omeya villa rental investment opportunity will allow investors to share in the success of Omeya with regards to tourists visiting Namibia while staying at Omeya. The hotel will cater for a limited number of tourists and the Omeya villas will cater for the rest.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR LIFE
For more information, contact us: www.thewellatomeya.com info@omeyagolf.com |www.omeyagolf.com Tel: +264 61-400-848 or +264 81-141-5882/3/4/5/6
PRIME SHOWROOMS & OFFICES FOR SALE Corner of Mandume Ndemufayo avenue & Hosea Kutako Road
SOUTHPORT The Southport Development is situated in a prime position in the Southern Industrial precinct. Sizes ranging from 117m² to 465m² | Prices starting from N$ 2 181 000-00 Availability from the end of August 2011 For any information please contact Ockert du Plooy +264 81 122 4238 | Manfred Hennies +264 81 127 3105 ChrisJan +264 81 309 4212 | Cecilia +264 81 247 7244
DIRECTORY
Residential Accommodation in the Northern Suburbs
· Short and long term furnished rentals ·Unfurnished rentals ·Residential Sales Situated in the business hub of Sandton | 330 en-suite rooms with bath and shower | Two swimming pools | In-house fitness centre | Eight conference rooms | Secure undercover parking | Adjacent to the Village Walk Shopping Centre | 200m from Sandton City and Sandton Convention Centre | CCTV throughout the hotel | The Colony Breakfast Restaurant | The Bull Run Restaurant | Wireless Internet throughout the hotel | Wi-Fi centre
cell: 082 071 5601·telephone 011 513 3590 offices: The Business Centre, Design Quarter, Leslie Drive, Fourways email: deanne@indigo7.co.za·www.indigo7.co.za
EST. 1949
“A little bit of country in the heart of Sandton” Tel +27 (0)11 322 5000 | Fax +27 (0)11 322 5023 E-mail reservations@balalaika.co.za | Web www.balalaika.co.za
Auditing / Accounting / Tax / Trusts Specialists / Secretarial / Shelf Companies
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BUYING A HOUSE FOR MORE THAN R7 MIL.? BUYING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY?
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Block A, The Bank, 318 Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia, Email: magda@lsgintegrated.co.za www.lsgintegrated.co.za
THE PREMIER ASSET-PROTECTION CONSULTANTS
The Wish Collection - Exclusive Stockists Shop 1 Lower Level, Illovo Square Shopping Centre, Sandton Tel: 011 447 4495 / Fax: 011 447 4844 Cell: 082 850 5439
A COLLECTION OF EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF JOZI
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designer floors & timber decks Tel: 011 466 0701
www.forestflooring.co.za “Installations Nationwide”
To advertise in this space, please contact Mavashini Naidoo on 0861 765 833 or email mavashini@medianova.co.za.
CALL MAGDA – TEL: 011 253 7424
art Directory Lindé – Fine artist The daughter of Fine & Country SA CEO Linda Erasmus, Lindé received her Diploma in Fine Arts from the Ruth Prowse School of Fine Art, Cape Town. Describing herself as ‘a bit of an Impressionist’ and working mostly in oils, Lindé creates an ocean of rich brushstrokes and vibrant colours on canvas. Her most recent work includes an Impressionistic, richly textured portrayal of the Austrian city of Salzburg. The strong spiritual dimension in Lindé’s work makes it particularly well-suited to corporates looking to enrich the working lives of their employees.
+27 (0)84 307 0319 | livingforreal@gmail.com | lin4art.blogspot.com
Standard Bank Gallery The Standard Bank Gallery is an exciting and sophisticated exhibition space situated in the heart of downtown Johannesburg. Recognised as a world-class facility, it is one of the few non-commercial public venues for major exhibitions, and has earned a reputation as one of the country’s foremost art venues. It has made its mark with a skilful mix of exhibitions, from Chagall, Miró, Picasso and Marlene Dumas, to William Kentridge, Alexis Preller, Karel Nel, Gerard Sekoto and Irma Stern. Entrance is free to the public.
+27 (0)11 631 1889 | sue.isaac@standardbank.co.za | standardbankarts.co.za
STEPHAN WELZ & COMPANY (PTY) LIMITED Established in 1968, Stephan Welz & Company offers a wide range of services across the full spectrum of decorative and fine art fields, including South African paintings, silver, jewellery, timepieces, carpets, furniture, ceramics, books, stamps, gold coins and collectable cars. These services incorporate sales by auction, household content and private treaty sales, and collection advisory services. Insurance, probate and auction valuations for clients are offered, including private individuals, museums, corporate collections and government institutions.
To advertise in this space, please contact Mavashini Naidoo on 0861 765 833 or email mavashini@medianova.co.za.
+27 (0)11 880 3125 | jhb@swelco.co.za | swelco.co.za
ARTINSURE Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s too late! Over 50% of art claims are not covered by standard general asset policies. ArtInsure’s policies are tailored to respond to its client’s needs. For a quote or more information, contact ArtInsure.
0861 111 096 | gordon@artinsure.co.za | artinsure.co.za
Authorised Financial Services Provider
Strauss & Co. Strauss & Co., South Africa’s foremost auctioneers for South African art, holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a South African painting on home turf, having sold Gladioli by Irma Stern for R13 368 000. Founded by captains of industry and avid art collectors Elisabeth Bradley and Conrad Strauss, and under the helm of art guru Stephan Welz, Strauss & Co. is preparing itself for yet another year of outstanding results and new records. Forthcoming Auction: Important South African, British and Continental Paintings Monday 16 May 2011, Country Club Johannesburg, Woodmead. Closing date for entries is mid March.
Irma Stern, Still Life of Delphiniums, R10–12-million
+27 (0)11 728 8246 | +27 (0)21 683 6560 | straussart.co.za
TREND WATCH
South African art to watch
Our country’s art scene is sprouting with fresh talent. Here we speak to six gallery representatives on who they think are the local artists to note at the moment. MARY SIBANDE In the past three years, this artist’s profile has grown exponentially. Last year, in the Jo’burg Art City World Premiere, Long Live the Dead Queen, 19 artworks of Mary’s alter ego, ‘Sophie’, graced the skylines in the Johannesburg CBD. Some of the key factors that add to the increasing value of her work are her creative depth, her intellectual capacity and her ability to bring a fresh perspective. Editions of her prints are almost all sold and international museums and private collectors purchase her photographs and sculpture/ installations. – Karen Brusch, Gallery Manager, and Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke, Projects Manager, Gallery MOMO, +27 (0)11 327 3247, gallerymomo.com
GRACE KOTZE This KwaZulu-Natal artist specialises in oil painting. Her works investigate not just her past and present, but also the evolving and changing urban landscapes, from abandoned petrol stations to new industrial constructions. You can sense from her work that she loves and lives to paint and ensures that her output is always of the highest quality, and the quantity is very measured. This gives her work great investment potential. When it comes to investing in art, you should always purchase what you want to live with in your work and home environments. – Karen Bradtke, Director, ArtSPACE Durban +27 (0)31 312 0793, artspace-durban.com
MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY This young, award-winning South African photographer has documented some of the darkest and most surprising facets of post- apartheid South Africa by exploring the insides of prisons and ex- convicts’ homes, rubbish dumps and slums. Despite his often sobering subject matter, his work retains a haunting beauty. Barely 30 years old, Subotzky has exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. While art lovers often underestimate the investment potential of photography, it’s gaining prominence in the global arena. His work is sure to grow in value. – Wendy McDonald, Curator, The Goodman Gallery, +27 (0)21 462 7573, goodman-gallery.com
LOUIS OLIVIER Under the guidance of Wilma Cruise, Louis participated in Artspace’s Mentorship Programme in 2009. He is a self-taught, sculptural artist whose work has sound conceptual underpinnings, while remaining seductive in the use of materials. His first solo
With his work comprising a poignant combination of satire that
exhibition, at Artspace Gallery in 2009, was a
critiques the hegemonic structures in politics and broader society,
huge success. Louis approaches his career with
Stuart provides a reflection of a complex, contemporary South Africa.
integrity and has a clear idea of where he wants
It is his seamless combination of technical and conceptual skill that
to be. Although he has not been on the market
distinguishes him as an artist. His most recent accolades include being
for long, he has been well received. His second
nominated as a finalist in the MTN New Contemporaries Arts Awards,
solo show will be at Artspace Gallery in 2011
as well as his inclusion in two of South Africa’s most respected
and we are excited to see how his artist’s voice
collections. Currently exhibiting in Milan as part of a selection of some
has matured. – Teresa Lizamore, Director and
of Africa’s best contemporary work, he is definitely one to watch.
Curator, Artspace Gallery
– Ashleigh McLean, Curator, Whatiftheworld Gallery
+27 (0)11 880 8802, artspace-jhb.co.za
+27 (0)21 448 1438, whatiftheworld.com
80 | March 2011
Words Genevieve Fisher
STUART BIRD
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