tpm kzn nov 2011

Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

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Winner of 10 publishing awardsNOVEMBER 2011

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TSAI DESIGN STUDIOWORKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

LOCAL IS LEKKERINSPIRING DESIGN

& CUISINE

THEATRE ON THE BAYEXTENDS ITS MAGIC TO PROPERTY

Adventure calls– New Tiguan

THE MOTHER OF DESIGN – CAPE TOWN, WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2014

Seeff Chairman Samuel Seeff’s bittersweet news for the property market

Special Focus

MAURITIUS, M

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& INTERNATIONAL

For more info, phone exclusive sales agents Property World on 021 555 0105 or Brian 082 571 7024

November 2011 | 1

ON THE COVERNew Tiguan from

Volkswagen South Africa.

Turn to page 2 for details.

DECOR

12 HOT DECOR & DESIGNAn Ardmore collector’s

couch, and Florida Road’s

Plumbago Lifestyle Gallery

27 ENLIGHTEN USThe latest and greatest in

lighting ideas, and advice on

lighting up commercial and

residential spaces

TRENDS

10 HOT PLATECulinary magician Zahirah

Motala talks to us about her

arty cupcakes, Argentinean

fl air comes to Umhlanga, a

new coffee shop opens in

Kloof, and French romance

reaches Ramsgate

17 WHAT’S ONThe gigs you need

to know about this month

38 RETIRING … GRATEFULLY?What to consider when

retirement draws near,

and your property

investment options

43 IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEARProperty professionals

look back on the past year

and ahead to 2012

49 BREAKFASTAT TIFFANY’STop property industry

players meet for a Property

Breakfast at Canelands

Beach Club, in Salt Rock

64 FLOWER POWEREDNature-inspired

lighting and designs

REAL ESTATE

46 IT’S A LONGHAUL YETSeeff Chairman Samuel

Seeff tells us why we should

remain positive, yet realistic,

about the property market

47 RESIDENTIALNew golf estate phases and

developments, and a new

residential estate in Umhlali

48 COMMERCIALWestgate Offi ce Park is

extended, Ballito’s Imbonini

Park gets ready for launch,

and big plans for John Ross

Interchange Business Park

52 INTERNATIONALA new development in

the Caribbean, and an

equestrian estate up for

grabs in Provence

54 MAURITIUSSA developers 2Tribes’

expansion of Elements

Resort, the latest on La

Balise Marina, and good

news for tourism

56 MOZAMBIQUEChic simplicity at

White Pearl Resorts,

Ponta Mamoli, and Brazil

commits to Mozambique

36

18

27

ContentsLUXURY

09 HOT SPACEDelcairn Centre’s sparkling

new jewel, Lapis Lazuli

14 HOT INDULGENCESome delightful gift goodies

for your Christmas stocking

16 HOT FESTIVE TIPPLESThe festive season wouldn’t

be the same without fi ne

drinks to share. We bring

you our favourites

DESIGN

18 A FLAIR FORTHE DRAMATICPieter Toerien invites us

into the new Theatre Place,

where the walls speak

volumes about his dazzling

career in theatre

33 TSAI IN CONTEXTY Tsai of Tsai Design Studio

on the importance of design

with a story, and why South

African design is taking the

world by storm

36 WINNING OVER THE WORLDHow the Mother City

won the bid to become

World Design Capital 2014

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Take the road less travelled. And hey, why does it have to be a road? Built for both the city and the great outdoors, it’s the

ideal way to embrace any adventure. With its muscular lines and streamlined front grille, its looks will grab attention, no

matter where you go exploring. Now available with environmentally-conscious BlueMotion Technology that incorporates

new generation TDI and TSI engines, the New Tiguan also features a 5-star Euro NCAP Safety Rating, High Beam Light

Assist, advanced options like Park Assist and Fatigue Detection, as well as terrain-conquering 4Motion® all-wheel drive*.

With the New Tiguan, the minute you close the door, you open a few hundred others.

Visit your nearest Volkswagen Dealer to fi nd out more about exciting offers through Volkswagen Financial Services.

Adventure calls. New Tiguan.

New Tiguan. From R272 600.

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4 | November 2011

ED’S LETTER

The recent announcement of Cape Town as the World Design Capital for 2014 is a coup indeed. We beat out heavyweight � rst-class cities such as Dublin, Ireland, and Bilbao, Spain, and now sit alongside design greats, such as Turin, Italy. However, the question must be begged: are we really that surprised by SA’s latest win?

In recent years we have been making a name for ourselves and causing a stir in the circles of our more worldly brothers, not to mention � lling our awards bucket with accolade after accolade, so much so that the cup of honour truly doth run over.

Hosting the Soccer World Cup in 2010 was arguably one of our biggest achievements, but SA has, in fact, been setting itself apart from other countries for quite some time. Take Condé Nast Traveller’s World Travel Awards, for example. We regularly make their top lists, and this year is no di� erent: CNTraveller’s Gold List 2011 looks at the best hotels in the world in terms of exclusivity and luxury as voted by Condé Nast travellers, thus bringing an interesting and diverse dynamic to the voting process.

Of the total 108 properties in the Gold List, 19 – or 17% of the vote – are South African. They include, among others, Le Franschhoek Hotel, in Franschhoek, the Cape Grace, in Cape Town, the game reserve Bushmans Kloof, in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape,

Joburg’s Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa, and Londolozi Private Game Reserve within the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. And, according to Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011, our very own Singita Sabi Sand at Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve won the number two position.

It is not just our hotels that are bringing home the gold. South African chefs and their restaurants are competing against the best, too – and winning. The S. Pellegrino World’s 100 Best Restaurant Awards are judged by over 800 international restaurant industry experts, and this year’s awards saw three South African establishments being placed in the top 100. They include Le Quartier Français of the Cape winelands in 36th place, Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch in 61st place and La Colombe in Constantia in 82nd place.

And so, looking back on our achievements of 2011,I am con� dent that as a nation we will continue shining on the world stage. We are a serious competitor, and we arejust getting started. Bring on 2012!

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

ONLINE

VISIT Browse thepropertymag.co.za

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Nicky Manson, Editor

Make the circle bigger … Done!P

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One lucky reader can win a delicious bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, which

comes housed in its equally gorgeous retro-pink fridge. Tangy pink berry fl avours

will tantalise, and you’ll be left with a cute souvenir once the last drop is fi nished.

Love vodka? Love Lovoka! SA’s newest import is available in chocolate and

caramel fl avours. Simply delicious, and up for grabs by three lucky readers.

To enter, email your details to [email protected] now and put ‘Xmas’ in

the subject box. Ts& Cs apply.

’Tis almost the season to spread the cheer, and so this month you really must enter ...

WIN!

Selling?Earn FREE Voyager Miles

Our exclusive partnership with SAA Voyager means that when you sell your property on sole mandate through Seeff, you will earn free Voyager Miles.

Use your Voyager Miles for upgrades on SAA fl ights or perhaps domestic or even international fl ights on SAA or any Star Alliance airline partner.

You may also qualify for Voyager Miles when renting through us. Contact 08600 SEEFF (73333) or your nearest Seeff branch for more information

on how you can earn SAA Voyager Miles, or visit seeff.com.

It’s the smartest move you can make.

SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2011: Winner – Best Property Publication Nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PICA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PICA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th SAB Environmentalist of the Year & Environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet SAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PICA Awards 2007:B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure Mondi Magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse Media Owners Challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing SAPPI PICA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended Mondi Magazine Awards 2004:

Industry Finalist – Launch Edition: April 2004

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SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Email [email protected] Online magsathome.co.za Local Phone 0860 100 203 Fax 086 670 4101

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Published monthly in three regional issues: Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-NatalCurrent ABC Audited Circulation (Q2 2011, April–June):

Western Cape – 25 507, Gauteng – 24 830, KwaZulu-Natal – 16 923, Total Nationally – 67 260

Web Stats: Property Club Members – 24 884AMPS Audited National Readership (2011A): 287 815

Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding

any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright Media Nova (Pty) Limited. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication

may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited.

The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

medianova.co.za

EDITORIALEditorNicky Manson [email protected] Bureau ChiefAnne Schauffer [email protected] SubeditorYaron BlecherFeatures WritersGenevieve Fisher (Western Cape)André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal)Staff WriterCatherine Riley

ARTArt Director Warren UytenbogaardtSenior DesignerTrudine ScannellSenior RetoucherTim Lake

CONTRIBUTORSJackie Gray, Candace King, Gaylene Schmulian, Samuel Seeff

PHOTOGRAPHERSVal Adamson, Sally Chance, Michael Glenister, Grant Pitcher, Karl Rogers

PRINTING Unity Press

ADVERTISING [email protected] & Marketing DirectorShanee SmartWestern Cape SalesTharien Nel, Michèle Jones, Justin Lyons

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales &Marketing ManagerJenni McCallumKwaZulu-Natal Sales AssistantGaylene SchmulianGauteng SalesAnine Ehlers, Samantha Freese, Wilhelm Odendaal, Riette Stevens, Damion van AlphenDirectory SalesAmanda FaasNamibia SalesMynard SlabbertMedia CoordinatorCindy Comer

PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTDManaging DirectorTony Vaughan [email protected] to Managing DirectorVeronica StevensGeneral ManagerMark Pettipher [email protected] DirectorVanessa MarksFinance ManagerLeanne Cox [email protected] AssistantSamantha ReinkeCredit ControllerAnthea OdendaalIT CoordinatorAdrian PetroReceptionistKashiefa JacobsDriversWillem September, Themba Gumede, Josef Khoza

ON THIS MONTH’S COVERSNew Tiguan, vwsa.co.za

P. LE GRANGE & SEUNS/SONS

TSAI DESIGN STUDIOWORKING OUTSIDE

THE BOX


& CUISINE

THEATRE ON THE BAYEXTENDS ITS MAGIC

TO PROPERTY


PropertyWESTERN CAPE



PropertyGAUTENG

TSAI DESIGN STUDIOWORKING OUTSIDE

THE BOX


& CUISINE

JOZI CHICARRIVES IN HOUGHTON

THEATRE ON THE BAYEXTENDS ITS MAGIC

TO PROPERTY




PropertyKWAZULU-NATAL

TSAI DESIGN STUDIOWORKING OUTSIDE THE BOX


& CUISINE

THEATRE ON THE BAYEXTENDS ITS MAGIC TO PROPERTY




Property thepropertymag.co.za

PACKING A PUNCHI read your Ed’s letter this month … I blushed … and then laughed out loud because you could have been talking about me. I am the family hoarder in my home and am forced by my hubby to do annual throw-outs. Nice to know I am not alone!Georgina Kay, Parktown North

OVERDRIVEI have to say I love your cover this month – very moody and out of the box! They really stand out from other mags.Nice work!Sandy M, Rivonia

TRAVELOGUEI am an avid reader and big fan of your magazine. I especially like your travel features. Have you thought about doing a guest house guide? I think it would be quite useful for your readers who are looking for getaways in and around SA.Mandy Peter, Ballito

FLY ON THE WALLThanks for the inspiration! Once again your features have almost overwhelmed me with ideas. Who knew there was so much out there on walls, � oors and ceilings? I am trying to revamp my house without doing any structural changes and your ideas for ceilings are so unique. I am very excited to start making over my house.Jenny Mackenzie, Woodstock

Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email [email protected].

You tell us

LETTERof the Month

facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag

WINNING LETTERWrite to us and you could win six bottles

of Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc 2011!

Clos Malverne’s Sauvignon Blanc vineyards

lie low in the Stellenbosch Valley and enjoy

a cool microclimate, ensuring high-quality

grapes. The estate’s Sauvignon Blanc 2011

fl aunts gorgeous fruit layers and a creamy

fi nish thanks to its long fermentation

process. This tangy white wine enjoys

the fl avours of pineapple and litchi with

hints of asparagus on the palate, with a

good long fi nish. Savour chilled with your

favourite seafood dish.

+27 (0)21 865 2022, closmalverne.co.za

ideas for ceilings are so unique. I am very excited to start making over my house.

Clos Malverne’s Sauvignon Blanc vineyards

lie low in the Stellenbosch Valley and enjoy

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November 2011 | 9

HOT PROPERTY

HOT SPACE

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1Quirky ceiling lamps highlight the showroom’s central axis. 2Amethyst, turquoise, topaz and

quartz add natural sparkle. 3Recycled parquet fl ooring is used for cladding, giving the walls a

tactile edge.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more

shopping destinations of choice.

Lapis Lazuli started out 17 years ago

under a tree at a market, has had

several more permanent homes

since then, and now this unique

jewellery boutique has been polished, refi ned

and unveiled again – to perfection.

Always most particular about her gems,

owner and designer Jo Raw approves of the

new setting. ‘It really has made the stones

shine out,’ she says. She’s right about that.

Under the guidance of Jan Botha of Jan Botha

Designs, the clean and contemporary design

of the new store offsets the jewellery with

elegance and quiet sophistication. And yet

none of the eclectic and quirky nature of the

Lapis Lazuli brand has been lost.

Set against a stark white setting where raw

concrete walls and fl oors exude understated

elegance, the old cabinets have been salvaged,

coupled with new horizontal wall display units

and jikked into the palette of white. In contrast,

the ceiling and back wall sport recycled,

unvarnished parquet fl ooring, creating a raw,

tactile tone. And bang in the centre, balancing

the lines of the side displays, the show-table

unites modern lines and material with hand-

turned legs, thanks to a third-generation Italian

craftsman employed for the project. Above

the table, upside-down standing lamps form a

spectacle of light design, a Milky Way all their

own, and the white antique Balinese door at

the back of the store, bought by Jo on one of

her sourcing trips, hints at mysteries that will

never be unravelled.

These features, along with all of the

gemstones, fossils, carvings and antique

ceramics that Jo collects from as far afi eld

as India, Namibia, Madagascar, Brazil and

Australia, help to create a uniqueness of

product. Taking her inspiration from the

objects, one by one, Jo designs the settings,

which are then handcrafted in sterling silver –

little works of wearable art for those who like

it just right.

For here there is a balance, a thread that

connects the rawness of the jewels to the

naturalness of the decor and to the ethos of

the owner. Named after the lapis lazuli, a stone

of truth, harmony and popularity that has

shown extraordinary stability in the turbulent

tides of fashion, this gem of a store is poised

for a bright, shining future.

+27 (0)31 764 4970,

lapislazuli.co.za

It’s not often that you fi nd a gem by the side of the road, but Kloof ’s Delcairn Centre has a sparkling new jewel to fl aunt

settingA PERFECT

1

It’s not often that you fi nd a gem by the side of the road, but Kloof ’s Delcairn Centre has a sparkling new jewel to fl aunt

A PERFECT1

A PERFECT

10 | November 2011

HOT PROPERTY

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HOT PLATE

French romance, Argentinean fl air, genuine ice cream and a coff ee house with go

Foreign fl avourFor meat lovers, Bar Ba Coa has recently opened in Umhlanga’s Lighthouse Mall and offers

a varied and meaty menu which celebrates ‘the age-old relationship between fi re and

food’. Besides some very fi nely done steaks, there are other favourites, including chorizo,

carpaccio, and their house speciality, the Argentinean chimichurri sauce – a delicious

combo of olive oil, parsley, garlic, oregano, white wine vinegar and sweet red pepper fl akes.

+27 (0)31 561 4106, barbacoa.co.za

Freshly groundThings just got hotter in Village Road Kloof now that Jooma Coffee has opened its fi rst

permanent store. Until now this popular brand has been operating as JoomVU Mobile

Vending Kiosks, but its new setting has already attracted regulars who fi nd it the perfect

place to regroup, relax and recharge. As well as fi ne coffee, Jooma offers deli and patisserie

counters that offer everything from fresh wraps and sandwiches to freshly baked bread.

+27 (0)31 764 5828, joomacoffee.com

ZAHIRAH MOTALA

is the culinary magician behind the

edible works of art which emerge

feather-light and fanciful from her

company, Cupcake D’lights

Q How did you start with these exquisite cupcakes?I have no baking or decorating training –

I’m an artist by profession and this is an

extension of that. It began when I saw a

painting of a cupcake by an artist friend,

and I wanted to paint some. I searched

online for photographs and was instantly

catapulted into the gorgeous world of

cupcakes. I began experimenting with

sugar paste, the standard medium, but

people don’t really like that taste, so I

found a marshmallow fondant recipe and

tweaked it so that it was delicious and

workable. My family and friends were

my guinea pigs, and I started making my

cupcakes for special family occasions.

Q When did you think it could turn into a business?When my son was tiny, I couldn’t

work with oils, so I thought cakes and

cupcakes would be a better medium.

Then people started asking me to make

them for functions, and my business just

grew. I also love photography and put

pics of the cupcakes on a blog. The word

spread worldwide!

Q What’s the strangest or most prestigious request you’ve ever had?One of my most exciting was for Panda

Diamonds at the Tourism Indaba. I had

to create over 500 exclusive cupcakes,

each one gorgeously detailed. And I

loved creating tiny pigeons for Winston

The Pigeon cupcakes!

+27 (0)31 266 1979,

cupcakedlights.blogspot.com

November 2011 | 11

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

Bear hugs for ChristmasThe Lindt Chocolate Gold Bear will warm the cockles of

anyone’s heart this festive season. Made from the fi nest milk

chocolate, Lindt’s newest character represents affection,

friendship, empathy and appreciation of those we love,

making it the perfect stocking fi ller. +27 (0)21 421 3107,

chocolatestudio.co.za

Romance and rosesIf you go anywhere or eat anything this summer, it’s got to be at the

Burlesque Café in Ramsgate. This is a fun little café that foodies will

love and people will fl ock to. Friday nights are for French romance

– evening dress and boa style – with scatterings of rose petals and

sultry French café music setting the scene. Sunday afternoons are

about long Mediterranean lunches; open a bottle and order the meze

– you’re not going anywhere in a hurry. The rest of the time there are

plenty of other treats, too, including handmade pasta, home-grown

herbs and home-made just about everything else. The al fresco dining

area is based on the current pop-up restaurant trend: each day the

garden restaurant area magically appears from nowhere. The setup

is changed daily, as are the table colour schemes and layout. And

everything you see is for sale, so if you fancy the plate you ate off or

the chair you sat on, you can purchase that, too.

+27 (0)39 314 9886, theburlesquecafe.com

� e A-listGrab a copy of the just-launched SA’s Award Winning

Restaurants 2011 for the latest on what to eat and where

to get it. Published by the Restaurant Association of South

Africa, this is an independent guide of the country’s top

eateries – based on votes from the public – and well worth

dipping into. +27 (0)11 705 2054, restaurant.org.za

Moo-ving on upJoining Ballina Ice Cream’s line-up

of truly great fl avours, including mango,

passion, cheesecake and cassata are the ever-

popular Rocky Road and Coffee Pecan options.

Made from milk and cream compliments of their

own registered Jersey herd, with no vegetable fats,

added preservatives or colourants, this premium

ice cream is well worth popping into the freezer

for festive season splashes. Weekly deliveries to

Midlands, Berg and Durban regions.

+27 (0)83 356 3153, ballina.co.za

Joining Ballina Ice Cream’s line-up

of truly great fl avours, including mango,

passion, cheesecake and cassata are the ever-

popular Rocky Road and Coffee Pecan options.

Made from milk and cream compliments of their

own registered Jersey herd, with no vegetable fats,

added preservatives or colourants, this premium

ice cream is well worth popping into the freezer

for festive season splashes. Weekly deliveries to

Midlands, Berg and Durban regions.

+27 (0)83 356 3153, ballina.co.za

12 | November 2011

HOT PROPERTY

HOT DECOR & DESIGN

Books that will inspire, Christmas gift ideas and makeover ideas for walls

Art aliveIt always helps to ‘justify’

investments by combining

shopping with art. A great place

to indulge in this is the newly

opened Plumbago Lifestyle

Gallery in Florida Road. Stocking

a well-chosen range of lifestyle

items that make the grade,

Plumbago offers shoppers a

choice selection of decor and

design delights, such as Ardmore

ceramics, Assouline coffee table

books, Missibaba bags and Hunter

boots. +27 (0)31 303 8730

Local luxuryAvoova’s mission is to create

enduring, functional art, and their

beautiful crafts, straight from a

workshop in the Karoo, are fast

making design news worldwide.

From champagne buckets to giant

wine coolers, belts to photo frames,

these products reveal the delicacy of

the ostrich eggshells that are carefully

incorporated into their design. Made

by hand, each item is unique. We are

inspired by this 18-bottle wine cooler,

a stylish accessory to any Christmas

soirée. +27 (0)21 422 1620, avoova.com

Giant Leap

has 30 years’

experience

in providing

innovative

workspace

solutions and

subscribes to

the philosophy

that offi ce

design is

about creating

a space

that allows

people to be comfortable, empowered,

productive and effective. We chatted to

Head Designer TIM PRINS about

lighting up your space.

Q How important is lighting to an area?It’s essential, as it can impact on the

comfort and performance of staff. The

consequences of inadequate lighting

may range from a dreary working

environment to one that’s conducive to

eye strain, headaches, poor posture and

muscle fatigue.

Q What’s the latest in lighting trends?LED technology has advanced in leaps

and bounds since its inception. Just

about any conventional light fi tting can

now be replaced by an LED without

losing any effect, and there are huge

implications for power-saving, too.

Q Do you have a preference for any type of lighting feature?In the realm of offi ce design we are

governed by some certainties, such as

the general fi ttings and task lighting, but

fl oor lamps and hanging pendants are

an opportunity to add some interest and

colour to the design.

Q How can good lighting inspire employees?A well-illuminated offi ce will certainly

inspire employees to be more creative,

vibrant and alert, making them more

productive. Colours will be more

refl ective, which in turn will have an

impact on the staff. Lighting levels

are based on the application of the

room. For instance, lounge areas have

softer lighting.

+27 (0)11 880 1490, giantleap.co.za

African glamourCoricraft has extended its furniture range to include occasional tables and ottomans. We

love the Nguni cowhide-covered Monk ottoman, which can be used as a seat, table or

footrest. These striking pieces are locally made, and the different markings on the cowhide

make each one unique. +27 (0)31 811 5106, coricraft.co.za

November 2011 | 13

HOT PROPERTY

Fashionable architectureSynonymous with luxury, style and pure sophistication, it’s no surprise that Louis Vuitton has created a book that explores the cutting-edge

architectural spaces that house the brand worldwide, including international stores, industrial sites and unrealised projects. The book, titled

Louis Vuitton: Architecture and Interiors, also includes revealing interviews. Splurge on the limited edition set, available with three different covers:

Tokyo Namiki-dori, Hong Kong Landmark and New York Fifth Avenue. louisvuitton.com

HOT DECOR & DESIGN

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Sofa, so goodWhen it comes to a show-stopper of a sofa,

Ardmore Design Collection’s Qalakabusha –

Zulu for ‘new beginnings’ – couch is it. This

limited-edition sofa – there’ll be only 40 of

them produced – has just been launched

onto the market after winning accolades at

design shows around the world last year.

Ardmore Design Collection was launched

in 2010, Ardmore’s 25th year, with a

focus on translating its distinctive colour,

vibrancy, wit and style into luxurious

home fashion items, such as dinnerware,

fabrics and furniture. +27 (0)33 234 4869,

ardmoreceramics.co.za

Peepers creepersGet those headlights primed for the festive season and be the belle of the road

this summer with a set of lashes or kissable red smackers from CarLashes.

While you’re about it, don’t miss out on the eyeliner, either, available in clear,

diamond or pink crystal shades. CarLashes are new to KZN and make a really

fun festive season gift +27 (0)71 444 4111, carlashes.co.za

Wall storyAdd some oomph to your kiddies’ room with this hot

new release from Durban-based illustrator and designer,

Sean Crozier of Design Meets Life. Nine wallpaper ranges,

including Transport, Safari, Space Patrol, Princess and

Playground, shake the dust off bedroom themes and add

local zest. Even more appealing is that its application

is eco-friendly – just add water to apply, or to remove,

leaving no marking. We say, ‘Roll it out; we like it!’

+27 (0)84 451 4683, designmeetslife.com

When it comes to a show-stopper of a sofa,

Ardmore Design Collection’s Qalakabusha –

Zulu for ‘new beginnings’ – couch is it. This

limited-edition sofa – there’ll be only 40 of

onto the market after winning accolades at

Ardmore Design Collection was launched

focus on translating its distinctive colour,

+27 (0)33 234 4869,

Fabulous goodies for your Christmas stocking and holiday destinations in which to unwind

HOT INDULGENCE

14 | November 2011

PLAY ITBoard games go hand in hand with family time and the holidays.

This year, prepare for the ultimate family championship with Dexter

and The Mentalist board games. Step into Dexter’s shoes and hunt down

a suspect who has slipped through the justice system, or be the fi rst person to

solve a murder à la Patrick Jane. Available from Prima Toys. primatoys.co.za

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INSPIRED BY NATUREThe David Green Leaf Collection of revolutionary

and unique eyewear incorporates nature into its

design. Indigenous leaves are dried, dyed

and grafted onto the eyewear

material by way of a natural

cotton-based acetate.

The result? Eyewear

that is nature inspired

and nature created.

greeneyewear.com

GOOD ENOUGH TO EATHaribo Bijoux jewellery, from the

makers of Haribo sweets, has just

been launched in SA and features

gorgeous charms and crystal bears

on sterling silver chains. Sweeten

up your loved one these holidays.

+27 (0)82 908 1808,

blinkandco.com

FLOWER POWERPersonalise your gifts by creating a

bespoke bloom ring with the help of

genius jeweller, Mark Gold. Choose from

a range of exquisite semiprecious stones

set in 18ct white gold. Add some sparkle

and surround your gem with diamonds

for an exceptional fi nish.

+27 (0)31 303 4417, markgold.net

A BELLE OF A BAGOn every girl’s wish list this

Christmas is the Gucci Bella Tote

Bag. At a whopping R18 760, we

hope you have been extra good

this year! Made with cuir leather,

it has an intricate woven handle

and woven leather bow as well as an

on-trend bamboo detail and tassels.

A gorgeous indulgence. gucci.com

COOK UP A STORMHave some fun this Christmas with

Le Creuset’s range of great festive gifts.

We love the stoneware pudding dish.

lecreuset.co.za

FEELING FLUSHSamsonite Tuscany Leather Goods is

a traditional line made from vegetable

leather. Choose from its stylish choices

of leather wallets for the perfect

Christmas gift. +27 (0)31 266 0620,

samsonite.com

SUMMER LOVIN’Cover up or show off your summer

tan. However you wear Lilikoi’s

new 100%-cotton summery scarf,

make sure you go bold in colour

and print. +27 (0)82 780 3221

November 2011 | 15

HOT PROPERTY

DO YOUR GREEN BITTo ensure you have a green

Christmas, Faithful to Nature

brings you organic gift delights

online for effi cient, hassle-free

shopping. There are over 1 500

authentic, natural or organic

products to choose from. We

love the eco gift hampers – one

for every member of the family.

faithful-to-nature.co.za

TAKE THE TIMEGranny Mouse Country House & Spa, the Midlands’

favourite for wholesome getaways and old-fashioned

pampering, has just launched 12 new suites. With its

giant daybeds, fi replaces and glorious vistas of the

Lion’s River, Granny Mouse remains a great place to

recharge. +27 (0)33 234 4071, grannymouse.co.za

ALL DECKED OUTTake to the water on the just-launched Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa

houseboat, Tobias, and chill these holidays as you cruise the wide

expanses of Lake Jozini. This luxe vessel has four en-suite bedrooms

with private balconies, as well as a Jacuzzi, gas braai and bar on deck,

allowing guests to slip into holiday mode while they fi sh, tan or simply

unwind. Options include full-service, fully catered trips and self-catering

holidays. +27 (0)35 572 1020, signaturelifehotels.com

INSIDE AND OUTTreat a loved one or yourself and pop in to Julanda Lotriet’s

brand-new salon in Ballito. Julanda has some serious training

behind her and national and international qualifi cations in

somatology. The salon, Beyond Beauty, uses only natural

products, and clients are empowered to make balanced,

educated choices about their beauty treatment. Julanda insists

on consulting one-on-one with every client in order to provide

natural solutions to their skin and body concerns. Her latest

imports are the Bellabaci massage cups, an age-old form of

massage and circulation stimulation. +27 (0)32 586 3220

Cover up or show off your summer

tan. However you wear Lilikoi’s

new 100%-cotton summery scarf,

make sure you go bold in colour

and print.

DO YOUR GREEN BIT

NEED FOR SPEEDThe new Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Cosmograph Daytona, designed

with speed and performance in

mind, is for the individual who has

a lust for life, a passion for freedom

and the spirit of adventure. This

iconic timepiece is worn by racing

champion Sir Jackie Stewart. Rolex

has launched a new version of the

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph

Daytona, just in time for Christmas.

+27 (0)11 784 9230; rolex.com

WE WISH YOU A SCENTED CHRISTMASCreate a scented haven with Charlotte Rhys’

beautifully boxed gifts. Choose from Aroma room

spray fragrances or a variety of boxed candle gift sets

– perfect for stockings.

charlotterhys.com

HOT PROPERTY

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO …For the man who has taste, style, and

everything else, Glenmorangie presents

Glenmorangie Signet. This award-winning

tipple has been voted Highland Single-

Malt Whisky of the Year 2011 by Whisky

Magazine, and will make the perfect gift

for the connoisseur.+27 (0)21 797 5450,

rgbc.co.za

Our pick of this silly season’s best festive drinks

HOT FESTIVE TIPPLES

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16 | November 2011

WHAT A PACKAGEWe love this single-malt whisky in

its contemporary, chic packaging.

The Macallan comes in three

varietals, 12 Sherry Oak, 15 Fine

Oak and 18 Sherry Oak, available in

bronze, green or purple gift packs.

+27 (0)21 797 5450, rgbc.co.za

CHRISTMAS COMBOTurkey? Check. Knorhoek Shiraz 2009? Check.

The perfect complement to a Christmas roast,

this new vintage was created from a unique

mix of soils, characters and microclimates. Ideal

growing conditions have

resulted in an intense

fl avour and complexity

of rich plum and

perfumed youngberries,

mixed spices and

white pepper.

+27 (0)21 865 2114,

BACK IN BLACKJohnnie Walker Double Black

is a smokier and more intense

version of its brother, Johnnie

Walker Black Label, for double

the fl avour. Serve with water

to release the smoky fl avours,

and make an impression on

your guests this Christmas.

0800 272 634,

brandhouse.co.za

HOLD YOURLIQUOR Dom Pérignon is celebrating its classic

2002 vintage by casing it in the carbon

black insulated Shield Box. Moët &

Chandon Impérial now comes in an

isothermic pack adorned with shiny

silver snowfl akes. And Veuve Clicquot’s

latest innovation is the Clicq’Up foldable

champagne bucket. domperignon.com;

moet.com; veuve-clicquot.com

GAGA OVER BELVEDEREAssociated with high-end fashion events

and endorsed by top recording artists,

such as Lady Gaga, Belvedere Vodka

Original has become known as the edgy

party drink. Summer 2011 just won’t be

the same without a Belvedere-infused

Cosmo. Cheers! belvederevodka.com

SHOT, ANYONE?Treat your host to a

bottle of Lovoka this

Christmas. Available in

chocolate or caramel, it’s

the perfect after-dinner

tipple. luvlovoka.com

BIGGER IS BETTERAsara’s fl agship Bordeaux blend now comes in

a magnum bottle. Beautifully presented, the Bell

Tower Estate 2004 has delicious, intense aromas

of black cherry and cassis, complemented by hints

of mocha. +27 (0)21 888 8000, asarawine.co.za

COCOA LOCOWhat would a Christmas party be without tequila? Recently launched in South Africa, Olmeca

Fusion Dark Chocolate Tequila is our new favourite party drink. You simply can’t go wrong with

this blend of favourite South American exports – tequila and cocoa. +27 (0)21 405 8800,

pernod-ricard.co.za

November 2011 | 17

HOT STUFF

Cinderella, 24 November – 31 DecemberThe classic rags-to-riches tale of

a young woman with a helpful

fairy godmother is showing at

the Playhouse Opera Theatre.

Tickets R80–R130.

0861 915 8000, computicket.com

Aaron McIlroy at Work, Until 27 NovemberComedy king Aaron McIlroy hits

the high-powered corporate world

with his latest ingenious script

and shows he means business, at

the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

Tickets R95. 0861 915 8000,

computicket.com

2011 Land Rover50-Miler Canoe Marathon, 3 DecemberLoads of family entertainment

make this a great day out for

everyone. Brought to you by

the Umzinyathi Canoe Club and

Land Rover.

+27 (0)33 394 9994

Alice in Wonderland Adult Panto,Until 31 DecemberThe classic fairy tale gets a

naughty twist at Suncoast Casino’s

Sunzone. Tickets R100–R250.

0861 915 8000, computicket.com

Big Top Rock,Until 8 January 2012The sequel to the popular show,

The Rock Circus, this is a Gateway

Barnyard Theatre rock concert

with a difference. It includes aerial

acts, jugglers and music from icons

such as Prince, Lenny Kravitz,

Pink, AC/DC, U2 and Santana.

Tickets R135; R100 on Tuesdays

and Sundays. +27 (0)31 566 3045,

barnyardtheatres.co.zaCo

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Durban – City For All Seasons Exhibition,30 November – Until Christmas closureHosted by the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, the exhibition coincides

with the COP17 Climate Change Conference. Local artists,

including Robert Domijan (oils), Hussein Salim (oils), Barbara

Siedle (watercolours), Hugh Mbayiwa (mixed media) and Bruce

Backhouse (watercolours) have taken up the challenge of

painting something of the city while bringing into the theme

the topics of climate change and eco-awareness. Featured in

this exhibition are the people (rickshaw drivers, fi shermen and

waitresses), places (the market, harbour and beachfront) and

fl ora and fauna of the area. ‘While knowing that Durban people

are always very receptive to paintings of their surroundings,

I also wanted to be able to offer our visitors a chance to visit a

Durban gallery and see what our artists have to offer. Plus it is

an opportunity for them to take home a memento of Durban

and the congress,’ says Joy Reynolds of the Elizabeth Gordon

Gallery. +27 (0)31 303 8133, elizabethgordon.co.za

Not sure how your building

designs and ideas on paper

will translate in reality? The

Render Room has the solution.

Its energetic, photorealistic 3-D

renderings bring architectural

concepts to life for architects and

interior designers. From plans

to elevations and right down to

the slightest detail, the Render

Room’s designers can help you

with all your design needs. They

can even create panoramic views,

renovation before-and-afters,

room-for-room renders, interior

and exterior renderings based on

any time of the day and lighting

condition simulations based on

the development’s location, and

can add realistic objects and

people to the renderings to make

them more lifelike.

IN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DIN 3-DLIFE

+27 (0)21 462 7910, renderroom.co.za

Barbara Siedle, Moya Waitress

HOT PROPERTY

18 | November 2011

PRIME PROPERTY

November 2011 | 19

� eatre Place is not only accommodation for rent, but also a visual biography of its proprietor – theatre producer extraordinaire, Pieter Toerien

Words Genevieve FisherPhotographs Tim Lake

20 | November 2011

To say that Pieter Toerien, one of South Africa’s foremost theatre impresarios, has led an interesting life would be an understatement of note. Pieter has produced,

funded and brought hundreds of well-known theatre productions to local audiences, and so it is no surprise that his latest venture, Theatre Place, tends towards the dramatic. Set just off the vibrant Camps Bay beachfront, Theatre Place is a contemporary block of four apartments adjacent to Pieter’s Theatre On the Bay and is framed by the Twelve Apostles range.

‘The site where Theatre Place is now had two old beach cottages on it and when the plot came up for sale I jumped at it, mainly because I was nervous about what would be built there and I wanted to take control of that ambiguity,’ says Pieter. Once the transaction had gone through, Pieter came up with a big idea – a business idea. Most of the small commercial theatres in Cape Town, Theatre On the Bay included, are privately owned, and because the local live entertainment industry has been hit badly

by the global recession, theatre owners need to think outside the box office to generate an income. ‘The idea to build four rentable apartments, three as long-let ones and one for short-term rentals as well as for our use, was a strategic way to continue funding Theatre On the Bay. And it’s been very successful,’ says Pieter.

He enlisted architect Richard Honikman, with whom he had previously worked on his house and who, according to Pieter, knows how he thinks. He says, ‘I briefed Richard and he got it straight away. I wanted a contemporary block that not only took advantage of the sea views in front but also of the mountain views from behind. After every level was complete I would stand on the cement floor, look at the views and, pointing my finger as if I were producing a stage-show, say, “I want a window here, here and here”. It was important to me that Theatre Place should look like the sister of Theatre On the Bay, that patrons would look at one or the other and see that they belong together.’

Richard says, ‘Working with Pieter on this project was at all times stimulating and exciting. His vision, courage and creative spirit were energising.’

Pieter’s better half in all things interior, Shelley Rorke, was brought in to add that special touch of glamour and drama to two of the four apartments at Theatre Place. Having worked with Pieter before on the refurbishment of the downstairs bar area at Theatre On the Bay, Shelley believes that she and Pieter complement each other. ‘When we walked into a shop, Pieter saw the art and I saw the furniture, and together we decided whether a piece would work or not,’ she says. Shopping they did a lot of. Shelley confesses to turning Pieter into a shopaholic, although she believes he would never admit it. But when asked about his newfound hobby, Pieter not only fesses up, but does so with the same dramatic flair he showed when talking about placing windows in the preliminary structure of Theatre Place: ‘I love shopping now! It’s the best – going into a shop and saying, “I’ll have that, that and that!”’

prime property

“After every level was complete I would stand on the cement floor, look at the views and, pointing my finger as if I were producing a stage show, say, ‘I want a window here, here and here’”

November 2011 | 21

prime property

They began by designing the interiors of the short-term-rental apartment, which is used as holiday accommodation or to house VIP guests or performers, and then did one of the longer-rent ones.

What strikes you when you walk into the first apartment is the large volume as well as the flow between the indoor and outdoor areas. ‘The ample space in the open-plan living area allowed for a large Pierre Cronje dining table that had been sitting in Pieter’s garage at home because it was too big. Hanging above it is a grand chandelier from the recent South African production of Evita, and together they fit perfectly in the space,’ says Shelley.

On the lower level are two sea-facing en-suite bedrooms, and a third with its own entrance and separate bathroom. ‘When I first met with Richard I made it clear that the upper level which had the best views was where the open-plan living area should be and the lower level should accommodate the bedrooms,’ says Pieter. But the walls are what Pieter and Shelley believe add that special something.

‘My favourite feature has to be the wallpaper in the two bedrooms and downstairs staircase,’ says Shelley. ‘They’re quite mad, and they delight me every time I go downstairs.’ The first bedroom is covered in Vivienne Westwood-designed wallpaper featuring florals in dramatic hues of red, black and white, while the second bedroom’s feature wall is not for the faint-hearted. ‘There is something quite eerie, yet very attractive, about having a wall full of eyes staring at you,’ says Shelley. She is not exaggerating: the monochrome colour palette is made all the more striking by the black-and-white wallpaper featuring close-ups of different women’s eyes, which make you feel as if you’ve either fallen down the rabbit hole or that your earlier cup of tea might’ve been spiked.

The apartment also features the collection of posters and artworks that Pieter has put together over the years. They all hang together in a clash of styles

that works. ‘The posters have been very effective in adding something special to the interiors Shelley’s overseen, and they also tell the story of Theatre On the Bay and my work,’ he says. ‘I’ve got a couple of London posters as well as ones of local productions and the actual photographs from those shows, such as the first Cats musical staged at Artscape in 2002. Everyone who stays here absolutely loves them.’

The holiday/VIP apartment was put on the rental market last November and the response has been overwhelming. Pieter attributes this to the sense of drama the interiors evoke. ‘For those of us in theatre, having eccentricity around is the norm, but for most other people it isn’t,’ he says.

When you stay here you feel as if you’re the star in your very own stage production, and like one of Pieter’s extraordinary plays, Theatre Place lets you escape from everyday life.

With thanks to …

Theatre On the Bay, +27 (0)21 438 3301, theatreonthebay.co.za

Opening page Pieter Toerien and Shelley Rorke have set the stage for opulent living. Opposite, clockwise from top left The upstairs living area leads out onto a

balcony with swimming pool and views; the chandelier used in the local production of Evita is set against two photopgraphs by Mark Steyn; the open-plan kitchen; one

of the many eccentric wall pieces. This page, clockwise from top left An en-suite bedroom with fashionable wallpaper by Vivienne Westwood; the stairwell leading to

the road is hung with theatre posters that complement the quirky city-inspired wallpaper; detail of scatter cushions in the open-plan lounge; Pieter’s collection of movie

and theatre posters are prominently displayed in the passageway; the art deco wallpaper in the one of the bedrooms heightens the sense of drama.

Jungle loveIts redefinition of bringing the outside in is what sets this home apart

Many owners speak about indoor-outdoor living and bringing the outdoors inside, but this home in Zimbali Forest Estate is built around a number of key trees and truly

embraces the bush around it. It’s a home where the scents of the surrounding forest are close enough to get under your skin.

The presence of the forest is felt from the moment of arrival at this home designed by Ballito-based architect Mabette Vermaak. Over the bridge, across the koi pond, the front door invites guests past an atrium of tangled indigenous plants before opening onto the quiet welcome of the house.

Its smooth floors in marble tile both indoors and out (the outside tiles have been sandblasted for traction) create a harmonious palette that emphasises the continuity of the areas. And opened up, with vast windows, and doors folded back against the canopy of leaves and trees, the house itself

ON SHOW

November 2011 | 23

Words André FiorePhotographs Grant Pitcher

24 | November 2011

ON SHOW

Opening page and this page, middle right Generous glass walls enable the family to fully appreciate their home’s verdant surroundings. Top right Clean lines, wooden

textures and a pared-down colonial look contrast pleasantly with the old-world ambience cast by the chandeliers in the open-plan bedroom, while the roomy bathtub

that stands in the room winks at modern sensibilities. Above left Shower Haus supplies and installs custom and standard frameless or framed shower enclosures, glass

splashbacks and internal glass doors. It prides itself on the reputation it has achieved for excellent service and customer satisfaction. Opposite, top left to right Having

nature a hair’s breadth away makes cooking in the stylish kitchen a pleasure; the bridge crosses the symmetrical expanse of the koi pond and adjacent stone-clad walls

and a knot of trees, instilling a sense of calm before one reaches the front door. Bottom Stefcon Projects is a residential, commercial and industrial construction company,

structured to provide its clients with the optimum blend of construction expertise and innovative building techniques managed by its dedicated project teams.

Shower Haus, +27 (0)31 312 9095

becomes a platform, almost a tree house in the bush. ‘Everywhere possible, doors and windows fold back or slide away, turning the house into a veranda,’ says the owner.

The fantastically huge windows in the kitchen have the family enjoying the abundant birdlife throughout the day, while the entertainment and living area boasts an ingenious indoor gas braai, hidden cleverly behind beautifully carved panel doors, a number of defined lounge and lounging areas, and a gracious veranda around the pool.

A separate, put-your-feet-up TV lounge with an outsized television has more than one advantage:

‘Besides the comfort and warmth that the rooms offer in the evenings and at colder times of the year, we have noticed that having the TV room as a separate area in a way minimises the amount of viewing we as a family do, and conversation, games, music – the house has a fully automated sound system as well as plug-and-play PC connections in every room – are enjoyed instead,’ says the owner.

Upstairs, the four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms join the outside guest suite in providing peaceful, airy sleeping quarters. The golden glow comes compliments of the solid Rhodesian teak flooring. The main bedroom showcases latticed

screening behind the bed and in the bathroom area, and a spectacular outdoor shower. Decorated with treasures brought from the owners’ previous lives in Russia (seven years) and China (three years), here is a comfortable mix of old and new. Chinese antiques, Russian carpets, the deco lounge suite and wing chairs rub shoulders with the modern lines of the gleaming kitchen.

The overriding atmosphere of this warm, eclectic family home is comfortable and natural. It’s no wonder, then, that the mongooses sleep just under the ledge, the owls roost nearby and the bucks bask on the lawn.

November 2011 | 25

ON SHOW

Stefcon Projects, +27 (0)31 564 9501

Professionals List

Stefcon Projects – Builder

+27 (0)31 564 9501, [email protected], stefcon.co.za

Shower Haus – Shower Doors

+27 (0)31 312 9095, [email protected], showerhaus.co.za

26 | November 2011

COMPETITION

African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel

& Spa is a 180-bedroom luxury

hotel designed with the exacting

leisure traveller in mind. Centrally

located in the urban business, shopping and

residential hub of Century City, the hotel is a

mere 15 minutes from Cape Town International

Airport, the city centre, the V & A Waterfront,

beautiful beaches and the start of the luscious

Cape Winelands. Not to mention that Intaka

Island wildlife and wetlands reserve, and Canal

Walk, the largest shopping centre in South

Africa, with over 400 stores and restaurants,

are within walking distance of the hotel.

Retreat to the comfort of the hotel after

exploring the city and take some time to

observe the Cape skyline from the iconic

suspended swimming pool and deck, unwind

at the world- class Life Day Spa or dine in with

your choice of appetising refreshments from

the hotel’s Towers Restaurant, the Deli, Ruby

Bar and 24-hour room service.

The luxurious bedrooms are equipped with a

fl at-screen LCD TV, complimentary DVDs, mini

bar and air conditioning, and the fully appointed

spacious bathrooms feature the hotel’s famous

cylindrical frosted Crystal Showers and LED

mood lighting.

African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel’s

numerous facilities and experienced personnel

are on hand to ensure that you have a relaxing,

fun-fi lled and productive stay, whether you’re

travelling for business, leisure or a little of both.

PRIZE

VALUED AT

R30 000!

WIN!LUXURYAfrican Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa

transcends expectations

Terms & conditions: The Hotel voucher must be handed over to the receptionist on duty upon arrival. Charges for all other services provided by the Hotel will be charged for and payable in cash or credit card upon departure from the Hotel. The issue of this voucher does not imply or confer any credit facilities within the Hotel. This voucher is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash or for any other services provided. Any extension of stay will be charged at standard rates by the Hotel. This voucher cannot be coupled with any package scheme which may be in existence or on offer at any given time. Transport or transfers to and from the Hotel shall be the entire responsibility of the voucher holder. This voucher must be used at African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa and cannot be transferred to any other Protea Hotel or African Pride Hotel. This voucher is valid until 30 April 2012. African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa reserves the right to withdraw or cancel this voucher if in its opinion it is subject to misuse of any description.

Win!One lucky couple stands to win fi ve nights’ accommodation in a luxurious suite, including breakfast and dinner daily at the Towers Restaurant, a sushi-making experience at the Deli, a trip to Intaka Island and two Journey of Life spa experiences at Life Day Spa. Return airport transfers in a Bentley, compliments of Exotic Cars, are included should the winning couple be from out of town. To win, tell us: What is the name of the nature reserve at Century City? Email your answers to [email protected] with the words ‘Crystal Towers Hotel’ in the subject line. Terms and conditions apply.

Stay On Us Exclusive OfferAt R995 per person sharing, per night, this exclusive offer is ideal for families or friends who are looking to take some time out this summer. Book one room and the second one is on us!For more information or to reserve this exclusive offer, contact the Reservations Team on +27 (0)21 525 3888, or visitafricanpridehotels.com/crystaltowers.

Terms & conditions:

Single rate R1 990. Minimum two-

night stay. Valid seven days a week.

Full prepayment required. Subject to

availability. Valid until 29 February 2012.

Jungle loveIts redefinition of bringing the outside in is what sets this home apart

Many owners speak about indoor-outdoor living and bringing the outdoors inside, but this home in Zimbali Forest Estate is built around a number of key trees and truly

embraces the bush around it. It’s a home where the scents of the surrounding forest are close enough to get under your skin.

The presence of the forest is felt from the moment of arrival at this home designed by Ballito-based architect Mabette Vermaak. Over the bridge, across the koi pond, the front door invites guests past an atrium of tangled indigenous plants before opening onto the quiet welcome of the house.

Its smooth floors in marble tile both indoors and out (the outside tiles have been sandblasted for traction) create a harmonious palette that emphasises the continuity of the areas. And opened up, with vast windows, and doors folded back against the canopy of leaves and trees, the house itself

ON SHOW

November 2011 | 27

Words André FiorePhotographs Grant Pitcher

28 | November 2011

ON SHOW

Opening page and this page, middle right Generous glass walls enable the family to fully appreciate their home’s verdant surroundings. Top right Clean lines, wooden

textures and a pared-down colonial look contrast pleasantly with the old-world ambience cast by the chandeliers in the open-plan bedroom, while the roomy bathtub

that stands in the room winks at modern sensibilities. Above left Shower Haus supplies and installs custom and standard frameless or framed shower enclosures, glass

splashbacks and internal glass doors. It prides itself on the reputation it has achieved for excellent service and customer satisfaction. Opposite, top left to right Having

nature a hair’s breadth away makes cooking in the stylish kitchen a pleasure; the bridge crosses the symmetrical expanse of the koi pond and adjacent stone-clad walls

and a knot of trees, instilling a sense of calm before one reaches the front door. Bottom Stefcon Projects is a residential, commercial and industrial construction company,

structured to provide its clients with the optimum blend of construction expertise and innovative building techniques managed by its dedicated project teams.

Shower Haus, +27 (0)31 312 9095

becomes a platform, almost a tree house in the bush. ‘Everywhere possible, doors and windows fold back or slide away, turning the house into a veranda,’ says the owner.

The fantastically huge windows in the kitchen have the family enjoying the abundant birdlife throughout the day, while the entertainment and living area boasts an ingenious indoor gas braai, hidden cleverly behind beautifully carved panel doors, a number of defined lounge and lounging areas, and a gracious veranda around the pool.

A separate, put-your-feet-up TV lounge with an outsized television has more than one advantage:

‘Besides the comfort and warmth that the rooms offer in the evenings and at colder times of the year, we have noticed that having the TV room as a separate area in a way minimises the amount of viewing we as a family do, and conversation, games, music – the house has a fully automated sound system as well as plug-and-play PC connections in every room – are enjoyed instead,’ says the owner.

Upstairs, the four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms join the outside guest suite in providing peaceful, airy sleeping quarters. The golden glow comes compliments of the solid Rhodesian teak flooring. The main bedroom showcases latticed

screening behind the bed and in the bathroom area, and a spectacular outdoor shower. Decorated with treasures brought from the owners’ previous lives in Russia (seven years) and China (three years), here is a comfortable mix of old and new. Chinese antiques, Russian carpets, the deco lounge suite and wing chairs rub shoulders with the modern lines of the gleaming kitchen.

The overriding atmosphere of this warm, eclectic family home is comfortable and natural. It’s no wonder, then, that the mongooses sleep just under the ledge, the owls roost nearby and the bucks bask on the lawn.

November 2011 | 29

ON SHOW

Stefcon Projects, +27 (0)31 564 9501

Professionals List

Stefcon Projects – Builder

+27 (0)31 564 9501, [email protected], stefcon.co.za

Shower Haus – Shower Doors

+27 (0)31 312 9095, [email protected], showerhaus.co.za

30 | November 2011

LIGHTING

Show-stoppers

Our pick of some of the most innovative, clever, and beautiful designer lights outand up there

Show-stoppers: 1Willowlamp’s Spiral Nebula 1 000 2 Brand Van Egmond’s Hollywood Chandelier Conical, from Limeline 3Foscarini’s Planet

Grande, from Créma Design 4Heath Nash’s Bottleform Ball. Up against the wall: 5LZF’s Pleg-A, from Glo Lighting 6Foscarin’s Bahia, from Créma

Design 7Slamp’s Mille Bolle, from The Modern Home Company. Hanging Out: 8Fontana Arte’s Globo di Luce, from Robert Thomson 9Foscarini’s

New Buds, from Créma Design 10Slamp’s Morgana, from The Modern Home Company.

Standing their ground

Up against the wall

With thanks to …

Cobinlight, +27 (0)31 312 1460, cobinlight.com

dhk thinkspace, +27 (0)21 421 6803, dhk.co.za

Metropole Architects, +27 (0)31 765 3832, metropolearchitects.com

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November 2011 | 31

LIGHTING

Standing their ground: 11Vibia’s Balance, from Robert Thomson 12Angelpoise’s Giant 1227, from Glo Lighting 13Pablo’s Solis, from Glo Lighting 14Standing Lamp, from Okha 15Fly-Pitcher’s Arch Lamp. Sitting Pretty: 16Heath Nash’s Bottlebase with Bucket Shade 17Foscarini’s Behive Lamp,

from Créma Design 18Pitch Table Lamp with Graffi ti Shade, from Weylandts 19Foscarini’s Birdie, from Créma Design 20Pablo’s Clamp Lamp, from

Glo Lighting 21Penta’s Nina Glass, from Head Interiors.

Hanging out

LIGHTING

Sitting pretty

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When it comes to design in its many forms, Y Tsai of Tsai Design Studio is all about context, telling the story of people and places

‘I don’t like to be pigeonholed,’ says Y Tsai, otherwise known simply as ‘Tsai’. ‘In many instances, designers, whether they’re architects, interior

specialists or furniture designers, often work in their own bubbles, but my passion for design extends to many disciplines, which is the result of each of them informing the others.’

When you consider Tsai’s own life story, it makes sense that he puts context above other concerns in his practice, Tsai Design Studio, a multifaceted business focusing on architecture, interiors and furniture. He is what you would

November 2011 | 33

DESIGN

Words Genevieve FisherPortrait photograph courtesy Riekert CloeteProject photographs courtesy Tsai Design Studio

IN coNtext

call a global citizen whose identity has been shaped by the various contexts he has inhabited, and this translates into his appreciation of design in its myriad manifestations.

Tsai is of Taiwanese descent, but he considers himself � rst and foremost an African. Born in the francophone Central African Republic, Tsai attended primary school in Taiwan, after which he came back to Africa, living in Swaziland and Botswana with his parents, who � nally settled in Pretoria, where he attended Pretoria Boys High. He then moved to Cape Town to pursue a tertiary education in architecture at the University of Cape Town. But this was only the beginning of his design journey.

‘After I completed my degree I went to London to do my two-year work stint, after which I travelled to various countries and became very excited about design in all its forms – architecture, interiors and furniture speci� cally,’ he says. When he got back to Cape Town he started designing furniture, as it was a fairly quick, small-scale process that allowed him creative freedom. ‘What started to happen, though, was that through designing furniture, ideas for architecture and interiors started to form, and now my practice has come full circle, as I’ve been doing all of these,’ he says. His Nested Bunk Beds provide an apt example of this process.

of a consequence than the intention. My design style is one of multifunctionality, namely, designing furniture and buildings that have more than one function.’ Case in point: Tsai’s Hammerhead Sofa System, an edgy, contemporary sitting chair and sofa with lowered armrests that act as side-tables and happen to look like, well, hammerhead sharks.

The core of his work is residential architecture but it’s in the CSR projects where he feels his creativity can soar. And it does, the results earning him a seat on the bid committee for Cape Town’s World Design Capital (WDC) 2014 campaign. The vision of the initiative recognise a city for its use of design for the upliftment of its people. Because his CSR work is widely recognised for achieving this goal, it follows that Tsai would want to get deeply involved in the WDC 2014 bid: ‘I signed up to be on the bid committee in addition to being part of the Cape Town Design Network because what these initiatives are about is the promotion of design in a city, no matter what kind. The best part for me is that I get exposed to amazing products and innovative designers who are very inspiring, such as the Joule Car and Heath Nash – they are proudly South African and are bene� tting society.’

Tsai believes that Cape Town won the bid because all of the submitted projects stick to the

A series of roll-out beds that � t underneath each other, the Nested Bunk Beds design launched Tsai into the international arena, winning him a Red Dot Award as well as the accolade of the Most Beautiful Object in South African at the 2008 Design Indaba.

The space-saving design also caught the eye of Safmarine, which together with Woolworths approached him to convert a shipping container into a classroom as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. ‘It was such an exciting project to work on: � rst, because of its purpose as a school facility; second, because it was on a tight budget; and last, because I was given creative freedom to inject it with my vision.’ Created for Vissershok Primary School, in the Durbanville Valley outside Cape Town, the multifunctional Vissershok Container is used as a classroom for Grade R learners in the morning and in the afternoon it serves as a small library for the rest of the school. ‘The best part about it is that we got a lot of mileage out of it in terms of design, which you wouldn’t think possible for such a small space,’ says Tsai. Since his successful completion of the Vissershok project, which won the 2011 Award for Architecture from the Cape Institute for Architecture, Tsai has been approached to do a few more container conversions, but he is reluctant to call himself the ‘space-saving-container guy’. ‘The space-saving features were more

34 | November 2011

DESIGNDESIGN

Opening page The proposed design for Kloof Street Studios, situated between Long and Kloof Streets in Cape

Town. Opposite, clockwise from top left The Vissershok Primary School Grade R classroom is a converted

12m container; rendering of Anglo American’s Johannesburg campus; Art Box Studios is a speculative competition

project for the Gaobeidian Art District in Beijing; the Nested Bunk Beds System that launched Y Tsai into the

international arena. This page, clockwise from top left The Hammerhead Sofa System is a sofa with dropped

armrests that act as mini side tables, a good example of Tsai’s maxim of multifunctional design; one of the winning

entries for the Re-Imagine Cape Town initiative proposes that the unused highway be converted to a museum;

another entry for the Re-Imagine Cape Town bid – this one aims to promote a green city through the use of hybrid

energy trees that employ solar panels and wind turbines to create power.

‘South Africans have learnt to be resilient and have found ways to survive it all, resulting in immense creativity and innovation’

vision outlined by the WDC 2014: ‘The reason we were shortlisted and ultimately won is because of our heritage – apartheid, the struggle for liberation and the massive social divide that was created as a result. South Africans have learnt to be resilient and have found ways to survive it all, resulting in immense creativity and innovation.

‘Design is where this is very evident, and there are some amazing ideas coming out of Cape Town and South Africa as a whole, even more remarkable than First World countries, which value the look of an object over its story.’

Tsai’s passion for South African design is infectious He quotes his contemporary, Ravi Naidoo, founder of Design Indaba: ‘The world is doing design that

has content, but SA is doing design that has context.’ Tsai believes that it is this context that gives South African design its edge. ‘If I look at the success of the Nested Bunk Beds System, for example, I believe its success wasn’t just because of the aesthetic, but because of its story. It has been changing the lives of children in orphanages around the country,’ he says.

So what is the moral of this story? According to Tsai, in today’s economically stressed times, people value things di� erently. It’s no longer about a chair being stylish or a building being beautiful, but about the relationship that the chair or building has with its context, how it is impacting the lives of those in that context and what story it has to tell. +27 (0)21 423 7104, tsaidesignstudio.com

DESIGN

November 2011 | 35

Y Tsai is passionate about South African design

and sits on the bid committee for the World

Design Capital 2014. On the 26th of October it

was announced that Cape Town had won. See

our Special Feature is this issue for details.

36 | November 2011

SPECIAL FEATURE

Who needs the Rugby World Cup championship when our Mother City has just been named World Design Capital 2014?

WINNINGOVER THEWORLD

What is the World Design Capital bid?It all started in 1957 with the formation of the International Council for Societies

of Industrial Design (ICSID), an NPO whose mission is to promote and protect the

profession of industrial design. With a global membership of 50 countries, the ICSID

came up with the World Design Capital initiative to further advance these aims

by recognising, every two years, a city that is dedicated to using design for social,

cultural and economic development. The World Design Capital designation has been

awarded by the ICSID just four times: fi rst to Turin (2008), then to Seoul (2010), to

Helsinki (2012), and now to Cape Town (2014).

The benefi tsThe best way to investigate the long-term benefi ts

of the World Design Capital (WDC) title is by

looking at what the previous title-holders have

achieved since their respective wins.

Sarah Fortunati, a member of the 2008

Turin WDC Organising Committee, says Turin

experienced more visitors in its World Design

Capital year of 2008 than in any other year in the

previous half-century, including 2006, when the

city hosted the Winter Olympics. Today, Turin is

considered to be a major Italian design city.

Seoul, the WDC 2010 title-holder, has as a

result of this status adopted a new citywide

design policy referred to as its ‘Grand Renaissance

Project’. This policy incorporates a newer, softer

approach to building design to add a fresh

aesthetic to the skyscraper-dominated city. The

city is still tallying up its fi nal visitor fi gures for

the year, but its World Design Capital status saw

it ranked third in the New York Times’ ‘31 Places

to go in 2010’ list. The Times described Seoul as

‘a city where design enthusiasts are fl ocking’ for

the year. It was also ranked seventh in Wallpaper

magazine’s 2010 Best City Awards.

How the bidding process worksCape Town’s 465-page WDC 2014 bid book was submitted to the ICSID on 31 March 2011. It took a year to put together and is an invaluable

design resource. A record 56 cities from 24 countries vied for the title. In July, the three shortlisted cities were announced: Cape Town,

Dublin, and Bilbao. The WDC 2014 judges then visited each of these cities to assess their bids. The announcement that Cape Town had won

was made on 26 October 2011 at the International Design Alliance World Congress in Taipei, where Executive Mayor of Cape Town Patricia

de Lille accepted the award on behalf of Cape Town, South Africa and the African continent.

Words Genevieve Fisher

Photographs courtesy Cape Town Partnership

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What’s in it for the winner?The WDC designation entitles the winning city to run

a year-long programme of design-focused events

under the banner of ‘World Design Capital’. Not only

will this draw the attention of international design and

creative communities to the winning city, but it will

also drive tourism towards it. The title is awarded two

years in advance to allow the winning city enough

time to plan, develop and promote its World Design

Capital programme.

Why we wonThe focus of Cape Town’s World Design Capital

(WDC) 2014 bid was on socially responsive design,

which inspired the bid concept of ‘Live Design,

Transform Life’. The year 2014 is an auspicious one

for South Africa, being the 20th anniversary of our

democracy. In the last 17 years, Cape Town has made

huge headway in reconstructing and reconnecting a

city that had been physically, socially, economically,

culturally and emotionally divided for centuries. This

change is visible in a large number of public and

private programmes that have reunited Cape Town in

structure and spirit, for the benefi t of all its citizens.

Lending weight to its WDC 2014 bid was SA’s coming

of age as a democracy and Cape Town’s as a city.

The city’s WDC 2014 bid comprised three broad

themes: ‘Rebuild Cape Town’, through community

cohesion, ‘Reconnect Cape Town’, by improving

infrastructure, and ‘Reposition Cape Town’ for the

knowledge economy. Cape Town’s hosting of the

2010 Soccer World Cup, the fi rst ever to be held in

Africa, added credibility to its bid, as it proved that

as a city and as a nation, we could compete with the

best First World countries. The tournament spurred

Cape Town on to enhance its infrastructure and

renewed its civic pride, two important legacies on

which the city intends to build now that it’s been

declared WDC 2014.

VIEW FROM THE INSIDECape-based architect Mokena Makeka,

founder and owner of Makeka Design

Lab, is one of the members of Cape

Town’s WDC 2014 bid committee (the

committee was organised by Cape Town

Partnership and is made up of industry

experts and activists). Mokena explains

to us why Cape Town so deserved to win

the WDC 2014 accolade.

Q What were we judged on?On our commitment to social change

and to design that makes a difference.

Q What diff erentiated us?Our desire to reinvent ourselves, and the

hunger we have to be world class. Other

important factors were our commitment

to deal with the evils of our past and

that we strike the right balance between

self- belief and humility.

Q What will 2014 bring?Global, national and local attention, and

a focus on how design is changing our

lives as South Africans. This victory will

also bring challenges, hard work and

social growth. Cape Town is maturing

as a city because social progress and

accessibility to design and dignity

cannot be divorced. We all want a more

caring, inventive, fun and productive city.

Q What does it mean for us going forward, post 2014?Hopefully, the public voice for good

design will cry out and hold offi cialdom

accountable to taking design seriously

and not just seeing it as a nice-to-have.

Design is not only about what we have in

our private spaces; it’s also about caring

about what others have and demanding

that what we share is excellent. Design

is about how our city can work, not just

about how it looks.

With thanks to …

Cape Town Partnership, +27 (0)21 419 1881,

capetown2014.co.za

Mokena Design Lab, +27 (0)21 425 5211,

makekadesigns.com

1Design Indaba stand done by CPUT

students. 2Porky Hefer’s Crate Man

at the V & A Waterfront. 3Walking on

Walls graffi ti tour in the Fringe Design

and Innovation District. 4Freddy Sam’s

public art . 5Infecting the City public

art festival. 6Graffi tti art by Faith47. 7Offi ces of Art South Africa Magazine.

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38 | November 2011

retirement LiVinG

Words Anne Schauffer

Along with retirement comes a complex set of yeses, noes and maybes, but the starting point has to be balancing affordability with your preferred lifestyle

Retiring … Gratefully?

November 2011 | 39

retirement LiVinG

‘Forever young, we want to be forever young’ may be wishful singing, yet if you’ve done your homework and made wise financial

decisions, retirement can be a considerably more youthful experience. Increasingly, there’s a diverse range of quality retirement options, particularly in the middle- to upper-income bracket, so you really can choose that lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.

That was the good news. Unfortunately, points out Adrian Goslett, CEO of Re/Max of Southern Africa, ‘the results of the Sanlam 2011 Benchmark Pensioner Survey indicate that 80% of pensioners have not completely achieved their predetermined retirement goals. On average, 31% of pensioners believe they haven’t saved enough for their capital to last for the rest of their lives, while 33% currently have a monthly shortfall between their income and expenses.’

Fact is, research anticipates that close on 10 million South Africans will be retiring in the next 25 years. Adrian estimates that ‘if a person had to retire at 65 years of age, they would need 75% of the income earned when working, to enable them to live a comfortable life. Added to this, the income stream needs to be sustainable enough to last at least 30 or so years, given the current life expectancy statistics.’

A bit overwhelming. But let’s assume you can tick the box on wise provision for those latter years: what are the various considerations when making your choice? There are burgeoning numbers of town and country gated estates nationally for the over-50s or over-55s – a rather appealing sidestep from the old age home scenario – where there’s keen awareness of the benefits of moving into a secure lock-up-and-go situation some time before the traditional retirement phase. There’s a great deal to be said for the health benefits of a more natural society that includes a mix of youthfulness and age, and it’s clear that South Africa is picking up on this international trend. With health intact, it’s a good time to secure your position, become integrated into or at least accepting of this new community, and make what can be a stressful, even forced, move later in life far easier because you made your own life decision.

Most units in retirement complexes are sold as freehold or sectional title, but some developments offer the life rights option, officially recognised by the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act of 1988 and a choice considered ideal for those who have less capital to invest, or simply prefer this scheme as – among other reasons – the way to manage their portfolio.

Arthur Case is the general manager of Evergreen Villages, a national lifestyle retirement brand owned by the Amdec Property Development Group. He considers life rights to be an ideal situation for retirees: ‘Residents enjoy similar privileges to the home’s being purchased by sectional or other title, only the developer remains the sole owner of the property and carries the responsibility of maintenance and upkeep of the village. The price of the life right is predetermined and always market related. There are no bond registration fees, transfer duties and no VAT payable, thereby avoiding the negative effects that such costs have upon discretionary income and estate values. When the life right terminates, through death or other circumstances, it reverts to the owner of the village, who is then entitled to resell it. Upon successful resale, your estate receives the original purchase price along with a percentage of the net profit, which is determined and agreed at the time of purchase, less selling and refurbishment costs. Because Evergreen Village is an asset and an investment for both the life right holder and the developer, the developer will protect and maintain this asset so as to ensure solid investment appreciation and returns for both parties.’

Together with Serina Lifestyle Estate, Amdec has recently launched Evergreen Lifestyle Village in the favoured retirement node of Noordhoek in the Cape. The village offers a variety of homes, cottages and apartments, scaled levels of health care and a superb community-focused lifestyle centre. In addition to Noordhoek, the Evergreen brand is currently breaking ground in the Cape at Muizenberg Phase 2, Lake Michelle and Bergvliet, and not only has a foot in the Johannesburg door, but is also intent on rolling out Evergreen into new regions across SA.

Some developments offer a combination of the sectional title and life rights options. Le Domaine in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), recently introduced life rights at its 14th village, Normandie Mews, allowing the Le Domaine developer ‘to offer units at a 30% discount on comparable sectional title prices’.

For those who are committed to the concept of property as a wise investment, buying into a retirement scheme before you’re ready for it offers a smart and comforting buy-to-let opportunity. There are increasing numbers of near-retirees who buy into over-50s sectional title developments and then let out the unit or home until they feel ready for the lifestyle change.

A good case in point, says Bev Murray of Brettenwood Coastal Estate, on the KZN North Coast, is the integration of an off-plan sectional title retirement component of 83 free-standing units in Phase 1, with a price tag of between R1,555 million and R2,5 million: ‘Forest Village within Brettenwood is drawing those who are planning for the lifestyle they want in the future by investing at today’s prices and renting out the units until they make the decision to move in.’ A plus of this concept is that those who live here can, at retirement, remain in a familiar environment but shift across the estate to where the facilities are better suited to retirees.

Not having to relocate is a major drawcard. The Rob Roy Retirement Lifestyle Village in Bothas Hill, KZN, is largely premised on that, and has identified five stages of accommodation needs typically required by the retiree. All five may not be needed, but it’s comforting to know they’re there. No need to move home, particularly after the trauma of losing a partner or the onset of illness.

The stages cover the progression from independent living through interdependent to dependent living. The assisted living programme offered to residents in their apartments is a daily service, with the emphasis on bathing, dressing, eating, taking medication, taking part in social activities, and getting domestic help, to name a few. All of the cottages and apartments have direct access to an emergency response unit that will provide fire, medical and, in the case of the cottages,

Opposite Set in manicured indigenous gardens, the freestanding units at Waterfall Hills, Gauteng, offer residents independence, privacy and security. Above Vistas of

Noordhoek, where Amdec plans to build another award-winning Evergreen Lifestyle Village.

40 | November 2011

intrusion response. Independent living is just that, but with a home care service available day or night should there be periodic or ongoing illness. The three interdependent living stages involve a gradual increase in assistance, with options ranging from meals in the resident’s dining room and general assistance with medication to day and night checks, domestic help, and nursing staff day and night. For dependent living, the 22-bed care centre, complete with trained sisters and carers, provides 24-hour care for residents.

So, what does one want in a retirement complex? Different strokes for different folks, of course, but there are certain needs common to most retirees: on-site frail care or graded facilities which cater for different levels of ailing health; security; panic buttons; entertainment or sports activities, such as bowls, bridge and a clubhouse; and for some, a pet-friendly environment.

Pets are a very important part of family life, and for many retirees the dearth of pet-friendly retirement complexes is proving to be a stumbling block. Amber Properties in Howick, in KZN, is cognisant of this, so wherever possible, pets are welcomed. The group’s key projects are Amber Valley Retirement Village and the new Amber Lee Country Lifestyle Estate, a secure, upmarket estate of 91 free-standing sectional

title homes, selling off-plan. Amber Lee is situated on a 176ha working farm where only 56ha have been set apart for retirees, while the existing 25ha avocado orchard and 95ha of planted pastures help the development to retain a country feel.

In terms of lifestyle, you’re either country or city, and there’s more growth in the country retirement scenario because it’s simply more appealing to walk through a lush forest and listen to birds than to dodge traffic and inhale car exhaust fumes. Slowing down is easier in the slow lane. At Amber Lee, there are five stocked dams, walks, wildlife and views, and its close to top schools, so your grandchildren can be around the corner. The levels of plushness, amenities and privacy vary in retirement villages, of course, but there are many superb high-end developments offering everything to satisfy the sporty, the arty, the eco-friendly, the extroverted and the reclusive. Aside from the standard frail care and security facilities, Amber Valley, for example, offers two indoor heated swimming pools, an Astroturf bowling green and two tennis courts.

Between Kyalami and Sandton, in Gauteng, Waterfall Hills, and now Phase 2, Waterfall Valley, are mature lifestyle villages developed by Century Property Developments. Waterfall Hills sold out

in record time and was awarded the titles of Best Retirement Development in SA and Best International Retirement Development at the 2009 CNBC International Property Awards. Century believes that people in the mature market wish to simplify their lives by removing the issues of maintenance, insurance and security that are normally associated with private home ownership. With state-of-the-art security, a multitude of lifestyle facilities, such as a deli and a spa, permanent on-site nursing staff and a fully equipped care centre, designed, they say, to feel like a five-star hotel, rather than a medical centre, at Waterfall Hills you’re going to be up there where you belong.

Today, you can live within a whiff of vineyards or scent of the sea, enjoy wildlife on your doorstep or panoramic Drakensberg vistas. Some developments – Hillcrest’s Le Domaine, for one – have even cleverly incorporated an on-site hotel element to accommodate friends and family. Most retirees want to shed the burdens of home maintenance and security and swap them for, well, anything other than those.

It’s all about choice. And that, after all, is what everybody wants, retiree or not – to retain a sense of dignity, enjoy life to the full, be secure enough to feel free, and to have a definitive say in where and how they live out their lives.

With thanks to …

Amdec Property Development, +27 (0)21 702 3200, evergreenlifestyle.co.za

Amber Properties, +27 (0)33 330 4000, amberproperties.co.za

Century Property Developments, 0861 636 333, century.co.za

Forest Village on Brettenwood, +27 (0)82 658 1181, forestvillage.co.za

Le Domaine, +27 (0)31 716 8004, ledom.co.za

Re/Max of Southern Africa, +27 (0)21 761 1110, remax.co.za

Rob Roy Retirement Lifestyle Village, +27 (0)31 777 6218/9, robroylifestylevillages.co.za

Top and above left Exterior and interior views of the roomy show house at Evergreen at Lake Michelle, which is built around a lake within a private eco estate in Noordhoek

Valley in the Cape. Above right Entrance to Waterfall Manor. Frail-care facilities are on hand for the residents of the 55 apartments at Waterfall Manor.

retirement LiVinG

� is month � e Property Magazinecelebrates professionals in the real estate industry. We commence with the recipient of the 2011 FNB Property Professional Lifetime Achievement Award,Bill Rawson

A VERYGOOD YEAR

Photograph Tim LakeStyling Nico at Bird on a WireHair and make-up Kristie CochiusLocation Sinatra’s Restaurant, Pepper Club Luxury Hotel & Spa

BILL RAWSONFounder and Chairman, The Rawson Property GroupRecipient – 2011 FNB Property Professional Lifetime Achievement AwardRawson Property Group Chairman Bill Rawson entered the real estate industry in 1971 and quickly rose in the ranks. By 1978 he had established his own agency in Claremont, Cape Town. Employing a team of 25 estate agents, he then established Bill Rawson Estates in 1982 and, six years later, he launched the franchise under the Rawson Properties brand. Today the Rawson Property Group operates in all nine provinces, has over 150 franchises, is involved in residential property development and construction and has franchise divisions that cover auctions, commercial property and letting. This year the group went international, opening its fi rst franchise in Harare. The Rawson Property Group’s success is founded on Bill’s fi rm belief in the professionalisation of agents, his commitment to service excellence and his emphasis on sound business ethics. His contributions to the property industry include serving as President of the National IEASA and, along with other business leaders, spearheading mortgage origination in SA. He is also involved in numerous welfare causes. Bill has four children, and leads an active lifestyle, completing his 10th Argus this year. +27 (0)21 658 7100

November 2011 | 43

PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS

44 | November 2011

Seeff ’s professionals live their valuesBRAND BELIEF

Photographs Val AdamsonMake-up Amy LeeStylist Sabrina MaingardHair Chanelle BothaLocation Beverly Hills Hotel,Umhlanga Rocks

JULES VAN DER VELDEProperty Consultant, Seeff Dolphin CoastI began working at Seeff in late 2009 when we opened our doors here in Ballito and I am totally committed to the brand and its values. I consider myself to be both ambitious and professional and love fi nding people their ideal home and witnessing their joy when they move in! I strive to be an excellent agent, came third in KZN last year and am determined to take fi rst position this year!+27 (0)82 646 9319

PRIZ MUNDELLProperty Consultant,Seeff Hillcrest and KloofComing from a teaching background, I am well recognised in the area, allowing me to continue dealing with the needs of others and concluding successful property sales. A multiple Seeff Chairman's Award recipient, I live by Gary Player’s motto: ‘The harder you work the luckier you get!’ I am committed to giving professional service at all times. I work for a fantastic international brand and am supported by two excellent principals and a wonderful family. +27 (0)84 240 1130

ANDREAS WASSENAARCo-owner and Principal, Seeff Dolphin CoastI have 16 years’ experience selling and developing residential property in Zimbali and on the Dolphin Coast. Together with Bobby Jameson, I developed, marketed and sold 68 houses in Zimbali, and for fi ve years, from December 2003 to February

2009, I was Sales and Marketing Director of Zimbali. Acquiring the Seeff licence is the

best decision I ever made – it’s the most exciting and professional

brand in SA real estate, and tough real estate market

aside, the growth in the Dolphin Coast licence continues unabated.+27 (0)82 837 9094

GREGG WILSONOwner and Director, Seeff Hillcrest and KloofI am professionally qualifi ed, with a BSc Honours in Property Studies from UCT and a BCom in Economics from Rhodes. As market leaders in the Upper Highway, we’ve just extended our premises in Christians Village Shopping Centre to accommodate our expansion from 15 dynamic agents to 25, to meet the increasing need for professional servicein the area.+27 (0)83 321 8500

44 | November 2011


Moving real estate from A to Z

CHAIN OF COMMAND

Location Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks

DEANNE HAMILTONAgent, Re/Max PanacheI’ve been in the industry for seven and a half wonderful years and have found my calling in life! I’ve been Top Agent (with a team) for Re/ Max in KZN for the last fi ve years and second in South Africa for a few years. I specialise in Durban North, Glenashley, La Lucia, Umhlanga and Mount Edgecombe Estate 1 and 2. I am fully motivated to assist buyers/sellers in a harmonious transaction.+27 (0)82 563 4280

JOHN COBURNOwner, Coburn Property GroupI’ve been in property since 1983 and am currently Managing Director of Coburn Property Group, specialising in sales and letting of commercial and industrial property. We are accredited agents for the Zimbali Forest Estate. I am President of Zimbali Rotary Club and was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for Growth of Membership for making us the largest club in the district in our fi rst year. I’m on the KwaDukuza Ballito Ward 6 and the Ilembe Municipal committees. +27 (0)83 775 8405

KARIEN HUNTERSole Director,

AMC Hunter, Inc.I celebrate life, love and living. I’ve always been

passionate about beautiful homes and interiors, so I rejoice in the fact that life

took me from being a public prosecutor to dealing with my true

passion: property and people – putting people

into their dream homes. AMC celebrates 25 years as practising attorneys in May 2012.+27 (0)31 309 5483

SIOBHAN PERRIGOAssociate Attorney, AMC Hunter, Inc.With AMC for over four years, I operate the Ballito branch and assist our Amanzimtoti and main Durban offi ces. We’re an all-women organisation with strong ties and commitment to our clients. We endorse the principles of honest, fair and professional service. We are specialists in all things to do with property transfers and property law and also attend to commercial litigation and drafting.+27 (0)32 946 2337

TOBY LOCHNERRegional Manager: KZN, SA Home LoansA home loan is one of the biggest fi nancial commitments to be made, so the choice of mortgage lender is an important one. I head up a very able sales team with offi ces in Durban, Richard’s Bay and Pietermaritzburg, and with many years of banking and home fi nances experience, my team and I have the know-how to assist our clients with bond fi nance in the quickest possible time.+27 (0)31 576 5905

ANDRÉ CONRADIEProperty Consultant, Re/Max DolphinI’ve been selling property in Ballito for nine years, earning National Top 20 Finalist and No. 1 Gold Club Agent (KZN) status for my achievements. I joined Re/Max two years ago and am very excited about their business model, which rewards hard work and commitment. A worldwide recession, yes, but Ballito is a growth point with huge investment opportunities for those prepared to consider the options.+27 (0)82 455 7744


November 2011 | 45

46 | November 2011

Reasonable demand will hold in the property market, but I recommend that we leave the crystal ball on the shelf for another year, if we are looking for the

return of signi� cantly good tidings.The performance of the real estate market in

2011 has, regrettably, not been comforting. So, what can we look forward to in the next year and beyond?

The impetus to market demand that we expected from 2010 did not materialise in 2011, and I don’t see any underlying cause for this to change to any noteworthy degree in 2012. The economy as a whole would need to pick up before we could expect to see any real strength returning to the market.

I believe that the coming year is likely to see meaningful gains in clearing the market of distressed properties, and with a little good fortune, no further interest rate hikes, despite predictions to the contrary for the last quarter of this year and into 2012. This should help consumers reduce their debt levels within the next two years.

Combining these factors with reasonable market demand, we are still likely to see low sales volumes, given the continued � nancial constraints and high bank decline ratios. This, coupled with almost no new development during the past two to three years, must mean that 2013 will be the year in which we will

see a restoration of activity to the South African real estate market to pre-2007 levels, the year in which the National Credit Act became operational.

Throughout 2012 sellers will still be competing with distressed properties, and while we will see some clearing of debt, the banks are likely to remain reluctant to lend. People looking to sell in the coming year and into 2013 are going to have to price their properties very conservatively and heed real estate agents’ advice on what buyers are willing to pay.

On the � ip side, cash buyers should be negotiating strongly. They will have plenty of time to consider their options, and are likely to negotiate the best possible price, and on their terms. Buyers should, however, be aware that these conditions are unlikely to continue beyond 2012. It is my view that the pent-up demand that has been in place since 2007 will start impacting the market, assuming that the banks are able clear impairments and debt out of the market.

Only once turnover in the market picks up are we likely to see an uptick in prices, but this will be mild in strength and will remain as such throughout 2013 and 2014.

There is still reasonable demand in the market, especially for sub-R1,5-million properties, which have seen the highest activity this year. At the upper end, demand has been slow, and I expect this will

be the case in 2012, too. This sector of the market is especially reliant on the strengthening of the economy. As a result of the slow turnover, there is real value to be gained at the top end of the market.

From a regional perspective, Gauteng is the powerhouse of the market and is usually � rst to see signs of growth, and I look forward to seeing a positive shift here in 2012. As for coastal properties, especially the non-primary markets, including holiday and second homes and leisure properties, I foresee a sustained lack of demand until the primary markets across the country pick up.

My advice, then, for those looking for an early or quick pick-up, is to leave the crystal ball on the shelf for another year and to only get the dusting cloth out at the end of 2012.

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Seeff Chairman, Samuel Seeff , is positive the property market will improve but cautions that it may take longer than expected

Samuel See�

Chairman, See�

GUEST EDITOR

Samuel Seeff

It’s a long haul yet

residential & commercial

November 2011 | 47

Residential Real Estate

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Family matters

Prominently situated in Umhlali, Brooklyn is a fresh new development which combines the clear vision of developers Slater Properties with exciting

input from architects Sphere Design & Architecture. The 40-unit residential estate, to be launched in the first quarter of 2012, aims to provide

cost- effective homes in a variety of appealing options encompassing single- and double-storey as well as two- to three-and-a half-bedroom offerings.

The key design feature sees each home set around a courtyard, thereby promoting indoor/outdoor living and allowing privacy from other units.

Space has been optimised to be functional for families with children, provide open-plan flow for entertainment and create separate play areas. Built-in

furniture and blinds make the units more affordable for first-time buyers. Each unit opens onto natural bush or communal green parks. Amenities in

the complex include a clubhouse, a pool and a kiddies’ play area. The architecture focuses on clean planes while angular roofscapes create a visually

striking language on the estate with generous eaves to assist with sun control. Refreshing blocks of colour, texture and glazing are used to highlight

feature components and create a contemporary, stylish aesthetic. +27 (0)83 297 0644; +27 (0)31 312 5133, spheredesign.co.za

Prime countryCelebrating its 50th anniversary, Umhlali Golf Estate, in Ballito, offers a Peter

Matkovich course, currently rated 28th nationally, and an accompanying tranquil

country situation. Set among the trees, the residential component of Umhlali

Golf Estate, developed by Retcon, was first launched in 2003, with that and

subsequent phases being very well received. The final phase, Springwood, has

just been launched. Overlooking the 14th hole, it offers a golden opportunity to

those wanting space on this estate. Available as ready-built, or designed according

to requirements, all homes will have a double garage, air conditioning, an alarm

system and a landscaped garden. Umhlali Golf Estate is 5 minutes from Ballito

centre, 7 minutes from the beach and 12 minutes from King Shaka International

Airport. ‘High security, a driving range, practise putting greens, bowling greens,

tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool and clubhouse all add to the lifestyle

offerings,’ says Ken Caldwell of Location, Location, Location. +27 (0)84 511 8454

Golf, of course

Meaning ‘golf’ in Zulu, Igalofu Village, on the Zimbali

Coastal Estate, launched in the first quarter of 2011, will

comprise just seven exclusive homes with 180º sea and

golf course views. Starting at R6,85 million, these free-

standing, five-bedroom villas will offer approximately

380m2 of luxuriously finished living and entertainment

space. ‘For those seeking exclusivity combined with

stunning design and views to match, Igalofu is an

opportunity not to be missed,’ says Extra Dimensions'

Craig Toweel. +27 (0)32 946 3568, edimensions.co.za

Golf estates offer secure and prestigious living options

– Samuel Seeff, Chairman, Seeff

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COMMERCIAL Real Estate

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Room to moveSituated opposite the Pavilion Shopping Centre, in Westville, Westway Offi ce Park will soon get an additional 18 000m2 of offi ce space. This new

project will be known as Westside Offi ce Park and will be developed by JT Ross with a view to adding to the corporate surroundings that make

Westway an offi ce destination of choice. The new development is expected to continue in phases over the better part of the next two years, and will

be centred on an indigenous landscaped park. Dimension Data will be the fi rst tenant to move into its new corporate offi ces, in December 2012. The

changes within Westway have been the catalyst for signifi cant road improvements to enhance traffi c fl ow around the park. The existing traffi c circle

on Spine Road, between Life Westville Hospital and Westway Offi ce Park, will be removed and replaced by a signalised intersection, and an additional

southbound traffi c lane will be constructed at the Jack Martens Drive intersection. The addition of traffi c lights will optimise timing, easing congestion

at peak hours and allowing for an easier fl ow of traffi c from the park and out of the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Road improvements are expected to

commence shortly and be completed in the fi rst half of 2012. +27 (0)31 372 9700, jtross.co.za

Imbonini growthPhase 2 of Ballito’s Imbonini Park is due to launch in the fi rst quarter of

2012. It will comprise 400 000m2 of high-end industrial land as well as

residential and commercial components. The fi rst portion to be unlocked

will be about 4ha and comprise four sites of 6 000m2, 8 000m2, 11 000m2

and 16 000m2 respectively. There are also plans to widen the R102 all

the way through to Stanger to further benefi t investors and owners

at Imbonini Park. A large cross-section of industries has already made

Imbonini its home, including a number of mini factories, warehouses

and large manufacturing concerns. Phase 1 is about 141 000m2 in size,

and of the 42 sites, only 6 remain available for purchase. Imbonini Park's

location, just 10 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and Dube

TradePort 1km from the N2, and midway between Richard’s Bay and

Durban, makes it all the more appealing to businesses in search of viable,

convenient premises. amberdawn.co.za

‘The changes within Westway have catalysed road improvements’

Highway happeningEarthworks have begun on the Arctic Sun Trading development,

John Ross Interchange Business Park (JRIBP). The development

comprises 31ha situated on either side of the John Ross Highway

(R34), immediately east of the N2 interchange. Well known to local

residents, the sites are visible to traffi c passing between Richard’s

Bay and Empangeni and traffi c on the N2. There are 32 sites,

ranging in size from 4 000m2 to 2ha, with the bulk of them zoned

for business and one with rights for a service station and retail.

The development will see the construction of a new signalised

intersection on the recently widened John Ross Highway, giving

access to both the northern and southern components of the

park. During construction the JRIBP is expected to support

approximately 2 300 direct and indirect temporary jobs per

year, and once fully developed it is projected that approximately

1 500 permanent jobs will be created. ‘Whilst market conditions

remain tough, the uniqueness of the site has seen sales concluded

with a national tile retailer and with a developer who is planning

a 3 000m2 retail centre. Negotiations are currently under way on

several other sites in the JRIBP, and it appears that the activity

on site has stimulated further market interest,’ says Neels Brink of

Laurusco Developments. +27 (0)31 337 3460, laurusco.com

Growth on Durban’s north coast is set to continue – Samuel Seeff , Chairman, Seeff

November 2011 | 49

The ProPerTy breakfasT

Guest list

Antony Arbuthnot Arbuthnot Projects, James Arnott Stedone, André Conradie Re/Max Dolphin, Fiona Crago Fiona Crago Real Estate,

Shelley Crichton Fine & Country International Realty, Johan Engelbrecht PME Inc. Attorneys, Kanyi Gasa iLembe Chamber of Commerce,

Industry and Tourism, Clive Greene Pam Golding Properties, Thomas Hodges Prime Property, Karien Hunter AMC Hunter Inc., Robyn Jackson

Fiona Crago Real Estate, Michael Jamieson Wakefields, Mark Leslie-Smith MLS Architects, Jenni McCallum Media Nova, Paul McMurray

McMurray Real Estate, Wendy McMurray McMurray Real Estate, Cheryl Peters Enterprise Ilembe, Vejan Pillay Misty Blue Investments, Gaylene

Schmulian Media Nova, Debbie Steinhobel Homeflair Ballito, Charles Thompson Construction ID, Trenley Tilbrook iLembe Chamber of

Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Lila von Maltitz The Sandstone Story, Tony Vaughan Media Nova, Gert Vorster Engel & Völkers Ballito,

Andreas Wassenaar Seeff Ballito.

A poster child for the leisurely, sun-drenched life that comes with buying property in Ballito, Canelands Beach Club, on Tiffany’s Beach, is sure to become a classic

Words Gaylene Schmulian Photographs Val Adamson

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

50 | November 2011


The Menu

On the table

Selection of fresh fruits, local

cheeseboard and mini croissants

Hot breakfast

Freshly baked croissants filled with

crispy bacon, chive cream cheese,

creamy scrambled eggs and avocado,

tea and coffee

Canelands Beach Club & Spa, 2 Shrimp

Lane, Salt Rock. +27 (0)32 525 2300,

canelandssaltrock.co.za

The lucky few were witness to the perfect morning at a scrumptious Property Breakfast co-hosted by The Property Magazine and Signature Life Hotels at

the hospitality group’s Canelands Beach Club & Spa, in Salt Rock. A step away from the ocean, the club proved to be the ideal venue, with its sweeping views of Tiffany Beach and the unbelievably beautiful coastline. Tony Vaughan, the managing director of Media Nova, welcomed everyone and entertained us with his sharp sense of humour, and everyone relaxed into the morning’s proceedings.

Trenley Tilbrook, CEO of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and Antony Arbuthnot, the project manager on Simbithi Eco-Estate, whipped out their shades and sat next to each other, looking very much like the Men in Black. ‘Ballito is definitely the place to live, work and play,’ said Trenley. ‘Ballito is hot,’ he added, and it was clear he wasn’t talking about the weather.

Andreas Wassenaar, principal of Seeff Ballito, was wowed by the beautiful beachfront setting. ‘Canelands is a perfect example of taking a tired, run-down property on the beachfront and converting it to a super-chic establishment,’ he said.

It’s the small things that count in life, and seeing the ladies served their fill of the flavourful plated meal before the gentleman was one of many classy touches that Caneland’s brought to the affair. Chatting to Fiona Crago and Robyn Jackson from Fiona Crago Real Estate, I asked whether they had previously had the pleasure of eating at Canelands. Fiona smiled and answered, ‘Robyn and I love good food – we take it upon ourselves to find excellent venues and delicious food.’ Sounded like a ‘yes’ to me.

The real estate agents among our guests agreed that the industry is still going through a rough patch and that agents need to go back to basics: meeting new people, networking, and actively selling the region because, as beautiful as it is, it won’t sell itself. Gert Vorster, principal of Engel & Völkers Ballito said that despite the tough economy, there are still serious buyers looking to invest in the area: ‘The 2010/2011 period was the best year to date for Engel & Völkers Ballito,’ he said. ‘Our seven agents are firing on all cylinders and we are dealing with serious cash buyers daily.’ Karien Hunter, founder of legal firm AMC Hunter Inc., agreed that Ballito is one of the most beautiful places in the world and that it offers vastly untapped potential.

If breakfast at the exquisitely positioned Canelands Beach Club & Spa is anything to go by, then living in Ballito must be truly extraordinary.

1Cheryl Peters 2Lila von Maltitz 3Jenni McCallum 4Tony Vaughan 5Clive Greene 6Kanyi Gasa 7Charles Thompson 8Debbie Steinhobel 9Fiona Crago 10Paul McMurray 11Vejan Pillay 12Wendy

McMurray 13James Arnott 14André Conradie 15Thomas Hodges 16Andreas Wassenaar 17Michael

Jamieson 18Antony Arbuthnot 19Robyn Jackson 20Mark Leslie-Smith 21Gaylene Schmulian 22Trenley Tilbrook 23Shelley Crichton 24Johan Engelbrecht 25Gert Vorster, Karien Hunter

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November 2011 | 51


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52 | November 2011

A new development in St Kitts and Nevis offers an opportunity for

citizenship and a tropical island lifestyle

1

International

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more offshore

real estate investment opportunities.

1View of St Kitts’ southern peninsula. 2Attractive poolside villas at Ocean’s Edge. 3Apartments overlooking the beach.

investment, real estate, news & leisure

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From Crusader Rock International and its sister company, Monarch & Co., comes a new development, Ocean’s Edge, located on the island of St Kitts and Nevis in the

West Indies. The island is home to Mount Liamuiga and the Peter Thompson-designed Royal St Kitts 18- hole championship golf course.

Ocean’s Edge is part of the Green Globe programme for sustainable development. Set on 16ha, the beachfront resort of Ocean’s Edge blends the best of indoor and outdoor living, with each property incorporating large terraces and modern interiors. Freehold hillside and poolside apartments as well as villa plots are available. At some 54m2 in size, the poolside studios are priced from $372 000 (about R3 million), while the one- to three-bedroom hillside apartments range in price from $395 000 to $745 000 (just over R3 million to roughly R6 million) and range from about 74m2 to 147m2 in size.

Both apartment types include plunge pools. Around 636m2 in size, villa plots are priced from $228 000 (around R1,8 million).

Owners and guests have access to landscaped gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts, a health and fitness centre, a beach club with water sports facilities, a beachfront restaurant, a concierge and housekeeping services.

Crusader Rock has for many years specialised in property sales in Malta but is expanding its portfolio to include real estate options on three continents. Advantages of purchasing property in St Kitts and Nevice include citizenship of the federation (after a minimum of five years of owning and maintaining the property), which will allow investors and their families visa-free travel to over 100 countries, as well as tax benefits. Owners may also rent out their properties via the resort management company. +27 (0)11 883 9028, crusaderrock.com

November 2011 | 53

INTERNATIONAL

Scenes from CianaSet in the heart of Indooroopilly on the site

of an old bowling club is Ciana, a residential

complex just 2km from Brisbane’s CBD. Two-

bedroom, two-bathroom units of 113m2 with a

furniture pack and parking bay included are

priced at AUS$580 000 (about R4,5 million).

At AUS$630 (about R5 000) a week, the option

to rent out the apartments is profi table, and

the rental vacancy rate has been virtually zero

over the past fi ve years. Ciana is close to the

University of Queensland, schools, shops and

golf clubs. +27 (0)11 463 0588, ipsinvest.com

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Stable investmentAn equestrian estate in Bastide des Alpilles in Provence, France, is on

the market for ¤6,5 million (about R70 million). It covers 130 000m2,

including a mansion, a guesthouse, two free-standing apartments and

outbuildings. The main house comprises an entrance hall, six bedrooms,

four bathrooms, two living rooms, a kitchen and a study. The guesthouse

includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. One of the free-standing

apartments has two bedrooms and a bathroom and the other has one

bedroom and one bathroom. Each apartment has its own kitchen. The

total living space offered by the estate is 800m2. Facilities include a huge

swimming pool, electric gates, and a gardener who is available twice

a week. The south-facing country estate is situated 30 minutes away

from Marseille Provence International Airport and enjoys easy access to

motorways. +27 (0)11 482 1876, heritagepropertiesofeurope.com

Cottoning onMarriott International Hotels & Resorts

is branching out to Cotonou, Benin,

through its agreement with SHRL-Benin

to manage an upmarket, 200-room

hotel aimed at business, government

and conference travellers. The Cotonou

Marriott will be sited on prime beachfront

land adjacent to Cotonou’s convention centre,

close to the presidential palace and fi ve minutes’ drive

from the international airport. Amenities will include a swimming

pool, health and leisure club, tennis courts, private beach, fi ve

restaurants and lounges and 24-hour room service. Business

facilities will include a state-of-the-art business centre and an

800m2 divisible function space for conferences, meetings and

social events. Guests will be able to participate in the Marriott

Rewards frequent travel programme. The Cotonou Marriott, the

group’s third hotel in sub-Saharan Africa, is scheduled to open

in 2013. +27 (0)11 289 8100, holidayholdings.co.za

Yoo-hoo!The modern residential park, Yoo Pune, in Margappata City in the western Indian state of

Maharashtra, comes with excellent design credentials: leading the project are renowned

interior designer Philippe Starck and infl uential property developer John Hitchcox,

co-founders of global property design and marketing brand, Yoo. Covering some 7ha, the

development will comprise six tower blocks with 228 apartments overlooking a rainforest.

Sized from 470m2 to 640m2, the apartments will be available in two styles, Classic

and Nature, and will be priced from $2 million (about R16 million). The bathrooms will

incorporate Duravit products and will be kitted out in light Italian marble. Multiple swimming

pools, a library and cinema and a Six Senses spa will be available for residents’ use, as will

tennis and basketball courts and a restaurant. Developed in collaboration with Panchshil

Realty, Yoo Pune is set to be completed by 2014. yoopune.com

‘The Cotonou Marriott will be the group’s third hotel in sub-Saharan Africa’

Yoo Pune has excellent design credentials: leading

the project are Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox

54 | November 2011

1–4Artist’s impressions of the modern apartments to be developed at Element Bay

Resort, where the emphasis will be on luxury open-plan living indoors and enjoying an

island lifestyle.

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Mauritius

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more offshore

property developments and investment news.


Mauritius is a popular location among homebuyers and there is consistent demand for upmarket, modern developments that incorporate the

island lifestyle. With a large stake in the Mauritian property development sector, 2Tribes is the only South African developer on the island and has a portolio of successful commercial and residential properties to its name, including Grand Baie Business Quarter, La Residence and Element Bay Resort.

2Tribes works closely with South African architects and interior designers to create homes

and o� ces that are contemporary, stylish and functional. The company is adding 30 units to Element Bay Resort. These will include two- or three-bedroom simplex and duplex apartments, priced from R2,8 million each. The apartments will have superior � nishes, and furniture packages will be available on request.

Well suited to those in the market for holiday homes or retirement properties, Element Bay Resort is situated a few minutes away from its sister development, Grand Baie, in the north, which o� ers a host of entertainment facilities. Residents can also

make use of the wide array of water sports facilities provided by the nearby Coin de Mire Hotel.

With easy access to a picturesque beach, Element Bay Resort captures the essence of luxurious island living. Each apartment has a parking bay, and a private terrace or balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Ground � oor units have private terraces that extend out into the garden. A pro� table fringe bene� t for owners is the rental pool, where their properties are actively marketed, for a 4% to 7% return on investment. +27 (0)11 083 7008, 2tribes.net

Element Bay Resort is expanding to meet the strong demand for accommodation in Mauritius

Expanding on THE ELEMENTS

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November 2011 | 55

Passage to IndiaMauritius is set to pitch itself as the gateway to Africa, much like Singapore did for Asia,

reports India’s Economic Times. Offi cials of the Mauritius Investment Board are in Delhi to

discuss setting up links between Mauritius and Africa-focused investment holdings. India

receives over 40% of its foreign direct investment from Mauritius, most of which is from

third-world countries that route this way to benefi t from the existing tax treaty. India wants

to renegotiate the treaty to ensure that it is used for genuine investments. India has set up

an information offi ce based in Mauritius to strengthen and speed up

the tax information exchange. ‘The Financial Services Commission in

Mauritius has signed a memorandum of understanding with 19 regulators

with respect to information exchange, including one with the Securities

and Exchange Board of India (SEBI),’ says Mauritius Investment Board

Director, Shamima Hussam. ‘Mauritius has received 64 requests for bank

and tax information from India and all information requested has been

duly submitted by the Mauritian authorities.’ Mauritius is already an

active member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

(Comesa) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

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A total of 963 078 tourists visited

the island, almost 60 000 more than in

the previous year

Magnetic Mauritius The property market in Mauritius is thriving. Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière, a director at Pam Golding Properties’ (PGP) International & Projects

Division, says that from 2003 to around 2006, most residential properties in Mauritius that were sold to foreigners were expensive villas. This market

began to slow down because of the global economic crisis but the Mauritian market managed to reinvent itself in response to the bursting of the

housing bubble by focusing on luxurious lock-up-and-go apartments. While

large villas are typically priced at over R9 million, the apartments are priced

from R2,5 million and are attracting foreign investors, including cash buyers

from SA. PGP has sold R600 million worth of penthouses and apartments on

the island in the past three years, with R400 million in property being sold in

real estate scheme (RES) developments by South African developer, 2Tribes.

2Tribes’ developments are situated near Grand Baie, one of the island’s most

popular tourist destinations and residential areas. Apartment owners can

join a rental pool that markets their units to the growing tourism market

for a return on investment of 4% to 7%, adds Fabrice. PGP is the exclusive

agency to 2Tribes’ developments, including Cape Bay, Element Bay and La

Residence. In addition to the RES, Mauritius also offers foreign investors free

repatriation of profi ts, dividends and capital, has double taxation agreements

with 33 countries, including South Africa, and has no foreign exchange

controls. The island is also rated First in Africa in the World Bank’s 2011 Doing

Business Report. +27 (0)21 762 2617, pamgolding.co.za

A river runs through itThe perfect residential development for yachting and boating enthusiasts is set

to welcome owners by 2012, with Phase 1 of La Balise Marina due for completion

by December next year. Once completed, the R4,7-billion project will be home to

113 luxury residential units across 14,5ha of freehold property. Phase 1 incorporates

55 residential units divided into two housing types, villas and duplexes, offering

various sizes and layouts and each with its own anchorage. All have direct access

to the ocean, either on the canals and marina quays or on the Grande Rivière Noire

estuary. Residents will also have access to the commercial centre that is due for

completion in 2012, which will host restaurants, shops and boutiques as well as Le

Sunset, which will offer a number of amenities and facilities, including a spa, gym,

kids’ club, and fi ne-dining restaurants. +230 483 7272, labalisemarina.com

Tourism revenues on the upMauritius’ tourism revenue rose by close on 10% as of year-end 31 August,

reports Reuters. ‘Tourist receipts for the period September 2010 to August

2011 rose by 9,7% to reach MUR41,5 billion [about R11 billion] compared

to MUR37,8 billion [around R10 billion] registered over the previous

corresponding period,’ said the Bank of Mauritius in a statement. A total of

963 078 tourists visited the island, almost 60 000 more than in the previous

year. European tourists account for about two-thirds of visitors, says Reuters.

Cape Bay, by 2Tribes

La Place Belgath, Anahita, a popular tourist destination

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Mozambique

56 | November 2011

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more getaway

hotspots in Mozambique.

1Elegant and chic guest lounge. 2Unspoilt views from the deck. 3Stunning stretches of

pristine beaches. 4Sophisticated minimalism in the breezy guest suite.


Mozambique’s south coast is a stone’s throw away from our border, with Kosi Bay a mere 25km o� . Earlier this year, Mozambique’s southern

east coast acquired White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli. Situated on more than 2km of pristine beach and surrounded by the lush, wild greenery of the Maputo Special Reserve, it doesn’t get better than this for some luxurious time out.

The resort comprises 22 pool suites set on stilts and overlooking the ocean and beach. Every detail

has been considered. Each suite is air-conditioned, has its own deck, plunge pool and bar and has been designed for seamless indoor-outdoor � ow. The interior colour palette is made up of calming blues and fresh, crisp whites, making the ocean seem an arm’s stretch away from your bed.

The calm and restful ambience extends to the many guest areas, such as the lounge and the pool bar and deck, as well as to the Beach Bar and White Pearl restaurant, where traditional culinary delights are served.

For those more inclined towards an active beach holiday, White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli o� ers a range of activities led by professionals, including � shing, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling, with the added bene� t of swimming with dolphins and turtles.

If the sights, sounds and wonders of this resort aren’t enough to relax you, there are also trained massage therapists on site to work every last bit of stress out of your body. +27 (0)35 592 8100,

whitepearlresorts.com

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With the recent opening of White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, crossing the border has never been more appealing

� e world’s your oyster

November 2011 | 57

MOZAMBIQUEC

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� e book covers everything on Mozambique, from the capital city to its beaches, lakes, lagoons and gorgeous sights

Hot readPenguin’s new book, Travel Guide to Maputo and Southern Mozambique, by Bridget Hilton-

Barber, is the perfect guide for your suitcase. The book covers everything on Mozambique,

from the capital city to its beaches, lakes, lagoons and gorgeous sights. And if you are a fan of

the bush as much as the beach, the book also includes a great section on the route between the

Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Parc Nacional do Limpopo, which together make up

the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. +27 (0)11 327 3550, penguinbooks.co.za

Burning the midnight coalMozambique is preparing to supply coking coal to Japan’s steel industry in return for

$300 million (roughly R2,4 billion) from the Japanese government for the repair of

the cyclone ravaged Nacala export port, reports Reuters. ‘We are now going to start

negotiations for investment with the Japanese government, and if we succeed, the

rehabilitation could start within one year,’ says Danilo Nala, director of Mozambique’s

Special Economic Zones Offi ce. He adds that some of the funding may come from

Japan’s private sector, should the deal go through. The port of Nacala was damaged in

2001. Repairs would return it to its original container capacity of 400 000/year – double

its current capacity. Mozambique is hoping to build additional infrastructure to support

the increasing coal production in the Tete province. Mozambique is recognised as a new

supply source of coking coal, which has already sparked interest from global mining

companies, including the world’s fourth-largest steel-maker, Nippon Steel Corp, which is

expected to start developing a site in Mozambique in mid 2012 and to begin coking coal

production from 2014.

From Brazil with loveBrazilian President Dilma Rousseff has recently

announced Brazil’s strategic investment in

Mozambique in an attempt to ensure sustainable

development with reciprocal benefi ts for

both countries, reports All Africa Global

Media. Dilma was in Maputo to meet with her

Mozambican counterpart, Armando Guebuza,

to review the current bilateral cooperation

between Mozambique and Brazil. Dilma says

more scholarships could be made available

for Mozambican students to study in Brazilian

universities in an attempt to nurture skills

development for Mozambicans to improve

their country. Good news in the area of health

care, says Dilma, is that the Brazil-fi nanced

pharmaceutical plant for the production of

generic antiretroviral drugs is projected to be

operational in Mozambique by the fi rst quarter

of next year. Access to cheap antiretrovirals is

key for the treatment of many Mozambicans

infected with HIV. Mozambique’s Minister of

Industry and Trade, Armando Inroga, says that in

addition to other bilateral projects already under

way, such as the pharmaceutical plant, others are

under discussion, notably Brazilian participation

in the Moamba Maior Dam, to be built on the

Incomati river and cost more than $500 million

(about R4 billion).

Explore Mozambique’s Topuito Caldeira Island.

087 802 9186

Rob le Sueur: +27 (0)82 450 9641 | [email protected] le Sueur: +27 (0)84 555 0982 | [email protected] Watkin: +27 (0) 82 324 4929 | [email protected] Voigts:+27 (0)83 703 2242 | [email protected]

from: R2 750 000ex vat www.mountverde.co.za

Live the life of the Urban Farmer...

Perfect for the retired farmer!56 farms covering 2500 hectares of elevated ●land with breathtaking views at the start of the Midlands Meander.Close to shopping centre and N3, commute ●easily into Pietermaritzburg.5 golf courses and 5 schools in the area ●including Cowan House, St Anne’s College, Hilton College and Michaelhouse.Farm your 30 hectares or let the management company do the work for you. ●Well stocked game farm on remaining 850 hectares (incl large antelope, zebra and giraffe). ●CCTV, armed response, 24 hour patrols and full perimeter fencing. ●Owners have controlled traversing over the 2500 hectares - safe for kids to hike and camp. ●One of the healthiest climates in South Africa ● .

MountVerde_HP_PropertyMagazine.indd 1 29/10/2011 11:27:19

�e MeadowsCountry Estate

Enjoy a quality country

life in Underberg

Sites From R375 000Only 8 Sites left

Situated on 11 hectares of prime property near the pricturesque village of Underberg.

The Meadows offers charming country homes for the discerning investor. Overlooking pastoral farmlands, dams and the majestic mountains of the Southern

Drakensberg. These homes have direct access to the Underberg Golf course.The Meadows offers a wide variety of recreational facilities including: 2 fully stocked trout

dams, fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming pool, tennis court, jogging/cycle track, club house with recreational area, childrens play area, picnic and braai facilities along the river.

Rob Le Sueur | tel::+27 (0)82 450 9641 | e-mail:: [email protected] Watkin | tel::+27 (0)82 324 4929 | e-mail:: [email protected]

Wade Kerdachi | tel::+27 (0)83 652 7397 | e-mail:: [email protected]

www.meadowsunderberg.co.za

TheMeadows_HP_PropertyMagazine.indd 1 29/10/2011 09:40:52

Directory

Factory in KZN 082 254 1356

[email protected]

www.milestonekitchens.co.za

The Bull Run Restaurant is famed for its prime cuts of exquisite South African beef – served via it’s own in-house butchery – and an extensive selection of the fi nest Cape wines. Situated near popular nightspots in the upmarket suburb of Sandton, the energy and vibe of the Bull Run

caters for any occasion – be it a business lunch, dinner before a night on the town, or a corporate function.

Tel + 27 (0)11 884 - 1400 | E-mail [email protected] Bookings [email protected]

Opposite the Johannesburg Stock ExchangeAdjacent to the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

20 Maude Street, Sandton

The Marine Building22 Gardiner Street, Durban

Tel: (031) 374 8100Fax: (031) 374 8135www.nhbrc.org.za

The Marine Building22 Gardiner Street, Durban

Tel: (031) 374 8100Fax: (031) 374 8135www.nhbrc.org.za

Character 600m property in Durban’s trendy Florida Road. Comprising

expertly-converted Art Gallery as a going concern and garden flat with pool.

On two road frontages.Offers exciting owner/occupier and

investment opportunities.investment opportunities.

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Email: [email protected]

FOR SALE

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Taking their cue from nature, be it in their aesthetic or materials, these lighting designs inspire us, naturally

In full bloomKnown as the Flower Bloom Hanging Lamp,

by Weylandts, this eye-catching

design not only refl ects

nature in its look,

but also in its use of

rattan and wicker

from the Philippines.

This light has been

hand-woven, which

guarantees that no

two models are

exactly the same.

+27 (0)11 262 4747,

weylandts.co.za

Far and beyondThe Enchanted Faraway Tree, by

Willowlamp, was recently launched

through Southern Guild at the

Johannesburg Art Fair. It is a massive

copper tree with 12 bowing branches

inspired by Willowlamp’s award-

winning Faraway Tree

design that won the Elle

Decor Lighting Design

of the Year Award in

2007. This updated

model forms part

of Willowlamp’s

new initiative,

which merges

lighting design

with sculptural

art pieces.

+27 (0)11 614 0292,

willowlamp.com

Strikingly whiteLooking like something

out of an ice palace,

the Flower Power

two-tier chandelier by

Brand van Egmond is

delicate, yet striking, in

its use of white hanging

glass icicles. Available

from Limeline.

+27 (0)21 424 8682,

limeline.co.za

Waste not, want notHeath Nash’s designs are not only synonymous

with exceptional innovation, but are also

a means to eco-friendliness. Using plastic

consumer waste as a raw material, his designs

have garnered worldwide attention. We love the

minimalist Standing Laurel Lamp: it has just nine

leaves bound to a simple wire structure, yet it is

quite extraordinary in its moody lighting effect.

+27 (0)21 447 5757, heathnash.com

powered

Precious petalsBarrydale-based Magpie Art Collective makes

sought-after light fi ttings and designs, such as this

Petalled Ampoule Couture Light, which features a

handcrafted, beaded, removable shade. The fastening

clip allows it to be attached snugly to a light

bulb as the petals unfurl away from

the light. This design is a Magpie

Income Generated Product

made by the local crafters

who form part of the

Craft Project Initiative.

+27 (0)28 572 1997,

magpieartcollective.com

64 | November 2011

TREND WATCH

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[1] Catalano Muse wall-hung pan plus soft closing seat, including Geberit cistern and Bolero plate - R 4 999 incl. VAT[2] Catalano Muse freestanding basin - R 9 999 incl. VAT[3] Grandangolo G100 basin (1000 x 500 mm), excluding basin mixer and towel rail - R 5 999 incl. VAT

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When looking for innovation, quality and choice, look no further than Classic Trading for an extensive range of bathroom solutions for your home. As importers of the best international brands we are able to offer unbelievable prices on all leading European brands.

For a unique bathroom experience come visit our concept store in Durban to view our lifestyle displays and a vast range of exclusive imported products. Alternatively, visit one of our other two showrooms.

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November issue

For more info visit weber-tylon.co.za or call: 0860 27 28 29

Decorative floor finishes

Renovation innovation

Pool renovationPaint your old, faded marble-plastered pool with pool paint and save!

Say Goodbye to Dust!Renovate your home with our new low-dust tile adhesive.

Find an Applicator & Expert advice in

your region

Grano Colour & Colour Silk: Cement-based Wall and Floor

trends for 2012

Stay cool this summer in your new swimming pool.

tpm kzn nov 2011

Documents

design studioworking

importance of design

becomeworld design capital

south african design

new residential estate

new jewel

property breakfast

new coffee shop