Buyers seeking a secure lifestyle are increasingly turning to estates in this picturesque, laidback area.
The appeal of the Winelands and the Helderberg areas never fades. After all, who wouldn’t want to live surrounded by mountain views and lush wine estates, with an open-air lifestyle on their doorstep and the city an easy commute away? In today’s world, it’s the secure lifestyle estates that are most in demand from growing families, retirees, investors and first-time buyers.
“People are looking for a secure lifestyle,” says Cheryl Brand, Nooitgedacht Village. “They want to be close to the city but far enough out to be able to enjoy the Winelands experience and the facilities that these estates o¬ffer – walking trails, mountain views, vast open space and fresh air.” She sees continuing demand from Gauteng property buyers relocating to the Cape. “Your smaller lock-up-and-go type of homes are most in demand. People tend not to look for larger gardens anymore and this is one of the reasons why they enjoy estates that provide open spaces that they don’t need to maintain.”
Proximity to excellent schools and Stellenbosch University is another factor drawing families to the area. Those looking forward to a golden retirement exploring wine estates and renowned restaurants, playing golf, hiking in nature reserves and more, need to plan many years ahead to get property in a dedicated retirement village as demand currently far outstrips supply.
While the traditional luxury Winelands lifestyle estate is beyond the reach of most first-time buyers, some developers in the Helderberg and Boland region are designing mixed developments that include smaller, more a¬ffordable units, such as Sitari Country Estate, Somerset West, where the offering ranges from one-bedroom apartments to large luxury homes and includes a Curro school and a shopping mall.
At nearby Paardevlei, Balwin has made a niche out of providing a quality o¬ffering for first-time buyers, which is also popular with investors. “Our one-bed, one-bath apartments are our bestsellers,” says Gabriel da Matta, Balwin. “These units are the easiest to rent out as they appeal to young couples or single professionals looking to move out of home, who may not yet be in a position to a¬fford their own property.”
Buyers in new developments are primarily looking for value and security, he says, and a big attraction is the lifestyle centre with gym, pool and restaurant, and additional o¬fferings such as fibre internet and solar-supplemented electricity systems, which help keep living costs down.
The amenities, swimming pool and clubhouse are fantastic. “You’ve got the most fantastic birdlife, it’s distant from roads and traffic noise, and you hear the sea and birds. Everything is within walking distance, from clinics and shops to the sea. It’s just idyllic", says Joe Kynezovich, a resident of De Velde, Somerset West.
People are looking for an all-encompassing package with shops, schools and entertainment all provided in close proximity to where they live.
-Cheryl Brand, Nooitgedacht Estate.
Things to do in Heldeberg:
- Hike and mountain bike in the various nature reserves and wine estates.
- Play golf at a number of top golf courses.
- Explore weekend markets including Lourensford, Blaauwklippen, Root 44 and Stellenbosch Slow markets.
- Head to Strand Beach for swimming and surfing.
- Enjoy tasting wines on tap.
Dine out in Helderberg:
- Camphors at Vergelegen, Somerset West: for a modern take on international and local dishes
- The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West: for contemporary classics
- The Restaurant at Cavalli, Somerset West: for dishes made from local and sustainable ingredients
- Faber at Avondale, Paarl: for delicious, ethically sourced meals
- Terroir at Kleine Zalze, Stellenbosch: for lunch under ancient oak trees
- Overture, Stellenbosch: for delicious South African cuisine
- Makaron, Stellenbosch: for dining in an elegant environment
- Indochine at Delaire Estate, Stellenbosch: for delicious Asian-inspired cuisine
Schools in Helderberg:
- Bloemhof
- Rhenish Girls’ High School
- Paul Roos Gimnasium
- Somerset College
- Parel Vallei High School
- Curro Sitari
- Reddam House Somerset
Agent insight of the neighbourhood:
What attracts buyers, renters and investors to the Helderberg region?
The Helderberg is one of the most sought-after residential locations in the Western Cape, especially for families and those retiring. With sandy beaches, renowned wine farms and restaurants, exceptional schools, shopping malls and majestic mountains, it’s easy to see why. Outdoor amenities include golf courses, mountain biking and walking trails, and the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The market caters for all price ranges and delivers exceptional capital growth and rental returns.
-Steve Caradoc-Davies | Harcourts Platinum
What can the Helderberg region offer potential buyers and renters in terms of lifestyle?
The Helderberg property market continues to gain momentum, homes in Somerset West’s residential estates remain coveted by an influx of new buyers. Somerset Lakes is situated in one of the last remaining sections of a residential zone in close proximity to the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The estate affords residents the opportunity to experience an array of outdoor activities, including fishing and canoeing on the estate’s 6ha lake.
-Jan Minnie | Somerset Lakes
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
View more of the neighbourhood here:
