Luxury on the Garden Route

Chas Everitt International agents along the Garden Route are all set for their prime selling “season” from now until March. And thanks to the group’s recent affiliation to the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World© (LeadingRE) network and its Luxury Portfolio International© programme, they are anticipating especially keen demand this year for luxury second homes along the magnificent southern Cape coastline.
   
Cradled between the Outeniqua and Tsiksikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean, this highly scenic part of SA is already a holiday playground for thousands of South Africans and an increasing number of international visitors who flock to its beaches, forests and resorts at this time of year.
   
In addition, however, the region boasts many spectacular seafront homes and at least a dozen world-renowned golf courses, including Pezula, Pinnacle Point, Oubaai, Goose Valley, Kingswood and Fancourt, each with an upmarket residential component to attract international leisure home buyers as well as a growing number of wealthy permanent residents.
   
According to John Fuller, owner of the Chas Everitt International franchise in the top holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, buyers there are increasingly opting for estate living over freehold homes. “Investors buying leisure properties and second homes where they spend a few months of each year want the convenience of gated communities where security and maintenance is included in the levy, and this is boosting prices in developments such as the Goose Valley Golf Estate.
   
“Nevertheless, investors are still finding exceptional value in Plettenberg Bay property compared to coastal resorts in other parts of the world. For example, we currently still have stands for sale in the Goose Valley Golf Estate at prices ranging from R900 000 to R1,3m, depending on size and views, and luxury apartments at prices from R1,2m for two-bedroom units to R1,65m for three-bedroom units.
   
“And when one considers what such prices currently equate to in Euros or US dollars, it is no wonder that the town is an increasingly popular choice for wealthy ‘swallows’ from Europe especially, who come here between October and March each year to escape the northern winter and enjoy our wonderful climate, Blue Flag beaches and the huge range of natural and sporting attractions that the area has to offer.”

Of course, other towns along the Garden Route also have their fair share of architect-designed seafront homes to attract wealthy investors. One such masterpiece currently on sale for R15m is an immaculate six-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion set on the Eastern Head in Knysna and boasting spectacular lagoon and sea views. 
   
“This has many luxury features and also the exclusivity and space that buyers in this price category want,” says Carl Ballan, owner of the Chas Everitt International franchise in Knysna, “and it is also extremely well-priced, since similar homes in the area are listed at up to R30m and more.”
   
Excellent value can also be found, he says, along the Knysna clifftops in the luxury Pezula Golf Estate, which along with the Fancourt estate in George made it on to the Top 10 Estates list recently compiled by New World Wealth. “One can still purchase a 1000sqm stand in Pezula for R500 000, and prices for three-bedroom homes start at just R2,1m.”
   
Meanwhile in Mossel Bay, which is the gateway to the Garden Route and closer to Cape Town, luxury can also be found in the beachfront apartments overlooking Diaz Beach, according to local Chas Everitt International franchisee Chantelle Grard. “One can buy three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with sea views here at prices from R1m – and magnificent penthouses for between R3,5m and R5,5m.”
   
For those looking for a really peaceful holiday home location, Sedgefield on the Garden Route is the only town in SA with official Slow Town status. And, notes Chas Everitt International local franchisee Mario Ferreira, the most expensive home here, a mansion on Myoli Beach, is listed for just R8,95m.