Real Estate July 2015 ( Issue 23 )

ESTATEREAL

SMARTLIVING

ISSUE 23 • JULY 2015

Twenty-first-century tech | A naturally understated Durban home | Art for the discerning eye | SA’s top suburbs

BIRTHDAY

ISSUE!

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ON SHOW DAILY – LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FROM R3,9 MILLION

SHOW APARTMENT

Unit 12018, The Houghton on the 12th 53 2nd Avenue, HoughtonOffice – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100Email – [email protected]

Live with the stars at your doorstepTHE MARKET IS NOW UNDERSTANDING THE HOUGHTON AND ITS LUXURIOUS WAY OF LIFE.

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Safe. Secure.

Surrounded by nature.

Limited apartments

left – Don’t lose

out

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CONTRIBUTORS

JULIA FREEMANTLEHaving worked on various titles, Julia’s passion for the magic that happens when words and images come together has guaranteed a lifelong love of publishing. From a family made up of journos, foodies and artists she inherited a natural affi nity for anything creative and majored in art theory at university, a passion she tapped into for ‘Exhibit A(rt)’, ideas on making the topic more engaging. A half-and-half Joburg/Cape Town hybrid, she’s happiest surrounded by family in the Karoo, sun shining and wine fl owing.

CANDICE BOTHAAs a decor, property and lifestyle writer and stylist, Candice’s days are spent talking to inspiring people in beautiful spaces and places, and she loves every minute. The only downside is being exposed to so many ideas, she can never settle on any updates in her own home. Born and bred in Durban, she loves nothing more than promoting local creatives and their work. Candice wrote the feature on this month’s show house, a home that delighted her with its distinctly KZN aesthetic and intelligent design.

Given our current energy crisis, my heart leaps for joy every time something as clever as the Ecocapsule crosses my desk – albeit

the brainchild of Slovakian architects rather than South African! Compact, completely self-suffi cient and with serious design cred, this little pod has it all. Read more about it in our expanding Marketplace section (page 47), which will now be featuring a combination of local and global property news alongside all things architectural and green. So, keep us in the loop if you’re launching an energy-saving product – of course,

we particularly like glam ideas like these. Or if you’ve recently built a sustainable house, we’d be keen to hear more.

In this issue we also look at the rising trend of the technologically intelligent home (page 32) – whether you’d like to programme your bath water to run while you’re driving home, or need state-of-the-art security, there are more options today than ever before.

And would you believe it? We’re celebrating our second birthday issue! Since launching, we’ve expanded our team, and our new deputy editor, Julia Freemantle, has put together the beautiful ‘Exhibit A(rt)’ feature this month. Whether you’re an avid art buyer, or only treat yourself to an original on your birthday, you’ll no doubt have reached this crossroads many times: now that you own the masterpiece, how should you hang it? Cluster it? Give it a wall of its own? Read Julia’s feature on page 25 and you’ll fi nd yourself looking at your walls with new eyes.

PUBLISHED BY PA MEDIA, THE CREATIVE GROUP

CAPE TOWNOld Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925. 021 447 7130JOHANNESBURG9-6th Street, Parkhurst, 2193. 011 476 6293www.realestatemagazine.co.za

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEOShaun [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR Michelle [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Lucia Viglietti

DEPUTY EDITOR Julia Freemantle

CONTRIBUTING FEATURES WRITERGenevieve Putter

CHIEF COPY EDITOR Yaron Blecher

ONLINE EDITOR Andy Möller

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCENicolette Lubbe 011 476 6293

PRINTINGPaarl Media Cape

DISCLAIMER The publisher of this magazine gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representation regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. © The Advertising Joint Venture. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

ESTATERE

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Love the environment! Please recycle this copy of REAL ESTATE after you have read it.

ADVERTISING SALES

WESTERN CAPE Michèle Jones Sales and Marketing [email protected] 246 8105

Susan ErweeKey Account [email protected] 556 9848

GAUTENGYvonne BothaKey Account [email protected] 061 019 6175

KWAZULU-NATALBradley [email protected] 073 666 3842

ADVERTISING BOOKINGSAND SUBMISSIONSJackie MaritzAdvertising [email protected] 078 133 5211

ED’S LETTER

04 JULY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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Editor, REAL ESTATEwww.realestatemagazine.co.za

We’ve just discovered the smart little Ecocapsule (page 47). It just goes to show

that environmentally friendly designs can go hand in hand with style!

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09 WORD ON THE STREET

16 SHOW HOUSE Understated design, easy-going textures and a love of nature informed this family home on an eco-estate in KwaZulu-Natal

25 EXHIBIT A(RT)Displaying artwork is an art form in itself, and clever framing and hanging can elevate it to another level

32 JUST PRESS PLAYComplete home automation is not only possible but also more accessible than ever.

We explore the ins and outs of turning your home into a one-touch wonder

38 SIMPLY DIVINEAn artist couple’s clever, humorous take on religious motifs and large-space planning turned a former Cape Town church into a home

47 MARKETPLACEThe property news you need to know now

70 THE CHART-TOPPERSWe explore SA’s best-performing suburbs in terms of sales, rentals and popularity. And the findings might surprise you

76 SUBURB FOCUSAccommodating Hatfield’s rising student population is changing the face of the suburb

79 PRACTICAL ADVICEThe voetstoots clause in light of the Consumer Protection Act, and plot-and-plan finance tips

86 GLOBAL BUYWhy beautiful Provence is perennially popular with property investors

88 DREAM HOMEWe’re dreaming of Provence’s lavender fields and citrus orchards

CONTENTS JULY 2015

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CONTENTS

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WWW.CHASEVERITT.CO.ZA

* CELEBRATING *

Sometimes the quickest way around is throughWe love talking to our clients – and nding out how we can make their lives easier. It turns out that one of the frustrating parts of selling is all the red tape involved and the inevitable delays. So we found a way to speed things up: PropertyWise, a free process to clear away the red tape before your rst o�er.

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WORD ON THE STREETPlaces to be and things to see in SA’s hippest ’hoods

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JUST THE TONICAdroit at making luxe seem effortless and keeping it relevant, Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe of Tonic Design hold our interest with a shifting showroom of exquisitely appointed room-sets, choreographed to perfection at their Kramerville premises. Presenting moody hues of deep red and copper, Tonic’s new range has us itching to redecorate. tonicdesign.co.za

A-LISTERS, TAKE NOTELooking for a seaside villa that’s truly sensational? Casa Blanca should be at the top of your hot list. Its eclectic but elegant interiors, fi lled with collected treasures curated by Cécile & Boyd, all have heavenly sea views. Laid-back luxe at its best, it’s the ultimate sanctuary for four couples, and you’ll be kicking off those sandals (absolutely no shoes allowed) and relaxing with a fl ute of bubbly before you know it. Book through perfecthideaways.co.za.

The good fi ghtCombating the signs of ageing has become a multibillion-rand industry, and with more than 85 years’ experience in sourcing the best ingredients and technological advances, La Prairie continues to win the battle. Its new Anti-aging Rapid Response Booster serum is the fi rst to be released by the brand in seven years and is suited to men and women, because in the fi ght against ageing, no sex is fairer. laprairieswitzerland.com


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STARCK MADAlessi’s iconic Juicy Salif citrus squeezer, designed by Philippe Starck 25 years ago, has been lauded the world over. Despite its day job as a juicer, it’s loved for its squid-like form and has inspired many a publication, image and news feature since its inception. At this year’s Milan Design Week, two new versions were launched by Alessi to celebrate this iconic design: one is in cast aluminium, with an opaque white ceramic coating, and the other is a limited edition in cast bronze. alessi.com

BAGS OF BLINGPart of Sandton City’s R185m redevelopment project, the new Diamond Walk houses some of the world’s most coveted luxury brands. The 150m stretch of prime retail real estate sits beneath a larger-than-life handmade chandelier that twinkles along its entire length, a fi tting adornment for Louis Vuitton, Prada (below), Dolce & Gabbana and a host of other international boutiques that guarantee Sandton City’s status as Africa’s premier shopping node. sandtoncity.com

WORD ON THE STREET

BUBBLING OVERWhat would an exclusive retail experience be without appropriate post-shopping refreshment? Cue Arque Champagne Crescent, designed by Tristan du Plessis of Studio A, whom we featured last month in ‘Boys’ Club’. Heavily infl uenced by brand partner Perrier-Jouët champagne and the exclusive Sandton City Diamond Walk environs, Arque takes it design cue from the delicate aesthetic and colour of Perrier-Jouët and juxtaposes it with angles and shapes inspired by diamond cuts. Arque is open throughout the week and serves a delectable menu of gastronomic treats and chilled champagne. One to watch, it’s sure to become the go-to venue for fashion launches and other events. 011 326 7450

FOXY FIXThe Charles Fox 2011 Prestige Cuvée Cipher was released earlier this year after ageing for four years in the estate’s underground cellars. Made from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay grape varieties, this bottle of bubbly has been lauded as ‘possessing the depth, character and quality standards of French champagne’ by international champagne consultant Nicolas Follet. We love everything about the sexy Cipher, even the label. charlesfox.co.za


PIPING HOTDespite being wrapped up in our winter woollies, just looking at the new Ted Baker SS15 womens- and menswear ranges warms us up. Think bold candy and jewel tones, punchy fl orals, tropical and graphic prints, tailored styling and classic lines. tedbaker.com

Kudos to KramervilleTwo new stores have joined the dazzling design mix at Johannesburg’s Kramerville. Noting how South African homeowners are becoming ever more discerning in their decor tastes, the Italian brand Poliform (poliform.it) has just opened its fl agship Varenna store (above). The defi nitive source of contemporary European furniture, its inventory of designers is a veritable who’s who of 20th- and 21st-century design superstars. Meanwhile, Home Fabrics’ (hf.co.za) new showroom (below) is almost 1km2 in size and is its most aspirational on the continent yet, thanks in part to the designated space occupied by each of its premium brands, such as Fabric Library, Fabric Library Express, FR One and UV Pro, and international brands, including Designers Guild and Osborne & Little.

Fancy footworkHouse of Cinnamon’s AW15 collection, Summit, is all about being comfy without compromising on glamour. Inspired by a recent trip to France, owner Frances Edwards has incorporated old-world textures and a palette of dark hues with velvet fi nishes, fringing, leather and French and Italian cottons. Glitter and hints of metallics abound for those with a penchant for sparkly, shiny things. Patent leather fl ats or embellished velvet loafers will appeal to the bold and daring, while for those who prefer a more feminine look, fl oral motifs are where it’s at. houseofcinnamon.com

LOVE PRINTS? LOOK OUT FOR THE

EVOCATIVELY TITLED ‘CASCADING

FLORALS’ AND ‘MIRRORED TROPICS’.



WORD ON THE STREET

The daily grindParkhurst welcomes Urban Grind Roasters to its bespoke coffee-roasting scene. The new venue doubles as a barista training facility and coffee-pairing spot. It’s simply bursting with co-owners Dirk Booth and Wayne Burrows’ love for and appreciation of different blends. They also offer the newest big thing in coffee quaffing: cold-drip brew, made with ice-cold water. 082 892 0675

Q: You lived overseas for 18 years. Why the decision to return to SA?A: There’s so much openness and energy and a genuine feeling that things are growing. Add to that the desire to raise my family close to nature and in close proximity to their extended family, and it was an easy choice.

Q: How did the idea for Hazard come about?A: My wife Anna and I co-founded the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival. I started looking at options to bring elements of it to SA, but with the balance more weighted towards art. The gallery was already operating as Nirox Projects and the opportunity arose to bring this concept to the space and work with a fantastic team already in place, in particular Daniel Liebmann.

Q: What can visitors look forward to in July?A: Running until the first half of July, our ‘Protest’ exhibition features bold, controversial works by various artists, including Willem Boshoff, Vusi Beauchamp and Johan Thom. On 16 July we open ‘Let X Be’, a solo show by Fred Clarke. On Thursday, 30 July we launch the Super Andy Warhol Illustrated Series Sunglasses collection, which launched at MoMA in NYC in June. There is also a flow of pop-up events, curated dinners and spontaneous gatherings, reflecting a core element of our philosophy, namely that Hazard is a meeting place rather than a static space.

HEALTHY HAZARDArtist, fashion festival director and curator, Jonathan Freemantle tells us about Maboneng’s newest creative space, Hazard Gallery. Hazard celebrates the unification of art, fashion, design and luxury as well as the conversations and collaborations their various connections spark. hzrd.co.za


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bulthaup johannesburgLiving Kitchens (Pty) Ltd9 Kramer Road, KramervilleJohannesburg 2148Tel. 011 262 5257 [email protected]

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SHOW HOUSE


Text and production Candice Botha Photographs Lar Rattray

ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN AESTHETICS AND PRACTICALITY WAS THE IMPETUS BEHIND THE DESIGN OF THIS COOL, SERENE AND CURRENT KWAZULU-NATAL HOME

ZEN AND NOW

Greg and Cara’s use of raw materials reflects the natural setting of their home, which overlooks a conservancy. The balustrade, made of vertical timber beams that reach the ceiling, makes a striking feature in the open-plan living space. The chandelier was commissioned from Hellooow Handmade

‘My design philosophy is to work from the inside out, with the architecture and people who will be occupying a space, to create homes which are

as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing,’ says architectural interior designer Cara Slater-Middlewick of Cara Slater Architectural Design and Decor. The home she shares with her husband Greg and their one-year-old daughter, Isla, on Dunkirk Estate on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast is a prime example of this belief being put into practice.

She was approached by building contractor Ian McMurchie to assist with the project coordination and planning of the interior spaces of a development. This business relationship transformed into a partnership between Ian and Norman Slater – Cara’s father – to create Saxonwood Luxury Villas, an upmarket 10-unit sectional title development, built by Mac Mac Construction and designed by Metropole Architects. ‘We wanted these homes to be both luxurious and convenient, with every detail geared towards easy living,’ Cara explains.

To achieve this vision, she has ensured that high-end finishes, such as rench oa , Hansgrohe taps, balau decking and Caesarstone tops, are simply the finishing touches put to homes that first and foremost are a pleasure to live in.

e raised ceiling heights to three metres and doors to , metres to create a sense of spaciousness, enhanced by lots of glass to bring the outdoors in,’ notes Cara. ‘Expansive, open-plan spaces are wonderful to live in but impractical, unless there is plenty of storage; so each home has a generous scullery and a large courtyard for keeping necessary-but-not-very-attractive items stored out of sight.’

This thinking extends throughout the Saxonwood homes, each of which has four en-suite bedrooms with at least two-and-a-half cupboards (vented, to ensure they air in this seaside setting) and a walk-in wardrobe in the main bedroom. Small details that make a big difference include a small lip on the sho er oors, to prevent doors from touching the bathmat; concealing laundry bas ets in the bathroom vanities; and placing plug points within easy reach of the bed.

Using all the available space for living is important to Cara: in her own home, the upstairs landing houses a cosy pyjama lounge and study, instead of being ust a dead area.

Being eco-aware was also an essential aspect of the process for the team members, who have included in the Saxonwood plans spaces for Jojo water tanks and solar panels.

‘Although the windows are large, we have used the latest EU glass, which assists with insulation and glare,’ adds Cara, who has chosen to live without curtains, to avoid obstructing the view over the adjacent greenbelt (each unit has been thoughtfully designed to ensure the privacy of the homeowner).

‘Living close to nature attracted us to Dunkirk,’ she says. Their love of all things organic is evident in the way she and Greg have furnished and decorated their home. love ra finishes, whether of timber, concrete, silk or steel, and blending classic and contemporary design,’ says Cara, who has kept the larger pieces of furniture neutral, to allow her to bring in trendy elements with accessories, without committing to them for years. thin interiors should be peaceful, with one or two wow elements – such as a statement rug to create a balance.’

Equally important to the owners, and extending from Cara’s philosophy that people should be the first consideration in terms of the architectural interior design, is the inclusion of sentimental items throughout the home. ‘Our dining room table, from Con Amore, was a wedding gift; and a series of photographs by Lar Rattray depict Cape Vidal where I holidayed as a child, and

alengane, here reg and first met,’ she says. The family spends plenty of time outdoors

on the patio, around the swimming pool and at the firepit. ara notes that another plus of Saxonwood homes is their level gardens.

e envisioned this development as one hich allows for easy family living and a lock-up-and-go lifestyle, and it is something we are all very proud of,’ she says. ‘My father passed away before it

as completed but he certainly has left a legacy at Saxonwood.’ Cara Slater Architectural Design and Decor, caraslaterdesigns.com; Dunkirk Estate, dunkirkestate.co.za; Metropole Architects, metropolearchitects.com; Mac Mac Construction, 032 525 4853


SHOW HOUSE



CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Mounting the television on a wall flanked by glass doors that can be tucked away completely into recesses in the wall is a smart way of blurring the boundaries between inside and out. The furniture is geared towards comfort as well as style, a must in a family home; in the main bedroom, raw-wood and linen furniture provides texture, while a modern floral fabric for the cushions and minimal white lamps contrast with the classic lines of the headboard, creating a contemporary feel; attention to detail, such as these quirky hooks, lends this home personality and interest OPPOSITE The kitchen’s finishes are luxurious: Cara, who has chosen Caesarstone and French oak, believes that the secret to open-plan living lies in plenty of storage space, and as a result, a generous scullery leads off the kitchen




CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The decor in one-year-old Isla’s bedroom will be able to grow along with her; instead of having an unutilised area on the landing, Cara opened it up to create a pyjama lounge at the top of the stairs, adhering to her philosophy of maximising living spaces in a home. She has chosen to keep furniture neutral and bring in colour and trends through accessories, as with this series of fashionable tropical-foliage fabrics; placing the bath in an alcove surrounded by windows gives the view a starring role. Careful attention to the design and the provision of plenty of storage space make bathing a pleasure OPPOSITE Timber cladding creates an interesting feature wall while doubling as a headboard in this guest room, one of the home’s four bedrooms, all of which are en suite. A metal trunk makes an appealing bedside table



Dunkirk Estate in Salt Rock on the KZN North Coast offers residents the best of the

bush and beach, with homes nestled among trees in protected greenbelts just two minutes from the

seaside. he gated estate has a private beach club ith secure par ing and a cafe as ell as a clubhouse facility that boasts an acclaimed restaurant, Bistro 98, a heated

s imming pool, gym and sauna. All residents have unlimited use of these facilities as well as a series of parks and walking trails. Saxonwood Luxury Villas is a 10-home sectional title

development within Dunkirk. Each uniquely designed house has four en-suite bedrooms, a study, open-plan living area, scullery, courtyard, double garage, office

and pyjama lounge. The houses boast high-end finishes, e cellent o , and ample space both

indoors and out setting them apart. or sale direct from developer

ara later, , from , m.

IN THE ZONE

SHOW HOUSE


SHOW HOUSE



www.realestatemagazine.co.za JULY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Raw concrete countertops, timber cabinetry and plenty of greenery reflects the family’s love of nature; on the stylish patio, inviting mirrors reflect the garden and ensure that the view is enjoyed from every angle, while geometric patterns on the cushions and vibrant yellow stools are fashionable touches that give the space a contemporary feel; the firepit provides a cosy spot for year-round outdoor living; linking indoors to out works both ways: sliding doors can be tucked into recesses in the wall, while botanical motifs echo the greenery outside OPPOSITE The family spends a lot of time outdoors. All Saxonwood villas have level gardens, an unusual feature in homes in this area. The lounge doors slide away completely to ensure a good flow between indoors and out


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ART

MODERN ARTArt and decor can work hand in hand to create a more cohesive space. Here, the contemporary aesthetic and bright opaque palette of these Fritz Hansen (fritzhansen.com) Series 7 chairs (incidentally, the most sold stackable chair in history) are a perfect match for the abstract work they’re paired with. However, this tableau also works because of the contrast at play – ornate antique-style moulding and cornicing provide a counter to the modern objects. The key lesson to take away here is balance.

EXHIBIT A(RT)WHEN IT COMES TO DISPLAYING YOUR WORKS, THERE ARE NO RULES. YOU HAVE A BLANK CANVAS, SO THINK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS FOR FRAMING, HANGING AND COMBINING

Text Julia Freemantle Photographs Ditte Isager, Michele Andersen Photography, Global Views, Greg Cox Photography, Xavier Béjot, Manolo Yllera, supplied

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ART

COLOURING OUTSIDE THE LINES To display artworks, think beyond the traditional. Seeing the decor and artwork as part of the whole will help you to integrate your pieces in interesting ways, rather than simply treating them as an accessory. 2 Walls aren’t the only surface to hang frames on. Try suspending an artwork in front of a set of shelves. This creates an interesting focal point of the shelves by framing the art and objets within them 3 Although art is meant to be seen, there are no rules when it comes to placement. Standing a piece of furniture in front of a large-scale work can create an interesting dynamic 4 Take your frames all the way to the floor – it’s a simple idea but carries a lot of impact, especially in large open-plan spaces like this 5 Propping a frame on a bench or sideboard, or leaning it against a wall as artist Nicky Levenberg did here, is a casual approach and dispels the idea that art is stuffy and inaccessible

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CASUAL ENCOUNTERSArtist and designer Nicky Levenberg takes a modern approach to making and displaying art.

Q: Displaying art isn’t nearly as rigid or as formal as it used to be. What interesting ways of presenting it have you seen?A: It’s definitely becoming more loose and versatile. No longer is it limited to eye-level, evenly spaced configurations. I love the idea of leaning art against walls – on a server, a bench or a stack of books. The impermanence allows you to play with it and shift pieces to keep the space feeling fresh.

Q: With your own work, do you consider the environment that the piece is going into for framing, or are you led more by the artwork, and why?A: Usually the artwork dictates the framing for me, and I err on the side of simplicity and neutrality, allowing the artwork to be the main focus. However, if artworks are made specifically with a context in mind, the environment for which it is intended becomes very important.

Q: Are homeowners showing an increasing interest in the process of choosing art for their homes?A: Definitely. There is a strong trend to order bespoke pieces for one’s home. There seems to be great appeal in customising artwork, allowing homeowners to be very hands-on in the process.

Q: What are some of the trends you’ve noticed overall in the art-buying/making world in terms of subject matter, framing and buying?A: Abstract and specifically geometric artwork – simplicity is key. Framing tends to also be very simple too: black, white and neutral wood or aluminium box frames. aureumdesign.com

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ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESSAlways consider the environment you’re hanging your artwork in – the surfaces it’s against, the colours it’s surrounded by – because these factors are as important as the frame you put it in. Colour pattern and context can play a big role in elevating a piece to its full potential. 6 There’s no reason art can’t form part of the structure of the room. Here, a vinyl panel by artist Pieter van Tonder, printed by Robin Sprong (robinsprong.com), has been applied to a glass dividing screen. The floor-to-ceiling scale and semitransparency provide both interest and privacy in this bathroom space 7 The colour of the wall behind a work will allow it to become an extension of the painting and in so doing, create a more cohesive connection between the art and the room as a whole. In this space designed by Etienne Hanekom (etiennehanekom.com), a master of colour, black tones against a dark-grey wall echo the decor and create a moody atmosphere 8 A contemporary metallic sculpture mounted on marble-panelled walls appears to float. The illusion is enhanced by the glossiness of both surfaces. When working with striking pieces, try giving them a visual link, however subtle 9 Don’t be afraid of using pattern. Diagonal stripes as used here by Australian designer Greg Natale (gregnatale.com) are the furthest thing from understated; however, since they echo the monochromatic tones of the series of portraits on it, the wallpaper doesn’t overwhelm the work

‘I like making art that responds to an environment, something that’s informed by or that references its surroundings’ – Dylan Culhane, visual artist


To prevent exposure to soot and heat, avoid hanging

paintings over a fireplace or a heater. Likewise, they should

not be hung directly below air-conditioning ducts or

in direct sunlight

TIP

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SMART ARTDylan Culhane, a multimedia visual artist, shares some of his tips for framing, buying and showing off your artworks.

Q: Buying art is all very well, but what if you have a limited budget yet still want the gravitas of fine art?A: Don’t dismiss prints. Dressed up the right way, they can offer major impact. Consider buying an affordable print and then spending some money on the framing, to turn it into something really special. You can get great prints for a few hundred rand, and these days there are some amazing resources online. The Rijksmuseum (rijksmuseum.nl/en) in Holland, for example, has a whole online library from which you can download large-scale files for free.

Q: What is the most important consideration when choosing art?A: Context. You’d choose work differently for a personal space than you would for a corporate space, for example. I like making art that responds to an environment, something that’s informed by or that references its surroundings.

Q: And framing? How can people set their works apart? A: For a modern space, there’s an amazing technique for framing photographs: Diasec. It entails bonding the surface of the work to a thin Perspex layer at the front and metal at the back. It’s as minimal a frame as you can get and lends a lovely intensity to the pieces. For a totally different effect, though, I also like using colourful frames rather than black or white, to let the pieces pop against the wall. dylanculhane.prosite.com

FRAME OF REFERENCEA frame needn’t end at the edge of the mount. Creating framing devices beyond the work is a way to draw the eye back to it and keep it a focal point. 10 Designer Lorenzo Castillo (lorenzocastillo.org) has used an even more ornate second frame around a framed work, thus enlarging it in terms of perceived size and giving it additional impact. This quirky treatment also injects the traditional, potentially sombre, work with a sense of a playfulness 11 An alcove in this living space by French designer Jean-Louis Deniot (deniot.com) was purposely designed and lit to show off sculptural pieces. The result is a permanent framing device, yet the works within the space can be swapped out for others



ONCE THE EXCLUSIVE PROVINCE OF TECH GEEKS OR THE SUPER-WEALTHY, HOME AUTOMATION HAS ENTERED THE MAINSTREAM, CONTROLLING EVERYTHING FROM SECURITY TO AMBIENCE

Text Jocelyn Warrington Photographs BNC Technology, Nico Van Der Meulen Architects, Matthias Koslik, Ulrich Schwartz, D-Haus Company

PLAYJUST PRESS

RE_July2015_SmartHome.indd 32 2015/06/10 5:55 PM

HOME TECH


ABOVE AND OPPOSITE ‘A smart home is one that is equipped with special structured wiring to enable residents to remotely control or programme an array of automated home electronic devices by entering a single command,’ explains Nick Caripis, managing director of BNC Technology, which installed the home integration solutions at this contemporary home in Kloof Road, Cape Town – collaborating with Nico Van Der Meulen Architects, BNC ensured that the house enjoys a seamless, convenient and secure indoor-outdoor flow, thanks to technologies such as home automation, acoustic design and consultation and integrated security solutions

Microsoft’s former chairman Bill Gates may have spent more than $100-million on his ultra-intelligent Washington home, where lights appear to come on miraculously

while preferred tunes follow electronically chipped occupants as they move about, but these days such integrated technology is no longer reserved for just the ultra-rich or, for that matter, the technologically astute.

‘The birth of the smartphone, which made everything available at one’s fingertips, completely revolutionised the industry. he more devices can be integrated the more people want to control them,’ says Nick Caripis, managing director of BNC Technology bnctechnology.co. a , a ohannesburg-based

company that specialises in state-of-the-art home technology solutions, including home automation, audio and video distribution, home cinema and media rooms, integrated security and acoustic design.

While Caripis admits that the present smart-home market is relatively fragmented in this country, it is nonetheless growing in terms of functionality, sales and e pectations. o harness the full potential of smart-home automation, disparate manufacturers will have to develop technologies based on common open standards,’ he says, adding that very fe , if any, firms produce every device found in a home and that it is unlikely that consumers would be brand-loyal enough to buy every household device, or even the majority of them, from a single manufacturer. o, if manufacturers ant to ensure that their devices talk to others, they will have to be developed under common standards standards also shared by soft are companies.

This level of collaboration may take some time many of these firms are direct competitors,

after all but it is necessary.’And if data from the US portends a new

dawn for home tech globally, the future of the industry loo s positively uorescent. Berg Insight berginsight.com reports that sales of home automation systems could grow to around . -billion about -billion this year, while CNN cnn.com predicts that by that number could balloon to $44-billion (about

-billion . The reality is that all the electronics in your

home are fair game for the tech revolution. ‘Most of the advanced systems on the market are very intuitive and easy to use,’ says Walther Blersch of Cape-based Nuru Intelligent Buildings nuru.co. a . here is also a single screen for

all devices, so one does not have to get used to different menus. eypads and touch screens are brought down to a minimum and placed in the most convenient areas of the house. And, of course, the need for multiple light switches is eliminated.’

Blersch, whose company specialises in the Control4 bouquet of home tech products, adds that the projects he typically works on entail the automation of lighting, music, TVs and security systems both alarms and surveillance .

limate control comes into about per cent of houses, as do irrigation, blinds or curtains, albeit to a lesser e tent. ne does get funny re uests, such as an o ner’s ott eiler having to be fitted

ith a radio-fre uency identification tag so as not to trigger a peripheral geosphere intended to detain burglars.’

Whatever your automation requirements, however, Blersch insists these are best


POWER TO THE PEOPLESouth Africa’s electricity woes may be a thing of the ar Ages, than s to local lad-made-good lon

us he of electric-car fame. us ’s esla recently announced the introduction of the Powerwall Home Battery teslamotors.com po er all , an easy-to-use lithium-ion battery system that provides efficient energy to homeowners seeking a sustainable source of domestic energy. he fully automated, all-mounted battery a far cry from the un ieldy, rac et-producing generators currently on the mar et dra s energy either from home solar panels or from the grid itself during off-pea hours as the need arises. Available

in t o versions a about , h model and a larger about , h unit – the battery comes with the added advantage of being so easy to instal that even technophobes ill find it a simple tas . And it re uires ero maintenance.

considered, wherever possible, at the start of a pro ect. his allo s for a proper iring-layout schedule – if the electrician is shown from the start where the various light switches and keypads, speakers, TV points, touch screens, thermostats, infrared beams and motors (for blinds and curtains ill be placed, he can position the conduits in the correct places.’

Blersch adds that lighting requirements typically all go to a distribution board, while everything else is directed to one’s server station. he electrician must no this to do a proper layout,’ he says, explaining that Nuru ideally implements the systems at architectural-planning level. his is beneficial in that all devices are provided for and the amount of chasing that will need to be done afterwards is limited. All these devices ill then be hard- ired and will not have to be controlled wirelessly,

hich ma es one dependent on a signal.’According to Blersch, once the proper

conduits have been installed in the house, everything else falls into place: ‘The system is completely modular and can easily be up- or downscaled, as new and old devices will run on the same iring.’

And the cost for such a system e find our uotes are anything bet een for a one-bedroom apartment to for a four-bedroom house. f course, this is fully customisable and all depends on the owner’s needs. Ho ever, the good systems still need to be imported.’


TOP ‘The lighting was a major challenge as the home was just completed and the client was disappointed with the existing lighting-control system,’ Caripis says about Kloof Road House. ‘We were given the mandate to replace the system but this required doing remedial work on all switches and adding additional wiring to the lights as well as replacing the bus system (bus systems are used for high electrical currents distributed throughout a building). All patching, breaking and physical installation was completed when the client went on holiday for two weeks’ ABOVE At Kloof Road House, aside from remote controls at every TV, full-control touch panels were installed in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, for convenience OPPOSITE ‘It’s a misconception that only new builds or renovations can have smart-home integrated technology,’ says Caripis

Berg Insight reports that sales of home automation systems could grow to around $9,5bn (about R113bn) this year, while CNN predicts that by 2017 that number could balloon to $44bn (about R525bn)



A project undertaken jointly by BNC Technology and Nico Van Der Meulen Architects nicovdmeulen.com , loof oad House could ell serve as the film set for he etsons. ot

only is Wi-Fi present throughout the strikingly contemporary house, ith high-definition image quality deployed to every TV and a motorised picture lift concealed in the kitchen counter, but all audio-video systems are remote controlled,

ith touch panels located in high-traffic areas, such as the itchen and master bedroom.

Lighting throughout is delivered via a fully automated system, and the or so blinds in the home are all controlled irelessly. he entire solution is compatible with apps for iOS and Android and, to top it all, the complete absence of visible cabling means it was implemented with absolutely no impact on the building’s aesthetics.

‘Our programming philosophy is also important, as we try give the client everything hile simplifying the operation, labelling and programming,’ says BNC’s Nick Caripis, who explains that there are several design challenges and considerations involved when developing a home automation system, many of which are determined by the user’s needs. nce these have been decided upon, the designer can choose the appropriate processor, sensors and communication protocol for the system,’ he adds.

Caripis insists that working closely with the architect enabled BNC to more effectively achieve the required technological and architectural ob ectives. t’s not ust about the technology or the architecture; it’s the intelligence of both disciplines providing the

ultimate in efficiency,’ he says. hen designing or constructing high-end homes, too often we find there is a big misconception about hen the home technology professionals should be brought in to consult on the pro ect. e’ve found it commonly and incorrectly perceived that the systems designer isn’t needed until the house is built and ready for the e uipment . On the contrary, the designer should become part of the pro ect at its earliest stages. ne of the key elements to a successful project is comprehensive and organised design during the planning phase.’

Importantly, all home technology solutions provided by BNC adhere to a stringent set of guidelines laid down by the internationally accredited Custom Electronic Design and nstallation Association.

CASE STUDY: KLOOF ROAD HOUSE, CAPE TOWN

HOME TECH


HOME TECH

JULY 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

CLOCKWISE The Efficiency House Plus is sited so that it capitalises on daylight hours; solar energy is harnessed by panels on the roof and the facade; the house provides a docking point for an electric car, the energy being produced by the house rather than the grid OPPOSITE Using a formula devised by the English mathematician Henry Dudeney in the early 1900s, the D-Haus can automatically rearrange itself from a square to an equilateral triangle in order to capitalise on time of day and climatic conditions


‘There is no reason why a smart home should be more complicated or expensive than a conventional house … In our projects we now use a “plug-and-play” system that only needs a Wi-Fi connection’ – Frank Heinlein, a lead designer on the Efficiency House Plus project

www.realestatemagazine.co.za JULY

CASE STUDY: EFFICIENCY HOUSE PLUS, BERLINLocated in inner-city Berlin, the ambitious

fficiency House Plus, or , as the inning design in a competition run by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital nfrastructure. he arresting full-scale glass-enclosed house, created under the direction of Professor Werner Sobek ernersobe .de and the University of Stuttgart’s Working Society, demonstrates ‘the potential of providing inhabitants with the highest level of comfort while ensuring that an optimal energy balance is achieved’, says Frank Heinlein, one of the lead designers on the pro ect.

Heinlein explains that to achieve this goal, the suitability and orientation of the construction site ere carefully analysed he fficiency House Plus utilises the entire available site, thus maximising the roof surface, which is employed to generate current from a solar cell. he closed facade, on the north side, minimises thermal losses, while the south side, also equipped with a solar-cell system, ma imises energy recovery. The entrance to the home – on the west side – consists of a picture window behind which electric vehicles are par ed and charged.’

According to Heinlein, the house’s energy is generated from two sources: ‘An air-water heat pump recovers the necessary heat from the ambient air in inter. he solar cells on the roof and along the southern facade generate current. his current is either available immediately, can be stored and used later or can be used to charge an electric vehicle. Any additional generated power can be fed to the public supply grid. nnovative technology and intelligent energy management therefore allows bidirectional battery operation – that is, both as a power consumer as well as a power supplier to the public grid.

‘In my view, there is no reason whatsoever why a smart home should be more complicated or expensive than a conventional house,’ insists Heinlein. f course, much depends on the “smartness” of the design, but, where hitherto many intelligent homes required purpose-built hard- and software, with wiring through the whole house, this is no longer necessarily the case. n our pro ects e no use a plug-and-play system that only needs a i- i connection. All sensors work without wiring and without batteries. his, of course, ma es life and installation so much easier.’

MOVABLE ASSETSConceptualised by UK designers David Ben-Grünberg and Daniel Woolfson, the D-Haus (thedhaus.com) is a home for all seasons. The modular house can unfold into eight configurations in accordance with changes in climate and weather patterns, and each structural arrangement is designed to make the most ecological and sustainable use of the specific environmental conditions of the site.

‘The house automatically moves itself into the most efficient formation according to the time of day and year,’ explains Ben-Grünberg. ‘In winter the house is in a square formation, with thick, heavy external walls, small windows and a high thermal mass. It literally hugs itself. As the seasons change and the climate warms, the building opens up, mimicking the petals of a flower, allowing light and air to penetrate to the inside through the now-unfolded glass internal walls.’

Ben-Grünberg believes that the D-Haus is the house of the future. ‘A house like this has never been done before in the history of architecture and we believe that creating buildings that can adapt and change is a much more sustainable way of living,’ he says. For now it remains at concept stage.


Ar tists Sar ah Pr att and Andr ew L ov ell ar e u nlik ely chu r chgoer s, bu t that’s where you’ll find them these days in the monumental oodstoc church hall they ’v e clev er ly r einv ented as a welcoming e en cosy creati e homeText Laura Twiggs/bureaux.co.za Production Sven Alberding/bureaux.co.za Photographs Warren Heath/bureaux.co.za

SIMPLY DIVINE

RE_July15_Lifestyle_HousePratt.indd 38 2015/06/10 6:00 PM

LIFESTYLE


In the main ‘bedroom’, paint effects turn simple cupboards into eye-catching features OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT The black-and-white-striped theme painted on the partition demarcating Andrew’s internal studio space from the entrance is continued in swathes of fabric elsewhere, while reflected in the mirror is an artwork of Andrew’s titled My Slippers Aren’t Where They’re Meant To Be; these paper cut-outs from Andrew and Sarah’s ‘Nuns and Vicars’ house-warming are pasted onto windows that have been set into the stage’s wooden base to incorporate the subterranean TV, dining and kitchen area below and maximise light; a wooden divider doubles as shelving for Andrew’s catalogued LP collection (locating the appropriate soundtrack is crucial to his creative process)



‘We ere terrified,’ says

arah Pratt about the initial e perience of moving from a small house in the ape o n

suburb of bservatory to hat as at the time the intimidatingly e pansive m2 space of the neighbouring oodstoc ’s All aints Anglican church hall. Andre as moving his studio and

e’d been loo ing for some here here he could or and e could live. e’d seen a fe spaces

in to n but they ere mostly a tad too industrial and their access as tric y. A rental agent friend of mine happened to have a church hall going and

e signed but hen e moved in, reality hit. he hall had no hot ater, no bath and no geyser.

And it as so massive. hen e pac ed out our things, e didn’t come close to filling the space.

he echo alone as frightening ’ hat as in August , and arah and partner

and fello artist Andre ovell ent on to spend months in a state of stupefied, space-induced fear. e still had things in bo es against the

alls si months after e moved in. e didn’t do anything e cept dither in bet een discussions around our very many options,’ says arah.

ur house arming as a hole year later,’ adds Andre . t as, appropriately, a nuns-and-vicars-themed party. hat else

oday, visitors ould be hard-pressed to believe the tale. o more than ever, arah and Andre ’s home spea s of enormous creative confidence, even boldness. ecisive partitions demarcate distinctly purposed functional living areas ithout in any ay diminishing one’s appreciation of the greater space. rom entering through the old church hall double doors all the

ay through to the sun en belo -stage-level itchen and room, there’s an aura of mystery,

of ne and serendipitous discoveries, a sense of playful adventure. And it is into icating.

A lot of the sensory impact lies in the positioning of Andre ’s studio. eft of centre, it’s the hub around hich the creatively constructed ne and distinct areas of the once cavernous hall are configured, and or s as a fulcrum for uid spatial o . he seemingly simple decision to inset glass indo s into the base of the original stage furthers this feeling of connection, bridging the divide bet een the sun en , dining and itchen area beneath the stage and the huge

e panse that is the original church hall.ut given the gargantuan scale of the space,

hat’s most remar able of all is that arah and Andre are in no ay d arfed by it. nstead, the -plus-s uare-metre colossus that easily accommodated cro ds of more than has been colonised completely by this one couple’s combined creative energy, unmista able connection and chut pah.

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Andrew bought his first record in 1976 – his love of vinyl can be seen easily in his extensive, meticulously curated LP collection; to the left of the lobby, a black-and-white-themed ‘spare room’ has its own individual character but without any sense of disconnection from the rest of the space, and is a showcase for Andrew’s drawings, while the metal ‘bed heads’ are a great example of how to use paint effects to create drama; the repetition of geometric paint effects in the bathroom forms a sense of cohesion, while the choice of red (rather than black and white) makes the space feel distinct, other, and thus more private; an improvised hallway provides the space needed to appreciate two large canvases by Andrew – My Slippers Aren’t Where They’re Meant To Be and Man As Snake – while a white faux-leather couch absorbs the echo, harnesses the space and makes it less austere

The elevated ‘bedroom’ that was the hall’s

stage has a narrower wall where smaller

artworks can be displayed without

being dwarfed by the scale of the building

– they are set around a built-in backstage

prompter’s shelf

LIFESTYLE


www.realestatemagazine.co.za P 2014 59

LIFESTYLE

Now more than ever, Sarah and Andrew’s home speaks of enormous creative confidence, even boldness


LIFESTYLE

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) partitioning separates Andrew’s studio from the lounge area on one side, the hallway on another, and the entrance lobby at the front. Visual continuity is enhanced by the choice of wood as a repeated functional and aesthetic element that ties in with the expansive original timber flooring. Here it is used for shelving and as a display unit that contains and defines the lounge space



A lot of the sensory impact lies in the positioning of Andrew’s studio. Left of centre … it works as a fulcrum for fluid spatial flow


There’s an aura of mystery, of new and serendipitous discoveries, a sense of playful adventure. And it is intoxicating


www.realestatemagazine.co.za P 2014 59

LIFESTYLE

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Spatial divisions hin long and hard about here partitioning should go, and about ho you ant every ne ly created space to function and interact ith the greater

hole,’ advises Andre . Ply ood or s ell to create ne alls on a budget but needs to be bolted into

oors, and if used at any length it should be braced to eep it straight. his is a good, uic and easy ay of creating a grand entrance passage and a gallery

all’ for art or s.

Paint effects A simple coat of paint helps to demarcate areas and create visual cohesion, such as the pistachio alls of the main bedroom’, hich are echoed in the lounge armchair and the plants scattered throughout the home. arefully chosen colours can be used to create a sense of the original building’s past, as seen in arah’s use of institutional grey-and- hite do n the entrance hall, the blac -and-

hite-painted alls and the painted bedframes’ in the spare room’ space.

tri ing effects are easily achieved ith paint, such as the vibrant green bedroom cupboard and the himsical coral mural.

Fabric arge s athes of material can be used to dramatic effect to create spatial dialogue bet een dis ointed areas, such as the use of the blac -and- hite bunting above the stage no the main bedroom’ and the blac -and- hite curtains separating the spare room’ from the entrance hall. abric can also be used to unite disparate spaces, as in the recurring use of yello cushions.

Paper he paper blinds do n the passage’ provide privacy hile allo ing light in. Paper bird cut-outs along the brace of the ply ood partition suggest an element of himsy and add interest, as do the paper nuns stuc to the

indo s in the lo er all of the stage. Artificial gold-leaf paper used along the bottom half of the ply ood all gives the sitting area a sense of opulence. arah ta es things a step further ith her miniature paper houses and cities.

Woodwork shelving he problem of a lac of storage space can be solved by thoughtfully positioning ban s of ooden shelving, as ith those housing Andre ’s vinyl collection.


An MDF ‘walled’ hallway separates Andrew’s studio from the greater space – it also serves as an exhibition gallery OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT With original heavy timber double doors set into a moulded liturgical arch beneath the iconic bas-relief cross, there’s an immediate sense of ceremonial drama from the moment one approaches this home; the large ceramic kitchen sink is an original feature, and the weaver’s nest is from Sarah’s aunt’s KwaZulu-Natal farm; vintage kitchen accessories and appliances are in keeping with the house’s sense of history; Sarah’s ‘City People’ series of paper artworks are contained and kept dust-free in glass domes


ESTATERE

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DUBAI CALLINGEngel & Völkers has entered into a joint venture with real estate developer Nakheel to service the Dubai luxury property market. Named Market Centre, the recently opened offices enjoy a prime location close to the Palm Jumeirah, which itself was developed by Nakheel. The 850m2 Market Centre can accommodate 250 real estate agents, and the aim is to brokerage high-end real estate throughout Dubai’s metropolitan region, where properties can fetch between ¤750 000 and ¤30m (about R10m to R408m). The opening of Market Centre in Dubai – one of the fastest-growing property markets in the world – is the latest step in Engel & Völkers’ global expansion. Nakheel’s developments include Dubai’s man-made islands, including The World, Jumeirah Islands and Deira Islands, as well as the Dragon City hotel and retail hub, and Ibn Battuta Mall. engelvoelkers.com

CONTEMPORARY CARAVANSlovakian firm Nice Architects has launched a prototype of an energy-saving compact home. The egg-shaped Ecocapsule can fit two adults and comes with all the conveniences of a standard abode, including running water, a kitchenette, flush loo, storage space and a bed. It features a 2,6m2 array of solar cells, is optimised for the collection of rainwater and dew that then drains into the built-in water filters, and has a retractable wind turbine that produces 750W. The dual power system and high-capacity battery ensure that the occupants will always have enough power at their disposal. ecocapsule.sk


RE_July2015_Marketplace.indd 47 2015/06/12 7:46 AM

HOME FROM HOMEAimed at the travelling professional, Amsterdam’s Zoku offers a fresh alternative to traditional accommodation, creating a community of like-minded guests. The home/office hybrid, which is also suitable for longer stays, provides hotel services and 24/7 open-plan co-working and co-living spaces. Instead of suites, it offers lofts that have been created in collaboration with the award-winning interior design and architecture agency Concrete. The lofts feature furnishings from the Danish design brand Muuto, with the four-seater desk/dining table taking centre stage rather than the bed. Each loft is a minimum of 25m2 and includes a fully equipped kitchen, extensive storage space, an alcove desk with office supplies, and elevated sleeping quarters that are reached by a retractable staircase. This area can be screened off, making the loft cosy or businesslike or something in between. Branded as a smarter, compact and more connected urban living development, Zoku opens in Amsterdam this month. The concept will be rolled out to other European cities soon. livezoku.com

ATOP THE BEANSTALKL ook ing lik e som ething ou t of a f air y tale, the Seou l Sk y gar den, a pr oposal by D u tch architecture firm D is set to transform the abandoned str etch of highw ay in the city into an urban par Due for completion in D ’s w inning pr oposal f or the 9 3 8 m str etch, cu r r ently

nown as the Seoul Station erpass fits in with the city’s ision to become greener more attr activ e and u ser - f r iendly . T he Sk y gar den w ill inclu de 2 5 4 species of indigenou s tr ees, shr u bs and owers arranged according to the orean alphabet, cr eating a liv ing ency clopedia of plants.

aybe an inspiration for ape Town’s abandoned highw ay ? mvrdv.com


™

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A H A N D - P I C K E D C O L L E C T I O NO F M A G N I F I C E N T P R O P E R T I E S

Houzz-It is a stimulating, interactive property app, launched in December 2014. Its purpose is to demystify the property realm in an exciting, never-before-seen way. With numerous challenges, Houzz-It offers something for everyone to enjoy. Nedbank Home Loans has joined the Houzz-It team to bring players a new challenge. The Nedbank Buy-to-Let Challenge presents players with everyday problems they might face as landlords in the real world. In order to keep their virtual tenants happy and meet their monthly turnover, players must tackle tasks and overcome obstacles. The catch? Their funds, as in real life, are limited. Throughout the game, the Houzz-It character, Max, interacts with players, giving them both in-game and real-life property tips. To date, Houzz-It has attracted an active social community of more than 3 000 followers. The player with the highest score at the end of each challenge stands to win a coveted prize. So far, players have walked away with date nights to the value of R500 as well as iPads. To get in on the action, download Houzz-It to your smartphone from either Google Play or the App Store.

GO ONLINEFor more on these stories,

visit our website at

www.realestatemagazine.co.za.

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CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R65-MILLION LH453

Simony Santos +27 (0)76 898 0359Jolene Alterskye +27 (0)82 447 6169www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref: 1013827

A tranquil retreat right on the beach, fully equipped and furnished. A large, open-plan living area leads onto a balcony with a heated rim-�ow pool and Jacuzzi, and spectacular views. �is exceptional apartment is fully integrated with an Apple iPad control system, climate control and under-�oor heating, o�ering an unsurpassed modern, peaceful and naturally magical environment.


DAINFERN, FOURWAYS, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R10-MILLION LH454

Sue Ralph +27 (0)82 892 8772Brenda Gilbert +27 (0)83 251 4452www.pamgolding.co.za web ref: FW1220628

Private and facing north on the fairway of a secure golf estate, this home is designed for the family as well as formal entertaining. Well-planned spaces include a country-style kitchen, opening to the dining room and three lounges, including a pyjama lounge. Featuring a poolside patio from which to enjoy watching your family play and grow. Wine cellar, bar room, formal dining, study and playroom and double sta� suite complete this ideal home.


MORNINGSIDE, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R25-MILLION LH455

Roger Govender +27 (0)83 448 9241Lara Nathan +27 (0)82 787 8706www.pamgolding.co.za web ref: HP1218497

Set in an exclusive estate, this north-facing family home boasts a double-volume entrance leading to two reception areas, formal and informal dining rooms, formal lounge, TV room, billiard room and playroom, all �owing onto a tranquil garden. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with pizza oven, pantry and scullery. Main-en-suite with indoor/outdoor showers, his and hers walk-in closets and lounge area. Plus two sta� suites and ample guest parking.


PARKTOWN, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R14-MILLION LH456

Gail Katz +27 (0)83 443 [email protected] web ref: 90370

Sleek, ultramodern and creative in every sense, this home exudes a sophisticated ambience, with unsurpassed attention to detail evidenced by its high-end �nishes. �e separate levels of living space, each with a distinct feel but entirely complementary design, create a balanced energy that �ows throughout the property. Conclude your day with cocktails and spectacular sunsets.


HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R32-MILLION LH457

Stephen Brick +27 (0)82 551 7971Nina Obel +27 (0)82 552 7325www.vered.co.za web ref: 113062

A stunning designer family home of understated elegance and luxury. �is magni�cent property boasts what is arguably the most prestigious and secure position in Hyde Park. It o�ers extensive en-suite accommodation, wonderful reception rooms all �owing out to a large covered terrace and pool, anda dazzling gourmet chef ’s kitchen. No expense has been spared in state-of-the-art �nishes throughout.


HYDE PARK, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R18,9-MILLION LH458

Anna Ho� man +27 (0)82 937 [email protected] web ref: 302656179

Graceful, elegant and sophisticated, in a quiet cul-de-suc, this home features exclusive furnishings and luxury marble � ooring throughout its 1 550m2. Built over three levels, with li� , it has � ve expansive en-suite bedrooms, dining, family and living rooms, wine cellar, cinema room with surround sound system, central vacuum system, air con and smart lighting. Top security and double sta� accommodation round o� a contemporary lifestyle.


CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R49-MILLION LH459

Petrick Fourie +27 (0)83 443 [email protected] web ref: 3287290

A contemporary villa ideally situated within walking distance of the beach and trendy Camps Bay promenade. A formal lounge and wraparound verandah with built-in barbecue invite stylish entertaining, with breathtaking views. Bordered by a natural stream, the property also boasts a private garden terrace. Air conditioning, under�oor heating and an intelligent home system ensure both comfort and convenience.


A sweeping driveway welcomes visitors to this elegant, classical home with landscaped gardens and outdoor entertainment areas, ideal for magni�cent Cape Town summers. Upstairs – expansive accommodation includes both guest and master suites. Downstairs features include an eat-in kitchen, lounge, dining area and family room, leading onto a patio overlooking the pool, with superb mountain views. Includes top security features.

A prestigious home for the discerning family. Entertainment features include a built-in barbecue, bar and billiard room. A sparkling pool and gazebo overlook the Beachwood golf course and the ocean beyond.A grand staircase leads to generous bedrooms opening onto a large balcony, and a master suite featuring extensive walk-in closets. A �atlet and a boat shed complete the home.


Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5,5 Garages 3 Living Areas 4

UPPER CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA • R12,95-MILLION LH460

DURBAN NORTH, DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA • R16-MILLION LH461

Sally Gracie +27 (0)83 459 [email protected] Forster +27 (0)72 122 [email protected] web ref: 3286451

Casey Holloway +27 (0)82 568 [email protected] web ref: 3272982

Darrell Wright +27 (0)72 227 0992O�ce +27 (0)11 463 0155www.hamiltons.co.za web ref: 3287149

Live a life of luxurious seclusion that exceeds all expectations. Located within a highly secure gated community, this home o�ers exceptional entertainment options and generous living spaces, with panoramic views from every angle. Designed to enthral, this unique investment features �ve bedroom suites, including the sumptuous main en-suite with sensational walk-in dressing room and adjoining private lounge, spacious study, playroom, upstairs pyjama lounge, entertainment room with bespoke wine bar, air-conditioned wine cellar, integrated appliances, solid-wood �oors, triple auto garaging, sta� suites and much more. An enticing property of international standards.

Set on nearly half an acre of manicured gardens in one of Bryanston’s top guarded estates, this impressive Georgian-style home has it all: stately entrance with marble staircase, elegant reception rooms and a wonderful entertainer’s patio overlooking the garden and pool. Gourmet eat-in kitchen. Four double bedrooms, three luxury bathrooms, study, pyjama lounge, garaging and sta� accommodation. Features include solid-wood �ooring, sash windows and so much more. Privacy, security and exceptional workmanship throughout.



FOURWAYS GARDENS, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R18,5-MILLION LH462

BRYANSTON, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R11,95-MILLION LH463

Pauline Cribb +27 (0)82 573 6322O�ce +27 (0)11 463 0155www.hamiltons.co.za web ref: 3288162

Set on generous grounds in a prestigious neighbourhood bordering Khyber Rock and the Country Club Johannesburg, this newly built residence blends classic elegance with modern touches. Enter to a lounge, dining area, formal lounge, family room, entertainment patio with lounge and dining areas, all opening onto a dramatic salt-chlorinated pool within an immaculate garden. Featuring a large eat-in kitchen and separate scullery, guest suite, large o� ce/lounge area and private cinema. Upstairs you will � nd � ve large en-suite bedrooms. � e spacious main bedroom features a � replace and lounge area, large dressing room, en-suite bathroom and private gym. Security and sta� accommodation. Outdoors, a � oodlit tennis court, clubhouse, three garages and three covered carports round out this superb abode.

An ultra modern, newly built cluster home. All bedrooms are en-suite, plus there is a versatile � atlet to be utilised for in-laws, o� ce space or double sta� accommodation. Outdoor features include a swimming pool and large garden with water features and plenty of additional parking. Well-designed lighting and high-end � xtures and � nishes throughout makes this a home of distinction.



WOODMEAD, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R20-MILLION LH464

SANDHURST, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R12,5-MILLION LH465

Michelle Bosworth +27 (0)73 302 7457 [email protected] www.remax-central.co.za web ref: 302752469

Anna Ho� man +27 (0)82 937 [email protected] web ref: 302094199

�is French-inspired cluster in a desirable cul-de-sac o�ers marbled travertine surfaces, chandeliers, and reception rooms leading to an entertainer’s patio. �e island kitchen features marble tops, ample cupboard space and separate scullery. �ere are four bedroom suites, the main en-suite including a dressing room, study/lounge and private balcony. A wraparound garden with water feature and pool, wine cellar, triple garage and sta� accommodation complete this outstanding proposition. Excellent security and 24-hour guard.

Set within a gated enclosure with beautiful views, this four-bedroom residence is ideally suited to indoor/outdoor living. With a harmonious interplay of formal and informal areas, including large living and dining areas, an elegant pub and billiard room and formal study/cigar lounge, it provides numerous entertainment options. �e kitchen features the �nest integrated appliances and is a haven for informal gatherings. Separate scullery, preparation area and sta� cottage.



HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R18,7-MILLION LH466

BRYANSTON WEST, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R12,8-MILLION LH467

Lynda Gree� +27 (0)82 446 5120Jeremy Craig +27 (0)76 246 4900O�ce +27 (0)11 788 0688www.ennikestates.co.za web ref: EN01-0678

Mandy Smith +27 (0)72 151 [email protected]�ce +27 (0)11 788 0688www.ennikestates.co.za web ref: EN01-0605

A modern masterpiece, designed for grand-scale entertaining. Set on a large stand, with privacy in mind, this home o�ers seamless �ow from double-volume spaces to a remarkable dining and lounge area. Patios overlook sparkling pools and a Jacuzzi, as well as an outdoor gazebo. Mod cons include a built-in co�ee machine and microwave, a sound system, TVs throughout, under�oor heating and air conditioning.

An immaculate classic, tailor-made for �ne living on a grand scale. Expansive reception rooms lead onto an amazing domed patio, beyond which are a pool, gym room and a large tropical garden. Beautiful beechwood doors and �ttings are further signs of excellent care and attention to detail, and add to the timeless appeal of this home.



HOUGHTON ESTATE, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R35-MILLION LH363

HURLINGHAM, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA • R12,5-MILLION LH468

Nicky Havenga +27 (0)76 879 8977nicky.havenga@see�.comSally Darsot +27 (0)82 570 1470sally.darsot@see�.comwww.see�.com web ref: 342360

Doug McMeeking +27 (0)82 549 1248doug@see�.comGareth Robertson +27 (0)79 318 6733gareth.robertson@see�.comwww.see�.com web ref: 352881

DEVELOPMENT LAW UNIT

A ground-breaking initiative, timed to coincide with changing legislation and processes to be implemented from 1 July 2015, the new unit has nine specialists in one or more of the following legal fi elds: planning law, environmental law, construction law, renewable energy law and, very importantly, local government law.

The Development Law Unit will be offering a major support system with legal solutions that are both practical and effective for sustainable development planning.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THIS NEW DEPARTMENT AT STBB?The department’s role is to function as a vital ‘watchdog’ and one-stop-shop for developers, both strengthening the developer’s position and reducing time taken for approvals. Senior attorneys are heading up the research group, in order to keep developers informed of daily judgments and legislative developments on all levels of government.

HOW WILL THE DEVELOPER’S ATTORNEY ASSIST IN SPEEDING UP DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS?We believe that the developer’s attorney should have a pivotal role in the development application process and should be involved from day one, ideally before the purchase of the property.

When legal advice is sought reactively, developers often fi nd themselves vulnerable to legal scrutiny or review proceedings and this can have devastating consequences for the developer. For us, it’s important that from day one, the STBB Development Law Unit analyses all objections, carefully considers review letters from authorities and involved parties, and strictly scrutinises minutes of project meetings throughout the development application process to ensure the project is in strict compliance.

WHAT ARE THE KEY LEGISLATIVE CHANGES?A new planning regime in South Africa will come into operation on 1 July 2015. It sees the repeal of important old order pieces of legislation, namely the Removal of Restrictions Act, the Physical Planning Acts as well as the Development Facilitation Act.

The new overarching piece of national legislation is the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013, which Act sets a national framework for spatial planning and land use management throughout South Africa. The Western Cape Government is the fi rst provincial government to promulgate a provincial planning act in the form of the Land Use Planning Act of 2014, which Act consolidates all development planning related legislation applicable to the Western Cape.

Interesting features of the Land Use Planning Act of the Western Cape is that all municipalities will now have a single zoning scheme for the whole of their jurisdiction, property owners will need the consent of the municipalities before properties can be consolidated and municipalities will have jurisdiction to approve the removal, suspension or amendment of restrictive title conditions. In the local sphere of government, municipalities will have municipal planning bylaws to regulate and control municipal planning matters within the jurisdictional area of the relevant municipalities.

The event was opened with an address by the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr Anton Bredell. In addition, Kobus Munro (Director of Land Management) and Gerhardt Gerber (Director of Development Facilitation), both of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, enlightened the audience on the intricacies of the law reform programmes which preceded the new planning regime and the publication of the 2014 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.

Contact [email protected] or visit stbb.co.za for assistance with development planning, ideally before land is purchased.

Cape Town 021 406 9100 | Claremont 021 673 4700 | Fish Hoek 021 784 1580 | Somerset Mall 021 850 6400Stellenbosch 021 001 1170 | Table View 021 521 4000 | Tyger Valley 021 943 3800 | Menlyn 012 348 1682Illovo 011 219 6200 | Centurion 012 001 1546 | Bedfordview 011 453 0577

COMMERCIAL LAW | CONVEYANCING | DEVELOPMENT LAW | LABOUR LAW ESTATES | FAMILY LAW | LITIGATION | PERSONAL INJURIES & 3RD PARTY CLAIMS

www.stbb.co.za

MORE THAN JUST THE PAPER WORK

As one of the largest property law fi rms in South Africa, the launch of STBB’s Development Law Unit was warmly received by developers and welcomed by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

LAUNCHING A NEW

Jonathan Steytler, Managing Partner, STBB

Andre Swart, Head of Development Law Unit

Anton Bredell,W.C. Local

government MEC

Gerhard Gerber, Director of Development Facilitation, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning Kobus Munro,

Director of Land Management,

Department of Environmental Affairs

& Development Planning


Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, where you can buy a home close to the beach for less than R1m, according to Tracy de Jager of Chas Everitt International Property Group

RE_July2015_SpecialReport_NEW_4pger.indd 70 2015/06/18 9:47 AM


SPECIAL REPORT

THE CHART-TOPPERSPRIVATE PROPERTY HAS PUBLISHED ITS FINDINGS OF SA’S TOP-PERFORMING SUBURBS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2015. WE UNPACK THEM ACCORDING TO SALES, RENTALS AND DEMANDText André Fiore Photographs Getty Images, supplied

A report by Private Property (privateproperty.co.za) on real estate market activity in the first quarter of the year shows that affordability and value for money

are, by and large, the factors that put some suburbs ahead of the rest. Taking into account South Africa’s six major metros, the findings also show that the best-performing regions are not necessarily the most expensive.

TOP AREAS FOR SALESTopping the pops in residential sales for the first quarter (Q1) of the year is Potchefstroom.

‘Of course it does!’ exclaims Santi Britz of Harcourts Potchefstroom. ‘It’s beautiful and vibrant, with art festivals, a music conservatory, a river running through it and many international residents living here. There’s a lot of development happening in Potchefstroom at the moment and there’s huge demand for property here for a number of reasons.’

Firstly, she explains, it’s affordable, and many families are choosing the larger homes, security and beauty of Potchefstroom over living in Johannesburg. ‘Many of the breadwinners join lift clubs and commute to Johannesburg daily. It takes only one and a half hours, they say, which is the time it takes from Midrand anyway.

‘In addition to this, Potchefstroom has a dynamic student population, including many foreign postgrads, and this brings a constant turnover in student accommodation in the form of flats and townhouses, which parents buy for

the duration of their children’s studies. Similarly, the large population of retirees, who live in well-equipped retirement villages, adds continuous activity. We also have a great influx of professional athletes who come here for altitude training [about 1 400m above sea level] from November to March each year,’ Britz concludes.

Potchefstroom has a healthy mix of farms, apartments, townhouses and freestanding homes. Prices range from R900 000 for an older three-bedroom home to R10-million for a high-end, five-bedroom home on an estate. The cost of an average home, however, ranges from a reasonable R1,2-million to R2,5-million, while student apartments are priced from R400 000 to R1,5-million.

Theuns Kruger of TG Kruger Real Estate elaborates: ‘There are 400 estate agents in Potchefstroom. That says it all. Flats here are going for R22 000 per square metre.’

Offering security and value for money, Midstream Estate in Centurion East is second on Private Property’s list of top suburbs by sales.

‘People buy the lifestyle here before they find the house,’ says RealNet Midstream’s Madeleine Burger. She explains that Midstream is made up of a group of estates, namely Midstream, Midfield, Midlands, Midstream Ridge, Midstream Hill and Retire@Midstream, all within a boomed area. She says it offers excellent security, spacious homes, park-like surrounds, shops, a church, a choice of private schools, medical and dental services and a clinic for minor operations, as well as countless recreational amenities, including an Olympic-size

‘In Sandown, prices range from R8 000 for a one-bedroom flat to for a ouse andown is sli tl lower, uieter and awa from t e tra c – Gabi Miller, Pam Golding Properties Hyde Park


ABOVE, FROM LEFT Ideally suited to entertaining, this five-bedroom home on Midstream Estate, Centurion, is on the market for R13m via RealNet Properties (ref T329669); Katherine & West in the Sandton CBD offers a great inner-city lifestyle

swimming pool, a bowling green, a 10-hole golf course, a day spa and a gym.

With more than 5 000 homes already on the estates and more planned, Midstream, with its low levies (which include paramedic services) and prices starting from as low as R2,4-million, is highly sought after and looks set to remain so.

With the third most sales in the first quarter of 2015, Doornpoort, Northern Pretoria, also presents excellent buying opportunities. Says Pro-Namic Real Estate’s Brian Snooke, ‘Average house prices in Doornpoort are around R1,1-million and townhouses are about R890 000. Doornpoort caters for entry-level and intermediate buyers, and the selection – freestanding, complexes, security estates, farms and plots – means there is something for everyone.’

Doornpoort and the surrounding areas, such as Annlin, with its vintage look and feel and interesting surrounds, and Montana, have a slightly warmer climate than Pretoria itself and offer easy access to Pretoria North and the N1 motorway to Johannesburg. The areas are close to all important infrastructure, giving residents the best of all worlds, adds Snooke.

In the Eastern Cape, the recent addition of a wind farm and a new high school have certainly added interest to Wavecrest and to Jeffreys

Bay in general. Says Chas Everitt International Property Group’s Tracy de Jager, ‘You can pick up a spacious three- or four-bedroom family home in Wavecrest for under R1-million and still be minutes from the sea,’ she says. ‘With two high schools as well as facilities for younger children, it’s not just the older buyers but young families, too, who are able to settle here, knowing they don’t have to move or commute. Property in Wavecrest, with its lovely, long seafront, and Jeffreys Bay has long been a solid investment, and with the town continuing to grow, that isn’t about to change.’

BEST AREAS FOR RENTALSOn the rentals side, things are a little different, with top dollar being paid largely by international corporates for employees and their families to stay close to the heart of the business district. In Johannesburg, the three suburbs with the most residential rental listings, namely Morningside, Bryanston and Sandown, all offer proximity to the commercial and retail world of Sandton, the Gautrain and a host of excellent schools.

Corporate rentals in Morningside range from R20 000 to R60 000, says Marilyn Perkel of Pam Golding Properties (PGP) Hyde Park. ‘Close to all the headquarters, banks, businesses and shops, the area is very popular with the international community, the French school being a big plus,’ she adds. ‘Despite the many boomed areas and cluster homes, there is still a shortage of stock.’

Ranking second in rentals, Bryanston offers more of the same, but since it’s a little further afield, properties offer more value for money in the form of spacious homes and gardens. Says PGP Hyde Park’s Khanya Shipalana, ‘Bryanston has a community feel, loads of amenities, great

schools and larger properties. While rentals for large houses can reach up to R100 000, your average corporate rental is R35 000, with new garden apartments available for around R28 000.’

‘In Sandown,’ adds Gabi Miller, also of PGP Hyde Park, ‘prices range from R8 000 for a one-bedroom flat to R50 000 for a house. Sandown is slightly lower, quieter and away from the traffic. It is still close to excellent schools and is very popular, but there is an oversupply of accommodation and landlords are not necessarily getting the rents they expected.’

MOST POPULAR AREASIn terms of sheer popularity, Craigavon, Sunninghill, Douglasdale and Waterfall Estate were the best performers.

Jackie and Jürgen Schüning of Engel & Völkers Lonehill are in agreement with Cherise Ansara of Engel & Völkers Broadacres: affordable housing and fast-developing complexes with good security appeal to young families and first-time buyers. There are 80 such complexes in Sunninghill alone.

Homebuyers are looking for neighbourhoods that are relatively central and which provide good schools, a little extra space and a community atmosphere, say the agents. Properties in Douglasdale and Lonehill are more expensive, and in Waterfall Estate, lifestyle and prestige play a part in the pricing, they assert. In Craigavon and Sunninghill, however, a sectional title or freehold property can still be found for under R1-million.

Price is paramount, and with the abundance of lower-to-midmarket offerings in some parts of the country, those prepared to settle for places slightly further afield are still able to have their cake and eat it.


CRAIGAVON, SUNNINGHILL,

DOUGLASDALE AND WATERFALL ESTATE

WERE FOUND TO BE THE MOST POPULAR AREAS AMONG HOMEBUYERS

FACT


A home for everyonewww.privateproperty.co.za

Search property on every device.

This residence on Waterfall Estate, Midrand, is on the market for R49m

via Hamilton’s Property Portfolio

SPECIAL REPORT

TOP 10 VIEWS PER LISTING (SALES)MOST IN-DEMAND AREAS

SUBURB AREA

01 Potchefstroom Potchefstroom

02 Midstream Estate Centurion East

03 Doornpoort and surrounds Northern Pretoria (Far North)

04 Wavecrest Jeffreys Bay to Tsitsikamma

05 Annlin Northern Pretoria

06 Montana Northern Pretoria

07 Faerie Glen Pretoria East

08 Ballito Ballito and surrounds

09 Silver Lakes Golf Estate Silverlakes and surrounds

10 Jeffreys Bay Jeffreys Bay to Tsitsikamma

TOP 10 SUBURBS WITH THE MOST SALES LISTINGS

SUBURB AREA

01 Morningside Sandton and Bryanston (North)

02 Bryanston Sandton and Bryanston (North)

03 Sandown Sandton and Bryanston (North)

04 Greenstone Hill Edenvale

05 Lonehill Sunninghill, Lonehill and Fourways

06 Sunninghill Sunninghill, Lonehill and Fourways

07 North Riding North Riding to Lanseria

08 Annlin Northern Pretoria

09 Umhlanga Rocks Umhlanga

10 Woodhill Pretoria East (South)

TOP 10 SUBURBS WITH THE MOST RENTAL LISTINGS


SUBURB AREA

01 Craigavon Sunninghill, Lonehill and Fourways

02 Sunninghill Sunninghill, Lonehill and Fourways

03 Waterfall Estate Midrand

04 Pierre van Ryneveld Centurion East

05 Woodstock Cape Town City Bowl

06 Randpark Ridge Randburg and Ferndale

07 Claremont Southern Suburbs

08 Douglasdale Sunninghill, Lonehill and Fourways

09 Parkmore Sandton and Bryanston (North)

10 Kyalami Hills Midrand

MEANWHILE, DOWN IN THE WESTERN CAPE…It may seem strange at first that the Western Cape has only two – extremely diverse – neighbourhoods that made the popularity rankings, namely, Woodstock and Claremont. But that’s forgetting the special logistics of Cape Town and the correspondingly higher prices. Marc Lurie of Soukop Sea Point explains, ‘Woodstock is still an affordable area that is close to the CDB and undergoing some revival. The area is popular with those who either want to own an affordable home or want to buy to let. Claremont, on the other hand, is one step away from the prestigious suburbs of Constantia and Bishopscourt, yet its offers a little more variety, at slightly lower prices, for people who have children attending the private schools in the area.’


The Lumiere Real Estate Mag Final paths.indd 1 2015/06/03 12:27 PM

Text Andrea Vinassa Photographs Getty Images, Marc Shoul, supplied


spotlight on…

HATFIELD

BUZZING HATFIELD LIES IN THE CENTRE OF PRETORIA, JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM THE UNIVERSITY, MAKING IT AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

RE_July2015_Spotlight_Hatfield.indd 76 2015/06/12 7:49 AM

SUBURB FOCUS


OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Duncan Yard is a charming shopping centre featuring bespoke items, art galleries and restaurants; accommodation in Hatfield is a mix of older high-rise buildings and newly built apartment blocks close to the University of Pretoria; a Marco Cianfanelli sculpture, Urban Being, outside the Fields building; the Hatfield Gautrain station is conveniently located near the heart of the suburb THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Hatfield is in transition from leafy middle-class suburb to high-rise student village; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom student flat in the Circuits complex was recently sold by Harcourts Capital for R1,4m

high-rise in Festival Street. Group chairman Pieter Feenstra says, ‘As the university continues to grow, it is up to the private sector to meet the growing demand in student housing.’

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND SHOPDuncan Yard (duncanyard.co.za) is a favourite, with its quaint shops and alfresco restaurants arranged along cobbled lanes. Delicious Italian food is served in the courtyard at Papa’s Real Food (papasrestaurant.co.za). North Indian cuisine is served at Namaskar (namaskar.co.za). Or make your way to Hatfield Plaza hatfieldpla a.co. a , Hatfield uare, here you can shop for everything from clothing to groceries.

The shortage of student residences at ‘Tukkies’ has resulted in the transformation of the old Pretoria suburb of Hatfield into a fast-paced, high-density area. Many old mansions

along the tree-lined streets have been turned into communes, and there is a constant urry of construction work as developers attempt to keep up with the demand for accommodation.

For students, meanwhile, the advantage of staying in digs is that they have their independence while remaining part of the broader student life at the niversity of Pretoria.

But thanks to the presence of heritage homes in the suburb, a number of which have been turned into guesthouses while others have been leased to foreign embassies, some of the grandeur of the Hatfield of yesteryear has been preserved.

Hatfield is close to oftus ersfeld tadium, which underwent a multimillion-rand facelift in anticipation of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

he ity of sh ane’s urban-rene al strategy has seen Hatfield becoming more pedestrian-friendly, and the display of public art is being encouraged, to create a sense of community involvement. Other improvements to the area include The Fields, a stylish urban village and shopping centre.

Hatfield also provides modern office space to many businesses operating out of this central node. One of the Gautrain’s major stations is located there, providing convenient transport to residents ho or outside the suburb.

nce a notorious party one, Hatfield uare has been closed for renovations. Trendier accommodation will replace the bars and clubs, says ara hite of edefine Properties.

Duxbury and Lunnon roads in Hillcrest and outh treet in Hatfield are the most sought-after

streets in these two suburbs.

WHO LIVES THERE AND WHAT ARE THE PAYING?Soti Christodoulou, the Harcourts Capital area specialist for Hatfield and Hillcrest, says most apartments are owned either by investors or by students’ parents. Because these units are popular, prices tend to be on the high side. She recently sold a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit of 62m2 in the ircuits comple in Prospect treet, east of Jan Shoba, for R1,4-million, and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit of 58m2, including carport, in the Lunnon Crest complex for R1,38-million.

According to Christodoulou, savvy parents start looking for a unit to purchase for their children long before they need to move in – sometimes even five or si years before their first child goes to university. ‘They see the unit as an investment and rent it out until their child takes occupation,’ she explains.

Demand for student housing in the area has reached an all-time high, confirms Pieter Bezuidenhout, a Seeff property consultant in Pretoria East. In the past year, however, developers have been launching projects in Hatfield to address the accommodation shortage. Newly constructed units are a lot smaller and

RESIDENT’S VIEW‘I currently live in a res with about 800 other students, but next year I will be looking for an apartment of my own, as I would like to be able to have more freedom in who I invite over to my place. What I love about res and Hatfield is that it is has a cosmopolitan vibe and one gets to meet a variety of different people from many different parts of the country, and the continent. I am a bit disappointed that the decision was made to do a ay ith the clubs and pubs of Hatfield Square – that is what student life is about, after all. But I enjoy hanging out at Burger

ing and ravo.’ Keketso Mphale, financial science student, University of Pretoria

pricier, so there is a scramble for older apartments. o-bedroom apartments and bachelor ats

within walking distance of the university fetch the highest prices and are snapped up first. ays Bezuidenhout, ‘These two categories range in price from about to , -million.’

According to Bezuidenhout, the rental on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit is appro imately a month per person sharing. achelor units go for a month. nvestors should purchase a bachelor at in the

to price range because these high-yield investments carry no transfer duties and need little maintenance, he advises. Two-bedroom apartments are a popular choice

among students’ parents, especially parents with daughters, he says. Although these units yield a slightly lo er return on investment, profit is not the parents’ only motive for purchasing them. ‘Providing a safe and secure environment for your children is an investment in itself,’ Bezuidenhout says. ‘It is important for the property to be within walking distance of the university. The closer to the university, the safer your investment.’

Duncan Court is a trendy new block under development by Costa Zervas Projects at

Par treet. osta ervas says its target market for the units, which are priced from to , -million, includes parents looking for secure student accommodation for their children; young professionals who work in the area; individuals living on smallholdings who want a base in town; and property investors.

he eenstra roup has already provided student accommodation beds in four buildings in Hatfield. ts target is beds. n association with Costa Zervas Projects, it has recently broken ground on Studios@Burnett, which will offer beds. t has also oined forces ith id ity

Property Group to develop a 367-bed student

RESIDENT’S VIEW have lived in Hatfield for years. t is

one of Pretoria’s beautiful old suburbs, with its jacaranda trees and old buildings. Many owners have restored these buildings and take pride in their streets. Student accommodation, however, is encroaching on the area. I love the trees and the nature, the ambience and the friendliness of the people. Duncan Yard is a charming place for meeting friends.’ Andre Steyn, retired teacher and curator,

Duncan Yard Art Gallery

Savvy parents start looking for a unit to purchase for their children long before they need to move in – sometimes even five or si ears efore t eir first c ild oes to universit


SUBURB FOCUS


‘With its great location, thriving commercial district and. . u in ni tlife, atfield will continue to e a popular.

.c oice for ot investors and first time u ers alike . - Simon Bray, CEO, Private Property.

Developed by the Feenstra Group, Hatfield Studios is situated 150m from the University of Pretoria and, in partnership with the university, provides secure, high-end student accommodation. Building features include basement parking, Wi-Fi, laundry, games room, TV room and generators. Rental options include studios from R4 400 a month

AREA SPOTLIGHT> HATFIELD

Tucked away just 5km from the centre of Pretoria lies the leafy suburb of Hatfield. ith its pro imity to the university, the Pretoria Gautrain terminus and a number of foreign embassies that have relocated there, the area is popular with young professionals and students alike.

Hatfield dra s a lot of attention on the Private Property portal: the suburb accounts for 6% of searches for properties for sale in Pretoria central and 12% of searches for rental properties in the area.

With young professionals and students competing for sectional title units, either to rent or to purchase, demand for property in Hatfield is very high.

In fact, on the Private Property portal, properties for sale in Hatfield receive appro imately more vie s per listing than properties in the greater Pretoria central area, while rental properties receive approximately 59% more views per listing.

Hatfield is a high-density area, ith apartments far more prevalent than houses on both the sales and the rentals sides. The total value of residential properties for sale in Hatfield is .

RESIDENTIAL PURCHASE PRICEShe median purchase prices in Hatfield according to

property type are:n houses – R1,83mn townhouses and clusters – R1,2m n apartments .

A typical property for sale in Hatfield is a one-bedroom apartment with an asking price of R790 000.

RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PRICEShe median monthly residential rental costs in Hatfield

according to property type are: n to nhouses and clusters n apartments n a room in a house .

A typical property for rent in Hatfield is a one-bedroom apartment with an asking price of R5 475 a month.

THE COST OF BUYING VS RENTING IN HATFIELDThe monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Hatfield, namely a one-bedroom apartment at the median as ing price of , is a month over years at a prime rate of 9,25%, with no deposit.

The median asking rental for a one-bedroom apartment in Hatfield is R5 475 a month.

Says Private Property CEO Simon Bray, ‘With its great location, thriving commercial district and buzzing nightlife, Hatfield ill continue to be a popular choice for both investors and first-time buyers ali e.’


PROPERTY INVESTOR

When it comes to buying and selling residential property, most offers to purchase will include a voetstoots clause. This clause effectively states that the buyer

agrees to purchase the property ‘as is’, together with all its visible and invisible defects.

Recently, however, some have questioned whether this well-known clause fits in with the consumer rights recognised in the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The Act states that consumers have the right to receive property that is in good working order and free from defects.

The CPA, however, contains certain limitations, one of which is that it only applies to transactions where the seller is providing goods in the ordinary course of their business. In most cases, selling a residential home is a one-off transaction and so does not fall into this category.

The CPA also affords consumers the right to receive safe and quality goods, but this does not apply in cases where they have been expressly informed that the goods were offered in a specific condition and have agreed to accept them in that condition. This is precisely what the voetstoots clause does.

This does not mean, however, that a seller can get away with hiding problem areas. There is still a common-law obligation to disclose any known

patent and latent defects to a buyer. Patent defects are problems that can easily be observed, such as cracked walls or damaged roofs. Latent defects are more difficult to spot and can include rising damp and leaking water pipes within the walls. (Sellers in Cape Town have to abide by a recently promulgated bylaw that requires them to get a certificate from an accredited plumber who confirms that water installations on the property meet national regulations. This should confirm the absence of leaks, that the water meter works properly and that there are no issues with the sewerage system.)

If a seller knows of a problem and doesn’t mention it, that is effectively fraud. If it can be shown that a problem was deliberately hidden, this could be grounds for the buyer’s cancelling the purchase agreement or reclaiming the cost of repairs.

I n m ost cases of selling a pr oper ty v ia a r eal estate agent, the C onsu m er Pr otection Act doesn’t ov er r ide the oetstoots clause in the o er to purchase

STILL VOETSTOOTS

PROPERTY INVESTOR

adv ice colu m n

PART 7

Text Hess Cumming Images iStock

SELLERS CANNOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFECTS OF WHICH THEY WERE UNAWARE AT THE TIME OF THE AGREEMENT

RE_July2015_PracAdvice7+8.indd 79 2015/06/10 6:04 PM

Shou ld y ou sell y ou r hou se pr iv ately ? And insu r ance points to consider w hen r enov ating

For those wanting to add a personal touch to their new home, plot-and plan packages are an attractive option. They involve buying a plot, having plans drawn up for a house, getting a quote

for its construction and then submitting these for fi nance.

This gives homebuyers the opportunity to build the house they want according to their budget, but it does come with more complexity than buying an existing home.

For a start, buyers must ensure that they fi nd the right builder or developer. A vital consideration is to make sure, before construction starts, that whoever they choose has a National Home Builders Registration Council certifi cate. The certifi cate will serve to protect buyers in the event of future defects, even if the builder responsible for the work is untraceable.

Buyers also have to be aware that full fi nance for plot-and-plan packages usually comes in two parts: the fi nance to buy the land, and a building loan. Buyers must understand that once the land is transferred into their name, the bank will start charging interim interest on that part of the bond.

Buyers will usually be given the option of either paying this interim interest in a lump sum when construction is complete or to immediately start repaying it. The latter option is the more advisable course of action, because if a lump sum is paid on completion of construction, it will be deducted from the principal loan amount and may leave a shortfall in what is due to the builder, a sum that may have to be paid in cash.

While the home is being constructed, the builder or developer will be paid pro rata amounts from the loan account as phases are completed. These are known as progress payments. Interim interest on the amounts drawn will become payable too. As with the part of the bond for the

land, it is best to pay this immediately and not wait until everything is transferred.

The building contract should detail the various stages of construction at which progress payments are to be made. These could be windowsill height, roof height and fi nal completion. The bank’s valuers will usually check that each stage has been completed before authorising a progress payment.

It is advisable, however, for buyers to inspect the property independently, to make sure that the work is being done to their satisfaction. They should also consider appointing a professional, such as an architect or quantity surveyor, to protect their interests.

Whether or not a professional has been appointed to assess the construction, buyers should in no circumstances sign a blank progress payment form and hand it to a builder or developer, as this opens them up to the risk that the builder will receive payments before the work is completed satisfactorily, if at all.

Buyers should also consider having the building inspected before the fi nal handover. Any patent defects can then be documented and remedied before a fi nal inspection, at which point the builder will present the fi nal account for payment before handing over the keys.

I f y ou choose to bu ild a new hom e on a plot- and- plan basis, ther e ar e cer tain things of w hich y ou ou ght to be aw ar e

DOING IT THE PLOT-AND-PLAN WAY

PART 8

N e x t i s s u e :

To avoid a potentially costly legal wrangle, buyers are advised to thoroughly inspect any property they plan to buy, or even better, to appoint a professional to inspect the property, since sellers cannot be held accountable for defects of which they were unaware at the time of the agreement. If any defects are discovered, the buyer may include a conditional clause in the purchase agreement requiring either that these defects be rectifi ed or that the estimated cost of repairs be subtracted from the sales price.

What’s also important to bear in mind is that the CPA will apply where a property is bought from a builder or developer. In such cases, selling homes would be in their ordinary course of business, so the transaction is bound by the Act. Builders or developers may not sell a property subject to the voetstoots clause as they are considered to be suppliers and are therefore obliged to meet the standards of providing items that are in good working order and free from defects.

TIP BUYERS SHOULD IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES SIGN A BLANK PROGRESS PAYMENT FORM AND HAND IT TO A BUILDER OR DEVELOPER

PROPERTY INVESTOR

RE_July2015_PracAdvice7+8.indd 80 2015/06/10 6:04 PM

We see greatness in our neighbourhoods. www.rawson.co.za

HOUT BAY R6,250,000 HOUT BAY R4,600,000SEA VIEW HOME IN BERG EN DAL SECURITY ESTATE. CASUAL ELEGANCE IN SCOTT ESTATE.

RAWSON PROPERTIES HOUT BAYMeryl: 084 922 1016 | Jenny: 083 309 3821Office: 021 790 8075 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES HOUT BAYDenise: 083 307 5677 | Cheri: 072 193 7999Office: 021 790 8075 [email protected]

An immaculate home with spacious open-plan living areas opening onto a patio and level garden with pool as well as double bedrooms, two with incredible sea views. Earn extra income from a lovely two bedroom cottage, or connect to the house for the extended family.

Designed for relaxed living in a small secure estate, this immaculate home is perfectly positioned to enjoy the late afternoon sun and evening sunsets. An entertainer’s de-light, the open-plan lounge/dining room flows effortlessly to an expansive pool deck.

WEB REF: 637191 WEB REF: 643823

CONSTANTIA UPPER OFFERS FROM R6,500,000WORK FROM HOME IN UPPER CONSTANTIA.

RAWSON PROPERTIES CONSTANTIASandy: 082 785 4803 | Gerald: 083 658 0140 Candice: 072 292 7508 | Office: 021 761 [email protected]

This beautifully private, north facing Georgian inspired home is set on 1870 square meters in Upper Constantia. Three bedrooms, two of which are en suite, as well as a study and studio make working from home effortless. The home is comfortably within walking distance of Constantia Village and the green belt. Asking price: R7,500,000.

WEB REF: 636523

CONSTANTIA UPPER R12,750,000SOPHISTICATION, ELEGANCE AND GRANDEUR.

RAWSON PROPERTIES CONSTANTIASandy: 082 785 4803 | Gerald: 083 658 0140 Candice: 072 292 7508 | Office: 021 761 [email protected]

Perfectly configured for the relaxed family and made for living and entertainment, this dual level home offers a spacious villa-like layout. Features include three bedrooms, en suite, four garages, a manicured garden with a duck pond and views across False Bay.

WEB REF: 633533

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4 3 2

3 3 4

5 3 4


WEB REF: 644643 WEB REF: 638705

WEB REF: 610797

SOMERSET WEST R9,750,000STYLISH AND SECURE HOME IN SOUGHT AFTER NATURE’S VALLEY.

RAWSON PROPERTIES SOMERSET WESTSchalk: 082 880 7071Office: 021 851 2656 [email protected]

This magnificent home personifies style and sophistication, boasting high ceil-ings, chandeliers and exquisite detail throughout. Set on 1502m², the beauti-ful and manicured established garden has scenic mountain views. A swimming pool completes the picture.

5 5 2

SOMERSET WEST R5,895,000STUNNING HOME SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN VIEWS.

RAWSON PROPERTIES SOMERSET WESTSchalk: 082 880 7071Office: 021 851 2656 [email protected]

This stunning home offers all the accommodation that you need for the entire family and offers peaceful surroundings with amazing mountain views. The spacious open-plan living areas lead to a state of the art marble kitchen with a separate laundry/scullery. Doors then lead from a kitchen to lovely undercover patio with built in braai.

WEB REF: 638765

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PAARL R7,500,000WELL-BUILT AND DESIGNED HOME IN BOSCHENMEER.

RAWSON PROPERTIES PAARLKaren: 076 513 9295Office: 021 872 [email protected]

The distinctive character of this four bedroom home is in the detailed finishes which frame this home perfectly. The spacious reception rooms are filled with warmth and character, ideal for entertainment.

4 3 3

PAARL R5,250,000BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH EXTRAORDINARY FINISHES.

RAWSON PROPERTIES PAARLKaren: 076 513 9295Office: 021 872 [email protected]

A breath-taking courtyard catches the eye as you enter this house. It features four lux-urious en-suite bedrooms and a spacious open plan living area which flows out onto an undercover braai with a sparkling pool. The light and bright ultra-modern kitchen also forms part of this exquisite home and the well manicured garden is easy to maintain.

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OLIVEWOOD RESIDENTIAL ESTATE R3,950,000 NORTH RIDING R1,750,000HERE CHILDREN CAN RIDE BICYCLES AND PLAY SAFE! 190SQM OF SPACE WITH SO MUCH ON OFFER!

RAWSON PROPERTIES DOUGLASDALEVere: 083 601 1309Office: 011 462 7437 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES NORTH RIDINGTina: 082 720 5642Office: 011 704 3485 [email protected]

Olivewood Residential Estate is a secure, private haven of open space and natural environment, a place to enjoy quiet walks and recharge energies. A place where time allows one to again get to know one another and where children play together, and can just be kids again.

Offering an open-plan lounge and dining room leading out onto a covered patio,large wrap around garden with irrigation system. The kitchen has a scullery and ample space for three appliances. There is a downstairs guest bedroom with bathroom and store room and upstairs has a study nook with three decent sized bedrooms, two of them with new laminated floors.

WEB REF: 631775 WEB REF: 642773

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NEWLANDS R8,750,000 NEWLANDS R6,495,000BUILT IN THE 1800’S AND MAINTAINED IN PRISTINE CONDITION. MAKE THIS HOME YOUR OWN.

RAWSON PROPERTIES CONSTANTIAGareth: 072 778 4736 | Lindsay: 084 742 0006Office: 021 761 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES CONSTANTIAGareth: 072 778 4736Office: 021 761 [email protected]

A historical farmhouse with wooden shutters, Oregon pine floors, sash windows and high ceilings built for entertainment with a large open-plan dining room and formal lounge. There is also a gourmet chefs kitchen fitted with large surface granite tops, a top of the range steamer, microwave oven and fitted user-friendly storage.

The perfect framework can become your dream home with minor changes, just look at the possibilities. A fantastic “U” shaped home with four large bedrooms (two en-suite) and well proportioned living areas all reflecting inward to a central manageable garden with a covered entertainment terrace, Koi pond, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.

WEB REF: 645655 WEB REF: 638747

7 7 2 4 3.5 2

NORTHCLIFF R10,700,000

MEYERSDAL ECO ESTATE R15,400,000

FAIRLAND R3,400,000

MEYERSDAL ECO ESTATE R6,500,000

TIMELESS ELEGANCE WITH PRICELESS NORTHERN AND CITY VIEWS.

ULTIMATE POSITION, SPECTACULAR VIEWS.

THIS IS THE ONE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

LOVELY FAMILY HOME.

RAWSON PROPERTIES NORTHCLIFFKobus: 082 553 9332Office: 011 678 5725 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES GLENVISTAJohan: 083 268 7122Office: 011 432 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES NORTHCLIFFMariska: 082 347 7070Office: 011 678 5725 [email protected]

RAWSON PROPERTIES GLENVISTAJohan: 083 268 7122Office: 011 432 [email protected]

This highly desirable 2500sqm home set on a 3 878m² stand, has it all. The inviting entrance hall leads to an entertainment area to dream about - bar, Jacuzzi, sauna, wine cellar, library, lounge and enclosed braai room all leading to rim flow pool with a patio to the garden with koi pond.

Offering four large bedrooms, en suite, with an upstairs cinema room or fifth bedroom, two double garages, a gardener’s toilet, storerooms, home automation, underfloor heating, two morso fireplaces, aircons in all bedrooms, solar geysers and a big koi pond.

A corner unit in the sought after Amberfield in Fairland. Close to Cliffview Primary and offering a modern granite top kitchen with space for three appli-ances and a large dining room leading to an enclosed patio. Stacker doors on both sides open up to the pool and garden.

This home has four double bedrooms, a study, three bathrooms, four garages plus extra parking space, two lounges plus a dining room, kitchen and scullery, big indigenous garden, pool and covered patio.


WEB REF: 620749

WEB REF: 579849

WEB REF: 644363

WEB REF: 595329

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USEFUL CONTACTS

French embassy in South Africa ambafrance-rsa.org

Fine & Country France fi neandcountry.com/fr

Home-Hunts home-hunts.com

Knight Frank France knightfrank.fr

Prestige Property prestigeproperty.co.uk

Sotheby’s International Realty Provence Luberon bit.ly/1KoZJPL

Text Jocelyn Warrington Photographs Supplied

BUYING IN PROVENCEPROVENCE IS WHERE SAVVY REAL ESTATE INVESTORS ARE SEEKING TO CAPITALISE ON A WEAKENED EURO IN ORDER TO GAIN A FOOTHOLD IN THE LAND OF JOIE DE VIVRE

RE_July15_GlobalBuy_Provence.indd 86 2015/06/10 6:07 PM

GLOBAL BUY

You’d be hard-pressed to find any place in the world that conjures up quite the same sense of romance as Provence, where the simple life is lived as it has been for centuries, despite

encroaching progress. This region of France is defined by its swathes of lavender, tenacious little vineyards and cobbled-street villages. Extending from the left bank of the lower Rhône River in the west to the Italian border in the east, it has historically been coveted by foreign buyers who go there for its natural beauty, temperate climate and, of course, its world-renowned wine farms.

Although it has a mature real estate market, Provence, like other countries in Europe, took a hit during the 2008 financial crisis, but, insist the agents, things are on the up again.

‘After three challenging years we are starting to see some encouraging signs of activity across our Provence network,’ says Mark Harvey, a partner at Knight Frank France. ‘Having eight offices covering the key destinations, we can report a 120 per cent increase in demand across the board, with viewings and transactions rising. We are seeing those with larger budgets beginning to return as they look to benefit from the weak euro, low interest rates and lower prices.’

‘Provence is definitely a buyer’s market at present,’ confirms Tim Swannie, a director at France’s Home-Hunts. ‘The global crisis of the past few years has affected property markets around the world and, while France has been less affected than some of the neighbouring countries, prices in Provence have come down by approximately 15 per cent since 2008.’ Swannie reports that more than 75 per cent of his foreign clients who buy in Provence use the properties as holiday homes. ‘They use the property for a certain number of weeks or months of the year and it is very common for them to rent it out when it is empty.’ Doing so ‘can ensure you have all of your yearly costs covered and possibly even make a tidy profit’, he adds.

‘A foreigner can buy a property to rent out without any restrictions in France,’ says Alice Watson-Smith, sales director at Cannes-based Fine & Country France. ‘As a secondary residence, there would be French income tax payable on the rental income; however, it is a simple calculation, and in any case, most foreign owners will employ the services of English-speaking property managers in the area who have experience with the French tax systems and can take care of all of this on the owner’s behalf.’

W her e to bu y … According to Swannie, the two most popular areas for holiday homes are the Alpilles and Luberon. ‘Both areas offer stunning scenery, great facilities and a certain way of life for those looking to completely relax. These areas are peppered with charming villages, each with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, local markets

OPPOSITE, FROM TOP With views over 25ha of grounds that include a lake, olive grove and woodlands, this six-bedroom house, 6km from St Rémy, is on sale via Knight Frank – POA (ref RSI120761); situated in the village of Le Thoronet, this property comprises two stone farmhouses and is on the market for ¤2,25m, or about R30m, via Fine & Country (ref 042013-010) THIS PAGE, FROM TOP One of seven bedrooms in a pair of villas in Le Thoronet, on sale via Fine & Country for ¤2,25m (ref 042013-010); an infinity pool and views over Les Alpilles are part of this attractive property near St Rémy, on the market via Knight Frank – POA (ref RSI120761); a vaulted hall with stone staircase is among the charming features of this restored 17th-century villa, situated between St Rémy and Avignon and available via Home-Hunts for ¤1,378m, or about R18m (ref HH-9268541)


and sites to see. And if you feel the need to drag yourself away from your local village square, both of these areas are close to Avignon and a number of other larger towns. Aix-en-Provence is very popular too, particularly for those people looking to move full time. ‘There are two international schools in the Aix area and the city of Aix itself is very cosmopolitan – almost like a mini Paris but with more sunshine.’

Says Harvey, ‘St Rémy de Provence, Eygalières, Gordes and Bonnieux are popular Provençal communes that attract royals, celebrities and high-net-worth individuals seeking relaxed low-key havens where they can be left to their own devices.’

… And w hat to pay ‘Prices and rental incomes vary dramatically in Provence according to location,’ explains Watson-Smith. ‘A three-bedroom townhouse in one of the hilltop villages may cost upwards of ¤350 000 [about R4,6-million], depending on whether renovation work is needed. Said townhouse, if it’s in a desirable location, could achieve a rental income in the summer months of anything from ¤15 000 [about R196 000] or more – again, depending on location and amenities. One would equally be able to purchase a beautifully restored seven-bedroom farmhouse with magnificent gardens of five acres, bordering a private river, for ¤2,25-million [about R29-million], with a rental income of more than ¤80 000 [just over R1-million].’

It is worth bearing in mind that the cost of living is generally lower in Provence than on the Côte d’Azur, Watson-Smith adds.

Says Swannie, ‘The prices of the properties that you see advertised include the agent’s fees, so the only other cost (apart from your deposit, of course) are the notary fees.’

He explains that the notaire is a government-appointment legal representative who deals with all aspects of the purchase for you. ‘The fees, which are all government-regulated, come to about seven per cent of the purchase price; however, this is mainly made up of registration taxes (stamp duty). If you are taking a mortgage, then there could also be some registration costs involved, but this needs to be discussed with a mortgage adviser. We recommend speaking to an independent mortgage adviser because they can search the entire market and make enquiries at all the lenders so that you get the best deal.’

According to Watson-Smith, there are no permits required to simply purchase a property, nor are any needed to do basic interior renovations. ‘If one wanted to undertake a larger project, with changes to the facade of a historic farmhouse, for example, then you’d need to obtain planning permission from the local town council (the mairie). This is something that professionals in the area – estate agents or your architect – would be able to assist with.’

RE_July15_GlobalBuy_Provence.indd 87 2015/06/10 6:07 PM


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I WANT TO LIVE IN…

Situated on just less than two hectares in the commune of Gordes, in the beautiful Vaucluse region of southeastern France, this property comprises two self-contained homes. Spread over three floors, the main 500m2 villa includes a spacious living area opening onto a terrace and garden and comes complete with a home cinema. There are five master suites and three additional bedrooms in the stone-clad building. At 80m2 the second house is perfect either for visitors or a live-in caretaker, or as a guesthouse. The pool and Jacuzzi have views of the garden and the magnificent Luberon mountain and valley. On the market for ¤5,83-million (about R78-million) via Sotheby’s International Realty (provence-luberon-sothebysrealty.com, ref 2589).

PROVENCE

DREAM HOME

RE_July15_DreamHome_France.indd 88 2015/06/10 6:08 PM

Website: www.lge.com/za

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Real Estate July 2015 ( Issue 23 )

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