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On the cover Property of the Month, Hawaan Forest Estate, where luxury and nature connect. (Turn to page 27 for more details.)

December/January

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Perspectives Edâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Letters You tell us

Hot Property

Lifestyle items of choice

Landscaping Trends Five key forecasts for a beautiful garden

People

Investment Advice

My First House Justin Bonello Architect Profile Phill Mashabane

Invest in an island paradise

8 16

Property Professionals Taking the real estate industry forward

Property Dinner Dish Restaurant

The Socials

The high life in pictures

Places

Out of this World Zambia

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Green Living Matters The latest in everything green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from building materials to news and views

Residential Matters Hot spots and divine developments, plus the latest news on residential properties

Commercial Matters Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the world of commercial property

Auction Matters Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going under the hammer, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already gone

Property Fund Matters The latest on property funds

Neighbourhood Watch Franschhoek

Property of the Month Hawaan Forest Estate, KwaZulu-Natal

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Property investments abound overseas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we show you the best

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Gauteng Katherine & West, Sandton. Kent Gush Properties, kentgush.co.za Western Cape Kelderhof Country Village, +27 (0)79 903 0603, kelderhof.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Property of the Month – Parktown North renovation 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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Ian Fife, respected journalist and pioneering property stalwart, has left a legacy that will have lasting impact.

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he property industry lost one of its most prolific voices in October. Ian Fife, who was property editor of the Financial Mail as well as a seasoned property investor and developer, devoted much of his life to seeking the truth, particularly when it came to anything real- estate related. Just a day or two prior to his passing, I had contacted him in connection with writing an article for us, because he had contributed a few insightful pieces in the past. He reminded me that he ‘doesn’t pander to anyone’ and that I could expect a ‘muscular’ piece. It was a typical ‘Fife’ comment: his intimate involvement in the property industry made him an insightful and uncompromising journalist in the field. Anton de Leeuw of YDL had a working relationship and friendship with Ian. They were introduced by Anton’s wife,Yvonne, whose friendship with Ian spanned 23 years. The three of them started YDL together, to provide property investment education. ‘I believe we were the first company in the country offering this,’ Anton remembers. Later, he bought out Ian’s share, but they remained good friends and were still involved in further business transactions. ‘He was one of the top property brains in the country, a real expert in his field,’ Anton says. Ian’s first journalistic position was that of political writer and foreign correspondent for The Star newspaper, from where he went on to establish Denton Hall Publisher, a publicity and marketing consultancy for the property industry. He later formed Landmark Residential Properties and, three years later, founded Newport Real Estate. So vast was Ian’s property knowledge that he was often called upon by governmental organisations for assistance. He headed up a committee appointed by the Tshwane Town Council to revive inner-city properties in Pretoria and was also appointed a commissioner by social housing organisations to investigate landlord/tenant relationships in Jo’burg’s inner city. Sectional title was a key field of his expertise. He continued to invest in property and built up a portfolio of inner-city apartments in Johannesburg. In Cape Town, the trendy hub at the bottom of Somerset Road in Green Point, Cape Town, is largely a result of his work. In 1994 he purchased a telephone exchange and converted it into Victoria Junction Hotel, catalysing the transformation of the area from a cluster of small-scale industries serving the CBD to commercial and residential properties, and paving the way for further, similar growth, such as the establishment of Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village. ‘He was brilliantly astute and had such conceptual insight – he could really see the big picture,’ says Anton. ‘He was always an inspiration to others – when he led workshops, people sat up and listened, and were always uplifted.’ One word most people seem to use to describe him is ‘courageous’. ‘He was fierce, independent, and the truth was always vital to him.’ He wasn’t afraid to take people on and always had a point of view on everything. ‘He did deals many people would have been afraid of, but he knew what he was doing,’ remembers Anton. What few people know about Ian is that he was also a deeply spiritual person, describing himself as a ‘lifelong student of humanity’. Ian is survived by his daughter Pia Benn, four grandchildren and his partner, Wynne Doody-Pestell.

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literally came along the road less travelled on my way to Gondwana Game Reserve last month. Linking Ladismith with Mossel Bay, the R327 is a dirt road that starts off in the sparse Karoo and then winds its way into the lusher valleys close to Calitzdorp and Herbertsdale before ending at PetroSA just outside Mossel Bay. I couldn’t help but equate it to the year that’s been – starting off fairly barren and sparse, then becoming rich and green (World Cup time!) before becoming rocky once again. Full of surprise twists and turns, around steep mountain passes and dipping into the most beautiful valleys, at times the road was terrifying; at others it was straight and predictable. We sometimes thought we might fall off the edge, or come across a low-lying bridge we couldn’t cross. But we made it to the other side – and it was one of the most unforgettable roads I’ve ever travelled. And that’s where the comparison to this year has to end, because I doubt that many in the real-estate industry will remember 2010 with overt fondness (World Cup aside, of course). It has been a weird year. Banks have continued to show an unwillingness to lend, sellers have remained unrealistic about their prices, overseas investors have felt the brunt of the recession and have been more reluctant to buy SA property than in the past. The market’s been difficult to read, with price growth rising in the first half of the year and then slowing in the third quarter. And yet, in between all that, there have been pockets of hope. Gauteng estate agents, for example, reported an increase in sales in the past few months, and a 35% increase in bond applications for the year. Those who have been in

E D’S LETTE R the industry for a long time are quick to tell me that you can no longer do business the way you used to – it’s all about being innovative, creative, and more than anything, dedicated. There’s no doubt that those agents who have survived the past few years are at the top of their game. That’s why we have dedicated this issue to them, in recognition of their pure resilience and above all, determination. And will things be getting better in 2011? Not immediately, it seems, but most analysts are predicting a flat market until the last quarter, and then a bit more movement at the end of the year. Despite difficult times, one thing that fascinates me is that South Africans simply refuse to let the recession affect their playtime. We are still enjoying ourselves, and that obviously includes eating out. In the past few months, more than 10 new restaurants have opened in Cape Town alone. One chef and ex-restaurateur told me recently that he’d advise anyone looking to open a new restaurant to rather go and burn the money in a corner – they’d get far more enjoyment out of that and it’s a lot less hassle, he said. But this doesn’t seem to be stopping those budding restaurateurs from giving it a go. We hope they’ll find success. From everyone at The Property Magazine, we wish you season’s greetings and the hope that 2011 exceeds all expectations.

You tell us

Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email letters@thepropertymag.co.za.

For your Peru-sal We wanted to thank you for a stunning evening at the Property Dinner at San restaurant. The food was glorious, the setting was private and discreet and the company was really interesting and entertaining. We were honoured to have been invited to this event. We look forward to advertising more with you and Inca in the new year. We think Property is the most stunning mag and concept, and last night made that even more apparent. You really deserve all the accolades you are getting, and we are very proud to be associated with such a prestigious, innovative publication. Alison and Friedel Weihe, Inca International, Johannesburg

Reader survey I refer to the latest issue of Property, which I always enjoy reading, and in particular I refer to the article by Jackie Gray. Firstly, as an architect

with many years experience (having qualified at Wits in 1967!), I always wonder why our profession is ignored, and particularly so in this article. Architects have the experience to advise clients on all the design, structural, legal and practical issues facing a person wishing to build their home. I find it strange that this point was forgotten or ignored. Secondly, a quantity surveyor does not ensure that ‘… the boundaries of the property are clearly marked’. It is the responsibility etc. of the land surveyor to attend to such matters. Hanns Bergs, Hentrich Bergs & Associates, Johannesburg Ed: The main reason we chose to focus purely on builders was because this seems to be the area where most people have problems when it comes to renovations and new homes (for some reason we never seem to hear people complaining about their architect). The information about the QS was supplied to us directly by our source, thanks for putting it right.

You got that Wright It was a real joy to read your article on the two Gregs in architecture. Greg Wright and Greg Scott come across as really down-to-earth guys who are passionate about their work but also incredibly professional. I love what they said when asked if one would recognise a GWA building:‘Our intention is to have people admire our work without being able to place it as an obvious or specific style.’ Modesty right there! They seem to be fun, creative individuals who have come together to bring us something special in the architecture world. Thanks Greg and Greg. Courtney Paterson, Cape Town

Letters may be edited due to space constraints and for clarity purposes.

Letter of the month

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The people’s cook Celebrity cook Justin Bonello’s family home in Breda Street, Gardens, was where he discovered the most important ingredient when it comes to cooking a successful meal – being surrounded by people.

freedom he harboured in his early years. This is evident in his road-tripping antics in Cooked. Their relaxed way, fun antics and colloquial charm made Justin and his entourage accessible and more enchanting – you felt as if they were your friends, all the while watching some delectable culinary alchemy happening on the screen, in the most unusual of settings and contexts. Even though his parents later went their separate ways, what Justin misses most about No. 30 Breda Street is the sense of family that was nurtured there. It’s something he has recreated for his own family in their house in Noordhoek, where he lives with his wife Eugenie and his son Dan. ‘The house I live in now, in Noordhoek, is much smaller. But unlike in the City Bowl today, here I get all the good stuff: I have a view out over Fishhoek and the mountains, a massive garden, peace and quiet. In many respects, it reminds me of what Gardens used to be like, 20 to 30 years ago,’ he says. Justin is a very busy man these days, what with the launch of his latest book, Out of the Frying Pan, and his featuring in Woolworths’ latest food campaign, The Good Food Journey, with his Australian contemporary, Bill Granger. He says that working with Bill and meeting his family was inspiring. ‘I made a lamb-neck potjie with gnocchi for Bill and his family, who were all so laid back and down to earth. Meeting them made me

realise that something was wrong in my own life. I was working 20-hour days and losing touch with the important aspects of life – family and friends. The experience of meeting them helped me to calm down. I was also privileged enough to be the first South African to introduce Bill to the potjie,’ he says. In his new book, Justin visits 13 professional kitchens and gets to cook with some of South Africa’s most renowned chefs. He admits that writing it was his hardest project yet. ‘From the first rough chapter to the final proof took only six months, and the pressure to create a book better than the previous ones, Cooked in Africa and Cooked Weekends Away, was hardcore.’ A couple of his favourite dishes from the new book are Michael Broughton’s scallop dish – ‘for those who are brave’ – and for an easier option, he recommends the crudo from Magica Roma’s Franco and Ezio. Neither of these dishes, however, would be on Justin’s menu if he could choose his last meal. When asked this question, Justin’s answer is, well, unexpected from a celebrity cook. ‘For my last meal on earth, I think the food wouldn’t be as important as the company. Let’s just say there would definitely be oysters and champagne … and every one of my friends and family.’ Why are we not surprised? +27 (0)21 409 2221, cookedinafrica.com

WHAT THE AGENTS SAY Heather van der Spuy, principal agent at Chas Everitt City Bowl, says Gardens is an inner-city suburb located in the higher elevations of the City Bowl, directly beneath Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. It is an affluent neighbourhood populated mostly by young professionals and contains numerous chic restaurants, hotels, boutique shops and loft apartments. The suburb is also a hub for Cape Town’s creative industry and contains many modelling agencies, production houses and headquarters of associated industries. It is also home to the world-famous, five-star Mount Nelson Hotel. ‘There is presently a six-bedroom guest house being operated from 30 Breda Street, Gardens. The value of the above-mentioned property would be between R3,75-million and R3,9-million. There are many gracious homes in this historic part of Cape Town. An unrenovated family home in the same vicinity sold for R2,7-million last year. Even though these properties are in close proximity to the centre of the city, there is a quiet calmness in the area, which is huddled between shady trees, wide streets and many open green spaces for children and pets to enjoy outdoor activities.’ +27 (0)21 422 1488, everitt-citybowl.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

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Property photograph Warren Uytenbogaardt Portrait photograph Louis Hiemstra, courtesy Cooked in Africa

hen Justin Bonello thinks back to his childhood home in Gardens, it isn’t so much the actual house he remembers as much as the sense of neighbourliness and the people that coloured his life during those years.‘The characters who influenced me are many,’ says Justin. ‘From “Pete the Greek” and his two daughters who owned the local café across the road to a motley crew of friends who used to bunk school together and hang out in the parks.’ His fondest food memories are of his mother’s weekly Sunday pea-soup-and-movie nights. ‘I think those Sunday nights were responsible for me eventually filming a series that involved friends and food,’ Justin says, referring, of course, to the TV series, Cooked, which rocketed him to fame and kept us enthralled as he rounded up a group of 20-odd friends and went on a road trip through southern Africa, cooking, drinking, eating and, most importantly, laughing. ‘On those Sunday evenings we used to hire a 35mm film projector and a couple of movies. About 20 or so family friends would arrive and Mom would serve a Dutch pea soup, complete with smoked sausage and baguettes from Zerbans. I remember smearing butter onto the bread and dunking it into the soup,’ he says. Another thing that Justin accredits to the neighbourhood he grew up in, in terms of shaping his career, is the sense of

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Hide out ‘T

otal escape’ takes on new meaning as you’re jostled deep into the valley that cradles Duma Manzi Eco Spa. They won’t find you here. And you most certainly won’t want them to. The inevitable unwinding starts as you wind your way down – safari-vehicle style – over rough ridges, through heavy- scented indigenous bush, along a track that seems something from Voortrekker times. You’re right. It is a Trekker road. It was also used

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There’s no need ‘not to tell’ where you’re going. They won’t find you anyway. frequently by Cecil John Rhodes to get to his farm – just further along on the same property. And then you get there – to Duma Manzi Eco Spa, situated within the Duma Manzi Eco Lodge reserve, a sprawling, 5 000ha tract of deep ravines, rushing water, pressing bush, rising cliffs and views with lift-off status. The spa opened less than a year ago, but has already been recognised as one of three finalists in the Safari Spa Category of the Les Nouvelles Esthétiques Spa Awards 2010.

Facing vast sandstone cliffs, it opens up completely to let the outside in, with nothing but the catlike cry of the fish eagles, the falling notes of the coucal and the sound of rushing water to break the peace. No mood music necessary here – treatments are done with only river sounds in the background, while the architecture and design also stretch to embrace the natural setting in every way. Take the thatch-and-glass Tranquillity Lounge, built on stilts over the water, where guests can simply chill or lazily watch the wildlife and birdlife in the river reeds and on the silver-white boulders. Or try the quiet plunge pools, steam chamber, African rain showers and foot-cleanse area, built into the rocks, glowing in natural light. Fitting smoothly into the green setting, the spa is run on strict green principles. Treatment beds are handmade from fallen

indigenous wood, all products from towels to cleaning materials are bio-rated and the holistic, organically certified skincare range, Dr Hauschka, is used as the premier brand in conjunction with a specially developed organic house range, Instinctive by Nature. Offering a wide range of treatments, including hot stone therapy, reiki, reflexology, massages, facial and hand and foot treatments and a couples’ treatment suite, the spa puts the emphasis on total privacy, and as much as possible on having the whole spa to yourself. Just a game trail away is Duma Manzi Eco Lodge and restaurant, where the flawless attention to detail continues. With all this luxury and pampering within easy reach of civilisation, (just 40 minutes from Maritzburg and 1 hour from Durban), there’s simply no reason not to get lost in this hideaway. +27 (0)33 212 9418, dumamanzi.co.za

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Cooling off For a total escape in the throbbing heart of Umhlanga, step into the cool, new Aqua Spa at The Square Boutique Hotel. Beautifully appointed and with expansive sea views, Aqua boasts a fine menu that offers just about everything. Facials in Thalgo and Dermalogica, the full range of waxes, tints, gel nails and permanent make-up, massage and pampering treatments (including hot stone therapy, reflexology, Rasul mud, sea wraps and full-body exfoliation), as well as superb packages, including some very special men’s ‘spoil him’ and ‘relax after a gruelling day’ combos. Open seven days a week; decadent Sundays here are tempting too. +27 (0)31 566 1814, thesquare.co.za

Find your way

Jacket required Veuve Clicquot Rosé’s new Sakura blossom ice jacket, designed by Paris-based studio Ateliers LZC, is an interpretation of the Japanese cherry blossom motif. This limited-edition ice jacket will keep your bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé at the ideal temperature for up to two hours. Distributed by The Really Great Brands Company. +27 (0)21 506 2629; veuve-clicquot.com

WIN!

MapStudio has introduced the Twelve lucky readers stand a chance ultimate South African of winning a copy of Book of the Road, road atlas, Book of valued at R199,95. To enter, email your name, contact number and city the Road. It contains to readers@medianova.co.za with MapStudio’s most ‘Map Studio’ in the subject line. detailed mapping Competition ends on 31 January 2011. Terms and conditions apply. ever published. With over 208 detailed maps and a new, easy-to- read index of road names, this book is the South African motorist’s perfect travel companion. Book of the Road includes a comprehensive list of points of interest, including dive sites, beaches, whale- watching spots, historic and heritage sites, mountain passes and 4 × 4 adventure trails, to name a few. It comes with a bonus CD that’s compatible with Google Earth and selected GPS devices. Book of the Road is available at stores countrywide for R199,95 and online at mapstudio.co.za.

Halfway house

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Sophisticated Don Julio Don Julio Reposado Tequila can be best described as ‘suave’. Handmade according to traditional, painstaking methods, this luxury tequila is distinctive. It is produced in small quantities and nurtured throughout the production process to ensure that quality is maintained. Most importantly, each blue agave plant is carefully cut, slow-cooked and delicately pressed to avoid any bitterness in the final spirit, which is then aged for eight months. +27 (0)82 889 3001, brandhouse.co.za; donjulio.com

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Compiled by André Fiore and Genevieve Fisher

Just a few months old, Sneezewood Farm Bed & Breakfast and Gift & Coffee Shop, set on the peaceful Sneezewood Farm, just 5km from Dundee, in the heart of the KZN Battlefields, offers an idyllic resting place halfway between Durban and Johannesburg. After successfully running a lodge in Seychelles, owners Paul and Karen Theunissen have returned to Northern KZN, where their six beautifully appointed suites (good linen, eclectic mix of antique and modern decor) are accompanied by all the thoughtful extras that turn a stay into a delight. The adjoining gift shop carries a diverse and interesting selection of locally produced items (including the Theunissens’ Baskets from Africa) as well as some top-quality offerings from counties such as Sweden and the UK. Fresh bakes, heady coffee and great light meals make the coffee shop (open Thursdays and Fridays) a spot not to be missed. Making things extra special, occasions such as birthdays, kitchen teas and baby showers are catered for, with flair. +27 (0)82 611 3560, sneezewood.co.za

HOTPROPE RTY Taking the cork A gift with total originality! Adopt-a-Row – from KZN Midlands-based The Stables Wine Estate – invites individuals to become ‘custodians’ of a piece – well, a row – of KZN wine history. An investment of R3 500 buys a row and a cultivar of choice, personalised labels on the wine from the row, a certificate of adoption, invitations to all farm events, including the annual Harvesters Lunch and Vine Budding Festival, as well as numerous discounts and special offers on Stables wine. For those wanting more, a Platinum membership at R8 500 includes the benefits of an additional row of champagne cultivar. +27 (0)31 561 4007, stableswine.co.za

Revolutionary tastes Hungry, bored or looking for a winning stocking filler? Scoop a copy of Neil Roake’s just launched Taste Freedom: Food from the Freedom Café. Celebrating Neil’s mantra, ‘Local, fresh and direct,’ this is a collection of recipes that smacks of freedom and nerve, and is sensationally illustrated with photographs by Tony Christie and artwork from Modern Museum design studio. +27 (0)11 628 3200, jacana.co.za

Crystal comfort This striking Crystal Chiavari Chair from Robert Thomson’s Translucence collection is made from moulded acrylic. Its classic shape makes it a perfect addition to any dinner table. We love the sorbet colours it comes in too! +27 (0)87 150 4749,robert-thomson.com

Dear Diary … Annual Pottery Open Day Enjoy the spectacular setting at Andrew Walford’s studio on the Shongweni Dam on 12 December. Browse his works and picnic on the lawns. +27 (0)31 769 1363, andrewwalford.co.za

Old Mutual Carols by Candlelight with the KZNPO Take a picnic and the family to Durban Botanic Gardens on 12 December. Tickets at the gate. Adults: R80 – R100; children 6 – 12: R20. +27 (0)31 202 5819, durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

Dolphins by Starlight Get intimate with Elle Elle Macpherson’s Intimates range has arrived in SA. Known the world over as ‘The Body’, it is no wonder the supermodel has her own lingerie line. The range is renowned for the superb fit of the garments and its use of durable yet luxurious fabrics. Available at selected Edgars stores. 0860 692 274; ellemacphersonintimates.com

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Shelly McLean, Clive Gumede, a surprise celebrity guest and, of course, the dolphins spread the Christmas cheer at the Standard Bank Dolphin Stadium at uShaka Marine World from 14 – 18 December. Tickets: R95. +27 (0)31 328 8000, ushakamarineworld.co.za; computicket.com

Holiday markets For Christmas decor, gifts, food and fun for whole family, get to the Christmas Celebrations Market on 16 December at the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market. And for mouthwatering homemade food, make your way to the Sunset Food Market at The Norwegian Hall, St Thomas Road, on 23 December and 27 January, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. +27 (0)83 777 1674, shongwenimarket.co.za; +27 (0)31 564 5135

MTN Jazz Festival Enjoy a picnic and jazz at Hazelmere Dam on 26 December. Tickets: R180. computicket.com

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With oomph! Put some zing into your do! With its creative team including multi- award-winning musical director, Evan Roberts, Makulu Event Producers specialises in product launches, gala dinners and promotional campaigns and awards ceremonies with a guaranteed ‘wow’ factor. Taking care of every detail, Makulu promises everything, from the costume design and choreography to the dancing girls. +27 (0)31 312 1281, makuluevents.co.za

Beach break

On contract Developers, architects and construction companies can now get assistance with all their tiling needs thanks to Malls Tiles’ newly established contract division. The company, which is the largest independent tile importer in southern Africa, has showrooms in Durban and Cape Town, and stocks the largest range of tiles and tiling accessories. Not only can you expect an unrivalled variety of products to choose from, you can also expect expert advice on tiling. +27 (0)31 207 6451, mallstiles.com

Sea, sand and green tranquillity is its promise and, set just 50m from KZN’s Ifafa Beach, on a towering hillside overlooking Umthwalume Lagoon, the four-month-old, Signature Life- managed Phefumula Beach Resort is a place for all seasons. Currently sleeping 85, and boasting a varied scattering of bars, lounges and eating spots, including poolside tables, Phefumula – meaning ‘to breathe’ in Zulu – is geared towards corporate use (it has conference facilities for up to 280 delegates) as well as family breaks. Special features include the sweeping thatched roofing, railway sleepers for lintels, slate floors and bar and bedroom decor carved from jacaranda and cedar wood. Blissful sea views, luscious banana palms and activities such as horse riding on the beach and paddling in the lagoon make this offering distinctive. +27 (0)39 977 8108, phefumulabeachresort.co.za

WIN!

Six lucky readers each stand a chance of winning a magnum of Pongrácz Rosé, valued at R180. To enter, email your name, contact number and city to readers@medianova.co.za, with ‘Pongracz’ in the subject line.

An African Christmas Earthchild, a local organic fashion brand, has brought out this eco-friendly, Africa-inspired Christmas tree. The fact that it’s made from biodegradable cardboard is testament to Earthchild’s commitment to protecting the earth and its resources. +27 (0)21 551 3010, earthchild.co.za

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Compiled by André Fiore and Genevieve Fisher

Tickled pink Just in time for the party season, Pongrácz has launched its renowned Pongrácz Rosé in a 1,5ℓ magnum, complete with an exquisitely designed gift tin. Composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, this dry rosé has an enchanting salmon hue and will add a touch of glam to any cocktail party. +27 (0)21 809 7000, pongracz.co.za

jam restaurant, located in Quarters Hotel, Avondale Road, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sundays.

Breakfasts are a grand affair with a choice of continental including home-baked breads, cereals, muesli, cheeses, cold meats or hot fare from a comprehensive menu, with eggs “just as you like them”. Lunch offers a choice of light, healthy meals.

Situated at Quarters on Avondale, 335 Avondale Road, Morningside, Durban Telephone: +27 31 303 8200 | Email: claudie@jam-restaurant.co.za

www.jam-restaurant.co.za

Just gorgeous

PRIZE VALUED AT

R15 000*!

One lucky reader plus one guest stand a chance of winning three nights’ accommodation in a luxury villa at The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa on the South Coast, valued at R15 000. The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa is a new, five-star, boutique lodge nestled in the majestic Oribi Gorge, an unspoilt part of KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, where the ancient, towering sandstone cliffs on either side of the meandering Mzimkulwana River offer captivating vistas. The luxurious villas are built on the edge of the impressive cliffs, offering spectacular, panoramic views of the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The establishment provides unsurpassed hospitality, world-class service and fine dining at its best. With its lavish treatments menu and natural, biodegradable products, the day spa enables you to relax and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Home to over 255 bird species, including fish eagle and the endangered Cape vulture, Oribi Gorge is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Other leisure activities on offer include game drives, mountain biking, horse riding, golf and adventure sports. This fantastic destination is just 150km from Durban. +27 (0)39 687 0378, thegorge.co.za

To stand a chance of winning, answer the following question: What endangered species of bird is Oribi Gorge famous for? Email your answers to readers@thepropertymag.co.za. The prize includes: t airport transfers from King Shaka International Airport t three nights’ accommodation for two people in one of the lodge’s luxury villas t breakfast and lunch at the pool, plus a five-course dinner in the lodge’s fine-dining restaurant while enjoying a wide selection of SA’s finest wines t a romantic dinner on your own private balcony, overlooking the picturesque Oribi Gorge, with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine t a one-hour spa treatment for two people t a two-hour educational game drive. * Terms and conditions apply. Prize valid for one year from on-sale date. Prize excludes cost of flights. Competition closes on 31 January 2011.

ARCH ITECTPROFI LE

Living art Phill Mashabane’s love for his fellow citizens and for his profession reflect in the buildings he designs, which are helping to shape South Africa’s built heritage and better the lives of others. above Dream to reality – Phill Mashabane with a model of Freedom Park; views of the built monument

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Words Tidi Benbenisti Photographs Paul Shiakallis thepropertymag.co.za

t’s a busy Friday afternoon, and Phill Mashabane is sitting and taking in the view of Forest Town outside the window, beyond the semi-vacant walls of the new boardroom of Mashabane Rose Associates – Architects & Urban Designers. ‘We moved in recently,’ says the veteran architect, dressed in a black suit teamed with a white mandarin-collar shirt. Phill clearly loves the leafy suburban setting. If the practice wasn’t based here, would he and business partner Jeremy Rose be occupying a high-rise office block in bustling Sandton, Illovo or Rosebank? ‘Not necessarily,’ says Phill. ‘For me, any CBD represents a concrete jungle. I like our suburban setting: we have Parkview and Emmarentia nearby, and the greenery is a lovely view to have.’ The surrounds are not unlike a golf course, I suggest (Phill’s an avid golfer). ‘Golf is one of my hobbies, and if the opportunity presents itself, I would love to design a challenging course.’ He declines to comment on his handicap, and adds with a smile that while golf is one of his passions,

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architecture tops everything else, and is a love that goes back to his childhood. Phill has always been passionate about art and the physical form of things, living or non-living. ‘My upbringing was different,’ he explains. ‘My parents were simple African people and art was not something I was exposed to. I fell in love with it because I loved what my eyes came across. Every building spoke to me then, and they still do today.’ (Even a well-structured shack might catch his eye and speak to him on an emotional level.) With two of his siblings living in Paris, France (‘not exiles, but practising professionals’), Phill was curious to experience life elsewhere.‘After my parents, my siblings served as my role models too,’ he notes. He went to the City of Light to study architecture at École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. (He’d later return to Paris to read for his LLB at the Institute of Law. Growing up under apartheid, Phill was exposed to many challenges, and sought in his higher studies a path that would enable him to put to rights the sorts of wrongs he had witnessed. ‘Not that I

was ignorant, but I felt it would be better to fight matters at a different level,’ he observes.) After graduating, he worked, unpaid, for Pierre Andrault. Three months later he was made a permanent (and salaried) employee. ‘The experience of working as an architect for the first time was exciting,’ recalls Phill. ‘But just like anything else that’s new, it was full of surprises. It’s just like putting on your first pair of shoes. You like it. And then there are things about it that you don’t like. But, you make it work, especially if it’s something that you are passionate about,’ he observes. In the mid 90s, Phill came back to live permanently in South Africa, where he worked for several firms before setting up practice with Jeremy Rose in 1995. According to Phill, when architects conceptualise and create the best building possible, they not only shape the landscape of a city or country, but also provide the people who use the building with an environment in which they can flourish, personally and professionally.

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The ability to take someone’s needs and dreams and create a structure that will embody all of their requirements, as well as sit comfortably within its environment, is not a simple task, but it’s one that Phill thoroughly enjoys. ‘A building needs to be well designed and well built. It should assume the landscape. It must serve the people long after the original tenants or clients have left it,’ observes Phill. With 30 years’ architectural experience behind him, Phill notes that humility and flexibility are two essential qualities for anyone planning on succeeding in this competitive field. His hard work, determination and faith brought him to where he is today, he adds. ‘Money wasn’t a factor in my career path. It was a passion for art and design, and the belief that through my art I would be able to bring about change, that inspired me.’ Phill says that in his capacity as Principal Architect and President of the South African Council for the Architecture Profession, he meets architecture students who seem to be motivated more by money than by passion, but he hopes that mindset will change. He adds that the economic recession has resulted in fewer projects and fewer employment opportunities for graduates. Planning in economically challenging times means more competition, but that’s healthy and necessary, as a project must be won, says Phil. ‘Integrity is part and parcel of this industry’s longevity, and that is what we are focusing on: by offering to deliver the best, we hope to earn the job.’ Phill takes pride in his profession. ‘Architecture is a science that influences people’s conduct and behaviour. It says how well we can live together as people,’ he comments. ‘Whenever Mashabane Rose Associates gets involved in a project, we always take into consideration the community in which the building will reside.We’re a competition practice, so when we put forward our ideas and services, we take everything into account, including the people who will make use of it and the community who will interact with it.’ Mashabane Rose Associates has won several prestigious projects, including the restoration of Mandela House in Soweto, the design and construction of UJ’s Art & Culture Centre and the Hector Pieterson Museum. The practice’s fine architectural

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creations have garnered international interest. The developments are contemporary in design, but sit harmoniously within their surroundings and deliver a local influence. ‘What’s important is that our clients are happy with the end product; after all, it was their dream that we got to interpret from paper to reality,’ he observes. One satisfied client is entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, in Henley-on-Klip, was a collaborative effort, insists Phill, but one which Mashabane Rose Associates was involved in. ‘The client had a lot of input in the project, and what mattered most was that we’d deliver an environment that is nurturing, safe and welcoming. Whether a school or an office building, this is where you spend most of your day – it needs to be comfortable.’ As for their design philosophy, Phill says it is hard to put his finger on it, but in general, a building needs to be functional, and should speak to the people. If its original function changes, does that mean the building is no longer useful and should be demolished? ‘No. If a building is well designed and built, it should remain standing and with occupants. It’s about longevity,’ he says. ‘We’re involved in a number of projects, but our biggest ongoing one is Freedom Park,’ he says. Although a collaborative effort that merges the creative input of several professionals and companies, Freedom Park is headlined by Mashabane Rose Associates. Situated in Salvokop, Pretoria, the 52ha park ‘tells the stories of both the famous and anonymous individuals whose actions helped shape South Africa’s path to reconciliation,’ says Phill. In his opinion, no two structures or buildings are ever alike (just like people), even if they are designed by the same individual. He is inspired by the notion that people derive joy from Mashabane Rose Associates’ creations. Phill is fluent in French, English and most of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Apart from playing golf, in his spare time the 52-year-old architect enjoys spending time with his five children, driving fast cars and cooking. ‘Fish is my specialty,’ he says with a smile. One day he might just build that dream golf course. ‘Designing a race track would be an amazing experience +27 (0)11 486 1057, mashabanerose.co.za too …’

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, in Henley-on-Klip, opened in 2007; Mandela House Museum at 8115 Vilikazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto; red face brick was used for the new walls and paving of Mandela House to match the red brick of the original building; rich rosewood clads the internal exhibition space of the Hapo Museum at Freedom Park; angles of interest at Hapo Museum; rendering of the Majestic building in Newtown, Johanneburg – some of the current buildings facing the entrance to the market will be demolished (excluding the Heritage Buildings) to make way for the new commercial building.

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ARCH ITECTPROFI LE

“A building needs to be well designed and well built. It should assume the landscape. It must serve the people long after the original tenants or clients have left it.”

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tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

LUXU RYWI N

WIN

Three readers stand a chance of winning an open voucher from Floors Direct to the value of R10 000 each, to purchase any products in the store, including laminate, solid, bamboo, blinds, rubber tiles, carpets, decking and more*.

FLOORING FRENZY Our homes are an extension of our personalities, a refuge where we can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of modern living. Our choice of flooring is integral to creating our sanctuaries, and we are spoilt for choice by the wide variety of flooring options to suit our needs and tastes. Floors Direct offers you numerous flooring solutions. Regarded as the specialists in wooden flooring, Floors Direct has recently added carpets and decking to its portfolio. Laminates are great, as they replicate the look and texture of real wood, while offering the versatility of a modern floor. Considered to be one of the most durable flooring options on the market today, laminates are resilient, easy to clean and maintain and offer value for money. Floors Direct imports and stocks laminates by Kronotex, a German manufacturer renowned for its high-quality laminates. Bamboo, meanwhile, is the ideal flooring choice for the environmentally conscience, comments Helen Marshall, marketing manager for Floors Direct. ‘Another benefit

is that it is durable and has visual appeal,’ she adds. The lifespan of bamboo flooring is equivalent to – or even better than – that of hardwood, as it is one of the hardest natural materials available for flooring, with a higher fibre rating than hardwood. Bamboo is exceptionally hard- wearing and available in several attractive finishes. Bamboo Cobam decking comes from a truly sustainable source and features a convenient clip system with concealed clips for a smooth and uninterrupted finish, which means there are no unsightly screws visible on the surface. This product is sourced from Elephant Bamboo, a company that’s based in Germany. ‘We are proud to have linked up with Elephant Bamboo to bring outstanding bamboo products to the South African market,’ says Helen. As a warm, soft, comfortable and convenient flooring option, carpets remain a popular choice for rooms such as the bedroom and lounge. Floors Direct supplies locally manufactured Belgotex, Nouwens, Crossley and Van Dyck

carpets as well as international brands, such as Desso, Milliken Floors and Balsan, through its Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal showrooms. Wooden decking provides a natural look and a stylish outdoor floor area, where you can relax and enjoy the lazy summer season, says Helen. Floors Direct creates that perfect outdoor area, with five different types of wood decking, namely Rhodesian teak, massaranduba, grappa, saligna and bamboo, available from its Gauteng stores. Floors Direct caters for the residential and commercial markets, and supplies and fits laminate, engineered, solid and bamboo flooring, as well as decking, carpets, rubber tiles and blinds. If you are after flooring that adds warmth and atmosphere to your home and services your modern needs of convenience and low-maintenance living, then look no further than Floors Direct. 0861 FLOORS (356677), floorsdirect.co.za

To enter, answer the following question: Name one of the flooring options provided by Floors Direct. Email your answer and city of residence to readers@thepropertymag.co.za and quote ‘Floors Direct’ in the subject line. Competition closes on 31 January 2011. Vouchers valid for six months. Carpets and rubber tiles only available from Floors Direct’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal stores. Decking only available from Floors Direct’s Gauteng stores. Terms and conditions apply.

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N E IG H BOU R HOODWATCH

Fransch-hooked Words and photographs Ed Suter

Franschhoekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation for world-class food and wine continues to grow in its postcard-pretty setting.

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n e ig h bou r hoodwatch

elcome to Franschhoek! Wherever you look, on the maps of the town, on each of the signs pointing to another exquisite vineyard, is the town’s motto, ‘Eat, Sleep, Drink’. Not, you might notice, ‘Work, Clean Behind the Fridge, Rake the Leaves’, but three simple commands to do three of the most pleasurable things in life. This, in a nutshell, is the Franschhoek way – a town where people come looking for what Lew Geffen Principal Estate Agent Bev Malan calls ‘lifestyle properties.’ Bev knows of what she speaks. She relocated here from Johannesburg a year ago and, when asked how she finds the adjustment, she doesn’t miss a beat before answering, ‘I’m still living the dream.’ A dream it may be, albeit one that lulls even the most resistant into believing that when a complex is called the ‘Village Centre’ and houses not much more than a curio shop with a king- size teddy bear and a few boutiques, you may find yourself wondering why any village centre needs more than that. Wander down the main road and everyone does seem to be obeying the command to eat and drink – one appealing restaurant in the shade after the next, another bottle of local wine being uncorked, another plate of frantically creative cuisine placed before your eyes. Franschhoek has surfed a wave of culinary creativity to become the epitome of the indulgent weekend away, where the restaurants are matched in quality by the wine estates and the fabulous places to stay. Less than 200 years ago, elephants wandered the mountain slopes of Franschhoek; today you might find one served at one of the highly rated restaurants, drizzled with a jus on a bed of rocket. Once the French Huguenots arrived in the area in 1694, after fleeing persecution at home and then complaining about the soil quality of their first allotted farms in the Cape, the area’s name was changed from Oliphantshoek to De France Hoek. I assume it wasn’t long before the Dutch settlers, tired of the daily grind of hoeing and tilling, began heading over the mountains for a weekend getaway to De France Hoek for a taste of ‘Eat, Sleep, Drink’. Franschhoek still finds favour with foreigners, although, Bev points out, with the strength of the rand, many of them are choosing to take out long-term rentals on properties rather than buy. The real buyers are those who can afford the luxury of taking their time, thinking about their options and choosing either a property with the easy appeal of lock-up-and-go on one of the new gated estates or the charming dream cottage, complete with picket fence and rambling roses, on Cabriere Street in town. As Bev says, ‘If it is lifestyle properties people are after, it’s more than have-to-have.The decision is slower in coming because someone does not have to start a job. There is no real rush to purchase, so it’s a much slower market and takes longer for a deal to materialise.’

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Nor is Franschhoek a cheap place to buy: the least expensive homes in La Petit Provence estate are priced between R2,5-million and R5- million, while in the more expensive Domaine Des Anges estate, there is nothing under R5-million. Rawson Properties Stellenbosch and Franschhoek franchisee Ivor Johnstone says, ‘Although the price of entry-level properties is high and the investment yield can be low, investors have made good equity returns on their investments because, in the past, prices tended to increase above the norm.’

We have met so many wonderful people who have turned to us again for selling or simply upgrading. After all, why would anyone want to leave the gourmet capital of South Africa?’ Fifteen years ago Chris Hoffman trained as a chef in Franschhoek under local legend Topsi Venter at her restaurant,Topsi’s.Two months ago he moved back to the village after working as a chef at Kalk Bay’s Olympia Café. Only this time he has returned to Topsi’s as the new owner. He has changed the restaurant’s name to Café des Arts, but still kept the familiar, unpretentious style of the decor and the food.

Chris’s food skips the fiddling and fussing of some chefs (‘It’s straight out of the pan onto the plate’), but he can take credit for bringing some serious joe to town. ‘I know for a fact we have the best coffee in town,’ he says.‘I can’t live without my barista. People here concentrated so much on food, the coffee was a joke, so at least there’s a place where people can drink a decent cup of coffee.’ One person who is not surprised at the newer, glitzier Franschhoek is local estate agent and property developer Peter Hager, as he takes credit for some of that sparkle himself.

“People go all over the world to experience what we have on our own doorstep.” Those who move here are on the lookout for a chance to change the pace of their lives. Bev says buyers are ‘after a different lifestyle, something more sedate, not the mad scramble of Johannesburg. There, it’s busy all the time. You are chasing something all the time. You think,“Where is life going? Why don’t we live in a beautiful place like Franschhoek?”’ Peter Wagenaar, manager of Seeff Franschhoek, says, ‘The beauty of such a small town is that you get to know your clientele’s needs to a T, and can find them the perfect match, be it a family home or a neat breakaway lifestyle property on the slopes of the mountains.

Chris has noticed huge changes in the village. ‘The glitz has totally taken over,’ he says. ‘Fifteen years ago it was old farmhouses down the main drag, not all this glass from floor to ceiling. People must be quite wealthy who live here; they don’t seem to work a lot. God knows what they do, as there is nothing but restaurants.’ Fifteen years ago Chris rented a farm cottage for R350/month. The biggest obstacle he faced moving back to the village was finding affordable rental accommodation. ‘For two weeks I slept in the storeroom. There is not much on the market. A two-bedroom place goes for R7 000/month.’

‘That’s what makes Franschhoek exciting. It’s all here, but it took someone from outside to come and change it,’ he says. Seventeen years ago, Peter left a career in fashion in Johannesburg and began what sounds like his own personal makeover of Franschhoek, bringing some pizzazz to what he says was a ‘country village with three or four restaurants.’ He adds, ‘I came from a glamorous life where everything was done properly.’ Recalling the town as it was 17 years ago, Peter says, ‘On a Friday afternoon I would stand outside on the main road at 6 p.m., and there was nobody. Then, over the years, it

OPENING PAGE The Huguenot Memorial commemorates those French Huguenots who fled to the Netherlands to avoid persecution in France. They were recruited by the Dutch East India Company to settle the Cape in 1694. This page, above Restaurants line Huguenot Street. Opposite, clockwise from top left One way to explore the village is on a bicycle for hire; the view of Franschhoek’s town hall; a coffee shop at Place Vendôme, a new shopping development in Franschhoek; Chef Glen Ferris at Allée Bleue Estate; Bistro Allée Bleue; Fizz Affair, a new champagne bar at Place Vendôme; a beautiful Franschhoek cottage.

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TWINS! Franschhoek has twinned with Knysna. The tourist towns will be sharing info, ideas and training on cultural tourism (festivals, events and trade shows), wellness tourism and eco-tourism.

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N E IG H BOU R HOODWATCH

changed. I think it changed for the better, but a lot of Franschhoekers didn’t like it. But it was too good a secret, one of the most beautiful places in the world. People go all over the world to experience what we have on our own doorstep.’ Today Peter runs Jager Estates with three partners, and has recently developed a smart retail precinct called Place Vendôme, where he runs an interior decor shop, Pistachios. It brings a V & A-type appeal to Franschhoek. ‘This was an ugly little farmhouse. Look at it today – it’s a lovely little shopping centre. It was built to be the most beautiful thing you’d see when you arrived in Franschhoek,’ says Peter. ‘You can shop at the deli or have a glass of bubbly at the champagne bar. It creates a really superb vibe.’ So don’t mistake Franschhoek for a dorp. These days this is the countryside more at home in Jimmy Choos than veldskoene. ‘Franschhoek is called the “Bishopscourt of the Boland”. It has the most sought-after real estate. It’s the food and wine capital of the country. It’s magnificent,’ Peter adds enthusiastically. While downsizing to Franschhoek might mean never having to say goodbye to a taste of Sandton, it does mean adapting to the size of the village. It is not a big place, although the prices of its properties and its culinary fame belie its size. It does not take long to travel the full distance from A to B; that is from Allée Bleue Estate at one end of Franschhoek to Boekenhoutskloof at the other. The alley of bluegum trees that lead down to the old homestead at Allée Bleue gives the estate its name. It is being refurbished and will be relaunched next year as a boutique hotel. Chef Glen Ferris (who once worked under Marco Pierre White in London and, more recently, for Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed) has revamped Bistro Allée Bleue, making it somewhere you want to linger. ‘When you think “bistro”, you think “quick in, quick out”,’ he says. ‘Here, we want to be different and have a

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fine-dining touch.’ Meals prepared with olive oil, seasonal fruit and fresh herbs grown on the estate are served under the bluegums. Guests can stay in a converted Herbert Baker- designed cottage, order a picnic on the lawn, see a concert in the palm garden and listen to live music outdoors on Sundays. After wine tasting, they may relax in the courtyard with some flammkuchen and a bottle of Chenin blanc. The fame of Boekenhoutskloof ’s Chocolate Block wine has spread through endorsements from some of the world’s top restaurants.Tasting and Sales Manager Innocent Mpahleni says The Chocolate Block accounts for 90% of the farm’s wine sales.‘It put us on the map,’ he points out. ‘We are happy to see our wines on the lists of some of the top restaurants in the world, such as elBulli and The Fat Duck. That says more to us than having a gold medal on the label.’ Franschhoek, along with everywhere else, has been hit by the recession. ‘The property market is almost dormant,’ Peter Hager says. Rawson’s Ivor Johnstone says, ‘Admittedly, during the economic downturn sales decreased, but prices remained solid, with an increase of about 5% to 6% last year. Sales have been increasing since the end of 2009, with renewed demand from foreign buyers.’ But what Franschhoek offers, romance and a fantasy of the good life, will always endure. There are currently two new shopping precincts being built on Huguenot Street, despite a number of ‘To Let’ signs in the shop windows. Everything is being readied for the start of the tourist season and the return of the ‘swallows’, when the show begins in earnest. In the mid afternoon, when the kitchen staff and waiters are out on Huguenot Street in their kitchen whites and aprons, like actors resting between the matinee and the evening show, you can sense a lull in the town. Then the restaurants reopen for dinner and the Franschhoek performance starts up again. The village will always remain a fantasy of ‘Eat, Sleep, Drink’ for city folk looking for respite from more mundane matters, and there are more than enough people setting up their stalls in this small town to help bring that fantasy to life. I leave Peter Hager contemplating his philosophy for realising the more adventurous hopes and ambitions of visitors to the village he calls home. ‘What do I have to do to make it come true?’ he formulates out loud. ‘That’s actually quite a good question,’ he says, as he repeats it to himself before adding, ‘Do you want to buy a house here? I’ve got a fab buy!’

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Boekenhoutkloof ’s Innocent Mpahleni with life-size cutouts of characters from a graphic novel promoting its wines; a Franschhoek cottage – the village is not for entry-level homebuyers; learners return home; roses in bloom.

WITH THANKS Allée Bleue, Desmond Spannenberg, +27 (0)21 874 1021, alleebleue.com Boekenhoutskloof Winery, Innocent Mpahleni, +27 (0)21 876 3320, boekenhoutskloof.co.za Café des Arts, Chris Hoffman, +27 (0)21 876 2952 Jager Estates, Peter Hager, +27 (0)21 876 3147, jagerestates.co.za Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Bev Malan, +27 (0)21 876 8480, sothebysrealty.co.za Seeff Franschhoek, Peter Wagenaar, +27 (0)21 876 4592, seeff.com Rawson Properties Stellenbosch, Ivor Johnstone, +27 (0)21 876 4968, rawson.co.za

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FRAN SCH HOE KG ETAWAYS

Stay and play Linger a little longer in the valley and overnight at one of these incredible guest houses and boutique hotels.

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher and Sandy Welch

1 Back to the future

2 Style in bloom

For a taste of history, look no further than Residence Klein Oliphants Hoek, a 19th- century home that has been converted into an elegant boutique hotel. What was once a mission station is now a dynamic combination of old meets new, with traditional architecture married with modern fittings and 18th-century daybeds sitting comfortably next to flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have their own plunge pool, and there are two en-suite loft rooms available with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel offers sumptuous breakfasts as well as afternoon teas – also open to the public – in the lavender and rose garden. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway. +27 (0)21 876 2566, kleinoliphantshoek.co.za

The Last Word Franschhoek has had a makeover just in time for summer. The overall theme is ‘The Garden’, so the focus is on native flora incorporated into the landscaped gardens and interior finishes. The Last Word is a member of Mantis Preferred Boutique Hotels, and in keeping with the high standard offered by the rest of the collection of award- winning hotels, game reserves and eco-destinations, expect the utmost in quality. Mantis Central Reservations, +27 (0)41 407 1000, mantiscollection.com; The Last Word Franschhoek, +27 (0)21 876 4723, thelastword.co.za

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3 Relationship reboot Feeling the need to reconnect with your partner, mother, sister or friend? Then sign up

TAKE NOTE The fifth Franschhoek Magic of Bubbles Cap Classique and Champagne Festival takes place on 3 – 5 December on the lawns of the Huguenot Monument. +27 (0)21 876 2861, franschhoek.org.za

yourself and your loved one for the Couple’s Yoga Weekend at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa. This five-star boutique hotel is the perfect setting in which to embark on the seven-hour hatha yoga sessions, presented by Tracey Rohan-Irwin among the hotel’s idyllic gardens as well as in the romantic wine cellar. By Sunday morning, you and your relationship will be detoxed, revitalised and ready for whatever challenges life throws at you. Aum! +27 (0)21 876 8900, lefranschhoek.co.za; shadesofyoga.com

4 Return to elegance Looking out over 180° views as the sun rises over the Franschhoek Valley, the vineyards in their summer finery, the lavender purple, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting. This is the main suite at Mont Rochelle, where

attention to detail includes underfloor heating in the bathroom, a spa bath, double shower and Molton Brown products. Decor is all about old-school opulence, and no corner has been ignored – there seem to be small surprises in every enclave. Accommodation ranges from suites to more intimate rooms, but it’s the gourmet side that deserves special mention. The award-winning Mange Tout, under the auspices of new Executive Chef Leigh Trout, focuses on the finest of dining, with twinkling night views across the valley as a grand piano plays gently in the background. For a more rustic atmosphere, have lunch at The Country Kitchen on the other side of the estate and enjoy its Mediterranean menu. End your stay by organising a private wine tasting with the resident winemaker. +27 (0)21 876 2770, montrochelle.co.za

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Own a business suite in what’s undoubtedly one of the best-located 5-Star Hotels in the world!

Excellent capital appreciation year-on-year Profit on rental income distributed monthly 30 Nights exclusive use per annum All business suites recently refurbished to international standards Each business unit consists of: Entrance passage, deluxe bathroom, bedroom, lounge with kitchenette and balcony. The ‘No fuss’ way to owning a seafront property in Cape Town. Managed by Radisson Hotels Superb Spa and Wellness Centre All units registered under sectional title No transfer duty

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GUMPTION FOREST

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an extraordinary home for so many reasons, but perhaps primarily for the near-tangible powerhouse of energy unleashed when homeowner, architects and landscaper collaborated on a single vision: to engage with the environment. Words Anne Schauffer Photographs Wieland Gleich

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at Naicker lives at No. 15 Hickory Hollow, Hawaan Forest Estate, Umhlanga, KZN, but her connection with the estate runs far deeper than mere homeowner, for she’s also the visionary developer. Given that the first seed of the idea was planted in early 2003, Pat can barely remember a time when she wasn’t thinking/talking/consulting around her vision for this protected piece of the planet. Nothing here has been left to chance; much has been left to nature. Those who choose the Hawaan lifestyle only do so if they’re wholly committed to fostering the natural environment, for that’s the premise on which the estate is founded and grounded. Ring Pat’s doorbell, and you’ll be greeted by a cacophony of barking dogs. Somewhat ironic, given dogs’ incompatibility with the estate’s ethos around fauna and flora. But Pat’s not breaking her own rules about ‘No Dogs’; on the contrary, she delayed her move onto the estate for many years because she owned a dog.

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The sound that greets you is a riotous recording, one that gives visitors an entertaining glimpse at the flip side of Pat Naicker. ‘Barking mad,’ says acclaimed international landscaper Diarmuid Gavin with a laugh, in dry admiration of Pat’s tenacity and drive in pursuit of her goals here. Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA) not only devised the estate’s architectural code but also designed a customised range of architectural models for each plot. Patrick Ferguson, who heads SAOTA Durban, explains, ‘The estate slopes down towards the forest, so effectively, the plots are arranged on three levels. Each stratum has its own height imperative, so, without crushing innovation in design, the rights of each homeowner to a green outlook are protected, and all properties are compelled to utilise either timber or green roofs to a minimum of 50% of the roof area. Roof gardens and terraces significantly soften the built environment.’ The focus is, essentially, on the magnificent forest. Creeping up from that dense, treed expanse, green fingers of the forest are

pulled up into the estate. Eventually the homes will abdicate their dominance to that of the forest. All planting, public and private, must be of flora endemic to the forest (leading horticulturist, Geoff Nichols, was the consultant on the project). Pat’s home straddles three plots, a stretch which once spilled over Forest Edge’s site to that of Avenue. The significance of that for the architects were the varying height restrictions – half at 7,6m, the other 4,2m. A clear line runs along the base of the building where it steps down to the lower height specified – effectively single storey – and all structures that side of the line are on the lower scale. It may have presented a design challenge, but the architects believe it was a contributing element in the scaling down of what is a fairly monumental building. ‘The peripheral elements and devices like the pergolas and screens contributed to that objective, creating a human scale and human interest element to the structure,’ says Patrick. An admiring grin from Patrick. ‘She’s the only client I know who came to every single site meeting,’ he says.‘She knew exactly

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prope rtyofth e month

Opening page The sun protection provided by the wooden slats was given further interest by the irregularity of the design, allowing filtered light to trickle into the home. OPPOSITE, clockwise from top left The swimming pool is bedded into the landscape, in keeping with the ethos of an unobtrusive garden; the softer approach of the garden fronting the forest wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary here at the entrance; the subterranean chill and entertainment space which Diarmuid designed. This page Moved aside, the vast glass doors of this central, double-â&#x20AC;&#x160;volume living area are well concealed, removing any barrier between inside and out, while clever choice of materials ensures continuity.

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Top The large gas fireplace is a central design element, allowing a dramatic line of flame to illuminate and warm the room. Bottom The spacious indoors-out en-suite bathroom was given glamour status with a marble feature wall. Opposite, left to right A striking black gloss Poggenpohl kitchen; sandblasted doors partially conceal the main-en-suite bathroom; loo with a view, as the water flows intriguingly beneath the glass floor.

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PROPE RTYOFTH E MONTH what she wanted in terms of layout and arrangement of space. In fact, she gave us a sketch not unlike the final layout. Certainly, we took those ideas, worked and developed them, and the synergy resulted in a dramatic and memorable structure.’ ‘The house works around the double-volume living room space, and all the ancillary spaces work off that,’ Patrick adds. ‘It became the main nodal point for the entire design. In essence, it’s quite a symmetrical layout – with some asymmetrical play as well – but there’s the central living space, then the building is split two ways. The home presents a very symmetrical facade to the forest edge.’ Pat’s house was one of the first projects that Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects developed at Hawaan and the practice was determined to explore and play with all those criteria they’d set for the estate. The primary one was the integration of nature, and fostering that, the use of natural materials and elements. Water plays a central role, as a guide into and through the building: flowing outdoors, even beneath glass, indoors – finally picking up on the axial vista with a pond coming in at right angles to the main swimming pool. The engagement with the environment was one of the important design criteria. The architects wanted to ensure each room was not purely internalised, but related to the external spaces as well. The result – a powerful internal/external relationship. Patrick describes the numerous devices which aid that relationship in terms of continuity of material: ‘The living room space was almost conceptualised as a garden pavilion, so once you fold the doors back into their cavity sliders, the whole room becomes a big garden space, which opens up onto the terrace area. No discernible division between the two.’

The weathering, untreated timber screens and pergolas aren’t simply there to provide a scaling or design element; they’re highly functional, and placed in areas where solar and wind control are strong requirements.The home employs a great deal of glass, a material viewed by the architects in an abstract – rather than conventional – way. ‘We consider them as big openings or abstract arrangements or expressions, rather than simply doors and windows,’ says Patrick. He adds, ‘There’s also a lot of structural gymnastics going on in this building. From the word go, as you arrive, you have this incredible cantilever, which comes right over the entrance, and appears completely unsupported on the edge. That, together with the use of lengths of glass, means you’re also looking at these very long spans, and you’re left asking the question, How does this stand up? That’s always an interesting one …’ Endorsing the architect’s commitment to smudging the lines between indoors and out was a commitment to an extraordinary garden. Pat can’t think small, and set her sights on the charismatic celebrity Irishman, Diarmuid Gavin, renowned for avoiding obvious landscaping solutions. ‘I’d always been a fan of Diarmuid’s work, and had been tracking him and his extraordinary gardens for years,’ she says. ‘I knew he was the right person, unafraid to push boundaries.’ Pat wrote to him. Within weeks, Diarmuid’s office responded: he was intrigued, and soon thereafter, on his way to South Africa. No, he didn’t know much about indigenous South African plants but, undaunted, he spent time with leaders in the field: Chris Dalziel, of Durban Botanic Gardens, and Geoff Nichols. Diarmuid was captivated with Pat’s vision that, in time, when the fingers of forest crept up and filled in, the homes would end up peeping out of this magical landscape. For him, ‘the architecture

was the wow factor, so it wasn’t competition which was called for, but subtlety and simplicity. The garden would always be the forest, so between house and forest, a certain quiet clarity.’ Diarmuid shot one line from the house straight off towards the forest on a kind of catwalk. Then he created movement left and right, with stripes and strips of lawn at different levels. Was he trying to mirror something in the building? He responds, ‘When you’re reacting to the forest, you know for sure you can’t control it, so you want to step down gently and create a bit of subtle fun with different levels.’ And he has. But, as Pat expected, Diarmuid found it imperative ‘to have a flourish’ among the subtlety. ‘I’m a good listener,’ he says. He has absorbed Pat’s lifestyle – how she’s as happy to be sociable as she is to be solitary. He has created a subterranean outdoor space, a safe and secure sunken room in which Pat can entertain as comfortably as she can spend time there alone with music and a book. Grinning, Diarmuid says, ‘I think this space is like an antidote to the big scary forest, and the very large house, a bit hobbit-like, under the ground.’ Clearly, Pat chose Diarmuid for the inevitable twist for which he’s renowned, although he’s quick to offer a different take on his reputation for quirkiness: ‘I never set out to look for the unusual, but when you explore a place properly, you think, There must be something else. There always is. Here, the subterranean room was the response to that.’ For the architects, although they took a conscious approach to keep everything very neutral and calm internally, the building is about a layering and unfolding of experience as you walk through it. A bit of mystery comes about every time you turn a corner or go through another space – it reveals itself gradually. Eliciting a sense of excitement and the unexpected were important parts of the concept, and they work. Wonderfully.

“She gave us a sketch not unlike the final layout. Certainly, we took those ideas, worked and developed them, and the synergy resulted in a dramatic and memorable structure.”

WITH THANKS Diarmuid Gavin Designs, Diarmuid Gavin, diarmuidgavindesigns.co.uk Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects, Patrick Ferguson, +27 (0)31 566 4893, saota.com Hawaan Investments, Pat Naicker, +27 (0)82 785 1155, hawaan.com

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The lie of

the land Thinking about revamping your garden? Landscape designer Carrie Latimer gives her views on where local landscaping is heading.

Photographs Julian Goldswain

hat excites me greatly about current landscaping trends is the radically changing slant on the concept of innovation. At the moment, landscape design is far more about simple, intelligent methods of design and production than about new materials, hybrid plants and novel technologies. Tapping into broader socio-economic trends, I anticipate that the landscape industry will experience a rising demand for quality and a tempered approach to design.

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Luxe will still exist, but will be personalised and discrete; and with our focus narrowed to our local environment, gardens will reflect their ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; growing desire to blend in rather than stick out. Am I calling on you to play it safe? Absolutely not. As a landscape designer, I can confidently say that the industry is hotting up. And there is no getting away with being all-coat-and-no-knickers in this climate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about solid fundamentals, about finding that element of surprise and about creating a garden that reflects the very best of its owners.

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LAN D SCAPI NGTR E N D S

Shag-turf chic Untamed modern Photo courtesy Wesley de Wit

While ornamental grasses have been the rage for some time, the more common turf grasses are receiving increasing recognition for their natural beauty. Left unmown, turf grasses can be used to define spaces within the landscape in an attractive and cost-effective way. On a couple of occasions in the past year, I have been faced with the task of designing a domestic garden so large that to intensively landscape the entire property would have been both a maintenance and budgetary nightmare. Seeding large areas with grasses such as perennial rye, All Seasons Evergreen or Paspalum notatum, which can all be left unmown for many months, is easy on both the pocket and eye – not to mention the mower blades! Though you can achieve a slick effect by contrasting unmown turf with more manicured lawns, I have great fun experimenting with seasonal bulbs, such as snowdrops and oxalis, which can push through a turf carpet to give a charming display of flowers as the seasons roll over. Perhaps because of their connection to the grassveld, the Jo’burg-based designers I have met are far ahead on this trend, applying the principles to gracious old stands and tight urban spaces alike.

Say a sweet goodbye to the idea that for a landscape to sit comfortably with contemporary architecture it must mimic it by using hard lines, static sculptural forms and terribly controlled planting. The most sophisticated architects I’ve encountered prefer to set their minimal creations in a landscape that celebrates the informal beauty of the natural world. Creating a successful ‘wild’ garden requires a delicate understanding not only of the plant species native to the region, but of how the planting will develop over time. As ecologist Marijke Honig points out when talking about her fynbos gardens, ‘The more diverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it will be, so one can include a lot of plant diversity in a fynbos garden. To make it look authentic, avoid large drifts of single species and rather plant in a mixed “Persian carpet” style, which mimics natural plant populations. Fynbos plants are sensitive, so you can expect a few plants to die; but in this natural style of planting, it doesn’t matter: there will be others to fill their place.’ I would strongly recommend seeking an expert from your region, who can design a planting scheme inspired by your local surrounds to create a natural, ultra-contemporary context for your home.

Any scepticism that going green is a fad is long out the window. Responsible design is now a lasting trend that, through necessity alone, will radically shape the world of landscaping to come. While there are many facets to this topic, the most pressing is probably water conservation. For her wisdom, experience and style, I place great value in the views of designer Franchesca Watson on complex matters such as these. As she points out, ‘Water constraints affect our choice in plants, and while it is important to understand how this will affect the aesthetic of your garden, choosing water-wise plants is not enough to turn the situation around. We need to think more deeply about the issue, about giving water a chance to seep back into the water table and not simply find its way to the storm-water system.’ Franchesca encourages people to find a comfortable balance between responsible and beautiful design. For example, she suggests inhibiting water run-off by choosing permeable driveway surfaces, such as grass blocks or middle mannetjies, which, when designed skilfully, can add greatly to the beauty of a garden.

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Photo courtesy Sarah Calburn

The age of responsibility

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LAN D SCAPI NGTR E N D S

The urban refuge

As a Capetonian designer, I hadn’t quite appreciated the growing interest in courtyard gardens, until a recent trip to Johannesburg brought me to some of the most exciting downtown dwellings I had seen in a long time. Enclosed by buildings and open to the sky, courtyard gardens have formed an integral part of residential architecture for almost as long as humans have built homes. Yet for landscape architect Sonja Swanepoel, of African Environmental Design, they offer a solution to some very contemporary needs. ‘In cities across the world where security is an issue, people prefer the refuge of enclosed courtyard spaces,’ she says. ‘In Mexico City, for example, architects are building houses with very few exterior openings, and focusing great attention on internal courtyards. These gardens also moderate the extreme effects of the hot summers by cooling the air which enters a building.’ The courtyards Sonja designs are uncomplicated, offering a usable, compact outdoor space suitable for urban living. While Sonja’s metropolitan gardens appear simple, creating beauty in a small space requires attention to detail, and a fundamental understanding of the needs of the building’s inhabitants.

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Photo courtesy Sonja Swanepoel

A new modesty

ABOUT THE WRITER Carrie Latimer has been a practising landscape designer in Cape Town for the past four years. Coming from a fine-arts background, Carrie fell in love with the world of garden design while living in rural South East England. With her family being based largely in Hong Kong, and with her passion for travel, Carrie’s been exposed to a diverse range of gardens, resulting in a portfolio that ranges from classic Bishopscourt gardens to ultra-contemporary landscapes on the Atlantic Seaboard. You can contact her on +27 (0)79 871 5572.

If Karl Lagerfeld can say it, then so can we, and with a great sigh of relief – bling is dead. Every discipline of design is contending with a backlash to the lavish materialism of the past two decades. For landscape design, like so many others, it’s back to solid, straightforward, gimmick-free design. One designer whose work has always impressed me as remarkably ego free is Capetonian Mary Maurel. Coming from a background in architecture, Mary says, ‘I was never interested in trophy architecture – excess and ornamentation for the sake of it. Today, as a garden designer, I see my role in a project as site responsive – to create a symbiotic relationship between the architecture and the landscape. The framework is key, and the planting should reinforce it. Often, in this way, you can create something extraordinary out of the seemingly ordinary.’ Mary’s gardens are deceptively simple and restrained, her understanding of proportion, form and plant materials, clear. Her knowledge results in landscapes that are comfortable and quietly eye-catching. A garden does add significantly to the cash value of a property; perhaps that’s why, despite the stringent economic climate, people are still willing to invest in their gardens. Attitudes, however, are certainly changing. People are showing far more reserve in their spending, and much greater interest in design that adds to quality of life rather than status.

WITH THANKS … African Environmental Design, +27 (0)11 486 1513 Marijke Honig, +27 (0)83 564 6655 Mary Maurel, +27 (0)84 600 2636 Franchesca Watson, +27 (0)82 808 1287

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2010/11/11 3:02 PM

PROPE RTYPROFE SS IONALS

ABOVE THE CROWD Although it’s been a tough year for the property industry, there are still those who have managed to shine. We pay tribute to them.

Belinda Lehnerdt, RE/MAX Address, Team Leader, Umhlanga Rocks ‘No individual has ever conquered the world alone. Only with support, encouragement and loyalty are results of success attainable in this industry, especially in the past year. What a journey!’ +27 (0)82 878 3282

Clinton Nel, RE/MAX Address, Sales Associate, Kloof ‘2010 for me has been a record-breaking year. I put my success down to the continual support of my loyal clients and hard work. My listings and sales come predominately from referrals and repeat business.’ +27 (0)82 658 8457

Grant Gavin, RE/MAX Panache, Broker/Owner, Durban North & La Lucia

Chez Kruger, RE/MAX Tricolor, Sales Associate, Pinetown

Gareth Bailey, RE/MAX Address, Broker/Owner, Umhlanga Rocks

‘Despite the prevailing challenging market conditions in 2010, RE/MAX Panache

‘I went against the grain of current trends and had

‘This year has been tough, but we have been fortunate to have had

experienced an extremely positive year in sales, thanks largely to our strong brand

a phenomenal year. 2010 was good to me and I look

wonderful people in our organisation who have helped us to increase

positioning, and the quality of agent attracted to the brand.’ +27 (0)82 458 4083

forward to 2011.’ +27 (0)83 226 9329

our market share despite poor industry conditions.’ +27 (0)82 300 2745

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Photograph Val Adamson Styling Ariane Ferguson Hair and make-up Alana-Jane O’Malley and Kirsty Turco from Make-up Your Mind Assistant Chillies Zwane Location The Oyster Box

Adrian Goslett, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, CEO/Regional Director

Pelham Henwood, RE/MAX Midlands, Broker/Owner Pietermaritzburg

‘2010 has seen the industry continue to evolve into

initiatives keep us ahead of the game, ensuring quality growth, improved productivity and market share

focused and dedicated real-estate professionals.

during difficult times. I’m really happy with our progress.’ +27 (0)83 377 0911

‘A tough market necessitates innovative thinking to accommodate customers’ changing needs. New

Encouraged by this transformation, RE/MAX has experienced significant sales and agent growth.’ +27 (0)21 761 1110

John Pechey, RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors, Broker/Owner, Ballito, Salt Rock & La Mercy ‘2010 was a very challenging year that separated the men from the boys. Our approach was very positive and proactive in terms of marketing and our company showed growth of 50% in agent count and we maintained our high market share, which kept us as the number-one real-estate company in our area.’ +27 (0)83 225 9180

Peter Gilmour, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Chairman ‘2010 has been a tough year where the industry was forced to adjust to

Deanne Hamilton, RE/MAX Panache, Team Leader, La Lucia

many changes. We have met the challenges head-on and the industry

‘2010 has been a very challenging and yet rewarding year for me as a real estate agent. I

can look forward with confidence to leading South Africa out of the

was very fortunate to exceed my expectations due to hard work and ensuring the sellers

recession in 2011.’ +27 (0)21 761 1110

price their properties realistically.’ +27 (0)82 563 4280

thepropertymag.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

PROPE RTYPROFE SS IONALS Pieter van der Merwe, Ramsgate Area Specialist, Pam Golding Properties Margate ‘During 2010, sellers in the leisure property market remained under pressure with the current market conditions,

Dean Hammerich, Owner, Richlands Realty

while buyers have been spoilt for choice.

‘The drop in interest rates and SA’s fiscal controls

Leisure properties on the South Coast

contributed greatly towards keeping the market alive.

have increasingly shown exceptional value

Despite the global decline we had a reasonable year and

for money, and should investors consider

expect the trend to continue in 2011.’ +27 (0)32 586 0162

investing in their own holiday home, now is the right time to make that investment. I have seen a definite increase in demand in the last month and anticipate this trend to hold towards the end of the first quarter of next year.’ +27 (0)39 317 3003

Hans Coetzee, Architect ‘The current liquidity crisis has put a damper on an already volatile property market, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, as there has been a definite upswing, especially in the end-user residential market in the last quarter of 2010.’ +27 (0)31 566 5750

PROPERTY

STUDS

Andreas Wassenaar, Principal, Seeff Dolphin Coast ‘What a pleasure it is to be in the property industry. The tougher trading conditions have provided more focus and determination than ever to provide the best possible service to those clients that are buying and selling.’ +27 (0)32 586 0170

Photograph Sally Chance Styling Ariane Ferguson Hair and make-up Ros Faber Location Dish Restaurant

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

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prope rtyprofe ss ionals David Warmback, Partner ‘After 118 years of practising in the Durban

Diana McIlrath, Partner

CBD, I view our recent move to new,

‘My ability to offer exceptional service to our

custom-built premises in the well- located

clients in the Richards Bay office is afforded to

Ridgeside Office Park not only as a breath

me as a result of the support structure and pool

of fresh air for the firm and its staff,

of resources generated by working at the largest

but also as presenting exciting business

firm in KwaZulu-Natal.’+27 (0)35 780 7250

opportunities in property and other fields in which we practise, in the Umhlanga and La Lucia office node, where many of our existing corporate and banking clients are located.’ +27 (0)31 575 7409

‘It is a pleasure to be part of a highly reputable firm that was recently voted SA’s

Beverley Nelson, Head of Conveyancing and Property Law Department, Partner, Member of the Shepstone & Wylie Board

Top Medium- size Legal Firm by PMR Africa. Property law is complex, challenging and

‘In the area of developments, residential, commercial or industrial, it is crucial to have a superior service that exceeds your clients’

deadline driven. There is a vast amount to know – always something to challenge your mind.

an experienced, reliable conveyancing attorney in the professional team. Shepstone

As property lawyers, we are not only at the coalface of development and progress but we also

& Wylie has been part of numerous successful developments helping to streamline

play a critical role in the success, or otherwise, of new projects.’ +27 (0)31 575 7105

delivery in the final stages.’ +27 (0)31 575 7104

Sifiso Msomi, Partner

taking care

of legalities thepropertymag.co.za

Lauren Maltby, Partner ‘You need to think out of the box to provide expectations.’ +27 (0)33 355 1784

Photograph Val Adamson Styling Ariane Ferguson Hair and make-up Chelsea Hill and Chloe-Grace Salmon at Pout Assistant Chillies Zwane Location The Oyster Box

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

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i nve stm e ntadvice

island style Words Andrea Firth, Genevieve Fisher and Sandy Welch

LEFt Apollo Beach Villa, Cyprus. RIGHT Eden Island Marina, Seychelles.

he time to invest offshore couldn’t be better, thanks in part to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s recent announcement that there would be an easing of exchange controls. Not only can South Africans now invest R4-million offshore every year – as opposed to the previous R4- million lifetime allowance – special permission can also be requested for an allowance extension. But where to put your money? Islands, it seems, are currently offering some of the most attractive prospects.

Sources: hospitality-property.mu, investmauritius.com

Cyprus calling When considering offshore investment and looking into purchasing property overseas, certain criteria are always at the top of the checklist. These include a country with a stable and growing economy, a potential return on investment from rentals and holidaymakers, a great climate for your own holidays and, preferably, a place where they speak your language. The island of Cyprus ticks all these boxes and more. Situated at the point where three continents meet (Europe, Asia and Africa), this tiny island of approximately 800 000 people has shown steady growth over the past years. English is spoken everywhere on the island and all bills, banking and property papers are produced in English. With some of the lowest tax rates in the world, your investments are protected. The country has no got inheritance tax or capital

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gains tax, and pension income tax is as little as 5%. The crime rate is extremely low – in fact, the lowest in Europe. A member country of the EU, Cyprus also offers the unique incentive of providing residency to new owners and their family on purchasing a property. With beautiful beaches and warm weather almost year round, Cyprus has long been a hot spot for tourists and there is a wealth of holiday villas and apartments. One of the biggest development companies on the island is Leptos Estates. With over 300 developments, it can offer property buyers a variety of easy and affordable options, including seafront villas, such as Apollo Beach Villas, resort residences and hillside houses. Each development is built on the philosophy of creating a neighbourhood feeling. Leptos Estates’ property management division can maintain your property, gardens and swimming pool, or take your property onto their books, renting it to holidaymakers or long-term tenants. Owing to high demand for rental properties, the group guarantees three years of rental returns on long-lease terms. Paphos is one of the best towns to choose if you want to get the balance right between your social and work lives. Located on the western side of the island, the town is experiencing a development explosion. Leptos Estates is currently carrying out a unique mega-project in this idyllic seaside village.The Neapolis estate will cover more than

Some of the best offshore investments can be found on islands. Sun, sea, sand and solitude – what’s not to like? We look at four of the hottest islands where investment opportunities abound. 110ha and will include a university, a hospital and commercial and residential buildings. Considered to be one of the most ambitious construction projects ever to be taken on in the Mediterranean, the development is strongly supported by the government of Cyprus and looks set to turn the sleepy village into a property and investment hot spot. +27 (0)21 680 5272, cypriotrealty.com

Archipelago of wonder When thinking about idyllic beach paradises, Seychelles tops the list. This archipelago of 115 islands has all the requirements – crisp white sands, sparkling turquoise waters, waving palm trees – and some of the most coveted real estate in the world. There are many reasons why this island is an appealing investment: it has excellent infrastructure, is conveniently located between Asia and Europe, doesn’t fall within the cyclone belt and has a stable political climate and economy. The Seychelles rupee has also been realigned to major international currencies, providing increased purchasing power to investors. Foreigners who want to buy real estate here need to obtain government sanction, but most developers will assist in this regard, and it isn’t a complicated process. One of the most prominent developments in Seychelles is Eden Island (on the main island of Mahé), which consists of more than 40ha of residential development.The development offers

three main types of residential accommodation, sold on individual freehold title. The Apartments include one-bedroom to three- bedroom units, ranging in size from 88m2 to 172m2. The Maisons are spacious duplexes with either three or four bedrooms, and range from 260m2 to 1 000m2 in size. The most luxurious option is the Villas, with between two and six bedrooms and plots ranging in size from 600m2 to 1 000m2 (the actual homes range from 260m2 to 1 000m2).All of the options have their own private mooring and braai area and a buggy with which to drive around the island. The development also includes a clubhouse, gym, swimming pools and three private beaches. To date, 320 of the 550 units have been sold and some 220 units have been completed. Apartments and Maisons are priced from $395 000 (R2,73-million) for one-bedroom units to $1 395-million (R9,64million) for four-bedroom Maisons. Villas are priced from $1,86-million (R12,86-million). Like most residential offerings in Seychelles, ownership confers residency rights on you and your immediate family (given that terms and conditions are met).

The romance of Malta Malta is quickly becoming one of the most popular offshore investment islands for South Africans. Of the 3 000 permanent residencies that were taken up in Malta last year, 25% were taken up by South Africans. According to

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

I NVE STM E NTADVICE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Villas at La Balise Marina in Mauritius have breezy indoor/outdoor flows; show villa at the award-winning Villas Valriche, where units are based on a Mauritian plantation style, with a choice of designs and sizes; beachfront swimming pool at Apollo Beach Villas; views of the marina from Portomaso, St Julians, in Malta.

Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti, managing partner of Chetcuti Cauchi, a law firm that assists those purchasing property in Malta, the strengthening of economic ties between South Africa and Malta and the island country’s relaxed property and taxation laws present unique benefits. He explains that it is easy for foreign nationals and companies to purchase property in Malta. ‘Malta’s business laws and practices are very standard and the work and business ethics are sound,’ he says. ‘A strong international tax treaty network is in place, which can provide competitive tax advantages.’ Crusader Rock is a company that facilitates and expedites EU residency applications for South Africans who rent or purchase property in Malta. MD James Bowling says, ‘Malta is fast becoming the destination of choice for South Africans wanting to enjoy a swift, cost- effective and relatively effortless means of gaining residency in a EU member state as well as take advantage of international investment potential, attractive tax benefits, and affordable property purchases.’ So what does Malta have to offer in terms of lifestyle? With a rich history dating back to 5 200 BCE, it is one of the few countries that was voluntarily colonised, back in 1814. When colonial reign ended in 1964, the country retained many British influences, including its legal system, and English (along with Maltese) remains one of the official languages. As part of the EU, it enjoys all of the associated benefits of being a member state, but as Dr Chetcuti explains, because it was one of the later countries to join, it never experienced the big price fluctuations that some other member countries suffered.

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

But it’s the beauty of this island that investors find most alluring. Located on the warm Mediterranean Sea, its climate is moderate, the people friendly, and the location perfect to connect to Europe. Dr Chetcuti says that Malta property prices over the past decade saw a progressive increase, until being marginally affected by the recession. High-end prices have remained relatively stable, and while the low-end to middle price ranges initially dropped, the first three months of 2010 saw property prices rising for the first time in 24 months. One development currently attracting attention is Portomaso, which is being marketed by Crusader Rock. Located in St Julians on the northern coast, this upmarket waterfront residential development covers an area of 128 000m2. The meandering design of its three-basin, 110-berth yacht marina stretches along 1,6km of waterfront. The development includes the five-star Hilton Malta hotel, a beach club, a health and leisure centre, an office tower, a conference centre and a selection of shops and restaurants. The one- to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses range in size from 70m2 to 500m2. They have spacious private terraces – some with their own individual pools – and no two units are the same. In some, a split-level format offers amazing sea views as soon as you step through the front door. The complex has a relatively low density, as well as a large area of open space. As 90% of the area is free of cars, you’ll also be guaranteed a tranquil environment. Crusader Rock, +27 (0)11 883 9028, crusaderrock.com; Chetcuti Cauchi, +356 2205 6200,ccmalta.com

The magic of Mauritius Mauritius has always been a favourite holiday destination for South Africans. It is a four-hour flight from OR Tambo International, has an idyllic climate and beautiful beaches, English is widely spoken and, of course, it is a melting pot of exotic cultures, religions and food. Mauritius has one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa and over the years its government has shown continued commitment to a market-driven economy, allowing free enterprise to flourish and encouraging foreign investment. As a result of this, many global companies have set up headquarters on the island. Investors are encouraged to buy property on the island too. A bonus for investors is that the tax system is uncomplicated: a flat 15% tax is imposed on individuals and companies, there is no capital gains tax or inheritance tax and the island has double-tax avoidance treaties with 30 countries. The Real Estate Scheme (RES) is an incentive strategy put in place for foreign investors looking to buy property in Mauritius. It is ideal for those who ultimately want to invest, work and live in Mauritius or who want a second or holiday home there. Under this scheme, buying property at a minimum price of $500 000 (R3,46-million) allows the purchaser to apply for a residence permit. One of the most talked about residential developments is La Balise Marina, where the residential units have their own moorings. It is situated on a 15ha site along Black River. Upon completion it will consist of 118 duplexes and villas. Phase one, comprising 50% of the homes and the Island Grace Hotel (built by the

original developers of the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town) will be completed by 2012. The development will also have a 12 000m2 commercial and retail hub, The Boulevard. Renowned South African architectural firm Boogertman & Partners is responsible for the design of La Balise Marina, while Wynand Wilsenach Architects is collaborating with a Mauritian architect in the design of the Island Grace Hotel. Environmentally friendly developments are also big news in Mauritius, with Villas Valriche being an excellent example. Situated on the southwest coast at the foot of the Valriche Nature Reserve, Villas Valriche has been designed to have as little negative impact on the surrounding environment as possible. When finished, the estate will consist of 288 plantation-style villas, set around the existing 18-hole championship Golf du Château course. It will also contain a separate nine-hole, par-three course. There are 22 variations on four villa designs to choose from with a choice of two, three and four bedrooms. Each villa will have an infinity pool, large verandas, air-conditioned bedrooms and state-of-the-art communication systems. On the green front, the estate has its own sewer-treatment plant, which reprocesses and cleans water for irrigation in common areas. All teak timber used has been sourced from a regenerated forest in Zambia, and power is controlled automatically. Prices start at around $1-million (R6,9- million) for a detached freehold villa with infinity pool and private landscaped garden. +27 (0)11 234 0400, labalisemarina.mu; +27 (0)11 880 1224, villasvalriche.com

thepropertymag.co.za

CY CMY

Safe Heaven. Spacious freehold golf villas from $1.25 million Buying a property at Villas Valriche, the double award-winning Mauritian estate, epitomises luxury tropical living. You will own a home in a country: U That boasts 40 years of political stability, with a strong and thriving

US$ based economy and one of the world’s best performing property markets.

U That welcomes and incentivises investment from South Africans, with

no foreign exchange controls, capital gains or inheritance taxes.

U With a world-class infrastructure, that offers a safe environment for

your family and a secure home for your assets.

Thousands of South Africans already invest, work and live in Mauritius. To find out why, send today for our villa information pack with a free copy of the 16-page report “IRS: Why You Want to Invest in Mauritius”.

+27 11 518 0400 0861 113 985 info@villasvalriche.com www.villasvalriche.com VV_PropertyMag_June.indd 1

20/05/2010 13:39

Birthdays,

BOAS AND BDO Words André Fiore Photographs Val Adamson

PROPE RTYD I N N E R

Saint-Gobain started out manufacturing mirrors for the Palace of Versailles for Louis XIV. The dinner was suitably splendid.

ake a rather bubbly Property Dinner, throw in a couple of glasses of something sparkling, and you can be assured of certain certainties. The snake was not one of these. The gathering featured a number of Saint- Gobain’s star employees, including Project Specifications Manager Paulette Murison, Technical Solutions Manager Grant Richardson and Site Coordinator Mathew Baney. Clinking glasses with them were Barry Damerell and Jacqui Verduyn from Paton Taylor Architects, developer Mark Stewart of BDO, Lance Hackney from Collins Group, Julian Forfar of Armstrong Construction and Ian Hayes-Hill, director and quantity surveyor at Edgecombe & Hayes-Hill. Saint-Gobain Construction Products is a multifaceted multinational corporation, broadly divisible into four sectors of operation: innovative materials, construction products, building distribution and packaging. The clinking this evening was about the successful completion of the stunning new BDO House on Umhlanga Ridge, a joint venture between BDO Accountants, who have their new regional headquarters there, and the Collins Group, which is now headquartered there.

GUEST LIST Mathew Baney, Saint-Gobain Virginia Burger, The Property Magazine Barry Damerell, Paton Taylor Architects André Fiore, The Property Magazine Julian Forfar, Armstrong Construction Lance Hackney, Collins Group Ian Hayes-Hill, Edgecombe & Hayes-Hill Paulette Murison, Saint-Gobain Grant Richardson, Saint-Gobain Anne Schauffer, The Property Magazine Mark Stewart, BDO Adrian and Jacqui Verduyn, Paton Taylor Architects Nicky Willcock, The Property Magazine

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THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

prope rtyd i n n e r Grant Richardson

Ian Hayes-Hill

Barry Damerell Lance Hackney

Jacqui and Adrian Verduyn

Mathew Baney Nicky Willcock

Paulette explained a little later that, thanks to the incredible dedication of every member of the team, especially dynamic architect, Jacqui (‘she’s a whizz on site’), the new building has been certified as 100% compliant with Saint- Gobain’s and SpecSure’s standards. For Saint-Gobain offers solutions. Alternative building solutions. Instead of brick and mortar, Saint-Gobain has a huge range of products and systems that, if used in accordance with their specifications, are guaranteed to

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

perform as designed for thermal, acoustic and even fire ratings. Muscular stuff for such an evening, but on the subject of solutions, backbone and muscle, Saint-Gobain were not alone. Of architect Barry, Paulette commented, ‘He’s one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. And controversial.’ That’s why, whenever she brings out a new product, she runs it through a ‘Barry Test’. Muscle power was present in other forms too, such as getting the entire project to come out spot on budget

Julian Forfar

and delivering a magnificent building at a very competitive price. Ian smiled: state-of-the-art building, A-grade offices, design complications – he had dealt with them all. Julian got the nod too: dealing with 47 subcontractors and still delivering a winner was no breeze. There’s no doubt Mathew held his own on site too, his attention to detail having contributed hugely to BDO House’s earning the compliance award. Freddy Singh, the suave general manager of Dish, and Head Chef Daniel Vieira interrupted

Mark Stewart

our chatter briefly to welcome us to the award-winning restaurant of Royal Palm Hotel (2010 Diners Club Platinum Wine List of the Year, Restaurant of the Month October 2010, and many more besides). In Dish’s signature fusion style, the menu mixed sophistication and opulence with a modern, unique twist. The unusual ingredients, fine flavours and creative offerings started with shots of chickpea soup and flowed into a memorable dinner marked by fabulous flavours and a good number of very

thepropertymag.co.za

André Fiore

THE MENU Amuse-bouche Chickpea and tomato soup Slow-roasted Italian tomatoes infused with marjoram and oregano with chickpeas and a dash of cream Jacqui Verduyn, Paulette Murison

Paired with Pierre Jourdan Cuvée Belle Rosé Starter Asparagus wrapped in Parma ham served with green peppercorn hollandaise sauce Thai Fish Cakes – fresh linefish, chopped and marinated in lemon, ginger, oyster sauce, soy and garlic, tossed in crumbs, shallow fried, served with sweet and sour soy chutney, tossed in rocket and cherry tomatoes Paired with Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc Main Coconut oven-baked kingklip – marinated in soy and fresh ginger, served on a bed of sticky jasmine rice, served with seasonal slow-roasted root vegetables, topped with a coconut and Chardonnay cream sauce Paired with Dieu Donné Chardonnay Medallions of beef fillet – stuffed with Gorgonzola and fresh sage set upon polenta with a port reduction Lamb loin chops – in fresh sage, olive oil, garlic, served with mustard seed mash with a Savannah and cranberry dew Exotic mushroom risotto – sautéed oyster mushrooms, portobello, porcini and shiitake, reduced in Chardonnay, infused with tarragon sage, topped with shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano

Anne Schauffer

worthy bottles. But then, we had double reason to celebrate in style, as not only was its BDO House’s birthday, but Paulette’s too. Certainly, she had chosen the occasion well. A Property Dinner. In KZN. Where certain certainties will arise. There will always be someone (boa owner or not) who went to Hilton or Michaelhouse. Or not. There will always be someone who used to live just down the road from someone else, in London. In this case it was Jacqui and her husband Adrian

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Paired with Savannah Cabernet Sauvignon

Virginia Burger

(neither of whom owns the boa), who had ‘shared digs in London’, before she brought him back to Durban. Born and brewed in SA, they smiled at their folly, and explained that now there’s nowhere else they’d rather live than in KZN. Mark said he had also chosen not to relocate to Gauteng, so as not to join the Great Trek to work and back, while Lance, who stays in Pietermaritzburg, said, ‘I can get from there to Jo’burg quicker than a ’Burger can brush his teeth and exit his suburb in the mornings.’

When a Property Dinner ends with a rather firm parting plea to ‘not mention the boa’, it is, of course, only artistic licence and the infamous ‘on the record/off the record’ Property Dinner rule that permits the information to go to print. But, in essence, it’s likely that the boa itself has no particular objection to being mentioned, but rather the owner of the boa who was more keen to keep tight lipped. And with that we all +27 (0)11 345 5300, snaked home saint-gobain.co.za

Dessert Vanilla bean pod crème brûlée Chocolate fondant – a warm chocolate volcano topped with vanilla ice cream, candied lemon zest and chocolate tuile Paired with Pierre Jourdan Ratafia Dish Restaurant, The Royal Palm Hotel 8 Palm Boulevard, New Town Centre, Umhlanga Ridge. +27 (0)31 581 8000, threecities.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

Com m e rcialS pace

Words Genevieve Fisher Photographs Naashon Zalk

Auction Alliance’s new offices at The Block in Cape Town’s Wale Street are the creative result of the company’s key values: transparency, energy, modernity and fun. The Property Magazine takes a walk around The Block. 48

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

nlike most CEOs, Rael Levitt likes to have his workstation located in the centre of Auction Alliance’s open plan offices. With no walls, or boundaries, (and consequently hidden agendas), he steers the ship of South Africa’s most successful auction house while his employers go about their daily tasks. Auction Alliance’s new headquarters reflect one of the core values of the organisation: transparency – one of the many attributes that has contributed to the success of the group. In terms of the creative brief to interior architect, Anthony Manas of Manas Design & Detail, transparency was the pivotal characteristic that he, his creative assistant Olga Moustakis, and their team had to interpret when taking on the project of designing the new offices. And they have done so with great success. ‘When I initially met with Rael about this project, the perception I had about him and the Auction Alliance brand was that they needed a clean, slick space with lovely flows, where the notion of transparency was important,’ says Anthony. ‘We interpreted this through the use of glass walls and panels, particularly in the entrance area, all without giving too much away and while retaining a touch of intrigue in the various meeting areas.’ Anthony and his team had just two months for the project. Considering that he had recently relocated from Johannesburg, where he and his company were already established, it was a momentous task. ‘Coming to Cape Town, fairly unknown, with little knowledge of good contractors to assist in delivering a finished, turnkey project, the task seemed mountainous, given the slight time frame,’ Anthony says. ‘One of the first things we did was create the double-volume entrance area with its large spiral staircase leading from the first to the second floor. This was very challenging, as we had to break through to the second floor and clear out the space,’ explains Anthony. The beautiful spiral staircase was conceptualised in an attempt to add some curves

to an otherwise angular space, while timber was used in an attempt introduce some warmth (another of Rael’s guiding principles). ‘It was important for us to steer away from the square, clinical and, in most cases, boring aesthetics associated with most corporate companies. We decided to bring in some curves, which allowed for a much more appealing flow of space and opened it up,’ says Anthony. Other striking features are the walls and their range of finishings, from textured wall coverings and wallpaper featuring photographs from Auction Alliance’s archives with the colours of the national flag superimposed to beautifully photographed canvases of Cape Town. Every detail has been considered. ‘The backdrop wall to the spiral staircase is arresting. It was the result of a meeting I had with Rael during the Soccer World Cup, where we were brainstorming interior ideas for the offices and wanted to capture the energy and patriotism infecting the country. We wanted to portray the flag and the people of Auction Alliance, who are proudly South African,’ says Anthony. This was important to Rael, as he believes that Auction Alliance is all about people, and wanted to create a work environment that reflected this. The Auction Café is the pinnacle of this sentiment. Rael’s ‘people’ congregate here during their downtime, whether it’s for their lunch break, caffeine fix or to unwind in front of the flat-screen TV. It is Rael’s favourite space because it is interactive, has lots of energy and no expense has been spared in the use of high- tech appliances. But again, it is the wallpaper that is the most striking feature of the room. It was specially designed using photographs of various auctions that the company has conducted over the years and presents a vibrant, visual history of the organisation. There is a quote displayed on a couple of walls in the new offices that says it all: ‘We build our business one relationship at a time’. It is an attitude permeating through Auction Alliance’s new home: that solid business relationships are what this Block is built on. +27 (0)21 443 6000, auction.co.za; +27 (0)83 652 4522, manas.co.za

OPPOSITE Images of patriotism form the backdrop to the eye-catching spiral staircase. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The ultra-modern, curvaceous reception area; The Auction Café, where employees can relax and socialise; a private meeting room with the defining feature of textured wallpaper.

thepropertymag.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

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INVESTMENT matters

Words Sandy Welch Image courtesy Faircape Property Developers

GREEN LIVING

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

AUCTION

OFFSHORE

Twice as nice

It didn’t take long for Wembley Square to entrench itself in the hearts of Cape Town’s trendsetters. Now, its sister development, Wembley Two, is promising more of the same.

he ‘live, work and play’ concept has been taken to a whole new level with the birth of Wembley Two, in Gardens, Cape Town. A Faircape Property Developers project, the building has been constructed specifically to complement the existing Wembley Square, with the focus being on the ultimate in luxury. Built on a triangular piece of land, and designed by MLB Architects, the unusual, contemporary building incorporates a mixture of face brick and glass, taking its idyllic

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location well into account. Wembley Two offers AAA- grade commercial space, with the luxurious offices making the most of the incredible views of Table Mountain from their individual balconies. Tenant allowance is about R1 800/m2, and there are four parking bays per 100m2, as well as a visitor’s parking bay (charged at an hourly rate). Above the offices are the residential apartments, which have their own separate, secure entrance. Contemporary in appearance, the apartments have high-class finishes,

including Rational Kitchens, supplied by Alpine German Kitchens. ‘We wanted to offer the best in premium luxury finishes, and these kitchens meet the criteria all round,’ says Mike Vietri, head of the Faircape Group of Companies. ‘We also installed them in our apartments at Harbour Bridge at the V & A Waterfront, and were very impressed with the service, right from design through to installation.’ On the roof will be a pool deck and entertainment area for residents to while away the long summer evenings, and the apartments

will be protected by 24-hour manned security as well as a central electronic surveillance control room, where CCTV cameras will be monitored day and night. The complex, which is expected to be completed in April 2011, will have its own vida e coffee shop, but will also be linked to Wembley Square by way of landscaped streets, offering residents easy access to the Virgin Active gym, Wembley Spa & Wellness Centre and numerous upmarket restaurants. +27 (0)21 404 1300, faircape.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

GREEN LIVING matters Lighten up

The South African wine industry is a leader when it comes to

Kidding around

environmental initiatives, and now we have two more reasons to be

In the playful corner of Chelsea Village in Wynberg, Cape

proud of our wines. In their continued efforts to lower their carbon

Town, you’ll find the child wonderland that is Kiids Boutique.

footprints and environmental impact, Obikwa (a Distell brand) and

With its wide range of local and international creative brands,

Backsberg Estate Cellars have launched eco-friendly wine bottles.

such as Bambam, Kidsonroof and Snoozebaby, the store

Obikwa, one of South Africa’s biggest wine exports (it’s available in

stocks toys that nurture the imagination and the earth.

43 countries), has launched a new ultra-lightweight bottle. Weighing

Produced predominantly from sustainable material and

only 350g, the Consol Glass bottle is lighter than the former 450g

recyclable cardboard, the toys have old-fashioned sensibility

bottle, translating into a substantial saving on carbon emissions and

and a modern twist. Totem Nature, for example, is a

energy consumption during production. Not to be outdone, Backsberg,

three- dimensional building puzzle made from recycled

SA’s first carbon-neutral wine estate, has brought out a new brand

cardboard. With 130 colourful pieces with reversible prints, it

called Tread Lightly. The Tread Lightly Merlot 2008 and Sauvignon

allows you to build four different models: a lizard, a deer, a

Blanc 2010 are the first certified wines to be sold in an innovative

church and a witch’s house. It’s a gorgeous, eco-friendly way

polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft bottle, produced by Mondi.

to get your kids back into the playroom and back to using

Lightweight and shatterproof, the bottle is recyclable and takes 50%

their imagination. Totem Nature retails for R350. Visit Kiids

less energy to produce than its glass and metal counterparts.

Boutique or order via email. +27 (0)21 762 8935, kiids.co.za

+27 (0)21 809 7000, distell.co.za; +27 (0)21 875 5141, backsberg.co.za

Green platter

Positive contributions

Funded by donations from corporates and individuals, the new environmental education centre has opened at Intaka Island, the 16ha wetland conservation

area in the heart of Century City. The new, multifunctional eco-centre will be fully operational by the beginning of 2011 and will have an educational activity centre, reception and information centre and assembly area. Designed with green principles in mind, the building

Most conventional

incorporates energy optimisation methods and it is hoped the entire building will eventually operate off the grid, thanks to a combination

supermarket pet-food brands

of wind turbines, solar power and hydro power. The Intaka Island Trust has been established as part of the fundraising initiatives for the

consist of reconstituted animal by-products, otherwise known as

centre and has been registered as a public benefit organisation. Intaka Island is home to 177 indigenous plant species and 120 bird species.

low-grade waste, from the beef and poultry industries. With

+27 (0)21 552 6889, intaka.co.za

nutrition one of the key ingredients in keeping your pet happy and healthy, an organic, natural brand is one of the best choices you can make. Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition is a registered pet food that’s natural, wholesome and preservative free. Including real meat, real vegetables and freshly picked herbs, the range is a pet’s delight. Vondi’s range includes food, biscuits and treats, as well as shampoos, for cats and dogs. +27 (0)21 439 1784, vondis.co.za

Keep growing

It’s a long-standing tradition, but Christmas cards and wrapping paper are one of the worst eco-offenders over the season. To

counteract this, Growing Paper has come up with an ingenious idea. The company produces gorgeous gift cards, tags, calendars, wedding stationery and custom creations on recycled homemade paper using water-based ink. The product is biodegradable and recyclable, and the company reuses waste water from

Soulful soles

paper production. The truly ingenious twist, though, is that seeds are embedded in the

Five years ago, Grandt Mason set out to produce a boot

paper, so that after you have

that was leather free, with enormous success. Inspired,

unwrapped the present or

Grandt convinced his sister, Kate, to join his team

read the card, you can plant it,

and went into the eco-friendly shoemaking

and will soon have a beautiful

business full time. Creating beautifully crafted,

pot of flowers or herbs to

handmade shoes, g-mo footwear has quickly

enjoy. It’s a gift that keeps on

become known for its unique take on the popular

giving. +27 (0)83 456 4671,

women’s ballet pump. Currently working towards a 100%

growingpaper.co.za

environmentally conscious product, their label is animal friendly materials – such as a mix of old curtains, wedding dresses, suit jackets and (potentially) even yacht sails and billboards – that

Craft thrills

The aptly named Forgetmeknot, Creations from Cast-offs, takes discarded objects and turns them into

makes this brand so unique and cutting edge and ensures you’ll

toys, bags and pieces of art. Founder Tanielle Bell employs a team of underprivileged women to

be stepping out in style. g-mo.co.za

produce a range of gorgeous plastic handbags, crocheted toys and accessories. forgetmeknot.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by Andrea Firth

and uses no synthetic materials. In fact, it’s the choice of

Luxury goes green

Mirage is a luxurious new green residential development coming to Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendy

DeÂ Waterkant node, with completion expected by July 2012. The building is designed to use sustainable systems of climate control and lighting. It will have sun control and natural ventilation and will be finished with low-maintenance, hard-wearing natural materials. Trees form an important part of the greening of the building, both at street level and in the terraces, and will be watered through rainwater harvesting. The building itself will consist of a blend of natural stone and timber, with the residential aspect ranging from spacious studios to three-bedroom apartments, all with en-suite bathrooms. There will also be some duplex units featuring floor-to-ceiling vistas and private terraces, and state-of-the-art penthouses. A few floors will be dedicated to office space, with the offices having direct access to the rest of the facilities in the building, which include a spa, fitness room and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, as well as undercover parking, 24-hour security and access control. The rooftop will feature a sky bar, heated pool, braai area and spectacular views across the city and ocean. +27Â (0)21Â 939Â 8120, mirage-capetown.co.za

Palmyra passion

The second-largest Foodmarket to open in the Western Cape, the Woolworths store at Palmyra Junction in Claremont, has a

lot more to offer than merely a great new shopping outlet. Woolworths has introduced the new store as the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenest yet. Automated doors help to regulate the interior temperature, and it has been equipped with CO2 refrigeration systems. A more environmentally friendly option than normal refrigeration gases, these also have zero impact on the ozone layer. The skylights are an enlightening new feature allowing for maximum natural light throughout the store. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about design innovation. Woolworths is also bringing its customers on board: handy recycling drop-off points for paper, glass, tin and plastic are located in the shopping centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parking lot, while the store displays its real-time energy use on a large screen up front. Woolworths CEO Simon Susman says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Climate change and energy efficiency are two of the very real challenges facing all of us today. Woolworths is committed to continually working to increase the energy efficiency of our operations, as well as reducing our carbon emissions in meeting our Good Business Journey goals. This store, we believe, marks an important milestone towards these goals, and we look forward to exploring and implementing more new technologies in future.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2030;0860Â 100Â 987, woolworths.co.za

Let South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mr Green, Simon Gear, show you how to do your bit for the planet - and your purse. Each week Simon sets a typical SA family and energy-saving challenge. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be amazed at how simple changes can drastically cut electricity usage -- and save hundreds of rands. -ON PM s 4UES PM s 7ED AM s 4HURS PM

residential matters Classy Currie Construction has started on 511 on Currie, an upmarket, three-unit development comprising two simplexes and one duplex. Each unit is 260m2 in size and includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms (all en suite), a fully fitted open-plan kitchen with granite counters, a large open-plan lounge/dining area, a balcony or private garden with city and sea views, double garaging with direct access and additional visitors’ parking bays. Priced at R2,95-million each, the units will be finished to luxurious standards, and with occupation scheduled for mid February 2011, there is ample opportunity for buyers to liaise with developers on internal layout design and choice of finishes. Situated at the good end of Durban’s Currie Road, within walking distance of Durban Girls’ College, this development is on an exclusive mandate to Marc Lurie of RE/MAX Address. +27 (0)31 313 1310, remax-address.co.za

Rent a luxury home Fractional-ownership specialist

ranging from golf estates and

atmosphere. The homes sleep

group DJ Syndico has opened

trout fishing farms to exotic

between 8 and 12 guests and

its range of five-star luxury

islands and bush lodges.

offer all the luxury trimmings

Private Collection lodges and

Now, corporates or individuals

applicable to the venue, from

villas to the rental market.

can make use of these

game rangers and game- drive

The group currently manages

properties for a team-building

vehicles to golf carts.

50 luxurious holiday homes

opportunity or dream getaway

+27 (0)11 795 1176,

in nine different locations,

with a home- from-home

djsyndico.co.za

African exclusive Situated within the 22 000ha Zululand Rhino Reserve, in Northern Zululand, the remaining nine sites on Luthuli Private Game Reserve have just been made available. Comprising a maximum of 17 private, freehold-title game lodges and set on the 3 862ha Luthuli development within the rhino reserve, this is an opportunity for buyers to establish a luxury family lodge and enjoy the accompanying lifestyle – with like-minded people – within the bounds of a Big 5 reserve. The Zululand Rhino Reserve has been granted protected-area status, forms part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and, with all landowners having opted to drop their fences, offers rare sightings of wild dogs, aardvark, brown hyenas and honey badgers, among others. Ideally situated for bush lovers, Luthuli is just 15km from Mkuzi Game Reserve, 20km from Phinda Private Game Reserve, 32km from Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and 20km from Lake Jozini. With sites set along contour lines, architectural guidelines that ensure ultimate privacy and minimum disturbance to the environment and no form of commercialisation permitted, Luthuli is exclusively for buyers who are discerning about the bush and conservation. Priced from R3,57-million. Guy Hamlin, +27 (0)83 251 0135

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

also offer income- generating options, as they can be

With the leisure-homes sector still subdued, for

R1 500/month and R1 700/month, or leased out as

those wanting to gain a foothold in the residential

self- catering units. ‘Clarens and the surrounding area

market in the scenic destination of Clarens, in the

host numerous attractions throughout the year, such

Free State, a number of compact sectional- title units

as the Hot Air Balloon Show in May (Bethlehem), the

are now available at affordable prices of R339 000

Cherry Festival in November (Ficksburg) and BMW

(basic furnishings) and R350 000 (unfurnished).

and Harley-Davidson club meetings (Clarens). On

Situated in the sought-after suburb of Larola

weekends, Clarens is a hive of social activity, with

(opposite the golf course) and marketed by Pam

families enjoying the crisp Highveld air, regular flea

Golding Properties, these lock- up- and- go units are

markets on the village square and other leisure

constructed in face brick for low maintenance and

activities,’ says Odette Parris of PGP Clarens.

have private patios and mountain views. The units

+27 (0)58 256 1156, pamgolding.co.za

rented out on a full-time basis at rates of between

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by André Fiore

Affordable leisure

Piece of Elysium Situated just metres from Elysium Beach at Ifafa, on KZN’s South Coast, Villa Da Vinia is an upmarket complex offering seven luxurious units for sectional-title ownership. Limited to an eventual 12 units, suitable for permanent residence as well as holiday usage, these three-bedroom, three-bathroom units with fitted kitchen and scullery are designed for open-plan living within a fully fenced, secure complex. ‘Sea views, spacious entertainment areas, and private, direct access to the beach make this an ideal seaside buy,’ says Di Lundie of Wakefields Scottburgh. +27 (0)82 921 4579, wakefields.co.za

Room makeover winners announced The Steyns from Fourways Gardens, Sandton, have been crowned winners of the RE/MAX R100 000 Room Makeover competition. The six-week online competition drew immense interest, with over 9 000 entries received and over 5 000 instant prizes awarded. The property giant also ran a ‘Blog to Win’ competition, in which bloggers were encouraged to drive people to enter the competition via their blogs. Five entries were randomly selected (and verified by accredited auditors), and the finalists were invited to submit a photo of the nominated room and a short motivation saying why it needed a makeover. The photos and motivations were then posted on the website and put to public vote. Gary and Diane Steyn and their two sons, Kevin and Brandon, won by a wide margin, with Kevin’s bedroom getting 26 619 out of the total 57 206 votes. ‘This competition has been extremely successful, presenting RE/MAX with a brilliant opportunity to engage with its customers in a fun yet meaningful way,’ says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. +27 (0)21 761 1110, remax.co.za

ABG: PROPERTY PORTFOLIOS Trouble with finance?

Full finance for any property of your choice. No credit checks (we deploy security using various mechanisms). We finance both commercial and residential properties worth in excess of R750-billion and offshore properties worth in excess of US$250-billion. We rescue commercial and residential properties from being repossessed by other banks. We therefore solicit for full mandate to manage and administer risk-averse properties for their commercial or private owners. We also take over selling rights and offer guaranteed access to finance for both residential and commercial properties.

Tel: 011 838 6486 011 838 6392 011 492 0762 or Visit: www.abg-group.co.za (No online applications will be accepted.)

50 Fox Street – Cnr Fox & Ferreira – Protea House – Marshalltown JOHANNESBURG

COMMERCIAL matters Hat trick

The third Coastlands Hotel, developed by the Saantha Naidu Group of Companies, has just opened on the Umhlanga Ridge. Coastlands Umhlanga

Hotel and Convention Centre offers 124 luxury rooms, including 6 executive rooms and 2 executive suites with magnificent 180° sea views, as well as a convention centre that can accommodate up to 400, a swimming pool, and The Saffron restaurant. Flaunting edgy, contemporary architecture, the 30 000m2 development actively embraces new-urban design as well as thermal-energy principles. The green features include a cladding system that is 90% green, a double-glazed, ventilated facade, heat exchange, LED lighting, natural lighting and extensive indigenous landscaping. +27 (0)31 566 4560, coastlands.co.za

Davenport Square revamp Due for completion in April 2011, the R21-million revamp of Glenwood’s Davenport Square is set to refresh and improve the look, feel and functionality of this SA Corporate Real Estate Fund property. Refurbishments will include improvements to the internal and external aesthetics, additional ablution facilities, increased parking facilities and improved traffic flow. ‘We look forward to delivering a quality offering to benefit both shoppers and retailers for years to come,’ says Shaun Welgemoed, a member of the property development team of Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments, which manages SA Corporate. Davenport Square enjoys a loyal shopper base, and the revamp is aimed at attracting new customers to the centre adding to the established vibe in the Glenwood area. +27 (0)31 201 0372; omigpi.com

Helping out smaller investors Louis Group Properties has been

Peter Rowell, head of Louis Group

our relationship with Louis Group

appointed as the official

Properties, says the company first

Properties will yield significant

mortgage originators for the

received a commercial property

benefits for the commercial

South African Bank of Athens.

loan application from the bank

property industry.’ Although the

The partnership has been

back in 2002, and over time the

bank will impose strict lending

established to help the many

business relationship has grown

criteria, such as the payment of

investors who are having

and matured. Bank of Athens

market-related deposits by the

problems raising finance in the

Head of Marketing and

purchaser, it will still be a

R5-million to R20- million range,

Communications Dimitrios

welcome addition to the

with most banks not interested in

Koutakis says, ‘Our intent is to

commercial property market.

financing these small commercial

deliver bond finance to small

+27 (0)21 422 3030,

property acquisitions.

commercial investors. We expect

louisgroupint.com

FROM LEFT Nico van der Westhuizen, Peter Rowell, Angela Scalcoyannis, Ian George, Michael Louis, Paul de Bruyn

Three factors for success According to the South African Property Owners Association, office parks have been the best- performing office property type of the past 15 years in South Africa. With an average annual return of 16,5% during this time, the commercial property sector has continued to show resilience, October 2010, shows that the previous 12 months’ capitalisation rates for premium offices were between 8,25% and 8,5%, with A-grade offices at 8,75% to 9,50% and B-grade offices at 9,5% to 10,5%. David Reid, investor-broker manager for JHI, urges investors to look at three key factors that are currently having an impact on the market: location is more important than ever, especially in light of improvements in public transport, such as the Gautrain and other upcoming initiatives; urban rehabilitation, because as public spaces have improved, so demand for office space has returned; layout and architectural design of the office building, because investors want efficient use of space and maximum value from a property’s square meterage. +27 (0)11 911 8000, jhi.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by André Fiore and Andrea Firth

even through the global economic downturn. The Broll Annual Property Market Report, published in

Proudly sponsored by

Reduced footprint A large hotel with a small carbon footprint, the new Gateway Hotel, due to open in early 2011, has been designed to take the concerns of environmentally enlightened travellers to heart. The 146-room, R200-million development, with its state-of-the-art conference facilities, art deco style and rooftop pool and bar, offers location, beauty as well as green policies. Natural lighting, building orientation, UV protection, automatic lighting and air-con

Who knows where your next commercial property idea might come from?

control systems, green building material, variable-speed-drive lift systems, heat-pump technology, building-management systems and water-treatment systems are among the systems set in place to reduce resource consumption. The hotel’s management company, Three Cities Group, says although greening the four-star Gateway Hotel is no easy task, it is a necessary undertaking and is something that will allow guests to enjoy the facilities of the hotel with a clear conscience. +27 (0)31 310 3333, threecities.co.za

Blu skies over Kruger Scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2013, the new Radisson Blu Safari Resort Kruger Park will be the first internationally branded hotel within the Kruger National Park (KNP). The upscale hotel development will boast 104 rooms, 16 suites and 5 conference rooms. The hotel is looking to attract local and international families and conference groups with its contemporary offerings. The owner of the hotel is Cradle of Malelane, a consortium with 20 years’ experience in the fields of tourism consulting, wildlife-tourism development and safari- lodge development. Peter Wright, director of Cradle of Malelane, says, ‘We have successfully secured a 30-year concession with SANParks to develop the hotel in a brilliant location on the banks of the Crocodile River.’ Radisson Blu is a brand of The Rezidor Hotel Group, which will manage the new KNP hotel. In line with The Rezidor Hotel Group’s worldwide Responsible Business programme, the design and construction of the hotel will aim to reduce its ecological footprint and its impact on the natural environment. rezidor.com

Attorneys on the move Ridgeside Office Park in Umhlanga Rocks is the new headquarters of Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, one of Durban’s most established legal practices. This impressive, custom-designed building is situated at 24 Richefond Circle and has expansive views over the Indian Ocean and the city. The building, which was developed by Maponya Developments in association with Beare Holdings, was designed by Archangels and constructed by Group 5. The building comprises a ground floor Compiled by André Fiore and Andrea Firth

and three storeys, with much of the third storey accommodating the main

When inspiration strikes, get the market leader in property ʬ visions into realities.

Whether it’s property investment, property development or equity participation, we offer the experience and expertise to create solid solutions, tailormade to your project’s individual needs. Call your relationship manager or contact us on 011 294 4444 (Gauteng), 021 416 7111 (Cape Town) or 031 364 2596 (KwaZulu-Natal).

boardroom, meeting and conference rooms, designed to capitalise on the panoramic views. The exterior of the building has been landscaped with indigenous trees and shrubs. Much attention has been paid to reducing the firm’s carbon footprint and application has been made to the Green building Council of South Africa for the building to be awarded Green Star status. Shepstone & Wylie move its 168 staff and partners from the Durban CBD, where it had been based for 118 years, to the brand-new premises at the end of November. The award-winning firm has been established since 1892. +27 (0)31 302 0111, wylie.co.za Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06, 135 Rivonia Road, Sandown, Sandton, 2196, South Africa. We subscribe to the Code of Banking Practice of The Banking Association South Africa and, for unresolved disputes, support resolution through the Ombudsman for Banking Services. We are an authorised financial services provider. We are a registered credit provider in terms of the National Credit Act (NCR Reg No NCRCP16).

thepropertymag.co.za

Proudly sponsored by

AUCTION matters Cash is the real king

Landmark retail centre to be auctioned

American auction house, Julien’s

Bryanston landmark, Petervale Shopping Centre,

the end of December. Most of the leases escalate

Auctions, has announced an auction

on the corner of Cambridge Road and Frans

at between 9% and 10%. The centre offers a

of property from the life and career

Hals Street, is going under the Auction Alliance

gross lettable area of 3 575m² and generates a

of Johnny Cash. The auction is taking

hammer on 7 December. This recently revamped

gross rental income of R3,1-million a year, which

place on 5 December 2010 in Los

neighbourhood retail centre is fully let, with lease

makes the average rental approximately R92/m².

Angeles. Items included in this rare

agreements in place for the next three years. The

The auction takes place at 12 p.m. at Southern

auction are mementoes of Cash’s life,

most notable bonus of this property is that it has

Sun Grayston Sandton.

from his military career through to his

an Engen petrol station, whose lease expires at

+27 (0)11 430 5555, auction.co.za

partnership with June Carter Cash, his time as a Highwayman with his friends and the end of his career. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit MusiCares. Highlights of the sale include lyrics penned by Cash, many of which have never been recorded. Three guitars from different points in his career are also included in the auction, as well as much of his stage clothing. While Cash was renowned worldwide as a songwriter and performer, this auction sheds light on the lesser-known facets of his life as an actor, student, employer and writer. You can participate in real time by bidding online at julienslive.com. +310 836 1818

SA art breaking records

World-renowned English auction house Bonhams has been achieving record-breaking

bidding and sales for South African art of late. Its sales of South African art not only offer a valuable indication of the position of modern South African art internationally but also has propelled it onto the front lines of the global art market. The continuing strength of the market has produced exceptional, record-breaking prices of South African artists’ work, such as Irma Stern’s Bahora Girl, which dates back to 1945. It is a captivating image of a local Indian woman that caught Stern’s eye during her time in Zanzibar. This painting attracted sustained bidding at Bonhams in London on 27 October, achieving a staggering price of £2,4-million (about R26-million), double the previous record of R13-million. The sale of Stern’s painting surpassed expectations and made history for South African art, which can be said to have truly come of age

Raw potential

in London. Giles Peppiatt, head of South African Art at Bonhams, and a wide range of other facilities. According

says, ‘Once again, Bonhams has

struggling golf and leisure estates go on the

to Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt, this is the

demonstrated the growing

auction block in recent months. Sequestrated

first time that a golf course development site

interest in South African art and

proposed lifestyle development, Sitari Fields,

has been sold within the Cape Town metropole.

the wisdom of selling in London

near Somerset West, is one such development.

‘Its sale is an indication that there is now

to an international audience.’

Located some 30 minutes from Cape Town,

increased activity in the development market,

The next South African art sale

the 185ha estate recently went under the

which has been dormant and depressed for

will take place on 23 March 2011

Auction Alliance hammer. Comprising two

some time. With the dark cloud of economic

at Bonhams on New Bond Street,

hotel sites and a planned 18-hole David Frost

trouble having settled over the estate, it makes

London. Bonhams is currently

signature golf course, the estate was snapped

sense that this prime development could only

consigning works for this sale

up by MSP Developments in collaboration with

be bought by a bidder with the resources and

and of particular interest are

Mvelaphanda Holdings for R63,25-million. Sitari

industry experience of MSP Developments.’ The

works by 20th-century artists,

Fields was originally planned as a development

Sitari Fields Lifestyle Estate will constitute the

including Irma Stern, Jacob

with a golf school, 14ha private nature reserve

third of three large lifestyle estate developments

Hendrik Pierneef, Gerard Sekoto,

and 1 130 residential units. It also has a section

within MSP Development’s current property

Alexis Preller, Maud Sumner and

zoned for a commercial development, offices

portfolio. +27 (0)21 443 6000, auction.co.za

Maggie Laubser. +44 207 447 7447, bonhams.com

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

The economic downturn has seen several

CY CMY

We’ll get you a real result

If you’re serious about selling then we’re the right people for the job in this market. We offer the simplest and quickest solution to selling high value property anywhere in South Africa. We produce a quick non-suspensive real deal every time. That’s why we’ve been South Africa’s leading auction group for decades. Speak to us about getting you ahead of the game today.

www.auction.co.za | 0861 alliance

property fund matters Emira ups Oz exposure Investors looking to diversify their property exposure beyond South Africa’s borders without having to use their offshore allowance should take a fresh look at Emira Property Fund. It recently increased its international interests by investing another R117-million in Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ), a real-estate investment trust listed on the Australian stock exchange. In May this year, Emira made an initial investment of R117- million in GOZ, which was its first entry into offshore property. It now owns a 9,13% stake in the Australian-based trust. Emira CEO James Templeton says the initial investment has done well for shareholders, delivering a total return of 17,4% in less than six months. It therefore made sense to further increase Emira’s stake in GOZ. The fund currently owns 25 quality industrial properties, worth an estimated A$744-million (R5-billion), throughout Australia. James says GOZ is in the process of bulking up of seven additional buildings. James believes

Take your pick

more institutional investors will buy the stock

widened markedly in recent months, both in terms of income (distribution) growth as well as share price

as management continues to grow its portfolio.

performance. For instance, Octodec Investments, which owns the Killarney Mall in Johannesburg and

That will create further share price upside for

smaller centres in the Pretoria CBD and surrounds, delivered income growth of a muted 1,4% for the year

Emira and other GOZ shareholders. JSE-listed

to end-August 2010. Fountainhead Property Trust hasn’t fared much better. The company, whose portfolio

property heavyweight Growthpoint Properties is

includes the likes of Centurion Mall in Pretoria, Bryanston Shopping Centre and Benmore Gardens in

the majority shareholder in GOZ.

Sandton, announced income growth of 4% for the year to end-September 2010. At the other end of the

its existing portfolio through the acquisition

The performance gap between the 18 different counters that make up the JSE’s R125-billion listed-property sector has

performance scale is Premium Properties, which owns a sizeable portfolio of rental flats in the inner cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The company delivered income growth of a respectable 13,1% for the six months to end-August 2010.

Historic Performance for 2010 Individual Stock Performance

year-to-date, in terms of income

Total return

YTD (Jan.–Oct.)

REIT Index

10,69%

(17,6%), Capital Property Fund

PUT Index

24,90%

(10,26%), Pangbourne Properties

PLS Index

28,19%

(10,05%) and Resilient Properties

SA Listed Property Index (SAPY)

27,41%

(9,93%). The worst performers are

Capped Property Index (PCAP)

23,38%

growth, are Redefine Properties

hotel fund Hospitality Property Fund (B units) and SA Corporate Real

FORTRESS-B

56,50%

OCTODEC

47,38%

Investors climb back into CSC

PREMIUM

42,85%

VUKILE

41,94%

that the share price performance of

It appears investors have regained their appetite for UK giant, Capital Shopping Centres (CSC),

GROWTHPOINT

34,19%

different property stocks has been

formerly trading as Liberty International on both the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges. The

EMIRA

33,77%

equally varied, with total returns

company’s name change and demerger on 10 May 2010 initially prompted some shareholders to sell

SA CORPORATE

32,46%

from January to October 2010

the stock down. At the time there was uncertainty regarding the new structure of the company and

RESILIENT

30,53%

ranging from a high of 56,5% for

HOSPITALITY-A

27,36%

HYPROP

26,50%

FORTRESS-A

26,17%

has increased CSC’s overall occupancy from 98,1% on 30 June 2010 to 98,8% on 3 November 2010.

CAPITAL PROPERTY

24,33%

David says, ‘CSC has made good progress since our June 2010 interim results, with continuing active

PANPROP

23,54%

that investors have to become

management of our centres. The impact of the reduced supply of new, high-quality retail space in the

SYCOM

23,15%

increasingly discerning in their

UK is increasingly apparent in letting negotiations.’ He says footfall also continues to increase at most

ACUCAP

23,14%

stock selections. Keillen Ndlovu,

of CSC’s shopping centres, with an average 3% growth recorded in third-quarter 2010, year-on- year.

REDEFINE

22,26%

head of Stanlib Property Franchise,

FOUNTAINHEAD

13,21%

HOSPITALITY-B

-3,83%

how long it would take for UK consumer spending to recover. However, the share price is up more than 15% since mid August this year. A recent trading update suggests that the UK retail property market has turned the corner. CSC CE David Fischel says the group has signed 104 new lettings since

CSC owns 13 regional malls, valued at £4,9-billion (R53,9- billion), across the UK. Flagship centres include Lakeside at Thurrock near London, Metrocentre at Gateshead, Braehead in Glasgow and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. CSC has been a popular rand-hedge investment among locals ever since insurance tycoon Donald Gordon founded Liberty International in the early ’80s. South Africans currently hold 48% of CSC shares, including the Gordon family’s stake of 14%.

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

Information source and methodology Data: I-Net Bridge, unless stated otherwise Calculations and forecast estimates: Catalyst Fund Managers

Estate Fund, with a drop of -45% and -1,5% respectively. Latest figures from Catalyst Fund Managers show

Fortress Income Fund (B units) to a low of -3,83% for Hospitality (B units). That compares to 27,41% for the sector as a whole. Analysts say latest performance figures suggest

says key factors to consider include: the quality and performance of underlying portfolios, the distribution-growth track record of companies and the strength of management teams.

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by Joan Muller, Finweek Property Editor

30 June 2010, which will boost CSC’s rental income stream by £3,5-million/ year (R38,5-million). That

Other top performers for the

Proudly sponsored by

Listed property a good bet Property stocks continue to beat other investment classes, such as general equities, bonds and cash. Figures from Catalyst Fund Managers show that listed property delivered a total return of 29,9% for the year-to-date (January to October 2010), ahead of the 18,31% returned by the All-share Index (Alsi) over the same time. Bonds and cash lagged at 16,77% and 7,12% respectively. Analysts believe that listed property will continue to be a good place to stash your cash. Kundayi Munzara, head of research at Investec Property, says property stocks are likely to continue to outperform general equities; however, the margin between property, bonds, cash and general equity returns is likely to narrow over the next 12 months. A key reason for this, says Kundayi, is that the earnings from property companies appear to have come under pressure of late. Catalyst Fund Managers Investment Manager Paul Duncan agrees that listed property remains a good bet for investors, particularly for income chasers. He expects income distributions to grow by an average 7% over the next 12 months. That translates into an average forward yield of 8,2%, given the sector’s current historic yield of 7,66%. Paul says that that compares favourably with a yield of less than 8% currently available on 10-year bonds and the less- than-6% offered on bank deposits. Asset Class

MTD

YTD

12 months

Equities2

3,55%

12,55%

18,31%

SA Listed Property1

1,38%

27,41%

29,90%

Bonds

1,00%

15,25%

16,77%

Cash

0,50%

5,81%

7,12%

Industrial recovery in sight Property funds with large industrial portfolios, such as Capital Property Fund, Pangbourne Properties,

Growthpoint Properties and SA Corporate Real Estate Fund, are likely to report lower vacancies over the next 12 months, with positive signs starting to emerge for the sector. The latest SAPOA/IPD Industrial Vacancy Survey shows that the amount of warehouse and factory space standing empty across South Africa dropped to 5,7% in October 2010, down from 6,7% in December 2009. Jess Cleland, head of research at IPD South Africa, says the latest data suggests that industrial vacancies have peaked. Although current levels are still

Source: Catalyst Fund Managers, RMB Notes: 1 – SA Listed Property Index; 2 – All-share Index; 3 – All-bond Index

some way off the average 2% recorded during the boom years of 2005 to 2007, they are significantly lower than the 10%-plus seen from 2000 to 2003. No doubt, tight bank lending will help curtail future development, which will continue to place pressure on vacancies. However, Jess says it could take another 12 months before the market sees actual rental growth.

Compiled by Joan Muller, Finweek Property Editor

OFFSHORE matters Mozambican marvel

Mozambique’s remote Santa Maria peninsula has become popular with South Africans

looking for a tropical holiday or investment opportunity, according to Seeff Properties. Seeff is offering a 25% to 100% share in an ultra-luxurious beach house in Santa Maria’s Nhonguane Lodge, an exclusive development with 360º views of the ocean. The complex is set 150m from the beach, is fully furnished and has high-end finishings. The main complex comprises an open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge area. Wooden decks and boardwalks lead off the main complex to four separate, private en-suite bedrooms. Totalling 380m2 in size, the bedrooms sleep 10. There is also a second enclosed living area and swimming pool on a deck overlooking the ocean. Carien Brink of Seeff Nelspruit says, ‘An established rental pool scheme promises a positive return on investment – participation is optional for 75% or 100% shareholders, and monthly levies and all maintenance are managed by an experienced company.’ A 25% share in the property entitles the shareholder to three months’ usage a year; 50% entitles the shareholder to six months’ usage a year; a 75% share entitles the shareholder to nine months’ usage a year, all on an annual rotational system. A 100% share means unlimited usage. Buyers will have full legal ownership through a block of shares in a South African investment company. Share prices range from R1,8-million to R10-million. Carien adds, ‘This is a safe

Join the green card circle

and secure investment that is easily transferable and will realise profits, as would be the case with any The eLan Group is marketing a

full-title ownership.’ +27 (0)13 741 4415; nhonguanelodge.co.za

US development that could net you a

green card if you invest. Located in South Florida, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood Circle is a 25-storey, mixed-use development comprising nearly 400 residential apartments, a four-star boutique hotel and 6 317m² of retail space occupied by leading supermarket, Publix. The project falls under the US government’s approved EB-5 visa programme, whereby investors can qualify for a green card by investing in an approved commercial enterprise that benefits the US economy and assists in job creation. The developers of Hollywood Circle have allocated 40 residential units to the eLan Group to market in South Africa and Dubai. The investment costs $540 000 (about R3,8-million), which secures investors a share in the Hollywood Circle LLC Development Company. +27 (0)31 576 9600, gcfrc.co.za

WIN!

Twelve readers each stand a chance of winning a copy of Buying London Property, valued at R229,95. To enter, email your name, contact number and city to readers@medianova.co.za, quoting ‘London Property’ in the subject line. Terms and conditions apply.

Wild – but mild

Nkumbe Eco Wildlife Estate is located 17km north of the Kosi Bay border at Ponta Malongane, southern

completed, the estate will comprise 120 houses, 25 chalets and 2 lodges, one being an upmarket development and are being marketed as plot-and-plan packages. Plots in this phase are selling for

Hot off the press

R255 000 and built packages start from R750 000. The estimated cost of the Phase 2 sites is R355 000.

Smuts & Taylor, Mike’s been living in London and investing in property there for the last 10 years. He’s an

Plot sizes in both phases are approximately 1 000m². The 247ha, fenced eco estate is populated with

expert in finding, securing and managing investment property in London. According to Mike, it’s the first

nyala, reedbuck, duiker, impala, zebra and spectacular bird life, with further wildlife stocking planned.

book to be written specifically for South Africans looking to invest in London property. Packed with insider

The estate has 24-hour security and is close to the beach. +27 (0)83 251 9727, nkumbe.co.za

tips and advice, it details London’s residential market and fully explains the process for buying property

tented lodge and the other a special-interest lodge. Eight sites still remain in Phase 1 of the

Buying London Property – The Essential Guide for South African Investors is the title of Mike Smuts’ new book. The MD of

there. +27 (0)11 083 6366, smutsandtaylor.com

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

Mozambique, which is only five hours from Durban and seven hours from Johannesburg. Once

AREA NAME Beach Sheffield

R0 000 000

AREA NAME

R0 000 000 R3 225 000

THE

COLLECTION Perfect Holiday Apartment HEADING

www.remax.co.za AREA NAME Beach Sheffield

HEADING

Stunning spacious apartment with spectacular sea views! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Lorem ipsum dolor sitbeachfront amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed breaker do eiusmod This renovated, beautifully furnished, 2-bathroom air-conditioned apartment has to beveniam, viewedquis to be appreciated. im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud3-bedroom, exertion dolore amet, consectetur im tempor ad minim nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur The tempor open-plan lounge, room andipsum bedrooms exitamsit ontoadipiscing. a private balcony where you can almostuttouch sed incididunt ut dining labore et magna dolor sit sed tempor incididunt laborethe et sea. magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. Associate name & contact no Andre Conradie +27&82 455 7744 RE/MAX Office name number

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PRIME POSITION ON SHEFFIELD BEACH

Fabulous spacious beachfront home with spectacular 180-degree sea views. HEADING HEADING HEADING Featuring 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (2 en suite), study, 3 lounges, bar, open-plan kitchen/dining room, large patios and rim-flow pool. An entertainer’s dream! Lorem ipsum dolor sita amet, consectetur adipisicingtriple elit, sed do eiusmod Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,access. consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod The home includes teenage pad withsit bathroom, garage, staff quarters, laundry and direct beach A raresitopportunity. im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. Andre Conradie +27 82 455 7744 Associate name & contact no Associate name & contact no Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456 RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456 RE/MAX Office name & number Web ref: 123456

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Seeing is believing

Perched on a quiet road on top of a hill, this Bali-style house has panoramic views of the sea and stunning surrounds. House has top security system, entrance hall, indoor water feature, open-plan lounge, dining room, kitchen and separate scullery. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite). Upstairs is a large bedroom with his and hers bathroom, plus a lounge with 2 balconies. Double garage and self-contained flatlet. HEADING HEADING HEADING A well-manicured garden and large swimming pool with entertainment area completes this awesome house at a give-away price. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur sit adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod im tempor ad minim nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur im tempor ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exertion dolore amet, consectetur Andre Conradie +27veniam, 82 455quis 7744 sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. sed tempor incididunt ut labore et magna ipsum dolor sit amsit adipiscing. Associate name & contact no RE/MAX Office name & number

Dolphin

Andre Web ref: 123456

Associate name & contact no

Conradie | name Ballito, Salt Rock, Chaka’s Web Rock, Sheffield |RE/MAX 082 Office 455name 7744 | andre@remaxdolphin.co.za RE/MAX Office & number ref: 123456 & number Web ref: 123456 www.remax.co.za | Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

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Unique Penthouse

Berea on the

• Harrogate Hall is a historical small block comprising only 12 units. • Situated in the heart of the Berea’s sought-after Essenwood Road area. • 360m2 spread over 3 floors with breathtaking views of Durban’s coastline & harbour as well as Moses Mabhida Stadium & Royal Durban Golf Course. • Superb modern designs. Top-quality finishes. Imported appliances & sanitary units. • CaesarStone used throughout. • Floor-to-ceiling sliding frameless doors in bathrooms. • 2 or 3 bedrooms, all on-suite, with high ceilings & air conditioning. • Top-floor lounge/entertainment area with unique 3m-high cantilevered roof and glass sliding doors that open onto a wooden deck with breathtaking views. • Off-street parking in garage & undercover bay. • Each of the three floors has its own amplified piped-music system and flatscreen Sony televisions. • Wooden Juliet balcony off main lounge. • Close to Durban’s top primary & secondary schools.

Asking price: R4 950 000

Private Seller – 083 777 4114 or 031 301 2335 E-mail: ihoresh@hotmail.com www.private-seller.com for virtual tour of the property

SU B SCR I PTION

Subscribe to The Property Magazine in December 2010/January 2011 and stand a chance of winning one of eight Samsonite B-Lite Spinner 55cm suitcases*.

Prizes valued at

R1 995 each!

Travel (really) light with Samsonite B-Lite You’re at the airport, a million and one things in your hands, passport lost in the depths of your bag, juggling a cooldrink and a sandwich and trying to lug your suitcase around. Who has the time – or the hands and energy – for that? So say ‘thank you’ to the people at Samsonite, who’ve come up with the B-Lite luggage collection. It’s the lightest Samsonite soft-side ever. The front panel is created from lightweight fabric in the centre, while the durable side fabric reinforces the case where it matters most. The best part? The carry-on Spinner 55cm case weighs just 2,5kg.

Subscribe for 6 months and only pay R157 (25% discount).

Great features include: • TSA padlock to keep your valuables safe • handy laundry bag.

Looking for information about property in the rest of the country? Our Western Cape and Gauteng editions carry region-specific stories, so subscribe to them as well.

Choose from the Upright suitcase with two wheels, spinners with four wheels or a rolling tote from luggage stores countrywide. Available in smart black or stylish blue. Samsonite B-Lite comes with a five-year global warranty. To locate a stockist near you, call +27 (0)31 266 0620 or visit samsonite.com. Samsonite – 100 Years Strong.

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THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

TH E SOCIALS Hotel Izulu owners Jackie and Owen Williams and guests celebrated the North Coast hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth birthday in style.

1 Donald Perry, Kerry Lyn Weller, Steve Weller 2 Owen Williams, Jackie Williams, Grant Pringle 3 Carolyn Robertson, Struan Robertson, Simon Blackburn 4 Richard Poynton, Gerhardt Patzer, Gill Patzer 1

Seeff Properties recently celebrated the opening of Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof, under the ownership of the formidable, well-known team, Michele and Gregg Wilson.

1 Michele Wilson, Verna Sherlock 2 Sam Moldenhauer, Gregg Wilson, Jodi Hutchinson 3 Nadene

Tomlinson, Linda Mitchell, Liana van Dyk, Devi Terry, Michele Wilson

The KZN Fashion Council and local designers met to share ideas for the province.

1 Janet Welch, Gavin Reddy, Michelle Odayan 2 Sandisiwe Dani, Mdu Mkize, Robyn McMillan, Steve Mandy 3 Sthandiwe Hlongwane, Sandisiwe Dani, Lungile Kunene 3

1 Ciska Liebenberg, Alan Fittinghoff, Gail Viljoen 2 Anelle van der Merwe, Wayne Willets 3 Leon Saven, Jann Saven, Robyn Lewin 4 Neville Wills, Donna Fergus 5 Batho Mokhothu, Tsokolo Makeka 6 Greg Scott, Kate Del Fante

More? If you want to see who else has been featured in our Socials pages, visit thepropertymag.co.za.

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

6 thepropertymag.co.za

If you would like to send social pictures for consideration on these pages, please email socials@medianova.co.za.

Barrow Flooring celebrated the launch of its new, revamped showroom with a cocktail party at the Hudson Building in Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s De Waterkant precinct.

FESTIVE SPECIAL

morrisjones&co 11105

SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN

HOSPITALITY DEFINED

R599 per room, per night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Room Only (This is a great saving; the normal rate is R1 200)

Situated at the heart of the V&A Waterfront, Southern Sun The Cullinan complements the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town with a timeless architectural tradition. Every aspect of the hotel denotes the special care that it offers in providing each guest with efďŹ cient and discreet service. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect sanctuary for the discerning guest who appreciates the ďŹ ner things in life.

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With spacious guest rooms, luxury bathrooms and breathtaking views, a stay at Southern Sun The Cullinan assures our guests individual recognition and warm hospitality. EST. 1949

1 Cullinan Street, Cape Town Waterfront PO Box 51319, Waterfront, 8002 T: +27 (0)21 415-4000 F: +27 (0)21 418-3559 cullinan@southernsun.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A little bit of country in the heart of Sandtonâ&#x20AC;? Tel +27 (0)11 322 5000 | Fax +27 (0)11 322 5023 E-mail reservations@balalaika.co.za | Web www.balalaika.co.za

southernsun.com T HE C ULLINAN

11105 The Cullinan Ad_100x81mm_REPRO.indd 2

2/1/10 4:43:40 PM

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 900 Umgeni Road Durban Tel +27 0 31 312 7250/2 fax +27 0 31 312 7253 mobile 083 940 0563 email info@redrosedesign.co.za web www.redrosedesign.co.za

The Marine Building The Marine Building 22 Gardiner Street, Durban 22 Gardiner Street, Durban Tel: (031) 374 8100 Fax: (031) 374 Tel: (031) 3748135 8100 www.nhbrc.org.za Fax: (031) 374 8135 www.nhbrc.org.za

14257 E.&O.E.

To advertise in this space, please contact Mavashini Naidoo on +27 (0)861 765 833 or e-mail mavashini@medianova.co.za.

Timeless classical pieces & trendy contemporary signature furniture have been carefully selected & imported from Europe. The grace of old world charm, French Romanticism and glamour.

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

tr e n dwatch

It’s that time, again

Lounging around

Lighten up

Cane Time’s new range of outdoor furniture, From It, by young Italian design prodigy, Stefano Belardinelli, is all about elegant curves and clean lines. Perfect to perch your curves on during those hot summer nights. +27 (0)21 510 1072, canetime.com

This Altea daybed from the Modern Garden Company has just made lounging outside on those long summer days a whole lot sexier. G & T in hand, of course! +27 (0)21 434 0611, moderngarden.co.za

Your outdoor pool area is bound to be abuzz during the summer months. Recessed ground lights make an attractive feature for this space, creating an ambience that’s perfect for an intimate pool party. 0861 5444 2464, lightingwarehouse.co.za

Let’s take it outside! Summer is here, and we suggest making hay while the sun shines, with these new outdoor pieces that will transform your patio, deck or garden into an enclave of style, comfort and fun.

Wanders’ outdoor wonder Renowned product designer, Marcel Wanders, has teamed up with Kettal to design a range of outdoor furniture, Atmosphere, on the premise of light, sophistication and innovation. Marlanteak is the official distributor of the Atmosphere range in SA. +27 (0)21 425 3817, marlanteak.com

Blooming marvellous

Compiled by Genevieve Fisher

Not only will these portable, battery-operated stool lights by Bloom provide ample seating for your outdoor party, they’ll also joyously light up anyone sitting on them. Pink bottom, anyone? Available from Créma Design. +27 (0)21 434 0661, cremadesign.co.za

With al fresco attitude MBM Exclusive Outdoor Furniture has just launched its new outdoor living range, comprising this Bellini table and Rondo armchairs. Ideally suited to al fresco dinning, this set of table and chairs will up the glam factor of any braai. 0861 222 626, mbmafrica.co.za

tHE pROPERTY mAGAZINE

thepropertymag.co.za

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