South Africa’s Top 10 Residential Estates
According to the head of research at New World Wealth, Andrew Amoils, it is interesting to note that South Africa is a global pioneer in residential estate living - it has more golf and lifestyle estates than any other country in the world.
South Africa has numerous top residential estates and property in these locations is highly sought after, with prices ranging from R2 million to R50 million.
According to the latest 2016 Estate Ratings New World Wealth Report, seven out of ten are in the Western Cape and the top-ranked estate is Val de Vie in the Paarl Franschhoek Valley, followed by Zimbali on the KwaZulu-Natal North coast andFancourt on the Garden Route. Steyn City in Fourways was ranked fourth with Highland Gate in Dullstroom in ninth position.
The estates are rated on a number of criteria: security, activities, facilities, quality and design of houses, space (average stand size and space between houses), as well as views, scenery and wildlife, appeal to wealthy buyers, and resale and price growth potential.
1. Val de Vie
Val de Vie It is located in Paarl in the Western Cape and is the top estate for 2016. Val die Vie recently merged with Pearl Valley, which was the top-rated estate last year. Highlights of the combined estate include: vineyards, polo fields, an equestrian centre, a highly rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, parks, lakes and mountain backdrops.
House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R40 million.
Val de Vie contains the exclusive Gentleman’s Estate, which offers residents their own private stables, garden and vineyard. Properties on the Gentleman’s Estate range from 3 to 6 hectares each.
2. Zimbali
Zimbali is located next to Ballito, 45km north of Durban. “It is arguably the most picturesque estate in the country, with its own natural lagoon and forest,” says Amoils. “The birdlife on the estate is very impressive - it is home to several types of kingfishers, bee-eaters and even the rare Crowned Eagle is a resident (the largest eagle in Africa).”
3. Fancourt
Fancourt is located in George on the Garden Route. “It is undoubtedly South Africa’s top estate for golfers, with three highly rated courses on one estate,” he says. “The two original courses (the Montagu and the Outeniqua) were built in the early 90s, whilst the world-famous Fancourt Links was added in 2000.”
There are several different residential areas on the estate including: Links Ridge, Links Avenue, Cape Dutch Village, Oakland’s Village and Montagu Ridge.
House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R50 million.
4. Steyn City
Steyn City is a new estate located between Fourways and Lanseria in Johannesburg. The 900 hectare estate offers apartments and houses and is the largest estate in the country in terms of land size. It currently includes an equestrian centre, golf course and over 250 hectares of landscaped parkland.
“The communal areas, vegetation and parklands on the estate are particularly impressive, as is the birdlife,”” says Amoils. “The estate is still at early development – there are plans to add two private schools, offices, convenience shopping, a retirement village and a private hospital.”
Once fully complete, Steyn City will be the most extensive estate in the country, in terms of facilities and activities.
House and apartment prices on the estate range from R2 million to R30 million.
5. Pezula
Pezula is located in Knysna on the Garden Route and includes two sub-estates, namely Pezula Golf Estate and Pezula Private Estate.
House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R40 million.
6. Whalerock Ridge
Whalerock Ridge is located in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. The 100 hectare estate offers residents impressive views over Robberg Beach. The bottom gate of the estate is located approximately 100 metres from the beach.
“Notably, Whalerock Ridge is the only estate in our top 10 that does not have a golf course,” says Amoils.
House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R35 million.
7. De Zalze
De Zalze is located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The 300 hectare estate is also a working farm, comprising 120 hectares of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves.
It is home to a particularly scenic golf course and three top restaurants.
House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R20 million.
8. Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is the “hidden gem” of South African golf estates, says Amoils. Located between Blouberg and Melkbostrand inCape Town, it is home to some of the most spectacular houses in the country.
The estate also operates as a wildlife sanctuary, with several wild animals such as antelope living on the property.
It is relatively well priced compared to other estates in the top 10 - house prices on the estate range from R2 million to R15 million.
9. Highland Gate
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is a newly-built estate located in the Steenkampsberg mountain range near Dullstroom. It features an Ernie Els designed golf course, fly-fishing and hiking trails.
House prices on the estate range from R2 million to R10 million.
10. Arabella
Located on the Bot River Lagoon in Kleinmond, 25 miles west ofHermanus, Arabella is a “hotspot for wealthy second-home owners”, says Amoils.
Only a few of the holes have houses on them and as a result stands are limited - there are only 236 houses on the estate.
House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R15 million.
Source: Property 24