Seaside property in the Cape is fast becoming unaffordable and often unattainable, however the desire for holiday and retirement homes close to the beach is now shifting to more affordable small towns along the coast such as the Southern Cape region.
Managing Director for Seeff Country, Ian Badenhorst, says that since these village are more accessible as it is within 2-6 hours drive from Cape Town International Airport.
He went on to state that they are an excellent choice for people looking for a quiet and secure spot in a holiday or retirement destination.
Villages such as Kleinbaai (near Hermanus), Cape Agulhas (Agulhas, Struisbaai and Arniston), Witsand, Jongensfontein and Gouritsmond have now become the ideal escape as they are located in areas with less congestion and commercialization but are close enough to city centers for ease of convenience in both shopping and medical needs.
These areas also represent some of the last available seaside spots for sale, where the sea is practically in your front yard, says Badenhorst.
The Southern Cape is also one of the best places to catch superb views of the magnificent Southern Right Whales during winter and spring, when they visit shores for annual calving season.
To add to the ideal location, many of these areas are also well connected with satellite television and internet and are near renowned Blue-Flag beaches.
Weather is excellent in these areas with plenty of sunshine and provides the necessary conditions for a healthy lifestyle which is very appealing for both holiday and retirement buyer’s.
Badenhorst says that Lightstone data shows that some 50%-70% of buyers in these villages are above the fifty age bracket.
Here are 6 properties Seeff shared with us that hold top places on the market:
GOURITSMOND – R15-million – A 23 hectares farm with its own private beach, 1km ocean-front stretch, a beautiful stone house with four bedrooms and a second house. The village lies on the Gourits River mouth where it meets the warm Indian Ocean. It is characterised by pretty little stone houses dating to the 1920s. House prices range from R1,5-million-R2,5-million to a top price of R8-million.
ARNISTON – R9.5-million – The top house on the market, offering a prime beachfront location and two fully self-contained living units (a four-bed unit upstairs and three beds downstairs. This pretty fisherman’s village (also known as Waenhuiskrans) is flanked by the De Mond and De Hoop Nature Reserves, the latter being a wetland with over 100 aquatic bird species and of international importance for migratory birds. House prices range from R2,4-million-R4,5-million to a top price of R9,5-million.
JONGENSFONTEIN – R8,5-million – Just a stroll from the ocean, this new holiday house comes with stunning beach-house finishes, five bedrooms and a swimming pool. A big attraction is the close proximity to Still Bay where you will find excellent amenities, sport facilities and nature reserves. The excellent waves makes it a surfer’s paradise. Jongensfontein house prices range from R1,9-million-R5-million with a top price of R8,5-million. Sea view plots are available from R1,5-million-R4.2-million.
STRUISBAAI – R8-million – For fabulous sea views, nine bedrooms, several living rooms and a braai room which makes this an ideal find for residential or commercial purposes. House prices range from R1,2-million-R5-million to a top price of R8-million.
KLEINBAAI – R7,48-million – This six-bedroomed home is located in Klipfonteyn next to Kleinbaai and offers everything that the large family could want for with extras such as a braai room, wine cellar and spectacular views throughout. A big attraction of Kleinbaai (near Hermanus), is the famous ‘shark alley’, and it is from this village that the shark-diving boats leave. There is also a golf course that overlooks the sea and fabulous hiking trails. House prices range from R1,5-million-R5-millon with a top price of R8-million while vacant plots sell for R350,000-R3.2-million.
AGULHAS – R4,375-million – A rare beach front home with five bedrooms located close to the tidal pools. This villages is where you will find the southernmost tip of the African continent where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It is renowned for shipwrecks and the famous red and white Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. House prices range from R1,25-million-R5-million and vacant land from R200,000-R900,000.
Contact Seeff Southern Cape on 028 514 3999 or visit www.seeff.com.
Pictures: Seeff