STANDING OUT: JANUARY 2023

STANDING OUT.

CONTENTS

04 Foreword: Nick Gaertner 06 Featured Property: Stunning views and location 08 Featured Property: Holiday on the Sabie 10 Art: A glimpse into the world of Zizipho Poswa

SOUTHERN

SUBURBS

18 Area Overview 20 Interiors: Peering into the interior design crystal ball 24 Properties for Sale 29 Properties for Rent 30 Gardening: Behind the art grass revolution

ATLANTIC

SEABOARD

34 Area Overview 36 Future Home: Convert your pool to a natural system 40 Properties for Sale

CITY BOWL 48 Area Overview 50 Food & Wine: Wine Trends 2023 52 Properties for Sale 57 Properties for Rent

SOUTH PENINSULA 60 Area Overview 62 Lifestyle: Get out your comfort zone 66 Properties for Sale

NATIONAL

AREAS

72 Vale de Vie Evergreen 76 Properties for Sale 78 Interior Design: Kitchen trends to look out for this year 82 Travel: Tackle an alternative adventure this year 86 Finance: Why a new investment mindset is non-negotiable in 2023 88 Legal: Want to turn your home into an Airbnb? Here’s what you need to know

NICK GAERTNER

Director & Chief Operations Officer, Knight Frank South Africa

Welcome to 2023! I hope that you’ve had some rest over the Festive Season and enjoyed some quality time with friends and loved ones.

I would like to wish you a very happy New Year. I think that there is so much to be positive about and I hope that this year brings you a lot of success and happiness.

South Africa, with Cape Town, in particular, has had a very busy holiday period and tourism seems to be back in full flow.

While questions still hang over the global economy, interest in Western Cape property has had a significant surge from both local and international buyers despite interest rates having returned to preCovid levels. This is a positive sign and once again shows how resilient the Cape Town market is.

We look forward to bringing you more exciting developments within Knight Frank and growing with you to make this year the best yet.

Stunning views and location

It will make the perfect lock-up-and-go or especially an Air B&B.

This exceptional two-bedroom unit overlooks the ocean and is within walking distance of the Camps Bay strip with its trendy restaurants and shops. The entrance hall, living area, dining area are open plan which capitalises on the fabulous ocean views. These are rather spacious and modern with stacking doors leading to the patio and pool.

The kitchen is well designed and fitted throughout with the following built-in Siemens appliances, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, stove/oven, and wine cooler fridge.

The main bedroom is very spacious with many built-in cupboards and a lovely modern bathroom en-suite with a shower and freestanding bath. A second bedroom is smaller and suitable for a single bedroom or study with a separate bathroom (shower).

The apartment features two secure, parking bays with direct access from Victoria Road with a lift which operates directly between the parking and the unit. The complex has excellent security with 9 surveillance cameras throughout and an intercom system in the apartment with a private alarm system as well. A convenient storeroom is also allocated to this unit on the ground floor. A building supervisor works on weekdays, and the pool is serviced twice a week.

Holiday on the Sabie

This exclusive development is your chance to own a piece of true African wilderness.

With six kilometres of uninterrupted Sabie River frontage and breathtaking views of the world-famous Kruger National Park, Radisson Kruger on Sabie offers not only access to this worldclass holiday destination but also a secure investment with a passive income.

There are various options, all beautifully finished to the highest standards. Standard rooms, suites and 98sqm two-bedroom units provide a range of investment possibilities depending on your needs and budget.

For the discerning buyer, the prime option is the exclusive 193sqm three-bedroom penthouse apartments. These are all tastefully finished to match the grandeur of the view and can also be customised in terms of layout and finishes. They feature stateof-the-art equipment, premium furniture and the finest fixtures that were all meticulously selected, all to the backdrop of the magnificent Kruger.

A glimpse into the world of Zizipho Poswa

uBuhle boKhokho (Beauty of Our Ancestors) is a solo exhibition of ceramic and bronze sculptures by Zizipho Poswa, that runs until 2 February 2023.

Poswa’s new series draws inspiration from the elaborate art of hairstyling practiced by Black women across the African continent and diaspora.

Almost a year in the making, uBuhle boKhokho marks the beginning of another ambitious chapter for the artist. Poswa continues the exploration of her own cultural story as a Xhosa woman through the making of her sculptural works. Hair, with its profound symbolic relationship to her heritage, remains a relevant source of inspiration and dialogue within contemporary cultural discourse.

Visit the new exhibition by the contemporary sculptor ART

Their hand-coiled ceramic bases reflect Poswa’s shift in focus from pattern and colour to shape and texture, culminating in elaborate adornments made from either bronze or clay. The series of 20 sculptures employ a visual vocabulary that straddles figuration and abstraction, reflecting the three-dimensionality of woven, braided and threaded hair. Many of the historical and contemporary hairstyles that Poswa references include architectural constructions where the hair (or artificial extensions in many cases) is wrapped over armatures. These include the complex crested arrangement worn by Fulani women from West Africa and the fan-shaped headpiece of the Zande from Congo.

Measuring up to two metres high, the sculptures are confrontational in their monumentality while retaining an imposing sensuality.

Having specialised in textile design at university, Poswa was drawn to the process of constructing each hairstyle and the meditative aspect of crafting their patterns. The manipulation of Black hair is a long-recognised traditional art form that has only recently entered the mainstream lexicon of cultural iconography. The works in uBuhle boKhokho are palimpsestic in their visual power, echoing a lineage of artistry that includes traditional hairstyles documented in archival materials, the iconic images of Nigerian photographer J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere and the contemporary creations of Chicago-based artist Shani Crowe. Like the work of Ojeikere and Crowe, in Poswa’s ceramics the ephemerality of these cultural symbols finds a new transcendental sense of permanence.

uBuhle boKhokho expands on the artist’s earlier Magodi series, titled after the Shona word for traditional African hairstyles, in one sustained and more in-depth body of work. Curated throughout the entire gallery space, the exhibition invites the viewer to walk through an assembly of selves with each work reflecting a different hairstyle worn during the project’s embodied research.

Some of the exhibition’s sculptures have been titled after specific hairstylists whom the artist knows, and their country of origin. Others refer to historical female figures, the regional names given to particular hairstyles, or groups known to wear the depicted coiffure and their geographical origins. In so doing, Poswa interweaves the personal and historic; situating herself in a vast and ever-expanding network of Black women who continue to self-define and affirm their own standards of beauty.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZIZIPHO POSWA

Born in 1979 in the town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Zizipho Poswa studied surface design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In 2005, she and fellow ceramicist Andile Dyalvane co-founded Imiso Ceramics, whose handmade vessels and tableware have earned the studio an international following.

Poswa turned her attention to fine art ceramics in 2017, participating in various group shows at Southern Guild and exhibiting with the gallery at fairs such as Design Miami, The Salon Art + Design in New York and PAD London. Her work has ascended rapidly in scale, technique and recognition, and can be found in important private and

corporate collections both locally and internationally, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Loewe Foundation.

Her debut solo exhibition, iLobola, was presented by Southern Guild in 2021. She has taken part in group exhibitions in Paris, Hamburg, Liverpool, New York, Los Angeles and Perth, including the 2021 Indian Ocean Craft Triennial and Self-Addressed, curated by Kehinde Wiley at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/zizipo_poswa

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Southern Suburbs

The leafy Southern Suburbs of Cape Town are something of a green lung to the Mother City. Comprising the verdant neighbourhoods of Bergvliet, Bishopscourt, Claremont, Harfield Village, Constantia, Kenilworth, Mowbray, Newlands, Observatory, Rondebosch, Rosebank, Salt River, Tokai and Wynberg it offers a range of lifestyle options to suit the needs of all types of homeowners. Properties range from stylish apartments and charming semi-detached houses to large homes and grand estates with stunning gardens, many with unique views of Table Mountain. The area is well-known for its prestigious schools as well as the beautiful University of Cape Town. Golf Hiking Shopping Top

Top Attractions & Activities

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

INTERIORS

Peering into the interior design crystal ball

Floor plans remain open-plan and flexible

With floor plans, I would say the vast majority of homes we are currently designing are similar to those completed in the past two years. Clients have become accustomed to certain open-plan expectations within a modern home.

More of the same

Because of the open-flow nature of modern floor plans, I do believe the same trends that have remained consistent through the early 2020s will more than likely remain prevalent in the upcoming year. Entire master bedrooms and studies remain a trend within new builds, while large scullery and pantries will remain high on the list of requirements. I would say the addition of accent spaces, such as wine displays etc will also be popular as will impressive indoor/outdoor living spaces.

We sat down with Clinton Savage who heads up the acclaimed multidisciplinary studio that carries his name to get his valuable insights on what the hot trends in Interior Design will be for 2023.

The increased growth in outdoor living areas

We’re doing a great deal of large outdoor living spaces that have dedicated cooking and dining areas, as well as seating areas, all built in. People are spending so much time at home right now that outdoor living spaces have become just as important as interior living spaces.

Formal spaces traded for family living spaces

We have learned that our clients want houses designed around how they live their day-to-day lives. I estimate that around 70% of our clients simply don’t want dedicated ‘formal’ spaces anymore. For example, we’re doing super high-end homes, that don’t have formal dining rooms – it is no longer mandatory – while at the same time open kitchens and family rooms remain high priorities. If designed correctly, large family dining spaces can be dressed up or dressed down depending upon the circumstances.

Home offices are a must-have in a modern home

Home offices are no longer nice-to-have

Home offices are a must-have in a modern home. When COVID hit, home offices became a necessity. This trend varies between clients. Some clients want something formal, while others want something we call a ‘pocket office,’ where they can go for a quick Zoom meeting in a small, but cleverly-designed space. These smaller spaces are growing in popularity as buyers want the convenience of a home office without sacrificing valuable space within their homes.

Website: www.clintonsavage.co.za

by NICK GAERTNER

Selected

Constantia Upper

An exquisite, designer home with tastefully curated interiors offering luxury, extensive views and privacy. The property is finished to an exceptionally high standard and the attention to detail is evident from the moment you step through the door.

R27,000,000

Spacious family home featuring high ceilings, original wooden strip floors, sash and bay windows, French doors, shutters, chandeliers and fireplaces.

Bergvliet

This beautiful double-storey family home is built to the back of one of the last large plots in Bergvliet. The property is in extent of 1874 square metres, and the home features high ceilings and spacious rooms.

R7,500,000

Wynberg Upper

This spacious two-bedroom unit is your chance to live in one of the most sought-after areas of the Southern Suburbs in a brand new development.

Claremont

Based in the hub of Claremont, this well-managed and maintained 24hr security complex is within walking distance of Cavendish Square, a Jammie Shuttle, the Virgin Active, Newlands cricket stadium, restaurants and all major freeways.

Rondebosch

Whitehall Court is ideal for students or those scaling down. Set in an attractive garden, this share block is conveniently located and within walking distance to 2 shopping centres, UCT, the Baxter Theatre.

R900,000

GARDENING

BEHIND THE ART GRASS REVOLUTION

As you may know, artificial grass is there to replace real grass and it can be done anywhere, from your backyard to a business park or even a golf course. Now, you might be wondering why on earth would you want to replace natural grass with synthetic grass, but that is simply because you are not aware of the benefits of artificial grass.

Read on and you might just consider converting your lawn, or at least parts of your garden with artificial grass this year.

UNBEATABLE AESTHETICS

Who doesn’t want to have green, long, luscious grass all year round? You can go outside and feel the soft freshness on your feet whether it be winter or summer, the quality will never change. Synthetic grass has been designed to completely transform your grass into something durable, beautiful as well as valuable.

We talk to Quick Turfs about the pros and cons of artificial grass

EASY MAINTENANCE

Are you sick and tired of having to water the grass, trim it, pick out weeds and pay a gardener to come to fix everything? Artificial grass has almost zero maintenance. This also makes it perfect to use at your holiday home so that when you go there, your grass will remain fresh and neat. Aside from being easy to keep clean, it also removes the need for harmful pesticides and fertilisers which makes it child and pet friendly all year round.

IT SAVES YOU WATER AND MONEY

The average South African spends 200 litres of water each day on their gardens, according to The Gardener. Even though it’s not noticeable, water spent on natural gardens is an incredible waste during a drought. Compared to natural grass, the amount of water spent on an artificial lawn is tiny. Why? Because artificial grass only needs to be watered twice a month. This means you’ll be able to allocate the extra water to more important things. The long-lasting nature of artificial grass means you’ll not only save in water, but in finances too.

PLAYGROUND FOR THE KIDS

As we all know, real grass can be fun to play on, but also a bit of a hazard to kids. There might be thorns, spiders or other little critters in there that might just harm your little one. With artificial grass, you do not need to worry about this. Your kids can have a safe playground all year round which is clean and fun all at the same time.

NON-ALLERGENIC

Are you one of those people who get crazy sinus reactions to freshly cut grass or pollen in summer? Say goodbye to all your sorrows as synthetic grass will not have this effect on you. Get rid of those sinus problems while still enjoying a fresh-looking lawn all year round.

Website: www.quickturfs.com

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Atlantic Seaboard

As the name suggests, the mighty Atlantic Ocean (and its beautiful beaches) is the mainstay of the area from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay, with Green Point, Three Anchor Bay, Mouille Point, Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven and Llandudno spread out in between. The area offers a range of outdoor and adventure activities as well as an abundance of restaurants, niché eateries and bistros, coffee and retail shops.

Top Attractions & Activities

Beaches

Scenic Drives

Robben Island

Theatre on the Bay

Sea Point Promenade

Bars, Cafés and Eateries

Green Point Urban Park

Camps Bay African Crafts Market

Beach Sports, Water Sports and Paragliding

Convert your pool to a natural system

We sat down with Andy Jamieson of Leaf and Stone about what it takes to convert a conventional pool to a natural system.

Asks Andy Jamieson founder of Leaf and Stone, a company that designs, builds and maintains natural swimming pools and swim ponds.

According to Jamieson, a natural swimming pool is a man-made pool that uses natural means (plants and microbes) to keep the water clean. “Conventionally, pools are kept clean with the use of chlorine (or salt - which is essentially chlorine),” he says, explaining how with a chlorinated pool time and money are constantly applied to poison life and to stem the force of nature instead of letting it work for you.

“If properly designed, natural pools can achieve the same water clarity as conventional pools. They are not swampy ponds but highly technical mini ecosystems that harness the power of nature to biologically keep algae at bay,” Jamieson says.

“Swimming should be an experience of invigoration,” he adds. “One wants to feel renewed and revitalised, drinking in the water as we dive, inhaling the scent of mountain dew and life. Anyone who has swum in a natural pool can attest to this tangible difference.”

So how does it work?

Jamieson explains: A natural pool uses a wetland to keep the water clean. Just as in nature, water is filtered through soil and plants where a host of microbiota and chemical processes remove nutrients and pathogens. Just like in a mountain stream.

The pool is divided into 2 zones, the swimming zone, and the regeneration zone. The regeneration zone is the wetland where filtration takes place.

In practice, the ‘soil’ is often gravel, or other forms of growing medium (see floating wetlands) but the principle is the same. It is essentially all the plants & beneficial bacteria living in the soil/gravel and plant roots that remove nutrients from the water and without nutrients algae cannot grow. This is what we call biological filtration. In a chlorinated pool, nutrients are never removed, they just keep accumulating which is why you need more and more chlorine over time to keep the water clear.

Natural Pools can take any shape or form. They can be rectangular and formal or they can be organic in shape like a swimming pond. The best of all is that you can convert and existing conventional pool to a natural system.

Converting an existing conventional pool

When converting an existing chlorine pool to a natural pool one has two main choices: You can either create cost-effective floating wetland islands inside the pool or construct permanent wetlands inside and/or outside the pool. The latter involves emptying the pool and undergoing construction and re-plumbing.

There are numerous pros and cons to each approach, the main factor being cost. “When it comes to maintenance it really depends on how it is designed and this indeed depends on the budget,” Jamieson says. According to him, all natural pools will need annual pruning of the plants. Aside from that, the only maintenance required is the removal of debris.

There is no constant measuring of PH, adjusting with chemicals, adding chlorine, or adding acid. Natural pools will find their own balance and just do their thing.

“The only real downside is that the biofilm can make steps and surfaces slightly slippery. There are ways to make this impact minimal and safe but ultimately one has to embrace certain elements of nature in a natural pool,” Jamieson says.

Costs

While a natural pool will generally be 1.5x the cost of a conventional pool to build from scratch (as you have to create the wetland area), the running costs are far less than a conventional pool. The energy consumption is about 30% less (depending on the design of the pool) and there is of course no need for chlorine or other chemicals as well.

For more information on natural pools, bespoke design, organic shapes and landscaping in the form of boulders, stone cladding get in touch with Jamieson. Website: www.leafandstone.co.za

Selected by NICK GAERTNER

SOLE MANDATE

Fresnaye

This spacious three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse is located in a secure and gated estate. The property offers a good open plan flow from the lounge/dining room with a fireplace leading out to the garden.

R9,030,000

VIEW NOW

3 3.5 1 1 1 1 1

Situated in a contemporary block this apartment is ideally located for access to the Sea Point restaurants, shops and promenade. Only 15 minutes to the centre of Cape Town and 30 minutes to the airport.

R3,490,000

Bantry Bay VIEW

Located on the eight floor, this 82 sqm apartment offers beautiful views towards the V&A Waterfront, ocean and harbour. The living / dining area leads to an open balcony from where to enjoy these lovely views.

R3,195,000

Green Point VIEW

Looking to rent your property?

We’ve got clients waiting.

Knight Frank currently has a host of clients looking to rent homes in the Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl and surrounds.

If you have a property that you are interested in renting out, please get in touch with us. We would love to assist!

CITY BOWL

City Bowl

The City Bowl is a veritable melting pot of interests, cultures and property types with residences catering to everyone from students to young execs and families. The likes of Vredehoek, Oranjezicht, Higgovale, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant, Foreshore, Woodstock, the City Bowl District (CBD), Zonnebloem, District Six, Devil’s Peak Estate, University Estate and Walmer Estate each have their own unique character. The area is also an entertainment hub, featuring coffee shops, eateries, bars, nightclubs, retail and boutique stores as well as galleries to keep the senses engaged.

Top Attractions & Activities

WINE TRENDS 2023

We shared a bottle with acclaimed Sommelier and wine trade expert, Berenike Knierim to find out what you should be drinking this year.

Most international and broader-market media will tell you that major topics currently around wine include: Concerns over the environment and sustainability; organic, ‘authentic’ and natural wines; the tastes of the ‘newer’ wine drinkers (Millennials and GenZ); the decline of the pandemic’s impact; and, variety in varietals and regions.

According to Berenike Knierim, a Sommelier for liquor.co.za, trends to be aware of:

1. Small-batch wines from independent winemakers

“This is nothing new trend but it has definitely grown over the past few years and will definitely have an impact on the market in 2023,” Knierim says, referring to winemakers who don’t own farms or are affiliated with any wine producers. They source and buy grapes and then rent cellar and tank space to make their own wines. “These are increasingly interesting and very good and because of their small-batch nature, usually highly sought after and sell out fast,” she says. According to Knierim many of the grapes sourced come from slightly obscure regions and small, bushvine vineyards, adding to their complexity and exclusivity.

2. The rise of Grenache

“Don’t be fooled by the name, there is nothing ‘sweet’ about it - nobody drinks sweet wine anymore,” she says. According to Knierim, among the independent winemakers and bigger producers, Grenache Noir (and Grenache Blanc) will be on many tables this year. “Grenache Noir is almost like a lighter-style Pinot, but it’s not a Pinot. It features lighter red fruits such as your sour cherry, instead of blackcurrant and black cherry,” she says, adding that it is typically served slightly chilled, particularly in summer.

3. Terroir-driven wines and the comeback of some forgotten grapes

“There are a lot of very interesting white blends in the market at the moment,” she says. “When it comes to white wines, many of the independent winemakers are bucking traditional trends and mixing a range of grapes to produce their white blends. For example, they would make a white that is not a blend of purely French or Italian grapes, but mixing them together.”

According to Knierim Palomino (Spanish), Grenache Blanc and Colombard (French) are being used in blends. “Colombard used to be known as a sweet, sub-standard wine but is making a comeback in a good way.”

In broad sweeps, Knierim believes that the current trend in lighter-style wines (such as Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc) will appeal to all tastes. “The wines are so good that whether you are a wine drinker or not – or have a very sophisticated palate – these wines will appeal to you. These aren’t high-tannin wines with lots of wood they are completely the opposite, people are moving away from wood – the days of over-oaking Chenins and Chardonnays are long gone.”

If you want to learn more about wine or source some of the wines curated by Knierim, click here.

Website: www.liquor.co.za/wine

Selected by NICK GAERTNER

Lock-up and go city living cannot be more convenient with this large 81sqm open plan apartment. The popular Gardens Centre is on your doorstep and trendy Kloof Street a mere ten-minute walk away.

City Centre

This 216sqm penthouse apartment is located in a historic and secure block in the hub of the CBD. It features an entertainment patio with an outdoor braai area, offering lovely views of the city below and partial sea views.

R8,500,000

Walmer Estate

An exceptional home custom designed and fully renovated with meticulous attention to the detailing of high specification materials, proportions and scale on three levels with triple volume spaces.

R7,995,000

Waterkant

This modern apartment at the edge of De Waterkant is in a trendy block that somehow still retains the old-world charm of the historical city.

R4,950,000

Situated within walking distance of the Woodstock CBD, this renovated four-bedroom house offers multiple options such as work from home, an artist’s studio, an income-generating Airbnb, or simply a gorgeous family home.

R2,995,000

SOLE MANDATE

City Centre VIEW NOW

A sound investment, the apartment is sold VAT inclusive with no transfer duties payable. In addition, certain tax benefits apply as the building falls within the Urban Development Zone of the city.

Oranjezicht

R2,700,000

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Woodstock

This one-bedroom flat with 24hr security is well situated in Woodstock, with views of the harbour. Have breakfast near the pool situated on the roof or enjoy a braai with friends and take in the mountain views.

SOUTH PENINSULA

South Peninsula

The South Peninsula has a unique country feel about it, as though it is made up of small seaside villages rather than suburbs. From Hout Bay via the iconic Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Clovelly, Glencairn, St James, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg each has its own unique character and feel. While many of the local residents work in the CBD or other business districts, their lives in their ‘home towns’ often revolve around outdoor activities in the abundant mountains and ocean.

We spoke to Phil Nel, respected Biokineticist and co-founder of Le Roux Nel Biokinetics about the sports and training trends for the year. He believes much of what will be this year will stem from what sprouted during the lockdowns over the past two years.

These are his words:

VIRTUALLY-CONNECTED HOME GYMS

Home fitness gyms are being kitted with even better customized and multifaceted equipment that takes up less space and offers more variety thanks to electromagnetic resistance that allows you to change the weight by the touch of a button. I believe the real excitement and growth lie with the virtual and online platforms, however. There are seemingly infinite possibilities in this realm –people will get more and more personalised experiences in a virtual space, in the comfort of their homes and at a relatively small cost for the quality of content. With the ability to track your performance through your live biometrics, cameras and motion sensors tracking your form and adjusting form and programs accordingly!

THE RISE AND RISE OF COMMERCIAL AMATEUR SPORT

Heard of padel tennis? Or course you have. It has taken off worldwide with courts popping up countrywide and for good reason: Because of its simplicity. It is effortless to learn for players of all ages and skills. And if you have ever played or even tried other bat-on-ball sports such as tennis, squash or hockey before, it will take you just some moments to get a touch of the game.

Its popularity further stems from the fact that it’s relatively easy to be moderately good and hence competitive.

Also it’s not time-consuming, easy pay-to-play app platforms to book a game, a handicap system ensuring strength plays against strength and from a personal perspective a great way to connect with my wife Lara in a sports environment together. She loves doing yoga, swimming and trail running each week. I chase waves around selfishly each moment I get, which doesn’t allow much opportunity for sharing a sport, yet with Padel, we can both have lots of fun together whilst competing, as a team! In comparison, other sports like tennis and golf would need much more skill investment, time and coaching before we could reach these levels together.

I’m sure the trend won’t end with Padel though, as different sporting codes like cricket, touch rugby and golf will also offer clever condensed versions and facilities evolving and even combining different sporting codes to bottle the experience and make it more user-friendly.

It’s great to see how many forty-plus-year-olds (and others well into their seventies!) with different shapes and sizes make a return to Padel after a 20year or more absence from competitive sport, yet they all pull it off in droves.

COLD WATER SWIMMING

Early every Monday morning my family and I commute back from Kommetjie to Somerset West, and over the last few years on the way driving past Dalebrook Pool in Kalk Bay we’ve seen what seems like a weekly increase in people enjoying the resurgence of cold water swimming. Come rain or shine! In Kommetjie we’ve seen the same trend with locals going down to the local slipway at Inner Kom or Klein-Slangkop beach in their robes, dipping in the ice-cold Atlantic and then basking in the sun. Cold water immersion boosts cardiovascular circulation, which is beneficial for a healthy heart, a strong immune system, well-balanced mental health, and a high energy level. It’s of course taken off in more destinations, especially during the Covid hard lockdowns when people were forced to do more activities closer to home and reconnected with outdoor activities to escape being locked up. And what is not to like about it, people responded overwhelmingly positively to the call of nature. Especially in our beautiful country. Even when it means swimming in 12-degree water! Brrrrr!

Not long ago we took the plunge and joined 30 odd bathers at Dalebrooke at 6:30 am with our 5-year-old. The water was lovely after the first initial buzz and the sense of community welcoming. People came and went with a consistent stream of devotees arriving. Opposite the road, we grabbed a coffee and watched the sun rise over False Bay, all before a day’s work and school. The benefits feel instant. It’s here to stay and will grow!

VENUE-BASED SPORTING ACTIVITIES

With the increase of outdoor shopping and socialising experiences, like organic food and wine markets, we will probably also see more and more options linking organised exercises and sports events with these outdoor venues. A lot of wine farms have already evolved their business model to a more holistic experience like adding bike/skate pump tracks, super-sized play gyms, Padel, adventure races, sporting events and the like. Some are linking it with monthly or weekly, something like a 5km trail run series that draws the whole family, with kiddie-caretaking facilities available, organic food stalls, craft beer, good wine, and prize givings. It has been proven that health is a good marketing tool, and perhaps more outdoor establishments like wine farms will tap into these opportunities, investing in more sporting infrastructure and drawing in the whole family with a sporting/food/socialising theme in 2023.

FITNESS TOURISM

I feel there will be an increase in the tourist fitness industry in South Africa. Companies that have taken a hit (and survived!) with travel restrictions are thankfully slowly recovering. Our country offers incredible opportunities and weather (and weak currency!) for international visitors to compete in sporting events and I hope that more sports tourists will return to get this market growing again. There are already so many diverse events and activities to choose from between beginner and professional levels in incredible locations in South Africa. These events and activities are also well organised and managed by professionals. From the surf schools camps in Muizenberg, Cape Cycle Tour, Otter African Trail Run, Absa Cape Epic, Freedom Swim and Two Oceans Ultra to name a few. Having witnessed a couple of friends doing the recent UTCT 100 miler, traversing across the beautiful mountain ranges of the Peninsula, I realised again how special this is and how it deserves to be even more popular on a global scale and will surely get even more popular as word spreads.

There are so many diverse events and activities to choose from between beginner and professional levels in incredible locations in South Africa.

Selected by NICK GAERTNER

Hout Bay Heights

Great opportunity to buy one of the last plots with a spectacular view of the bay and Chapman’s Peak. The building plans have already been approved by Council and building works commenced on the 626sqm stand.

NATIONAL AREAS

Val de Vie Evergreen

Situated in the heart of Val de Vie Estate it was won multiple local and international awards for Best Leisure Development. The retirement village has an established community and draws inspiration from its magnificent surroundings, recreating the open-door, secure living of yesteryear.

Val de Vie Evergreen is regarded as South Africa’s safest retirement village.

With Phase 1 and 2 long sold out, Phase 3 is selling fast. Referred to as ‘The Sugarbush’ it consists of 60 new homes, bringing the village to a total of 197 freestanding homes.

Set in the beautiful “Valley of Life”, in the Val de Vie Estate, close to the nearby towns of Paarl and Franschhoek.

Showhouses are available for viewing. Prices range from R4 400 000 and there are still 23 units available for immediate occupancy.

The development of Phase 4 has started and the foundations are currently being laid and brickwork has commenced. Once complete it will add a further 90 freestanding homes to the village.

Phase 4 includes the construction of a luxury apartment block featuring 52 one and two-bedroom suites priced from R1,85 million and ranging from 44m2 - 66m2 in size.

Be the first to occupy your suite.

This suite is north facing and is on the first floor. It has a balcony and the building has an elevator. The stylish units all come standard with high end finishes.

Val de Vie Evergreen is a retirement village set in magnificent Paarl Franschhoek Valley. Enjoy the best retirement you could possibly wish for. R1,845,000

Your best years are yet to be. Enquire today to retire in South Africa’s safest retirement village.

Franschhoek

This beautiful Cape Georgian home with classical proportions, is set in a quiet street just a 30 second stroll from the popular shops and restaurants of Franschhoek village.

Gansbaai | Kleinbaai

This spacious family home is located in a Cul de Sac in Kleinbaai and a short walk to the sea. Kleinbaai is a small settlement in the Overberg District of the Western Capeoften referred to by the locals as ‘Van Dyksbaai.’

R3,950,000

Plett

| Seaside Longships

This prime property offers a unique opportunity to purchase a property on Beachy Head drive with direct access to Robberg Beach. Rarely do properties in this highly soughtafter enclave come onto the market.

R45,000,000

Tucked away in a quiet area of Signal Hill this north facing gently sloping stand is minutes’ walk from the beach, restaurants, shops, and the town centre. This 595 sqm land is one of the last available stands in this highly sought after area.

R1,250,000

INTERIOR DESIGN

Kitchen trends to look out for this year

We speak to Vince Muir, Creative Director of Hollywood Furniture

Vince Muir has been at the forefront of contemporary kitchen design for many years. Muir spent some time in Europe earlier this year visiting the biggest trade shows in the world to stay in touch with global trends.

Here is his list of what you should consider if you are planning on redoing your kitchen this year:

Kitchen Islands

While the trend of open-plan living has been popularised over the last few decades, it’s been no more sought out than in recent years. The idea of a home that flows between zones has become a go-to in modern design. Since Covid and the shift in how we use our home spaces, this has been amplified with many people realising the importance of their space and the impact it has on their lives. With the kitchen and dining area being the heart of the home, an island is an essential part of our design. An island creates a sociable, interactive and dynamic space - a space to eat, cook, work and socialise all in one while being right in the heart of your home.

Multipurpose spaces:

The tech age, with all its pros, has brought with it a new era of design and the need to accommodate the gadgets we now include in our kitchens. While retaining the traditional triangle of cooker, sink and fridge we need to include clever design that creates space for microwaves, air fryers, blenders and coffee machines while keeping the design minimal. We have come up with innovative ways to create spaces that are multipurpose and hyper-functional.

LED Lighting:

A new standard for kitchen design, with their low power consumption and ease of application. They’re also used as a tool in the aesthetic of the design, creating depth in spaces by lighting smaller, less visible areas. They’re most commonly used inside glass cabinets, under shelves and often inside large storage drawers where extra light is needed. Lighting has the ability the create and affect the entire mood of a space and so it’s a vital part of the design.

Textured Finishes:

Scalloped wood cladding, reeded glass, panelling, solid drawer fronts in painted frames, and leathered or honed countertops to name a few. We have noticed that our clients have become more adventurous when it comes to the material finishes and we’re loving it! It has encouraged us to push our boundaries and focus on innovative design.

Mud Rooms:

Probably the biggest trend of 2022 for us has been the addition of mud rooms to the client request list. Traditionally an uninspiring and, frankly, miserable space, mud rooms or utility rooms have been given a makeover. Forming a large portion of the kitchen area, they can be designed to be an extension of the main kitchen with function at the forefront of the design. We love coat hooks, shoe racks, dog washing areas and clever hidden spaces for the not-to-beautiful necessities of a home I do believe this will continue in 2023.

Banquet seating:

We loved this trend so much that we added it to our own home! A creative way to make the most of tight spaces and allow room for large dining areas with no wasted space behind chairs. The design options for banquet seating are endless and can be adapted to suit any taste. It creates a special and intentional space for dining and entertaining.

Brass and brushed gold hardware:

Complimentary in both light and dark kitchens, brass and gold hardware have become the go-to this year- the versatility ranges from Mediterranean styles to farm country kitchens.

For more information and insights, get in touch with Muir, here www.hollywoodfurniture.co.za

TRAVEL

EXPLORE CAMBODIA

Southeast Asia has always been on the travel list of many discerning adventurers, but for a longest time Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have been the most popular destinations. Head to Cambodia for your next trip east. It is a place of incredible and diverse natural beauty, fantastic food and unique culture. To take it up a level, explore by pushing the adrenaline levels with some serious outdoor adventure. Kayak the Mekong river to get up close with the mysterious Irrawaddy dolphins and see amazing flooded forests.

Ditch the resort-style holiday in 2023 and step out of your comfort zone by trying something new.

Tackle an alternative adventure this year

GO TREKKING IN NEPAL

The Himalayan mountain range is something to behold. Its rugged, remote beauty is what attracts most visitors, but trail runners, hikers and high-altitude climbers also go also to pit themselves against the challenges of the steep slopes and extreme altitude. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a world-class athlete or elite alpinist to enjoy this wilderness. A guided trek with Intrepid Travel will take you through the spectacular Annapurna Ranges through jaw-dropping glaciers, across mountain pastures and through remote mountain villages. You’ll be guided by experienced guides and porters, who will not only lead you along the way, but also introduce you to the rich local Sherpa culture.

TAKE ON THE PYRENEES

Europe’s ‘other’ mountain range is too often overshadowed by the Alps. We suggest you head to Andorra, the adventure central in the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, this mountainous region offers a host of activities to build strength and improve your cardio fitness all while having a serious adventure. Think mountain biking, hiking, trail running and whitewater rafting… Intrepid Travel runs guided trips out of Soldeu, at an elevation of 1710 metres above sea level (about the same as Johannesburg, so you won’t struggle with the effects of altitude).

PERU AT PACE

It would take months (years even) to truly experience the beauty of Peru. However, trekking the four-day Inca Trail (with Machu Picchu as its undeniable highlight) as part of a week-long trip provides just the right mix of archaeological and cultural sights along with some serious hiking along precipitous mountain trails. The Inca Trail will reward your efforts however by way of spectacular mountainscapes, cloud forests and jungles.

TREK GLACIERS IN PATAGONIA

Patagonia is where you head when you’ve done the Alps and the Pyrenees. The incredible glacial landscape of Chile shouts ‘adventure’ and expeditions into this wilderness require experience and expertise. Patagonia Adventure Expeditions offers various trips into the remote Aysén region. The team has dedicated their lives to understanding the human and physical geographies of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and Baker River basin, and are committed to protecting these spectacular wild lands and the communities that call them home.

CHAMONIX

This little village in the French Alps is affectionately known as the ‘Outdoor Disneyland’ among South African mountain sports addicts. Chamonix overflows with choices of activities high on thrill factor - trail running and hiking are the chiefs among these in summer (our wet, cold winter).

Website: www.wildandisle.com

FINANCE

Why a new investment mindset is non-negotiable in 2023

As independent financial advisors, the highly experienced team at Silvertree Risk & Wealth Management works closely with PSG Asset Managers and uses various of their investment products for their clients. As we look into the new year, Anet Ahern gives some sage advice on maximising on your portfolio this year.

These are her words:

Investment markets in 2022 did not behave according to the norm. Many asset classes staged a synchronised retreat, even the perennial safe-haven asset, US bonds. Now investors are asking themselves whether the turmoil is behind us and whether 2023 will be ‘a better year?’ For many, the most pressing question is even more specific –mega-cap tech stocks are so ‘cheap,’ is now the right time to buy them?

Shocks vs systemic imbalances: why we need to be clear about what is correcting

Market corrections happen from time to time, and we often argue that they are an inherent part of the stock markets, and something investors should be prepared for. Those who stomach the turbulence and avoid making emotion-driven mistakes are rewarded with inflation-beating returns in the long run. Those with an opportunistic mindset can even use periods of market weakness as an opportunity to stock up on quality counters when markets go ‘on sale.’ The 2020/ Covid-19 induced recession is a case in point. The market reacted violently to negative news and soon recovered. Investors who sold out at the bottom locked in losses and were worse off than had they simply stayed put.

However, we would argue the current market turmoil is not the result of a once-off shock (like the Covid-19 correction was), but rather

the symptom of more than a decade of systemic imbalances that are in the process of unwinding. When it comes to a systemic shift, the world before and after can look very different.

As the easy money dries up, so will some market dynamics

The prevailing expectation is that we are seeing the response to a market shock and that soon, the market will return to its pre-shock equilibrium. We believe this view is fundamentally wrong. Not because the market won’t recover (it will), but rather because we believe the market will find a new equilibrium in a world where money is no longer so easy to come by. Deglobalisation and years of underinvestment in the real sectors of our economy and the commodities that we depend on means that the low inflation period may be behind us for now, while governments have large debt burdens to contend with which are not so easy to fund at higher interest rate levels. The period of easy money is most likely over for now. And the kinds of assets that fared well in the low-inflation environment, are unlikely to be the same ones that will fare well in a high-inflation world.

Reassess the market with a fresh mindset, to meet the opportunities where they are

While many investors are eager to approach the market turmoil with the usual ‘buy a bargain’ mindset, we believe they may be disappointed with the items they buy on sale this time around. Not because these aren’t quality companies – many of them are and will likely still be around for a long time. But simply because the environment that drove their exceptional returns until recently will no longer be doing so in the future. Investors need to reassess the market with a fresh mindset, and critically evaluate which shares and sectors are likely to fare well in a world that is no longer driven by low inflation and easy money. The answers may surprise some, as shares and sectors that have been deeply unpopular for a long time, start to come into their own.

Differentiated thinking is key to achieving investment success

The longer market imbalances persisted, the more concentrated indices became. Unfortunately, many investors don’t realise that this has been the case and our research shows that there is an exceptional level of concentration in many frequently used funds around the strategies that worked well in the past. In the current environment, investors need a truly differentiated perspective to identify and meet the opportunities where they are. Simply defaulting to the strategies that worked in the past is unlikely to help investors achieve investment success in the future.

Website: www.psg.co.za

Anet Ahern, CEO of PSG Asset Management, believes that one crucial ingredient investors will ensure investment success in the new year: a fresh mindset.

LEGAL

Want to turn

home into

Here’s what you need to know

May you run a bed and breakfast or creche from your home? Or even decide to build a second or third dwelling on available space on your property?

In most instances, the answers to these enquiries will be found in the zoning provisions that apply to the area in which the property is situated.

Understanding Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations come from Municipalities that do control harmonised planning and development of residential, industrial and business areas in their jurisdictions. They have bylaws that grant certain ‘use rights’ to property owners. These are listed and described in a municipality’s zoning regulations.

A longstanding zoning provision imposed by the City of Cape Town municipality (CCT) held that properties zoned SR1 (Single Residential 1) may (generally) erect only one dwelling on their properties. So, if you owned a large property and wished to build a second home thereon for an ageing parent, varsity-going children or for on-selling, this was problematic.

your

an Airbnb?

Inge Johnson from the Claremont Branch of STBB Law talks us through the intricacies of using your home as a business premises.

However, since July 2016, the By-Law allows SR1-zoned property owners to erect a second dwelling on such properties, and since 2 February 2020, even a third dwelling may be erected, subject to specific qualifications. This opens up novel possibilities to unlock value in properties.

Things to keep in mind

Before embarking on this route, it is crucial to speak to a conveyancer to address:

• Possible title deed restrictions prohibiting additional dwellings;

• Ascertaining what the applicable building regulations are; and

• If the owner intends to sell the additional residence, it will be necessary to either subdivide the property or establish a sectional title scheme thereon.

Whichever way a property owner chooses to make use of this opportunity will depend on individual factors about his or her property. Website: www.stbb.co.za

It is considered crucial to have a town planner or architect and conveyancing attorney involved in the planning, from the word go.