tpm pretoria may/june 2012

Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

PRETORIAEst. 2004, Issue 267

Winner of 10 publishing awardsMAY/JUNE 2012

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The Rule of Three: Adrienne Hersch’s recipe for success

PRETORIA LAUNCH ISSUE

SA’S FIRST GREEN CITY TAKES SHAPE

Menlyn Maine

CREATIVE SPACESAT WORK AT PLAY

TIN ROOF CAFÉFOOD WITH A VIEW

New Image Business Interiors.

Allow us to propose something new for you. We off er a full turnkey solution to clients. From needs analysis through to fi nal handover we handle the whole process for you so you can focus on your business. Our experienced consultants will provide you with outstanding, ergonomic & aff ordable solutions for your specifi c requirements.

Nicky

Interior Architect

e-mail: [email protected]

cell: (+27) 082 951 6121

Releasing the design, reveals the New Image

8 kikuyu Road

Sunninghill

JHB

Tel: 0877514085 www.NewImageBusinessInteriors.co.za

thepropertymag.co.za | 1

ON THE COVERThe Kitchen & Tasting Room

@ Maison. Turn to page 11

for the full story.

DECOR

9 HOT DECOR & DESIGN Discover creative lighting,

warm winter fabrics and

functional storage

TRENDS

7 PLATTELAND PEACEDiscover farmhouse

chic at Tin Roof Café in

Pretoria East

8 HOT PLATENew restaurants spring up,

and coffee-makers get a

stylish revamp from Miele

12 WHAT’S ONWhere to be this month

35 PURPLE HAZEWhy we love Brooklyn

56 TREND WATCH We look at the coolest

accessories for your

offi ce space

LUXURY

10 HOT INDULGENCEIndulgences for your

jewellery box, your pets

and your wardrobe … Just

for starters

13 LADY OF THE LAKEA lakeside home with

mountain views in Cape

Town tempts buyers

38 LUXURY WINWin a romantic getaway

for two at Hotel Izulu,

KZN, worth over R25 000

41 INTO WELCOMING ARMSWe celebrate the launch

of The Property Magazine

Pretoria in fi ne style at

the Royal Elephant Hotel

DESIGN

14 A HAPPENING HUBUrban-Hub, a new

commercial offi ce space

in Cape Town’s historic

Bo-Kaap, blends old and

new design aesthetics

21 CREATIVE CAPITALAdvertising agencies’

inspiring offi ce interiors

28 LIVING WITH PURPOSEMenlyn Maine, SA’s fi rst

entirely green city, is

shaping up nicely

32 FASHION FORWARDIf architecture can be

thought of as fashion

design for buildings, then

Henk Boogertman’s work

is haute couture

REAL ESTATE

45 THE RULE OF THREEAdrienne Hersch’s

formula for success

46 PRETORIA: RESIDENTIALValue’s not hard to fi nd in

Pretoria and surrounds

47 PRETORIA: COMMERCIALA painstaking repair of

Marabastad’s colourful

Marieamman Temple,

and the integration of

landmark properties

48 AFRICAPalais Namaskar

Marrakech luxury hotel

presents a decor feast

50 SOUTH AFRICAA rugged getaway in

the Karoo

ON THE COVERMenlyn Maine green

city development. See

page 28 for details.

ContentsDOWNLOAD

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10

ED’S LETTER

2 | May/June 2012

Nicky Haslam wears a number of colourful hats. Author, events planner, writer (you may remember his quirky words from The Telegraph and Hello Magazine). He has even tried his hand at music. But his ultimate passion lies with interior design, and this is where he makes the world of decor and design spin. Love his style or hate it … Kitsch or cool …? The jury is still out, but there is no denying that Nicky is a character and he has had an incredible in� uence on this industry. I met him at the St Leger and Viney Design Focus morning, and despite playing the diva and missing our mid-morning meeting, I later caught up with him and watched his lecture, which had me chuckling in the aisles.

Nicky has led a life that is certainly worthy of the autobiography, Redeeming Features, that he has already published. Born in the UK, he has lived in many places and followed many paths, always hanging with the jet set. Today he can boast as past clients Mick Jagger and Bob Geldof (who, he says, ‘have great taste’) and Bryan Ferry, all of whom he now calls friends. He once decorated a morning room for Rod Stewart. ‘He doesn’t have good taste; I gave it to him,’ he exclaims about the rocker.

From wearing riding chaps made from bear fur on his hunting farm to creating events for the royal family, Nicky courts controversy and inspiration and does it well. Between projects and homes he has decorated, Nicky reminisces on his friendships with photographer David Bailey and artist Andy Warhol, who, he says, ‘took me to Park Avenue and made me smart’. The unique pair actually made a movie together, called Kiss (‘Watch it if you are bored enough,’ Nicky laughs.) Fashion and design have always gone hand in hand and so it’s no surprise that Nicky dabbled in this world. He reveals that some of his fondest memories are of working for US Vogue when Diana Vreeland was at the

helm: ‘Those were the days of whisky � rst thing in the morning, 15 cigarettes in the o� ce, and looking at pretty clothes pictures.’

Nicky later took on the role of art director at a magazine called On Show, where he shot icons like the Beatles and Barbra Streisand on her one and only modelling shoot. He talks casually of his famous acquaintances, including the Duchess of Windsor, better known to us as Wallis Simpson, the woman who caused King Edward VIII to abdicate. According to Nicky, she decorated Buckingham Palace in pink and silver and liked to play poker with Churchill. ‘I am better for knowing her – she wasn’t shunned like everyone thought,’ he says.

When it comes to decor, Nicky believes rooms should be pretty and exude comfort: ‘Everyone should look good in their room.’

At the end of his talk he showed us a photo of his dream home: a giant yellow house with an elaborate shell on top: ‘Anything with shell is fabulous, and I worship caterpillar fringe. Don’t you?’

Some of us nodded and some of us vehemently shook our heads. His style is certainly not for everyone. However, the span of his career proves his ability to shape this world, and with Nicky declaring his love for gold gilding and walls made solely of tassels – kitsch or cool – there’s no denying this man has stayed true to his vision and is a decor powerhouse, fur chaps and all …

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

ONLINE

VISIT thepropertymag.co.za for the

latest features.

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Nicky Manson, Editor

Pho

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Kitsch or cool?‘I have worked for Russians with moneyso new, even they don’tknow where it’s from …’

� is month I would love to indulge in …

The gorgeous Looking Glass collection of mirrors

from Sobeit Studios. With quirky names, such as

‘Alice’ and ‘Dian Fossey’, they come in a variety of

colours. The showroom is in Muizenberg, Cape Town,

but Sobeit delivers nationally and internationally.

+27 (0)21 788 9007, sobeitstudio.com

Vamp’s Yellow Nest of Tables. Vamp is in the

business of giving old furniture a new lease of

life. Simply inspirational. +27 (0)21 448 2755,

vampfurniture.blogspot.com

Eclipse’s new High-Gloss Chair collection. I love the

collection’s Spider Chair – an adjustable barstool,

in black and white. Available from Eclipse stores

nationwide. 0861 325 4773, eclipsegroup.co.za

Ranked #1 by PricewaterhouseCoopers in Wealth Management

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Our #1 rankings are testament to our select investment services for discerning clients. Backed by

our seamless global investment offering, we cater for your individual investment objectives.

To find out more contact our Pretoria branch on 012 427 8300

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Ranked #1 By Business Day/Investors MonthlyStockbroker Awards for Sophisticated Investors.

Ranked #1 In the 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers Banking Survey in Wealth Management.

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Wealth ManagementStockbrokingPortfolio Management

Wealth & 1nvestment

An exposure to listed property reduces risk in the

overall investment portfolio by providing diversification

benefits. The longer-term prospects for the sector

are also appealing, with predictable, high income and

long-term capital growth in store for those prepared

to do their homework.

In the absence of major bond yield shifts, we believe

total returns of 12%-15% pa in the next three to

five years are achievable. If long bond yields had

to weaken to around 9%, total returns from listed

property would more likely be 10%-12% pa. Going

forward, the listed property market has scope to

rerate as vacancies decline to normalised levels,

the sector’s modest current gearing level of 30%

increases closer to 40% (a more appropriate level

given mainly rental income streams) resulting in

higher distribution growth, and the current implied

property risk premium of around 5% (which is

similar to that of equities and too high in our opinion,

given the predictability of the operating cash flows,

the low risk associated with distributions, and the

potential for real growth) declines. Consequently,

we believe that a fair value property initial yield of

closer to 5% to 6% over the long-term is warranted.

Investec Wealth & InvestmentBranch Head - Pretoria

SEAN CAVENEY

Listed property provides diversification

and long-term growth appeal

Investec Wealth & Investment manages listed property

portfolios investing in quality SA property stocks and

designed to deliver capital and income growth over the

long-term.

Contact Investec Wealth & Investment for more details.

Pretoria 012 427 8300

69754 Property Pretoria.indd 1 2012/04/26 5:37 PM

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

WESTERN CAPE 3rd Floor, 33 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001.PO Box 50601, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8002.

Phone +27 (0)87 230 0101 Fax +27 (0)21 421 7891

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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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Hot Property [email protected]

Published monthly in three regional issues: Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-NatalCurrent ABC Audited Circulation (Q4 2011, October–December):

Western Cape – 23 175, Gauteng – 23 536, KwaZulu-Natal – 13 750, Total Nationally – 60 461Web Stats: Property Club Members – 24 884AMPS National Readership (2011A): 287 815

P. LE GRANGE & SEUNS/SONS

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.

EDITORIALEditorNicky Manson [email protected] Bureau ChiefAnne Schauffer [email protected] SubeditorYaron BlecherFeatures WritersGenevieve Fisher (Western Cape)André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal)Writer and Online CoordinatorCatherine Riley

ARTArt Director Warren UytenbogaardtSenior DesignerKeverne MorlandJunior DesignerChané JoematSenior RetoucherTim Lake

CONTRIBUTORSCandace King, Tammy Sutherns

PHOTOGRAPHERSVal Adamson, Nic Baleta, Sally Chance, Michael Glenister, Tim Lake, Fiona Barclay-Smith, Roeland Smith

PRINTING DNAprint

ADVERTISING [email protected] & Marketing DirectorShanee SmartJohannesburg SalesMilos Kovacevic, Tracey-Lee SchusterJohannesburg Sales AssistantBianca van DeventerWestern Cape Regional Sales &Marketing ManagerMichèle Jones

Western Cape SalesTharien Nel, Susan ErweeKwaZulu-Natal Regional Sales &Marketing ManagerJenni McCallumKwaZulu-Natal Sales AssistantLiezel BarnardPretoria SalesLorna MacPhailDirectory SalesAmanda FaasMedia CoordinatorTamlyn PasqualieTraffi c AssistantPortia Mbele

PUBLISHED BY MEDIA NOVA (PTY) LTDManaging DirectorTony Vaughan [email protected] to Managing DirectorTaryn TownsendGeneral ManagerMark Pettipher [email protected] Publisher NamibiaMynard SlabbertAssociate Publisher PretoriaObed SealetsaFinancial ManagerLeanne Cox [email protected] AssistantEleanor ScipioCredit ControllerAnthea OdendaalIT CoordinatorAdrian PetroDriversThemba Gumede, Joseph Khoza, Willem September

ON THIS MONTH’S COVERSWestern Cape: On Show, Waters Edge Estate, Big Bay

Gauteng: Urban Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape TownKwaZulu-Natal: On Show, Thai-style home, Zimbali Golf Estate

Pretoria: Menlyn Maine, PretoriaSouth Africa (National Digital Edition): Urban Hub, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Property thepropertymag.co.za

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REGIONAL CIRCULATION ABC Audited National Circulation (Oct.–Dec. 2011)The Property Magazine – Johannesburg (formerly Gauteng) 23 536The Property Magazine – Western Cape 23 175The Property Magazine – KwaZulu-Natal 13 750The Property Magazine – Combined 60 461

National Readership287 815

AMPS (2011A)

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE PRETORIAPrint Run 10 000 Property involves us all.

What’s your view? Email [email protected].

You tell us

WIN WITH DAVID GREENRemaining true to his mission to create eyewear that resonates with

the environment, David Green has designed the Leaf Collection,

a range of sunglasses inspired by nature. Each piece is precision-

crafted to incorporate in its frame a fallen leaf – dried, dyed and

fashioned within a natural cotton-based acetate material. The

leaf design is available in a variety of colours and forms, each one

refl ecting a unique identity. David Green is giving away four pairs

of this unique eyewear to the total value of R6 000 to four lucky

readers of The Property Magazine. Write to us and stand a chance

of winning eyewear that is as unique as you are. Send your letters

to [email protected]. Include your full name and contact

details, and put ‘David Green’ in the subject line. (Not all letters will

be published.) 0861 114 852, greeneyewear.com

facebook.com/thepropertymagazinemedianova.co.za

twitter.com/thepropertymag

CHURN OF THE CENTURY‘Randy with brandy’ is an odd title for a brief note on the Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay! Please query the claim that this building served as Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge in the 18th century – he only arrived at the Cape in 1814! With the exception of the last � ve years, the Dutch controlled the Cape for all of the 18th century. It’s most unlikely that they would have allowed an English nobleman to go hunting there!Alan Campbell, via email

You’re correct on the history front! The Roundhouse was built as a guardhouse by the VOC in 1786. The present-day proprietor’s website goes on to say: ‘Since then, the building has also functioned as a hotel, dance hall and, most famously, Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge.’ As you point out, that would have been in the 19th century. As regards the title, the focus of the piece was the Roundhouse Restaurant’s brandy-pairing menu.

PIPING HOTWe appear to be locked into the use of natural and manufactured tiles for many of the high-tra� c surfaces in homes today. I’m somewhat surprised that recycled and synthetic options with a low carbon footprint have not yet come to the fore. A guilty party of note, we have homes with sandstone shipped in from India, manufactured � oor tiles from Italy and Brazil and granite from as far a� eld as China. With hot water solar heating in one home and LED and solar lighting in most, there must exist a brand-new application for low-carbon-footprint home surfaces. Up on the Pipe Track in Cecilia Forest above our Constantia home is a bench made from some kind of recycled plastic which shows no signs of weathering after years of Cape rain, wind and sun. Now that material is an option for a chopping board surface in any modern kitchen!Andrew Pollock, Newlands Village

LETTERof the Month

HOT space

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1Glass lamps and antique silver adorn the servery table in the restaurant. 2Candy-striped

tablecloths enhance the interior’s homely feel. 3The cellar at Tin Roof Café will have wine

connoisseurs smiling.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more hot

eateries in your area.

Tin Roof Café is the brainchild of

graphic designer Jenny Fouli,

who wanted to create a relaxing,

country-style environment where

guests could enjoy restful surroundings while

indulging in a good meal. ‘I worked as a

graphic designer all my life and felt I needed a

change,’ says Jenny. ‘I had always dreamed of

opening a restaurant, and decided that 2010

was the year to take the leap.’

It seems faith paid off because, sitting on

the patio among the formal lavender gardens,

the stone waterfall trickling the day away, you

can’t help but feel a million miles away.

As a venue, Tin Roof Café contrasts with

the many franchised establishments in and

around Pretoria. It is located on a plot on the

Boschkop Road, surrounded by rolling fields

and happy horses. On your drive you may

wonder what on earth could be out there, but

later your mind is quickly put at ease as you

page through the menu.

The food complements the interior: simple

yet elegant. Every weekend sees the launch

of a new specials menu with enticing dishes,

such as a pear Gorgonzola starter with pecan

nuts, mascarpone, thyme, Parma ham and

truffle oil, and gourmet pizzas, such as the

Gorgonzola, chorizo, caramelised onion and

garlic choice or the chicken, Brie and fig pizza.

Delectable seafood dishes as well as the slow-

roasted lamb shank ensure that the menu has

something for everyone.

The interior is subtly French Provençal

with a dash of ‘local is lekker’, accentuated

by the corrugated iron wall cladding. The

A-frame building with its cracked screed

floor and bagged plaster walls is based on a

spacious double volume where natural light

dances around the rustic chandeliers. Carved

wooden objects, old pitchforks and rusty

bicycles complement antique silverware and

freshly cut flowers. Modern white chairs add a

contemporary edge to the space. It’s a place

you can imagine a hip ouma would build, to

cook for her extended family.

Tin Roof Café is the perfect setting for

functions, and there is even a cosy upstairs

lounge that can be booked for groups of

friends. Aside from having to keep a watchful

eye over the mini humans as they attempt

to fish in the pond with a piece of string

and a cork, you’ll find Tin Roof Café a very

child-friendly venue – a rare and sought-after

commodity these days. If lazy Sundays, sipping

on crisp rosé and tucking into fresh cuisine

beneath the trees is your style, then get to

the platteland. +27 (0)72 367 5698, tinroofcafe.co.za

HOT pROpeRTY

We love surprises, and so we were delighted when Tin Roof Café jumped out at us from the surrounding farmland in Pretoria East


PlATTElAND peace 1

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8 | May/June 2012

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

Warm & Glad is the new kid on the block

in Craighall Park. We chat to owner

Jonathan Shaw about our new fave

hangout.

Q Where did the name come from?‘Warm & Glad’ sounds like a good feeling

– a nice place to be.

Q What’s your background? Do you have prior experience in the restaurant world?My background is in design – graphic

and Web. The food biz is a new thing for

me, although I am an avid food-head.

Warm & Glad is not only a restaurant,

however; we are also a deli, magazine

store and bookshop – we sell vinyl

records, art prints and more.

Q Who is the chef, and what inspires your dishes?The food is a team effort. We are

constantly updating and changing the

menu. It is mainly my wife and I who

come up with the menu.

Q Where did the idea derive from to mix food and media?Warm & Glad is about all the things

I love: food, magazines, art, design,

fashion, business and coffee. We put it

together, and it seems good. This is a

constantly evolving space.

Q How would you describe your venue to a potential customer?As an interesting space with special

products, great coffee, delightful food

and free Wi-Fi.

+27 (0)11 781 0455, warmandglad.com

LET THEM DRINK WATERNew to SA is Fiji Water, which is sourced from the remote Yaqara

Valley of Viti Levu, from a unique geological formation. Currently

the number one selling water in the USA, it is bottled to protect the

purity of water, and so the water itself is never touched by human

hands. Discover bliss in a bottle. Available from stores nationwide.

fi jiwater.com

New restaurants spring up and coff ee gets a stylish revamp thanks to Miele

SLEEK PICK-ME-UPCreate the perfect bistro-style coffee in the comfort of your home with Miele’s new CM5200

free-standing coffee machine. Gorgeous to look at, thanks to its sleek and elegant design,

it can make two beverages simultaneously at the mere touch of a button. Choose your fave

hot beverage, be it espresso, coffee, cappuccino or latte macchiato, and personalise your

coffee-maker to your own desired specifi cations, including the quantity of ground coffee,

the brewing temperature, the pre-brew setting and the volume of coffee you require.

Available from Stax, Elna, Euro Appliances and Hirsch’s stores nationwide.

+27 (0)11 875 9000, miele.co.za

LOCAL PRODUCTIONBrooklyn’s Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau is a dedicated art house channel, which

guarantees its audiences a satisfying viewing experience with its inspiring content.

Continuing as a trendsetter, Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau has introduced a new, state-

of-the- art self-service food-and-drink boutique, so now you can beat the queues and can

take charge of your own movie treats. sterkinekor.com

BRIDGE BUZZThe new Lynnwood Bridge Retail development has

opened its arms in a warm welcome to a number of

trendy restaurants. Designed with an outside food court,

the space is a buzzing mix of shoppers and diners. Most

of the restaurants are open from breakfast through to

dinner and some, Stephnie’s, for instance, are open even

later. Stephnie’s sits next to the Atterbury Theatre and is

the prime spot for the dinner-and-a-show crowd. Tribeca

Standard, the go-to coffee bar, is another strong drawcard

and promises to be more food orientated, with a breakfast,

fi ne food and dessert selection. Other dining options include

the popular Vovo Telo, Café Beyritz, The Famous Fish Hoek

Co., Rhapsody’s and Col’Cacchio.

+27 (0)12 472 8600, lynnwoodbridge.co.za

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HOT PLATE


HOT PROPERTY

HOT DECOR & DESIGN

St Leger & Viney’s recent Design Focus

was a day of inspiration. We speak to

DAVID WALKER, sales director

of Sanderson UK, the masters of fabrics

and wallpaper.

Q What is the secret to your success?Having and keeping complete control

of our brand, from the design process

to producing the designs ourselves in

a factory.

Q How do your designs come about?We have seven in-house designers, all of

who are young, very bright, artistic and,

funnily enough, all female. But we are

also often approached with ideas and

designs by outside designers and often

fall in love with them. Dandelion Clocks,

a ’50s inspired design, was brought to us

and became a bestseller.

Q Is wallpaper still popular?Wallpaper’s resurgence of popularity

began in 2005 and is going strong,

thanks in part to the growing trend of

feature walls. Our designs, however,

are moving to smaller, less intrusive

designs that allow you to use them on

all four walls. Technology has also made

hanging wallpaper so much easier, and

digital printing means we can print any

design to any size, using a limitless

colour palette.

Q What can we expect from Sanderson UK in the future?We have an archive full of designs

dating back over 150 years and we are

now licensing these designs. So we are

branching out into accessories, such

as bed linen, fi ne bone china, rugs,

stationery and so forth.

+27 (0)11 265 9050; sanderson-uk.com

Warm up in styleJust in time for our early winter, Graphica Textiles introduces its unique home accessories

range, which falls under the Winter Home label in SA. Consisting of luxury throws and gorgeous

cushions, their range of faux fur items are soft and easy to care for, lightfast and colourfast, and

are available in an array of colours. Available from the Progress Decor Centre in Kramerville.

+27 (0)11 493 6833, graphica-textiles.co.za

Lighting up local talentEmpowering the community via the

creation of beautiful design is what drives

Umcebo Design, whose newest range

of lighting and decor pieces does not

disappoint. Using references from SA’s

local arts and craft scene and drawing

inspiration from our indigenous landscape,

the lamps and wall sconce chandeliers

are a fantasy of beauty and functionality.

+27 (0)83 793 3408, umcebodesign.co.za

Warm up in style

Creative lighting, fab winter fabrics and functional storage

Freshly stackedThe Fresco Towel Shelf by Zack is a functional solution to storing towels in your bathroom.

The design of this stainless steel unit is great for stacked and folded towels as it promotes

air circulation, to keep them as dry as possible. Available from Italtile in Menlo Park.

+27 (0)12 348 8700, italtile.co.za; 0861 533 837, zack.co.za

10 | May/June 2012

HOT PROPERTYHOT PROPERTY

HOT INDULGENCE

HOT PROPERTY

Indulgences for your jewellery box, your pets and your wardrobe. And that’s just for starters

MIND THE GAPGap Inc. recently opened three stores in SA – in Jozi, Cape Town and Pretoria. These launches mark the much-loved American clothing brand’s

fi rst foray into sub-Saharan Africa and we think it’s about time too. Find your nearest Gap store at Sandton City in Joburg, at Tyger Valley

Shopping Centre in Cape Town and, soon, at Pretoria’s Brooklyn Mall. +27 (0)21 914 1390, +27 (0)11 783 5212; gap.com

ENGRAVED IN THE STARSLondon-based jewellery designer, Kirsten Goss,

is so hot right now. We love her new Geo-Grafi k

collection, with its clean geometric lines and names

inspired by the ancient disciplines of geometry and

astronomy, names such as the Orion necklace, Pyxis

studs and Octavia earrings. Available from Kirsten

Goss stores in Joburg, Durban, and soon, Cape

Town. +27 (0)31 312 7573, +27 (0)11 447 2234;

kirstengoss.com

ADD ANOTHER DIMENSIONL’Oréal Paris has introduced the latest in eyelash technology with its new

mascara False Lash Architect 4D Black Lacquer. Not content to navigate the

world of 3D, Lash Architect tackles women’s desire for more volume, more

length, more texture and more curl. This revolutionary mascara does it all for

you at a simple fl ick of a wand. Available too in waterproof, so your gorgeous

lashes won’t be affected by water or sweat. Released last month and available

from L’Oréal Paris stockists nationwide. loreal.co.za

SWAP MEETStarted by an entrepreneur who is passionate about travel, LoveHomeSwap.com

takes scenes from the blockbuster movie The Holiday to new heights. Realising

early on that kids and hotels don’t mix, Debbie Wosskow, a career mom who still

wanted to travel with family in tow, decided that a home away from home was

the way to go. And so came about LoveHomeSwap, a labour of love that allows

like-minded individuals or families to swap their homes via the website, ensuring

cost-effective travel – and absolutely no hotels. Debbie has identifi ed four

groups of people who would benefi t from this service: empty-nesters who have

time to travel; second-home owners who swap holiday homes instead of renting;

families who need more space than a hotel can offer; and fi rst-time homebuyers

who can’t afford a holiday. It’s similar to social networking – you join via the

website, browse the properties and then build up trust with the owners of those

properties. A luxe subscription

rate gets you a dedicated

travel and concierge team as

well as a soon-to-be-released

identifi cation product and

bespoke insurance product.

Take out a trial membership

and discover grand mansions

in the English countryside or

compact apartments in New

York City. Happy holidays!


HOT PROPERTY

HATS OFFHatz by Natz is a fresh and new KZN-

based brand that offers a broad range

of custom-designed millinery. Young

designer Natashia Steenkamp is fl eshing

out her passion for hat fashion with a

range that’s sleek, stylish, funky and fun.

+27 (0)82 528 0515, hatzbynatz.co.za

EGYPT IN YOUR BAGDesigner accessory label, Missibaba, has launched its Autumn/Winter collection, called

Missibaba and the Search for the Golden Scarab, which is inspired by the mysteries of Egypt

and the Adventures of Tintin. Taking as its starting points the series of comic albums created

by Belgian artist Georges Remi (pen name ‘Hergé’) as well as ancient artefacts, sealed

tombs and woven papyrus, Missibaba has created new bag, belt and jewellery styles that

will bring out the explorer in you. Plus, in collaboration with jewellery designer

extraordinaire, Kirsten Goss, Missibaba will be opening up a shop in Bree

Street any day now. Shop online, too. +27 (0)21 461 1083, missibaba.com

POSH PETDocklands Hotel in Durban has scored a

‘bow-wow’ now that it has become the

fi rst pet-friendly hotel in the Signature

Life Hotels collection. The hotel has no

diffi culties with extending the welcome

mat to pets. GM Ellen Aucamp says,

‘We have allocated specifi c rooms

that cater to pets as we have had an

increased demand for these facilities,

and with the right pet zones and policies

in place, we can more than happily look

after man’s best friend.’ The hotel has

achieved this by introducing demarcated

pet zones, pet strolling and social areas

and clearly displayed pet policies, and

it is keenly observing every facet of

operations, from food to health and

safety. Signature Life Hotels CEO Alan

Vels says, ‘We as a company are all

about guest satisfaction. Our success

and growth has relied on innovation.

In observing overseas hospitality trends

that tap into new markets, we see

that pet-friendly hotels are accepted

as the norm in the US and Europe

and we wanted to pioneer it here.’

+27 (0)31 332 8190,

signaturelifehotels.com

WIN WITH LOOFTLIGHTER!There’s nothing like the weekend. And when that weekend involves time spent around the

braai, it’s guaranteed to be a good one. This Father’s Day, help Dad take the stress out of braai

preparations with the amazing new Looftlighter, a Swedish patented device that lights your

braai or fi replace in 60 seconds – no lighter fl uid or braai lighters needed! With its powerful

hot- airstream system, the Looftlighter is safe and environmentally friendly, cutting down on

toxic fumes from petroleum-based products and providing Dad with a safe alternative to

conventional fi relighters. +27 (0)21 880 0074, [email protected], looftlighter.co.za

WIN!Stand to win one of 12 Looftlighter hampers valued at R1 060 each, including

a Looftlighter, basket, apron and braai tongs. Email [email protected]

with your details and put ‘Dad’ in the subject box. Ts and Cs apply.

12 | May/June 2012

HOT PROPERTY

PRETORIA DIARY

Send your 2012 event information to [email protected].

Irene Village Market, SaturdaysThe Irene Village Market is an open-air market held on the shady grounds

of the Smuts House Museum on the second Saturday and last Saturday

of every month. The market offers secure parking, great children’s

entertainment, a fully licensed tea garden, numerous fresh-food stalls and

over 300 exhibits with wares ranging from jewellery and crafts to clothing,

delicacies, antiques, fl owers and the best baked goods you’re likely to ever

taste. Free entry. +27 (0)12 667 1659, irenemarket.co.za

The Rocky Horror Party, 20 MayFor one night only, get into the Rocky Horror party mood and do the Time

Warp again at the Menlyn Barnyard Theatre. Age restriction: 16. Doors

open at 6.30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: R100. +27 (0)12 368 1555,

barnyardtheatre.co.za

Ilse Mazzone Sings Barbra Streisand, 21 MayAtterbury Theatre is hosting an evening with Ilse Mazzone, the nationally

recognised and exceptionally talented singer/songwriter. Ilse is a lifelong

devotee of Barbra Streisand and this show is her personal tribute to her

idol. Immerse yourself in the classics, including People, The Way We Were

and Woman in Love. Ilse will be accompanied by one of SA’s most admired

and sensitive accompanists, Matthys Maree. This beautiful, hour-long

musical tribute will surely touch your heart and reawaken your own love for

‘Babs’. Tickets: R120. +27 (0)12 471 1700, atterburytheatre.co.za;

0861 915 8000, computicket.com

Comedy Fiesta, 25–26 MayHow much funny can you handle? The Carousel is hosting a comedy

evening with some of South Africa’s funniest people. Six of South Africa’s

top stand-up comics will take to the stage to give audiences a laughter

overdose! Tshepo Mogale, Mpho Popps and Skhumba will lead the way on

25 May and Mel Miller, Thapelo Tips Seemise and Chris Forrest will bring

the house down on 26 May. Tickets: R50. 0861 915 8000,

computicket.com

Hazel Food Market, SaturdaysThe Hazel Food Market provides some of the best food products Pretoria

has to offer. You’ll fi nd fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, delicious home-

made tarts, oven-fresh breads, coffee, fresh fl owers, home-grown herbs,

deli products and much more, so don’t miss out. The market runs from

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, at Greenlyn Village Centre, Menlo Park.

+27 (0)83 554 5636, hazelfoodmarket.co.za

Hazel Food Market

Wo

rds

Gis

ela

Nel


hot property

No expense has been spared in the design of this beautifully finished home in the Southern Peninsula suburb of Noordhoek in the Western Cape.

Situated on an erf of 800m2 alongside the main lake at Lake Michelle Lifestyle Security Estate, the house has a total floor area of 519m2.

The welcoming entrance hall of this north-facing home opens onto a large, open-plan dining area with living room, TV room, kitchen and scullery. The kitchen is kitted out with imported Italian wares, such as Smeg appliances and a built-in coffee machine.

The home comprises two levels of living space, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a guest toilet on the ground floor.

The main bedroom suite with lounge and open- plan bathroom as well as the guest suite with separate bedroom, lounge, bathroom and balcony are situated on the upper level. There is also a study in a loft-like layout one level above.

The home offers fabulous lake and mountain views from all levels. All the bedrooms feature imported Italian cupboards, and the bathrooms are fitted with top-end imported sanitaryware.

The home features a high-tech security and entertainment system. In addition to the alarm there are CCTV cameras that are linked to six wall-mounted televisions throughout the home (the largest TV is 74”). Smoke detectors are fitted throughout the home, for added peace of mind. The smart-home technology extends to a central music, Internet and movie hub system that is connected to each room in the house as well as to the outside of the home. The system can be controlled by remote or via an iPad.

The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, particularly from the loft level. In the courtyard is a large wind-protected wrap-around swimming pool area. There is also an outside braai room with fold-away glass doors for uninterrupted views, even in bad weather. The designer garden is planted with three large trees and has direct access to the main lake via the private jetty. The lake is ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Two and a half garages with automated doors and direct access to the home complete this spectacular property. For more information contact Jenny Shaw at

Harcourts Back Wave on +27 (0)84 307 9256 or

+27 (0)21 785 5227, harcourtsbackwave.co.za.

1The sleek, modern property includes a high-tech security and home automation system. 2The courtyard is

perfect for summer entertaining by the pool. 3Views of the lake and the Noordhoek Mountains.

hot mandate

If you would like to have your hot mandate featured, email [email protected].

1

2

3

Lady of the LakeThis beautiful home at Lake Michelle Lifestyle Security Estate offers glorious mountain views and much more

14 | May/June 2012

PRIME PROPERTYPRIME PROPERTY

A new commercial offi ce block, Urban-Hub, in Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, is a hybrid of old and new design aesthetics

Words Genevieve FisherPhotographs Tim Lake and Supplied

A HAPPENING


16 | May/June 2012

prime property


prime property

Opening page Reclaimed wood from the previous building on the site has been turned into an attractive

design feature at Urban-Hub, as demonstrated in the reception area. Opposite Some antique furniture

provides a contrast to the contemporary spaces and nodes at Urban-Hub. This page, top Individual

industrial-style lights have been grouped together to form an interesting lighting feature. Bottom The

stairway from the ground floor to the first floor is flanked by the signature reclaimed wood.

Standing in the reception area of Urban-Hub, you can’t help but think that this is a place you’d love to work from. As far as commercial office spaces go, Urban-Hub is

the antithesis of the stale and clinical corporate ones that most people would imagine an office block to be – harsh fluorescent lighting, synthetic blue carpet tiles, long corridors and vending machines selling goods whose main ingredients start with an E.

But walking through the slick glass doors at Urban-Hub, what faces you is as urban a space as can be: industrial chic in the form of concrete, red-brick and original old fire escape doors, a warm ambience, thanks to reclaimed wooden cladding, all of which is pulled together by a thread of cool in the form of contemporary art and furniture, not to mention a node where iPads are lined up for visitors’ use.

But this is a place that’s more than just chic, hip and happening. As Jonny Friedman, CEO of Urban Lime, the property investment company responsible for this project, says, ‘It’s not a new development in the sense that it was built from scratch; rather, it is a restoration project, in that we worked with what was there already and transformed it.’

Structurally, there are five adjoining buildings dating from the turn of 1800s to the 1970s, which have been interlinked, to make up Urban-Hub. The oldest of the buildings was owned by the same family since 1904. The newest one is a typical red-brick 1970s design and is now the knuckle of the development, where the modish reception area is.

The transformed buildings now accommodate offices spaces ranging from 84m2 to 192m2, hot-desking units, a rooftop deck and garden, a restaurant that Jonny says will serve the best coffee in Cape Town – big props here! – and three retail shops.

‘We wanted to create a place where those working here don’t need to, and more importantly, don’t want to leave,’ says Jonny.

From the get-go, Jonny loved the area and had his sights set on these buildings for nearly two years before the transformation began.

His company, Urban Lime, based in London and for the last eight years also operating in Cape Town, has garnered a niche for itself in that it targets areas that most developers wouldn’t, finds a site, and turns it into a trendy locale.

‘We’ve had a lot of experience doing these sort of restoration projects and Urban-Hub was in fact modelled on one we did in the now popular Shoreditch area in London’s East End, which was a no-go zone until a few years ago,’ he says.

Because he isn’t bashing down buildings, but merely restoring them to glory, Jonny knew about the history of these particular building and was as emphatic about retaining that sense of history as he was about modernising the spaces.

And what a history it is. When Jonny enlisted the skills and insight of Aidan Hart, from Inhouse Brand Architects, Aidan and his team started stripping down and dismantling the many layers of these buildings. Backed with research, they uncovered a lot of what went on in them over the years, almost like a visual history book of the buildings and the area.

‘When we started working on one of the buildings in the hub, the old Delos building, through uncovering its many shells, we discovered quite a long and wild history,’ says Aidan. ‘The long retaining wall has as its bottom half an old stone wall that dates back

18 | May/June 2012

prime property

Above left Retro seating and contemporary artwork in the waiting area. Above right and opposite An old stool as well as wooden beams from the original building

enhance the industrial feel of the premises.

to the first Dutch settlers. Above it is another layer of red-brick that is typical of the English colonial era.’ What’s even more interesting is that the original wooden columns have been stripped down to reveal extensive burn marks dating back to anti-apartheid riots that occurred in the area during the ’60s, which have now been revealed and become part of the look and feel of the space.

Retaining the history of these buildings was just a part of Jonny’s brief to Aidan. ‘The practicality of making these buildings into one modern and contemporary office hub required a lot of work. We needed to create flow between the interior spaces of the buildings, maximise light and bring in an international feel,’ says Aidan.

Jonny had seen Aidan’s work at the Test Kitchen and Carne SA restaurants and knew that he was the man for the job. Aidan’s expertise in spatial effects and his ability to tie nodes together is what Jonny needed in order for this project to work, namely, a special effects artist.

Aidan says, ‘My starting point was to ask the question, how would this space be utilised? In other words, starting with the psychology of architecture, or the human aspect of the discipline, which is like figuring out a puzzle.’ The first piece of that puzzle

was the idea of circularity as opposed to linearity. As he admits, ‘I’m not a fan of long passages or corridors – they’re negative spaces for me.’ The result is that, from the reception area, the voluminous space tapers off towards the back and directs you to other nodes by means of interesting wall features and stairs.

On either side of the reception area there are the original metal fire escape doors that lead you into other areas, such as the restaurant on the left and more office spaces on the right. Both of these areas connect on a terrace at the top, with vertical gardens, dramatic views of Table Mountain and the vibrant colours of the Bo-Kaap framing them in the foreground.

One of facets of this development that really boosts its credibility is that it is located in the Bo-Kaap, renowned for its Cape Malay history, restaurants, mosques, and most of all, its rainbow- coloured old homes.

‘Urban-Hub is in a great location in the Bo-Kaap: it’s a stone’s throw away from town and the Cape Quarter and is visible from one of town’s main arteries, Buitengracht Street. So far the reaction from our tenants has been fantastic – they love the design, location, and the fact that it is not commercialised yet still a safe area,’ says Jonny, who holds his tenants’ opinion in high regard.

With thanks to …

Inhouse Brand Architects,

+27 (0)21 488 2400, inhouse.ws

Urban-Hub, +27 (0)82 836 9333,

urban-hub.co.za, urbanlime.co.uk

This has been the key to Urban Lime’s success over the last 20-odd years. As Jonny says, ‘We’ve established lasting relationships with our tenants over the years. We really value them and have in some instances built premises to accommodate their changing needs.’ Jonny believes that the tenant mix of Urban-Hub will be the key to the development’s success.

‘The project is aimed at attracting small-to-medium-size businesses that have been around for at least five years and who are in the creative fields. We’ve created a space with a strong emphasis on networking that we hope will make tenants and their visitors linger longer.’

He points out that, although the pricing of units is on the high end, what tenants get for their money is a boutique office environment that includes top-notch security, ample parking, a receptionist and concierge, cleaning service, fast Internet access, and above all, a whole lot of style accolades, thanks to their being able to call this chic, happening hub their office.

prime propertyprime property


As the largest magazine in South Africa, we’ve always believed that size matters.

So until Apple makes an iPad that is as large as our magazine, we’ve decided to squeeze our magazine into the space available – but

we’re also squeezing in all of our regional and national advertisers, together with all of our regional editorial content and more.

Each month we’ll be expanding several of our editorial features to bring you more than we ever could in print alone. There are also

brand-new, digital-only advertising opportunities for our advertisers.

So, with over 200 pages of The Property Magazine South Africa on your iPad, Samsung Galaxy or other tablet every month, we still

believe that size does matter!

The Property Magazine will still be available in hard copy each month as three separate regional editions, but with our new monthly

digital-only national edition, you can now see what your neighbours are up to, too!

The Zinio app is available for your iPad, your Samsung Galaxy and other tablets and also from www.zinio.com. Register with Zinio

for free and download 200 pages of The Property Magazine South Africa now!

Now live: � e Property Magazine South Africa a national digital-only edition of 200-plus pages from all our regional editions, plus much more …

SIZE MATTERS


DESIGN

Top right Offi ce space at Promise Brand Specialists. Centre Aspiring

designers at OFyt’s studio. Bottom right Reception area at King

James Group.

CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITALCREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL CREATIVE CAPITAL Creative capital CREATIVE CAPITAL

Words Genevieve FisherPhotographs Supplied

If all corporate environments were to take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s decor and design book, then you’d fi nd your days at the offi ce much more inspiring

DESIGN

CREATIVE CAPITAL

A dvertising is big business. It is

also big on creativity, and in all

instances this fl air for the creative

fi lters through into the places

these agencies call home. Here we bring you

the inside story of how two agencies, one an

industry heavyweight, the other relatively

young, but destined for great things, have

managed to create spaces that refl ect their

respective cultures and values. We also feature

a new agency that has got a lot of heart and is

focused on skills development.

OOOOOKing James Group has some of the most provocative ads and campaigns behind its name, not to mention some blue-chip clients. But Group Creative Director

Alistair King says that for its � rst 14 years the group had been ‘camping’, because it did not own its own premises. Until now.

From the get-go it was Alistair’s and his partner, group managing director, James Barty’s, dream to one day own their own premises.

Four years ago, when visiting their auditing � rm, which was based at what was then Roodebloem Manor, a heritage property in Woodstock, Cape Town, dating back to the 1800s, Alistair had a jaw-dropping experience. ‘I couldn’t believe that such a property existed, tucked away amongst some very modest houses. The property was nothing short of spectacular. It was like driving into an oasis of impressive lawns, a stately manor house and an endearing washuisie. We told one of the partners there and then that they should speak to us should they ever want to sell, and they

laughed because it was the furthest thing from their minds at the time,’ says Alistair.

When entering the almost-150-year-old main building, the manor house, you can almost hear that laughter reverberating o� the walls, pressed ceilings and incredibly voluminous spaces. Alistair and James have created a space that houses all seven of the communications agencies falling under the King James Group umbrella, where the balance between creative thinking, sophistication, history and humour is � nely struck.

The group is one of the few independent agencies to have garnered exceptional credentials over the years, but as far as Alistair is concerned, owning this new o� ce space is one of the group’s proudest achievements. ‘It’s a profound feeling, owning our own o� ces. It’s one thing to own property as an investment, but it’s altogether another feeling to have one that feels like an essential ingredient to our company culture. We always felt a little out of character when we were in other buildings, and for the � rst time ever we now feel

that we’re in a place that mirrors our temperament and brings the right kind of energy to the creative process,’ he says.

And talking about ‘the right kind of energy’, Alistair believes there’s been a marked di� erence in the agency’s growth since it moved to the premises just over a year ago, as evident from the sparkling awards from 2011 scattered around the agency and the fact that the team is now 100-odd people strong. Alistair says that the manor house, its lawns and the old washuis, where the � rst Jersey cows in South Africa were milked (the agency has a book describing how this was done) and that today houses the agency’s café, all have a dignity about them. ‘We were immediately attracted to it because it’s strong and substantial, and I guess that’s what we strive to be as a company,’ he says.

The innate dignity of the property comes from its deep historical roots, made tangible by the 250-year-old � g tree rooted in the front lawn. With history come great stories, which anyone in advertising is tuned in to.

OWN IT!� e palatial Woodstock home of 2011’s Agency of the Year, King James Group, is as regal as they come

OWN IT!

DESIGN

22 | May/June 2012

XXXBuilt in the 1870s, Roodebloem Manor was

the home of the Van der Byl family. Fast forward a few decades to when the property was bought by Charles Boyd and converted to the swanky Lord Milner Hotel, named after the governor of Cape Town, who used to frequent the hotel with his ‘companions’. ‘We often wonder what conversations and mischief have taken place between these walls – and we’ll do our best to contribute to that,’ Alistair says, playfully.

With touches of the company’s statement colour, regal purple, accenting many of the communal rooms and o� ce nodes, as well as some interesting light features, one thing that you can’t help but notice is the bare walls, save for a few pieces in the front reception area. When the agency moved into the premises it became incredibly busy with clients and so the team decided to do the space up room by room as opposed to doing it all in one fell swoop, speci� cally, the main communal areas, such as the boardrooms, agency bar and front lounge, whose look and feel was coordinated by

James’ sister, Caroline Drummond-Hay, an interior stylist. In addition to sourcing the furniture and decor pieces, Caroline consulted with Upstart Ventures about specialist o� ce furniture. The result is rooms that are wonderfully warm, with interesting features and some unique pieces, such as the massive glass boardroom table that can be written on and washes o� easily.

The slow but steady process makes you believe in the virtue of patience. ‘For a company that looks after brand’s identities, we’re notoriously bad at looking after our own. We tend to let our brand evolve as people come and go. We also didn’t have the luxury of time to plan our space before we moved in, so we have started slowly, literally room by room. We made two decisions. The � rst was to be respectful of the building and not turn it into anything too � ashy. The second decision was not to � ll it with art that has no meaning to us personally’.

An ongoing project of the agency’s is based on its Remember Book, a collection of the agency’s memories that was compiled four years ago. The

project continues with the work produced by the creatives in the form of sketches, storyboards, concept animations and the like, currently being primed for placement on the walls and, in some instances, on desks and other surfaces. ‘We’re very big on memories,’ says Alistair. ‘We’ve decided that everything adorning the walls must come from our sta� or be part of our history. We want to be surrounded by the things that de� ne us and have made us who we are.’

With history playing such an integral part in the agency’s culture, it is no wonder that Alistair says ‘the stars were aligned’ when the team got the news that the property was up for sale. Reclining in his chair, he recalls, ‘The � rst time I walked into the building, I pointed at this space and said “That will be my o� ce!” The man sitting in it at the time, probably one of our auditing � rm’s partners, just looked at me as if to say, “Keep dreaming, stranger.”’ Alistair did just that, and now adorning his o� ce door is a golden plaque that reads: ‘His Lordship.’ +27 (0)21 469 1500, kingjames.co.za

Above left and inset The boardroom at King James Group; tongue-in-cheek pen holders in the shape of a sharpener rest on a boardroom

table that doubles as a ‘notepad’. Above The agency’s signature purple accents many of its offi ce areas, such as this communal chill pod.

Above right and inset The café is located in the repurposed old washuisie; several industry awards adorn the reception desk.

DESIGN


24 | May/June 2012

DESIGN

A key ingredient in creative professionals’ recipe for success is passion. When that wanes or is lost completely, it can be tragic. In some instances, however, as

Marc Watson and James Mo� att, executive creative director and managing director, respectively, of Promise Brand Specialists, discovered, it can also be the motivating force to take the plunge and improve on the recipe.

‘James and I got to a point where we were unhappy in our careers, and being in a creative industry it’s so important to love what you do – in our opinion, more so than in any other industry. We felt a strong need to be able to steer our own course and be a part of something that has meaning for us. It was for those reasons that Promise began to take shape in our minds,’ says Marc.

The starting point for Marc and James was to uncover the core values that they believed creative brand communications was about, and for them that meant trust, and keeping promises, promises that they as creatives make to clients and those that clients make to their consumers – a circle of trust formulated, respected and constantly encouraged between all three parties.

‘In the early stages of de� ning the kind of agency we wanted, we had a few inexperienced clients who had never been serviced creatively before. In helping them understand the process, we would discuss how the most important thing a brand communicates to a consumer is its promise – the thing that you should consistently expect from that brand,’ says Marc.

The name ‘Promise Brand Specialists’ emerged from this idea and today it also serve as a reminder of their great ambition: to keep the promises

they’ve made to themselves and ‘to create amazing things and maintain our love and respect for creativity’, says Marc.

Fate obviously appreciated this honourable code that Marc and James had set for themselves. Marc recalls standing in a queue at the bank, which looked onto the hip and happening Workshop development in Parktown North, a commercial node bursting with creative businesses, and telling James that that was the perfect location for their o� ces. Lo and behold, a couple of months later, they moved all their equipment from their dinning room table and were sitting in their new space, ‘a broom closet’, as Marc describes it. ‘We quickly grew out of that tiny premises and moved three times within the Workshop before � nding ourselves in the space we are in today,’ he says.

They enlisted the help of JP Beukes, interior architect at One Point Zero, to translate their ambition into their work environment. JP had worked on the venue for the previous tenant, and Marc and James believed that his understanding of the space was imperative to its transformation. The team wanted to retain the existing open-plan studio feel of the space, to encourage the sharing of knowledge, encourage everyone to get involved in adding value to their jobs, and to have people inspire one another. ‘Most agencies contain a lot of di� erent departments – client service, strategy, etc. We hate departments! They often have walls that separate them, in the � gurative and literal sense of the word. At Promise we try to facilitate the free � ow of ideas and conversation,’ says Marc. This � uidity of ideas and creative contributions by sta� members has been executed in the form of a 30m-long raw wood table that curves snake-like

throughout the space. Everyone sits at this table at his or her individual workspace.

Something else that Marc and James wanted the space to be was a refuge for their clients. Marc says, ‘I told JP that when our clients visited we wanted to make them feel like part of the studio and involved in the process of steering their brands. Part of our ethos is getting our clients actively involved at the relevant stages of the creative process. This has been successful in business terms as well, in that from time to time our clients will work out of our o� ce when they need an escape from their own. It’s a good feeling, knowing that we’ve created a welcoming, happy place where we get a little work done too!’

The result of all the thought that has gone into the space to have it tie in with the group’s values is a remarkably chic and contemporary industrial space that’s warm and loaded with personality.

‘In an industry where we try so hard to distil ideas into their purest form, it was crucial that we approach our space in the same way,’ Marc explains. ‘It’s important that the most relevant and functional parts of the space come forward and everything that is super� uous recedes. The central work areas are � nished in light raw woods, with the eye-popping yellow bulkhead above being the focal point and drawing your attention to the most relevant part of the space.’

Although Promise Brand Specialists is a small-to-medium size agency, we’re sure that by remaining dedicated to its staunch vision, it will in no time probably have to move again, to bigger premises, where more promises will be made, and more importantly, will be kept with unwavering passion. +27 (0)11 442 2612,

promisebrand.co.za

DESIGN

Promise Brand Specialists of Parktown North in Jozi keeps its promises, not only to its clients, but also to itself, as its premises refl ect

PROMISESWHERE


DESIGNDESIGN

Clockwise from top left A communal desk helps break down departmental

barriers and lets the creativity fl ow; a comfy, quiet alcove overlooks

Parktown; a chill lounge fl anks the workspace; a designer Smeg fridge is

right at home in Promise Brand Specialist’s modern offi ce; a bonsai tree

enhances the tranquillity of this offi ce space.P

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Advertising is an interesting beast. Not only is it a global, multi-billion-dollar industry, but also, out of all the multi-billion-anything industries, it is the

one where creative capital is the most treasured commodity. As with any money-spinning industry, accessibility is dependent on high- level skill sets. And we in South Africa are all too familiar with the story of such skill sets being a historically exclusive domain, particularly in a creative and specialised � eld such as advertising.

The founders of OFyt, Gary Leih, Jono Shubitz and Paul Newman, stalwarts of SA’s advertising industry, recognise this. ‘We don’t believe it’s possible for anyone to live in South Africa and be in business here and yet be immune to the serious debates and con� icts that bubble and occasionally rage around inequality, transformation and discrimination. Unless you’re an ostrich, perhaps. We believe that action is needed now, in every way,’ says Gary.

The name OFyt stands for ‘Old Friends Young Talent’, which re� ects the agency’s business model, namely, to encourage and nurture young talent through the expertise that each of the founders and friends has gained during their

extensive careers in advertising. Gary is the former CEO of Ogilvy Group UK and an Ogilvy Worldwide board director. Jono is a former Creative Directors’ Forum chairman and Loeries Awards judge. Paul Newman is a former banker turned airline industry marketer. ‘Our operational model is to gather together passionate young talent, which is predominately, but not exclusively, historically disadvantaged, and put it together with experienced old hands – ourselves,’ says Jono. ‘What we’re doing at OFyt may seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but we believe that every step is a worthwhile step. This step will help build experience and momentum in our industry for those who have not had easy access to the industry until now.’

In addition to the three old friends, OFyt comprises 10 permanent sta� members and 8 young graduates in the � elds of marketing, graphic design and other industry-related � elds. Their backgrounds and contexts di� er vastly. Some of them are from Gugulethu, some are from Langa and others are from the Southern Suburbs and other areas around Cape Town. There are even sta� members from Port Elizabeth. The common thread is the desire to learn, to

experience and to whip out some fresh, original and indigenous work, says Gary. Paul adds, ‘Our young team members are tasked with more than just creating locally relevant work. They also gather intelligence and insights where they live – in townships, the city and the suburbs. In this way they are both a creative resource and an insight factory for our clients.’

Another ‘old friend’ is the premises. OFyt occupies the ground � oor of Muizenberg’s Old Post O� ce building, built in 1932. The ‘young talent’ in this sense is the warm and trendy open-plan interior of dark wood, interesting and colourful wall treatments and red-brick. The extended balcony overlooks Muizenberg beach and a row of surfboards stands waxed and ready should anyone at OFyt wish to hit the waves.

Muizenberg is an appropriate place for a � edgling and unique agency: quite o� the radar, scenic and, says Gary, ripe with potential. ‘When one looks at trends in urban redevelopment all over the world, including the Woodstock example of the Biscuit Mill precinct redevelopment, when the advertising and design industries move in, things really start to happen.’ +27 (0)21 709 0290, ofcomms.com

A new agency in Muizenberg, Cape Town, is fi lling a gaping hole in the local advertising industry – accessibility and skills development

DESIGN

26 | May/June 2012

TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap TAKING THE GAP Taking the gap

Top right OFyt has the head lease on the well-known Old Post Offi ce building in Muizenberg, where old industry hands nurture talented

creatives from various backgrounds. Centre The colourful interiors of OFyt’s offi ce space strikes a balance between the need for

industriousness and the need for relaxation.

Branches: Gauteng (Head Off ice) c/o Duncan & Mara is s t reets , Brook lyn. 086 111 8267

Mpumalanga7 A lc res t Bu i l d ing , Ne lsp ru i t .(013 ) 752 6924

Western Cape11 Taurus S t ree t , Brackenfe l l .( 021 ) 982 1572

since 1964

You r Na t ion a l A uc t i on H ouse

28 | May/June 2012

Menlyn Maine, South Africa’s fi rst entirely green city precinct, is shaping up nicely

Living with

Menlyn Maine, South Africa’s fi rst entirely green city precinct, is shaping up nicely

Living with

PURPOSE

PROMOTION


PROMOTION

PURPOSE

Opposite The 17m-high vertical garden at Nedbank’s regional offi ce at Menlyn Maine is a living symbol of the development’s green ethos. Above Nedbank has already

moved into its green-star-rated regional offi ce, making it the very fi rst corporate tenant of the green city precinct development, Menlyn Maine.

All of Menlyn Maine’s buildings have been designed with the aim of achieving a four-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). This

in itself would be an impressive achievement. But the developers are making history with their aim to build an entirely green city precinct. The streets, residential developments, o� ce buildings, retail outlets, dining establishments and all other public spaces have been designed to promote responsible, healthy lifestyles.

‘The idea behind a completely green city precinct or town centre, as opposed to individual green buildings, stems from the fact that the public spaces between the buildings, namely, sidewalks, streets, parks, squares and general landscaped areas, should also be green, to enable us to provide a distinguished address of choice for living, working, shopping and entertainment,’ says Henk Boogertman, MD of Menlyn Maine and the architect responsible for the development’s concept design.

Menlyn Maine is being designed according to the standards set down in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development (LEED ND) rating system. Henk explains, ‘As there is no green star rating tool for neighbourhoods in South Africa yet, Menlyn Maine is following the American green-star rating system for neighbourhood areas. We aim to be certi� ed as a carbon-neutral city precinct, which will simply put Menlyn Maine in the top league – a cut above any other mixed-use neighbourhood on o� er and therefore an address of choice.’

The LEED ND rating tool is based on the principles of new urbanism, an urban design philosophy

that focuses on strategic location linkages and land use. ‘The implementation of an LEED rating system is an incredibly onerous undertaking and one that we are not taking lightly,’ says Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings Development Director, Justin Bowen. ‘This is a multi-year journey that we are starting on, to ensure Menlyn Maine does not only end up as a collection of green buildings, but is certi� ed as a truly world-class green city precinct.’

The developers’ other goal is to create a sustainable, carbon-negative environment. ‘In today’s world it would be irresponsible for any developer to build without complying with green building regulations,’ says Andrew Glencross, director of Equity Estates, one of the co-developers of Menlyn Maine. From its construction to the day-to-day running of the green precinct, strenuous steps have been taken to help ensure Menlyn Maine’s sustainability. One of Justin’s roles is to oversee the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the construction of the precinct. Green technology, such as installing solar absorption chillers to power the air conditioning, harvesting rainwater to irrigate the grounds and the use of solar power, are part of the sustainability drive. To make room for this mammoth project, the developers tasked Pam Golding Properties with purchasing 100 plots of land that had residential buildings on them. These homes were demolished and old materials from the building site are being recycled into the construction of the new precinct. The replanting of indigenous trees from the site is also playing its part.

‘Walkability’ is another aspect of new urbanism that’s being built into Menlyn Maine, where residents and tenants will be encouraged to either walk from

one location or another within the precinct or make use of public transport, including three Gautrain bus stops, city bus stations and taxis stations. Fewer cars on roads means lower carbon emissions.

The developers of Menlyn Maine have partnered with the Clinton Climate Initiative and the precinct is one of 18 green cities that will be built in various countries. On its completion, Menlyn Main will o� er potential tenants o� ce spaces sized from 6 000m2 to 15 000m2, as well as 35 000m2 of lettable area for retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. The residential node will consist of 500 units, sized from 79m2 to 112m2, as well as 15 000m2 for boutique or luxury hotels. Menlyn Maine intends to be the corporate o� ce address of choice in Pretoria. Its � rst corporate tenant, Nedbank, has already moved its regional head o� ce to the precinct. Future corporate tenants include Payroll VIP (the software company will have its head o� ce in the precinct).

PwC, Sanral, Investec, private banks BOE, RMB and Investec, as well as Media24, First National Bank, Deloitte, BVI Consulting Engineers, WorleyParsons, Santam, the PIC and BDO South Africa have all relocated, or will soon be relocating to Menlyn, and although not in the Menlyn Maine precinct, lend support to the fact that Menlyn has become the corporate hub of Pretoria.

A bulk developable area of some 315 000m2 is on hand, which will allow Menlyn Maine to expand to include sectional title o� ces, a retail centre, and a number of hotels, including a four-star hotel linked to the public park zone and central square, conference facilities, an executive health centre, spa and Virgin Active Classic gym and medical centre with day clinic.

30 | May/June 2012

PROMOTION

Menlyn Maine is close to Menlyn Park Shopping Centre and a number of major motor dealerships, general service industries, and schools, including the Glen High School, Damelin College and CTI College. Add to this the precinct’s own entertainment facilities and cinemas, 500 apartments, showrooms, public parks and the town square and you have an integrated space dedicated to the live-work-play ethos. At the heart of the precinct is a series of interconnected parks that will be planted with the mature trees salvaged from the demolished homes (the trees are being stored in the on-site nursery). These parks will service the workers from the surrounding offices, homeowners from the precinct and the general public. They will also be suited to festivals and markets.

Menlyn Maine, including the Visitors Centre, will be managed by the Menlyn Maine Property Owners

Association, which will also oversee the marketing of the precinct. State-of-the-art technology is high on the list of priorities within this Pretoria East development. Menlyn Maine will have a central security system, including CCTV and patrols. The Ethernet metropolitan network will provide the business district with fast connectivity.

Henk says, ‘We believe people would love to live, work, shop and be entertained in a well-designed urban setting which is green, human, safe and attractive. People generally love to see and interact with each other, and that is what people experience when they travel abroad and usually react favourably to. SA’s living, working, leisure shopping and entertainment

offerings have been segregated over the years, largely as a result of city sprawl and poor urban planning. Crime has driven housing behind security walls and fences and basically killed off the vibrancy of our cities and neighbourhoods. We believe the new generation of people to live and work in Menlyn Maine will welcome this type of precinct and this opinion is certainly being reinforced by the prospective retail, hotel and entertainment tenants and also the office tenants that we have engaged with thus far.’

Menlyn Maine’s future looks bright. This pioneering, green, mixed-use development offers potential homeowners, corporate tenants and property investors an unmissable investment opportunity.

With thanks to …

Menlyn Maine, +27 (0)12 361 7758, [email protected], menlynmaine.co.za

Clockwise from top Aerial view of Menlyn Maine green city precinct; still freshly wrapped, the office furniture arrives at the central atrium of Nedbank’s regional

office at Menlyn Maine; the Softline VIP lift core tops out above the precinct taking shape below; the Nedbank entrance facade is dominated by an iconic 340m2

green wall.

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C O N T R O L L E D N U M B E R S

32 | May/June 2012

DESIGN ProfIlE

Henk Boogertman specialises in architectural design and he believes, like the motto of Boogertman & Partners Architects (BPA) states, that ‘excellence

by design’ should always be at the forefront. Describing himself as ‘entrepreneurial by nature’, Henk likes to keep busy and always has his finger on the pulse.

He has been in the architecture game for many years, and firmly believes that the ideal approach to the discipline is to produce timeless buildings. In Australia he participated in Glenn Murcutt’s masterclass, where the focus was on hand, eye and brain coordination as the first step of architecture. However, the ‘thinking hand’ – the computer – is a fantastic tool and useful

for the second step, namely design development, adds Henk. He believes the younger generation is too reliant on computers for design, but balances this view with the notion that one is never too young to be given an opportunity to design a building. Henk believes in young people and always tries to impress on aspiring architects that it is ‘the most fantastic profession, a lifestyle occupation that is 50% about financial reward and 50% about personal fulfilment’.

Henk loves travelling, and once he’s been inspired by foreign architecture, he likes coming home and applying what he’s learned overseas to a South African context. The proudly South African architect comments, ‘You don’t have to emigrate to

be successful; there is a lot to do here. In South Africa, with its usual limitations on budgets for architecture, one often needs to create champagne with beer money,’ he laughs. Regardless of these limitations, the local industry is capable of creating world-class architecture, he adds in a more reserved tone. ‘I think we are very competitive in design, but we’re also affordable in world cost terms,’ he adds.

Henk has a world-class CV of his own. He says that although he may have to cut the cord with Boogertman & Partners, he’s had an amazing career thus far, and some moments are very close to his heart. His client briefs for the head offices of Unilever and Momentum Life, for example, allowed him a lot of

This page, from top Renders of the central square and the Softline VIP office building at Menlyn Maine, SA’s first entirely green city precinct. Opposite, clockwise from

top left Henk’s most recently completed retail project, Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius; House Mandela, Maputo; Henk Boogertman is the project driver on the groundbreaking

Menlyn Main development; two of Henk’s award-winning commercial projects, the head offices of Unilever and Momentum Life in Umhlanga and Centurion, respectively.


DESIGN profIlE

Fashion

design scope and he won several awards for those two buildings alone. He was also recognised for the role he played in forming Dubai South Africa Architects and for his contributions to the design of the world- renowned, $600-million Madinat Jumeirah Resort in Dubai. The last major retail centre Henk was involved in was Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius, in partnership with ENL Group, on behalf of South African developer, Atterbury Property.

But just as rewarding as his overseas work are his local projects, including designing Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel’s home in Maputo. ‘It was such an honour to do this project and truly amazing to meet these two very special people,’ says Henk.

Henk is currently working on the Menlyn Maine green city precinct development in Pretoria. His involvement in this project came as a surprise to him. Initially he had simply been asked to review the plans and give advice, but was later offered the position of managing director, which he readily accepted.

Carl Jankowitz, who approached Henk to join the team at Menlyn Maine, says, ‘There is no other person in SA with Henk’s experience and abilities. To secure him for Menlyn Maine was a tremendous coup.’

Henk says, ‘No other architect I know of has had this kind of opportunity of a lifetime. To play such a role in all the design and development facets of a development on such a large scale is unprecedented.’

In a sense, Henk has become a client of Boogertman & Partners, the principal architects on Menlyn Maine. Henk does the concept designs for the precinct and BPA provides the contract documents and plans. Menlyn Maine is scheduled to be completed in the next eight years.

Green architecture is a cause close to Henk’s heart. When asked about his plans, he hints that there is still a lot to be done, but he doesn’t want to give everything away just yet! ‘We’ll be working on similar green precincts in South Africa – and abroad,’ is all he’ll say on the topic. We are intrigued … +27 (0)12 747 4600, boogertman.com;

+27 (0)12 361 7758, menlynmaine.co.za

forwardIf architecture can be thought of as fashion design for buildings, then Henk Boogertman’s work is haute couture

Words Catherine Riley Photographs courtesy of Boogertman & Partners Architects

Cnr Middel & Fehrsen Street, New Muckleneuk, Pretoria Tel +27 (0) 12 346 1063/4 www.brooklynmall.co.za www.facebook.com/brooklynmall

Brooklyn Mall is currently ‘Having some work done’. The two hundred million Rand re-development of Brooklyn Mall will result in a total GLA of 81 150m2. With 256 additional parking bays and 40 brand new stores, including ‘GAP’, ‘Oaktree’, ‘Trenery’,

‘Country Road’, ‘Forever New’ and ‘Aldo’ , discerning shoppers in the Capital City will �nd that Brooklyn Mall o�ers an incomparable shopping experience.

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Brooklyn Mall_PropertyMag_change is good.pdf 1 2012/04/24 10:13:23 AM


Living in

History

Brooklyn was established in 1903 on what had been part of one of the original farms owned

by a Voortrekker named Bronkhorst. It was sold on his death in 1848, and passed through

a number of hands before the name ‘Brooklyn’, originating from the Brooke family, who

owned land and lived in the area, was established.

A suburb of contrasts, Brooklyn has been a haven for young professionals and happy families alike for many years. Here’s why we love it

Words Gisela Nel

Photographs Supplied

PurPle

out and about

There are great places for shopping, such

as Brooklyn Mall (left), which has a variety

of specialist shops and banks in addition to

your daily shopping needs. Its extension,

Design Square, has a concentration of

designer and home decor shops and a

bustling piazza lined with restaurants to suit

any taste. When the bell goes at 5 p.m., the

place comes alive with professionals from

the surrounding offices, ready to celebrate

the end of a busy day with a glass of Merlot

at Moo Moo or a cheeky cocktail at trendy

Tribeca. Fancier nosh can be had at Brooklyn

Bridge Centre at the extravagant restaurant,

Kream, a hot spot for Pretoria’s high-flyers

and diplomats (opposite, top, shows an

embassy) while Cynthia’s Indigo Moon is a

beautiful old restaurant, with mouthwatering

meals and an intimate setting.

haze

Brooklyn in Pretoria East is a well-established area with universal Old World appeal. Beautiful villas with powder-blue shutters rub shoulders with contemporary

apartments with cantilevered balconies and vast expanses of glass, all shaded by trees that have outlived many a resident. The sidewalks are impeccably manicured, smiling people walk their dogs and kids ride their bikes in safety. The expression ‘Ain’t life grand?’ just about sums up this Pretoria neighbourhood.

With thanks to …

Heiberg Estates, +27 (0)12 362 4628,

heibergestates.co.za

seeff Properties, +27 (0)12 452 2500, seeff.com

36 | May/June 2012

Living in

What the agents sayBambie Heiberg of Heiberg Estates and

Estelle van Staden from Seeff discuss

Brooklyn’s appeal for property buyers

Q What makes Brooklyn so appealing?Bh: Brooklyn has been one of my

specialist areas for the past 23 years. It is

a well-established, tranquil residential

area. Its centrality, lovely treed streets,

proximity to tertiary institutions, such as

Tuks, Unisa and the Tshwane University

of Technology, as well as to well-known

schools, shopping centres and hospitals,

make Brooklyn a sought-after, prime

area in the Old East of Pretoria. It also

offers easy access to two sides of the N1.

Beautiful established gardens catch the

eye, and properties are continually being

upgraded and modernised, increasing

the area’s value. Excellent security can

be seen all around the Brooklyn area.

eVs: Brooklyn encompasses several

upmarket retail developments. World-

class restaurants, hip coffee shops, art

museums and easy access to the State

Theatre, Brooklyn Theatre and Atterbury

Theatre add to the cosmopolitan feel.

Q How’s Brooklyn’s infrastructure?eVs: The two main arteries, Duncan

Street and Charles Street, have been

extensively upgraded in the past year.

Even with the number of businesses that

have been newly established along these

streets, services have been well supplied.

Q Is buying in Brooklyn a good investment?Bh: Absolutely, as any investment in this

area is guaranteed to increase in value.

The buy-to-rent market is also extremely

popular, as there are more than a 120

diplomatic and corporate institutions

within and around the Brooklyn area, and

diplomats love to rent in Brooklyn.

eVs: Since 2009, average property

prices in the area have shown a small but

steady increase, year on year, thanks to

the suburb’s mix of elegant, established

homes and modern, secure complexes.

For many decades, diplomatic embassies

were clustered in the Arcadia and

Hatfield areas, but many of them are

now relocating to the Brooklyn and

Nieuw Muckleneuk nodes, adding to the

exclusivity of the suburb and leading

to ongoing property price increases.

So, whether you invest in residential or

commercial properties here, the returns

are guaranteed.

Visiting

Walking through the streets of Brooklyn in springtime is an experience. The sheltering

jacaranda trees (above) seem to be ablaze in a lilac inferno and the path under your feet

a scattered lilac rug. Brooklyn is home to serene parks, such as the Austin Roberts Bird

Sanctuary, which has a lovely restaurant and walking trails. If you are a keen or casual

birdwatcher, don’t miss the park’s bird-hide, where feathered friends, such as the blue

crane, masked weaver and Egyptian goose, can be observed up close. If you’re after a bit of

rugged outdoor action, head for the Groenkloof Nature Reserve on Groenkloof Hill, where

you can hire a mountain bike and enjoy the views of the city while watching the resident

giraffe and blue wildebeest watching you.

For the history buffs, about 5km out of Brooklyn lies the impressive, monolithic Voortrekker

Monument, which commemorates the pioneering spirit of southern Africa and the history

of the Afrikaner. It sits imposingly, high on a hill. Gerhard Moerdyk, its architect, found his

inspiration in Kranskop, an inselberg alongside the N1 east of Nylstroom, where he grew

up. Today this is the most-visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng, and one of the top 10

cultural historical visitor attractions in the country. The last Sunday of every month sees

music lovers flocking to Fort Schanskop for al fresco entertainment by Park Acoustics.

If classical music is more your style, visit Brooklyn Theatre in Thomas Edison Street for a

variety of classical music and ballet.

home aWay from home

If you are looking for a place to stay, there are many new and old guesthouses and hotels in

the area. Brooklyn Guest Houses at 128 Murray Street (opposite, top) is a cosy home away

from home. If you prefer something grander, try Illyria House boutique hotel at 327 Bourke

Street for some Old World class.

38 | May/June 2012

COMPETITION

Terms & conditions: Prize subject to availability. Prize does not include drinks. Air and ground transfers for winner’s own account. Prize must be taken up within six months from date of

notifi cation of win.

One lucky reader stands to win a sumptuous three-night stay

for two persons sharing at the exclusive Royal Suite at the

fi ve-star Hotel Izulu in Ballito, including breakfast and an

African King Spa treatment for two. This unbelievable prize

is valued at R25 170!

The Royal Suite at Hotel Izulu is luxurious living at its best. The

preferred choice of VIPs and Hollywood celebrities, the suite is sprawled

across the entire top fl oor of Villa Ingelosi and encompasses a bar and

dining area as well as a personal deck and Jacuzzi that overlooks the

Indian Ocean. The Royal Suite is perfect for honeymooners as well as for

private business meetings.

The African King Spa treatment at the Impilo Spa involves a full body

scrub and steam session, followed by a TheraNaka deluxe massage and a

balancing facial with scalp treatment together with an OPI pedicure. +27 (0)32 946 3444,

hotelizulu.com

WIN!To stand a chance of winning this incredible competition, e-mail [email protected] with your name and phone number and put ‘Hotel Izulu’ in the subject box. Ts & Cs apply*.

PRIZE

VALUED AT

OVER

R25 000!

WIN!Luxury

Design Boulevard, William Nicol Road. Bryanston. Tel +27 11 463 5005

www.hartmannandkeppler.co.zafollow us on facebook

Discerning Craftmanship

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PTA Prop Final AD.pdf 1 5/2/2012 2:33:12 PM


GUEST LIST

Lorette Barnard RealNet Holdings, Jan Davel RealNet Holdings, André de Beer Megamaster, Frik and Lizel de Lang Century 21 Menlyn, Rosella

Dingle Rainbow Junction, Dr Bambie Heiberg Heiberg Estates, André le Roux Saint-Gobain Weber, Lorna MacPhail The Property Magazine, Nicky

Manson The Property Magazine, Deon Minnie Nedbank, Annah Mothudi Rawson Akasia, Yvette Olivier Guvon Hotels & Spas, Riette Prinsloo

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Martin and Nicolene Pretorius Van’s Auctioneers, Anne Schauffer The Property Magazine, Anton

Sinovich Sinovich Group, Francois van Huyssteen Megamaster, Rob and Lyn van den Berg Absolute Doors, Estelle van Staden Seeff Northern

Region, Retha Schutte Pam Golding Properties, Obed Sealetsa The Property Magazine, Shanee Smart Media Nova, Tony Vaughan Media Nova,

Wendy Williams Engel & Völkers.

The warm and inviting wine cellar of Zagora Grill Room at the Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre near Centurion was the scene of this

month’s Property Dinner. Aside from the outstanding service and gourmet cuisine, the interesting venue remained a talking point throughout the evening.

A stellar cast of guests completed the picture for the introduction of the newest title to the Media Nova stable, The Property Magazine Pretoria, which targets Pretoria readers separately from Joburg’s. The consensus around our two long dinner tables was: ‘It’s about time!’

Nedbank’s Deon Minnie told us about the bank’s bold move to Menlyn Maine, a mixed-use precinct whose development is well under way. The developers

intend it to be SA’s � rst entirely green city precinct. ‘We at Nedbank Group Property Services are very proud and excited about our new campus building in the Menlyn Maine precinct. In the design phase we were able to achieve our third green-star-rated occupied building and placed the focus on our aspirations to create a great place to work, bank and invest,’ said Deon. ‘People expect green to be visible,’ he added. To this end, Nedbank has built a 17m-high vertical garden in its regional o� ce at Menlyn Maine. Created by Lemon Decor, it’s the largest such garden in the country.

Two guests who were overjoyed at The Property Magazine’s long overdue journey to Pretoria were Wendy Williams from Engel & Völkers and Rosella Dingle from Rainbow Junction. ‘Superb news,’ said

Wendy, who has recently secured an Engel & Völkers licence for the Centurion area. ‘It’s a great residential area and it’s doing well,’ she added.

In Rosella’s opinion, Pretoria has always been unfairly treated as an afterthought, an appendage to Johannesburg. She said it was high time this mindset changed and that she was glad that The Property Magazine had arrived. Pretoria also has a di� erent ethos and dynamic to Joburg’s and so it should stand alone. ‘One must cross the boerewors curtain,’ Rosella laughed. ‘People live in Pretoria and work in Joburg and this is now even more possible because of the Gautrain, so it’s also helped the Pretoria property market.’ Wendy agreed. ‘This in turn has caused property near the Gautrain station of Pretoria to grow exponentially,’ she said.

PROPERTY DINNER

Words Nicky MansonPhotographs Michael Glenister

We trumpeted the launch of � e Property Magazine Pretoria in fi ne style at the Royal Elephant Hotel

INTO WELCOMING

Words Nicky MansonPhotographs Michael Glenister

ARMS

PROPERTY DINNER

42 | May/June 2012

Menu

Starter

Rooibos tea smoked ostrich carpaccio with rocket shoots,

avocado cream, sweet potato chips and pawpaw salsa.

Crisp salmon with spiced herbed crust on a bed of wok-fried

pak choi and peppers with citrus chilli sauce.

Double-Baked Three-Cheese Soufflé with micro green salad,

warm apple and red wine chutney, splashed with red wine

balsamic glaze.

Starters paired with Ridgeback Shiraz Rosé.

Amuse-bouche

Sorbet. Red wine granita with soured cream.

Main

Peppered pork fillet and thyme-rubbed roasted chicken breast,

crushed potato and butternut cake, glazed baby beets, ginger

roasted plums with cassis jus.

Roasted herb crusted loin of lamb on apple mash, lamb rillettes

phyllo cigar with baby marrow ribbons, red currant jus.

Wild mushroom fettuccini, spring onion, freshly shaved radish,

grilled asparagus, finished with truffle oil (V).

Main courses paired with Ridgeback Shiraz.Dessert

Chocolate raspberry tart with bitter chocolate sorbet. Paired

with Ridgeback Cape Ruby Port.

Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre

Bondev Park, Cnr Willem Botha and Wierda roads

Eldoraigne, Centurion.

+27(0)12 658 8000, royalelephant.co.za

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1Francois van Huyssteen 2Martin Pretorius 3Tony Vaughan 4Frik and Lizel

de Lange 5André de Beer 6Rob van den Berg 7Lorna MacPhail 8Lizel and

Frik de Lange 9Annah Mothudi 10Francois Stremmelaar 11Deon Minnie 12Jan Davel 13Rosella Dingle 14Dr Bambie Heiberg 15Nicky Manson 16Estelle

van Staden 17Lorette Barnard 18Nicolene Pretorius 19Yvette Olivier 20André

le Roux 21Riette Prinsloo 22Retha Schutte.

Martin Pretorius from Van’s Auctioneers has been in Pretoria for 48 years. ‘I think your magazine will be beneficial to us, providing its distribution works well,’ he said. Rob van den Berg from Absolute Doors agreed: ‘I have always wanted to advertise Absolute Doors’ product in The Property Magazine. As our target market is the higher end of the market, we have found that the normal advertising magazines in the Pretoria area don’t work for us.’

The e-tolling controversy inevitably reared its head, with many of our guests saying the tolls will affect where and how people chose to live. But Retha Schutte from Pam Golding Properties strongly disagreed. ‘We can adapt to e-tolling,’ she remarked. ‘If people have always lived in Pretoria and worked in Joburg, they certainly won’t change where they live just because of e-tolling. Instead, it will become a matter of better time management, using the Gautrain and/or car pooling.’ She agreed, however, that e-tolling made a refreshing change of topic from crime. Retha was also pleased about our Pretoria edition. ‘The city’s unique; we have 12 embassies in Pretoria alone,’ she said.

Andre le Roux and Yvette Olivier got us onto the topic of sport (not unheard of at a South African dinner party). According to Andre, F1 lost its appeal when Schumacher left. ‘Now he’s driving for Mercedes; say no more.’ With further discussions of sport, South African patriotism and of course what Pretoria has to offer in terms of living, working and playing there, it was clear to one and all that Pretoria’s newest arrival, The Property Magazine, would be welcomed with open arms.

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Ask the sellers who priced their properties correctly, chose the right agent and took all the essential measures to make sure their homes

were attractive to buyers, and they’ll join me in my response: the market’s good!

This doesn’t only have to do with the banks’ releasing their tight grip on bonds. I believe the market will continue to improve if we internalise just three monosyllables: know your worth. It’s a simple creed, but a profound one, and it applies to agents, sellers and buyers, equally. Agents need to understand the value they add so that they don’t compromise their worth. Sellers need to understand the value of their property and maximise its strongest features. And buyers need to feel that they’ve landed their dream home at a fair price. All three are achievable. Collectively, they are my de� nition of success in this exciting and ever- evolving industry.

Most people ask about the market because they’re trying to gauge whether their property will sell. How soon will it sell? Will it sell at the right price? What is the right price? You’ll be glad to know that the banks and the economy don’t have all the control in property sales today. Much depends on the seller’s

approach. One of the biggest mistakes many sellers make is overpricing the property. Overpriced homes will sit on the market for far too long, will not be attractive to buyers and will cause the seller a lot of angst. Eventually, the seller will have to reduce the price, which will often be much lower than the price it would have been had the home been priced correctly from the start. If sellers understand the value of their home and are proactive in optimising its strengths, the property will sell. Quickly.

Selling a home successfully means giving the right agent the right mandate at the right time. I realise it’s not that simple. Selling one’s home is, for the vast majority of homeowners, a highly emotional decision. Both psychologically and � nancially, we invest an enormous amount in our homes. Hearing that the price you want is neither reasonable nor possible can be disheartening. A good agent will remain abreast of all new trends and changes in the industry (such as current bank criteria), educate and support the seller, strive for the right price and keep clients informed about how they can get involved.

While the right price may depend on factors beyond everyone’s control, there is one important process in which the seller should be fully engaged:

dressing a home for sale. As a woman in real estate, I’ve learned that dressing for success doesn’t just apply to my wardrobe. Here are my two top tips. One is in direct accordance with my wardrobe rules, and the other is … not. First, the � ner details go an awfully long way to creating a powerful � rst impression. Second, leave very little to the imagination. In other words, don’t force potential buyers to imagine what the house would look like if the pool were blue and clear or the garden green and tidy.

As real estate professionals, nothing we do is a perfect science. If it were, most of us wouldn’t do it as well or love it as much. But there are certain patterns that seem to emerge every time, no matter the state of the market or the size of the property.

In over two decades in this business, I’ve learned that there is a recipe for everyone walking away happy, and it works in threes: sellers, buyers and agents need to internalise the value that each of them adds to a successful sale.

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GUEST EDITOR

Adrienne Hersch

residential & commercial

After 21 years in real estate, there’s one question I’m asked constantly: how’s the market?

The Rule of Three

Adrienne Hersch,

CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties

RESIDENTIAL Real Estate

46 | May/June 2012

Estates offer good valueThe real estate market, in terms of gated complexes

and upmarket golf and lifestyle estates, is fl ourishing,

because these types of developments offer

affordability and high security, and the properties are

low maintenance. Lew Geffen, chairman of Sotheby’s

International Realty SA, says people are buying into

these estates because prices are generally still below

2008 levels and are often well below the prices of

comparable properties in the older, blue-chip suburbs.

He says that three years ago it was quite diffi cult to

fi nd a home for under R3 million at Silver Lakes Estate

near Pretoria, but now several luxury properties have

been sold there for roughly R2,5 million. ‘Even better

news is that many of the larger estates now incorporate

upmarket apartment and townhouse developments that

facilitate entry for younger buyers who will become the

upgraders of the future. They also accommodate older

buyers seeking to downsize to homes on estates that

offer them additional security and less maintenance.’

+27 (0)12 460 9261, sothebysrealty.co.za

Centurion sizzlesThanks to its convenient proximity to major cities, such as Johannesburg

and Pretoria, the demand for homes in the Centurion area is high. With

this in mind, Re/Max Jowic plans to increase its market share in the wider

eastern Centurion areas. It has relocated its Lynwood branch to Irene and will

now cover most of Centurion’s eastern towns and estates, including Irene,

Centurion Golf Estate, Pierre van Ryneveld and Kloofsig, among others. Willie

van den Berg, broker/owner of Re/Max Jowic, credits Centurion as one of the

fastest-growing areas in Gauteng and says that the prices are increasing, as

good residential stock is scarce in the area. He adds that homes in Centurion

sell within 60 days, on average, and that prices start from R450 000 for

one- bedroom units, from R550 000 for two-bedroom units, and from

R600 000 for three-bedroom units. For free-standing homes of two or three

bedrooms, with a garden, buyers can expect prices ranging from R750 000 to

R900 000. Willie says there is a large mix of buyers in the area, from fi rst-time

homebuyers to those looking for luxurious accommodation. remax.co.za

On the risePretoria’s Moot West area is abuzz with real estate action, thanks to its affordability and central location. Good schools and access to extensive

public transport are driving forces, too, says RealNet Agency Principal, Willie du Plessis. ‘Add this to the fact that the area is very well located in

relation to the CBD of Pretoria, the industrial areas to the west and north of the city and to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and you have a

real winner,’ says Willie. Sought-after suburbs are Mountain View and Suiderberg, where you can buy a three-bedroom, two- bathroom home for

under R800 000. Capital Park, where home prices reach R1,2 million, is attracting medical professionals because of its proximity to the academic

hospital, says Willie. However, he believes that there is a shortage of townhouse complexes in the area and that this could spell opportunity for

insightful developers, especially as many of the homes here are still set on very large stands.

+27 (0)71 692 0437, realnet.co.za

Stable marketsThe question on everyone’s lips right now seems to be, is the property

market recovering? According to Joanie la Grange, principal of the Leapfrog

Pretoria East and Centurion franchises, her areas have remained fairly stable,

and if homes are correctly priced from the get-go, sellers will achieve their

asking prices. Joanie says, ‘There is no shortage of buyers in the good

investment areas throughout Pretoria. The challenge is to get buyers who

can qualify in terms of the banks’ lending criteria. It seems that the banks are

becoming slightly more lenient in their criteria.’ leapfrog.co.za

A large percentage of deals are collapsing due to the lack of

qualifi cation of buyersand their needs

– Adrienne Hersch, CEO Adrienne Hersch Properties


COMMERCIAL Real Estate

Painstaking repair Marabastad’s colourful Marieamman Temple has undergone extensive

repairs to ensure its future prosperity as an iconic Hindu landmark.

Due to its past restoration experience, including the Union Buildings of

Pretoria, specialist contractor Gordon Verhoef and Krause (GVK) was

given the mammoth task. Built in 1905, the Marieamman Temple is the

oldest Hindu temple in Pretoria and over time its gopura (a pyramid-

shaped tower) had eroded. This and other structural repairs were done

by GVK, which used plaster and concrete for the job. To ensure all the

repairs accurately matched the original building, the team carefully

salvaged and reused splinters of original decorative mouldings and also

mixed the paint carefully to ensure the colours applied were identical

to the original colours. ‘The Marieamman Temple is an important part

of Marabastad and South Africa. These restorations and repairs have

revitalised her for another good few years,’ says Eben Meyburgh,

managing director of GVK’s operations in Gauteng.

+27 (0)11 608 0313, gvk.co.za

Landmark union It has been confirmed that the integration of

Brooklyn Mall with Design Square, which lies

adjacent to it, will go ahead. Growthpoint Properties

will have 75% ownership of the new mall, while

Atterbury Property Group will retain a 25% stake,

held by its subsidiary, Abacus Property Holdings.

The value of this new mall is estimated at R1,7 billion.

Together with this deal come plans to upgrade and

expand the mall and to enhance the link between

the two centres. Managed by Atterbury, the

refurbishment will also introduce a figure-8 mall,

which will improve shopper flows, create additional

parking space and add 6 000m2 of retail area to the

mall. Completion is estimated for April 2013.

+27 (0)12 471 1600, atterbury.co.za

Good news on mortgages Homebuyers have been having a difficult time securing a home loan in the past few years, but good news has arrived at last. The welcome

announcement that the interest rate is likely to stay the same for 2012 has brought some financial relief and as such banks are beginning

to approve more home loan applications. In light of this development, Absa Bank says it wants its mortgage share back. Sifiso Shongwe,

managing executive of Absa Home Loans, says Absa currently holds a R221-billion share of SA’s R900-billion home loan market. Sifiso says

Absa intends to conduct 30% more business this year as compared with 2011. Sifiso adds that Absa intends to improve its services, through the

implementation of its Easycheck system, which can tell home loan applicants in 60 seconds whether or not they qualify for a bond. Leapfrog

Property Group CEO, Jan le Roux, says, ‘It is very good news. The home loans market was dominated by Standard Bank last year and the

re- entry of Absa at this level is bound to create competition.’ Absa’s desire to become a bigger competitor in the market makes sense because

the affordability of housing continues to improve. Jan believes that for Absa to increase its market share it will have to win over applicants from

other banks. ‘Now is a good time to make those decisions and make a medium- to long-term commitment in owning property,’ says Jan.

Seeff Chairman, Samuel Seeff, has also welcomed the news of Absa’s intentions and that of the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee

decision to keep the repo rate at its current level. ‘Seeff has had its best March and April months of the past four years and this, along with the

announcements by Absa and the Reserve Bank, provide some hope that the property market is heading towards a recovery. The flat house

price growth together with the low interest rate means that home affordability is the best in decades and it seems that many buyers who have

been looking around for some time have finally made the decision to take the leap and put pen to paper.’ Samuel also believes that this will be

the year in which a significant portion of the distressed property stock will be cleared out of the market. Following this, there will be a better

balance between demand and supply in the market, a vital foundation for its recovery. But, he warns, buyers and sellers need to get used to a

new market reality: ‘We are unlikely to see the price gains of the pre-2008 boom period for at least a few years. Recovery of the market will be

slow and Seeff expects that sales volumes will be the first to gain momentum. Once there is more robust buyer activity in the market, sellers will

become less likely to negotiate and prices will start rising. The positive start to this year is a sign of some energy returning to the market and it

gives us hope of a recovery towards the end of next year or at least in 2014.’

+27 (0)21 671 4880, leapfrog.co.za; +27 (0)12 452 2500, seeff.com

48 | May/June 2012

1The main swimming pool at Palais Namaskar. 2–3Water features and lakes in the

hotel’s gardens. 4Handmade Murano chandeliers by Andromeda adorn the public

spaces of the hotel. Imaad Rahmouni was responsible for the hotel’s design. Wo

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Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more business

and leisure news from Africa.

Designed by Paris- and Marrakesh-based architect, Imaad Rahmouni, the recently opened Palais Namaskar is a gorgeous hotel set on 5ha of land between

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Djebilet Hills. Part of the Oetker Collection, Palais Namaskar comprises 41 exclusively designed villas and suites as well as a Pool Palace, Mountain Palace and Water Palace. It is set within fragrant, manicured, Balinese-style gardens, surrounded by lakes.

The hotel is contemporary oriental in its look, with feng shui principles woven into the interior design. Complementing the decor are bespoke, handmade light � xtures by luxury lighting design company, Andromeda Murano.

The Italian company’s aim was to create a magical place with reinterpreted modern taste and sensitivity and a unique mix of exquisite tradition and oriental fusions. The overall e� ect is simply breathtaking.

Some of the rooms o� er terraces, while others feature Jacuzzis and heated pools. There is also a spa o� ering guests pampering in the most elegant setting. Dining options include a restaurant, tea lounge and a bar.

Surrounded by golf courses, shopping centres and cultural hotspots, Palais Namaskar is only 30 minutes away from Marrakech-Menara Airport. +39 041 736 674, andromedamurano.it;

+212 (0)5 24 29 98 00, palaisnamaskar.com

Magic in Marrakech

� e fi ve-star Palais Namaskar luxury hotel is a decor feast

investment, real estate, news & leisure

Africa

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Pyramid dreamThe prospects for Cairo’s real estate market are looking up,

according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) Cairo Real Estate

Overview. Ayman Sami, head of JLL’s Egypt office says, ‘If the

country is able to address its political issues, then we are confident

that activity will return to the market relatively quickly, as demand

exists across a number of sectors.’ The economic stability of the

country is very much linked to the political situation and has had

a negative impact on the tourism industry and new investment

in Egypt, says Ayman. Despite this, JLL has noted potential

improvement in the Cairo real estate market, where there is

demand for between 5 000m2 and 15 000m2 of office space and

retailers continue to open new stores. Ayman says, ‘Investment

opportunities currently lie in the mid-market segment across

various sectors.’ +2 02 25777 836, joneslanglasalle.com

It’s raining accoladesThe hospitality industry is booming across Africa, and big congratulations

must go out to Rani Resorts, which won a host of awards at the World

Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean ceremony in Sharm el Sheikh,

Egypt. Among the awards that the hospitality group scooped was one

for the Leading Resort in Mozambique for its Indigo Bay Island Resort

and Spa, while Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa scored it the Leading

Hotel in Mozambique Award. Rani Resorts’ Stanley and Livingstone

at Victoria Falls earned it the Leading Hotel in Zimbabwe Award. And

Matemo Island Resort in Mozambique, the jewel in the group’s crown

of African hotels and resorts, was named the Leading Resort in Africa.

+258 21 301 618, raniresorts.com

Protea flourishing in AfricaProtea Hospitality Group will be driving US$130 million (about R1 billion) into Africa with the construction of 11 new hotels. The expansion, one

of the biggest in Africa by a hotel group, will bring to nine the number of African countries where Protea has hotels. The first hotel will be built

in Nigeria. Plans for hotels in Uganda and Zambia are in the pipeline. Protea Hospitality Group CEO Arthur Gillis says, ‘As political stability and

business opportunities increase, they create a greater need for the hotels.’ He adds that certain African countries are setting global economic

trends in terms of hospitality and that the change of traditional trading partners has resulted in growth for these countries. The new hotels in

Nigeria will include Protea Hotel Ibadan, Protea Hotel Select Emotan, Protea Hotel Select Ikeja, African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa and Protea

Hotel Asaba. The new hotels in Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia are expected to create 1 000 new direct jobs in the hospitality industry in those

countries. 0861 11 9000, proteahotels.com

Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls

Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa

africa

Protea Hotel Lusaka

50 | May/June 2012

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Forming part of the luxury leisure group, Shamwari, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated between Montagu and Barrydale on the world-famous R62 and brings a

whole new meaning to camping. The reserve’s Explorer Camp o� ers the more

adventurous and active visitor a two-night outdoor tented bush camp along a shaded river line.

The experience centres on being on foot in one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, where the potential to have a close encounter with many di� erent species of game is always a reality. The reserve is home to the Big Five, zebra, buck, gira� e

and other wildlife. The enchanting view extends for kilometres, and only the sound of the crickets chirruping in the grass is there to distract visitors from their game- viewing. Comprising 54 000ha of mountains, plains and indigenous � ora and fauna, the reserve o� ers a feeling of total isolation, a place where historic rock faces and caves are decorated with San paintings, and a variety of birdlife guards the skies.

The Explorer Camp is a tailor-made safari. The walking trails are chosen by guests, who are then assigned a quali� ed, armed guide. The trail walks can last up to four hours. There’s an optional game- viewing vehicle for specialist tracking needs,

allowing guests to travel further a� eld to explore other walking trails and see what game awaits them in di� erent parts of the reserve.

Guests select the spot on which to pitch camp. Accommodation comprises three mobile canvas tents kitted out with comfortable camping beds. Each tent sleeps two, has its own bathroom facilities and provides optimal privacy.

Meals are enjoyed under the stars, and guests need simply relax, put their feet up, and take in the magni� cent surroundings. The Explorer Camp operates from October to April. +27 (0)41 509 3000,

sanbona.com

Visit thepropertymag.co.za to discover other

fantastic getaways in South Africa.

1–3Sanbona Explore Camp allows guests to get back to a simpler way of life amid the

rugged natural splendour of the Karoo.

South Africa

1

Wide-openWide-openspaces

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve’s Explorer Camp off ers a succulent outdoor

Karoo experience

2 3


Bargain bayProperty sales along the southern coast of KwaZulu-

Natal are seeing both local and upcountry buyers

snapping up seaside property bargains. Deidre

Ronnenberg, owner of the Aïda Amanzimtoti

offi ce, says the biggest driver of this activity is

the proposed R100-billion upgrade of Durban’s

former international airport, which is just 11km from

Amanzimtoti. ‘The anticipated increase in local

property values as a result of this development,

plus the fact that the demand for long-term rentals

here is already increasing, is attracting a far greater

number of investment buyers, and many of them

are paying cash,’ says Deidre. The South Coast

fares well in terms of property values. For example,

a spacious two-bedroom beachfront fl at with

garage costs around R650 000. Further down the

coast, there’s strong demand for retirement homes.

An estimated 400 000 retirees reside between

Umkomaas and Port Edward. Homes in this area are

popular for purchase, either as an investment or to

accommodate new retirees.

+27 (0)31 916 4215, aida.co.za

Interest-on-Sea Homebuyers are showing increased interest in properties in the Eastern Cape town

of Kenton-on-Sea, particularly in the middle-income market. Older, well-priced,

well- maintained homes are seen as offering good value or as having that ready-to-

move-in feel. Pam Golding Properties Area Principal, Michael Wilmot, says homebuyers

are drawn to the tranquil coastal lifestyle and unspoilt environment, which is ideal

for young children. ‘We are seeing leisure buyers returning to the market, including

middle-income small families and young buyers and a younger generation of retirees,

mostly from Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Bloemfontein, and they are generally seeking

properties in the range of R1 million to R2,5 million,’ says Michael. The growing number

of young buyers includes parents who intend sending their children to private schools

in Grahamstown as well as parents whose children attend Rhodes University. Michael

says Kenton-on-Sea is a popular holiday destination with relatively crime-free streets

and a Blue Flag beach. +27 (0)46 648 1203, pamgolding.co.za

Waterfront livingPam Golding Properties is marketing Ambermere Estate, which is situated on 300ha of prime land right next to the confl uence of the Vaal and

Wilge rivers. There are 61 waterfront stands available, each a minimum of 2ha in size and with at least 100m of private waterfront. Plots are

priced from R750 000. Building regulations are strict, allowing future buyers two years to build on their plots, and only single-storey homes of a

maximum 600m2 in size. All services will be underground, ensuring no unsightly cables are seen, as architectural guidelines are geared towards

being sympathetic to the surroundings. In the last few years, more than 10 000 indigenous trees have been planted on the estate and the

waterfront areas have been improved, including the building up of embankments and the construction of two marinas. Residents will be able to

enjoy outdoor activities, including water sports and birdwatching. The estate is fully fenced and secure, in line with the reintroduction of game

into the area. +27 (0)16 371 1377, ambermereestate.co.za

Mall in the middleMiddelburg Mall has reopened after a R500 million refurbishment. Moolman Group

and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment say the facelift came

about because of increased retail demand. Middelburg Mall is situated just off the

N4 in Mpumalanga. The made-over interiors now have modern fi nishes, higher

ceilings, new tiling, a fresh coat of paint and improved bathrooms. The mall has been

extended by 10 000m2 to 43 000m2, and there is still room for further expansion.

‘It could eventually exceed 55 000m2,’ says Patrick Flanagan. The mall includes

94 shops, and most of them are let. Tenants include major banks and cellular

companies. The anchor tenants are Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Game, Checkers and

Edgars. Included in the retail mix are Clicks, Musica, Mr Price and Truworths. Among

the mall’s chain restaurants are the household names Spur, Mugg & Bean, Wimpy,

McDonald’s and Debonairs. +27 (0)13 244 1404, middelburgmall.co.za

AFRICA South Africa

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OFFICE 012 365 9000FAX 012 365 2887EMAIL [email protected]

PRETORIA

R16.5million R14 millionWATERKLOOF WATERKLOOF RIDGEAn imposing and inviting entrance hall, numerous formal and informal receptions and 2 kitchens create a milieu for lavish entertaining. 4 En suite bedrooms on the upper level, 3 studies as well as a self- contained 2 bedroom fl atlet with a private patio. An ideal home for the larger family with teenagers and regular guests. Parking for 7 vehicles and double staff accommodation. On a full stand of 2 552m²- already subdivided. Web Access PT1079686

Stienie van den Berg 082 870 7214, Ria de Clercq 082 557 5161

MORELETA PARK R3.39 millionOn a clear day you can see forever! An exquisite family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 en suite main with a walk-in closet. Lovely modern open plan kitchen and dining area for warm and cozy winter nights. Spacious living leading onto a patio and pool area. Staff acommodation. Double garage with walk-in safe.Web Access PT1082571

Anita du Toit 082 825 0166, Madaleine van der Nest 082 375 7045

Opulence plus plus. 5 Expansive bedrooms with balconies and wooden fl ooring as well as 4 luxurious bathrooms. A magical stairway connects the open living, dining and kitchen areas which feature cleverly utilized stonewalling and alcoves to create a secluded feel while remaining spectacularly uncluttered by way of large windows opening onto views of the garden greens and a self contained luxurious roofed patio, which offers even more room to enjoy the peaceful country ambiance. Web Access PT1062161Maryna van den Bergh 082 448 2755

LYNNWOOD R4.3 MillionThis elegant home offers a secure and tranquil lifestyle with elegant reception areas overlooking the irrigated garden and Magaliesberg mountains in the distance. Located in sought-after Strubenkop Security Village. it comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, (mes), a lovely north-facing kitchen, a patio, double garage and staff accommodation.

Web Access PT1083109Delyse Burger 082 601 3350, Danie Theron 072 600 6986

www.pamgolding.co.za

Prop Mag F-P May 4/23/12 1:30 PM Page 1

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TREND WATCH

For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no further than these accessories

BOOGIE ON DOWNThe Boogie Board Rip, available from Mantality, is both

environmentally friendly and seriously cool. Write down

or doodle down your ideas on this touch-sensitive tablet,

with the peace of mind that you can save your scribbles and

revert to them later. The Boogie Board Rip allows you to save

up to 100 pages and even lets you transfer your drawings,

lists and ideas to your Mac or PC. Nationwide delivery.

+27 (0)11 462 5482, mantality.co.za

COFFEE WHEN YOU CANThese Coffee Joulies, available from Mantality, are the

ultimate boardroom weapon, helping to keep your cuppa

joe warm throughout long meetings. Should you need

a jump-start sip immediately, these smart beans help

with that, too! Sealed within each stainless steel bean

is a phase change material (PCM) that melts at around

60°C and draws the heat out of boiling hot coffee,

changing it to a more drinkable temperature. The PCM

also slowly releases the heat its absorbed, keeping your

coffee warm for longer. Mantality delivers to all major

cities in South Africa. Bottoms up! +27 (0)11 462 5482,

mantality.co.za

These Coffee Joulies, available from Mantality, are the

ultimate boardroom weapon, helping to keep your cuppa

joe warm throughout long meetings. Should you need

a jump-start sip immediately, these smart beans help

with that, too! Sealed within each stainless steel bean

is a phase change material (PCM) that melts at around

60°C and draws the heat out of boiling hot coffee,

changing it to a more drinkable temperature. The PCM

also slowly releases the heat its absorbed, keeping your

coffee warm for longer. Mantality delivers to all major

cities in South Africa. Bottoms up! cities in South Africa. Bottoms up!

mantality.co.za

CALCULATING IN COLOURBrighten up doing your calculations with this range of cute Casio

calculators from Offi ce National. Choose from a variety of cool

colours. Available from Offi ce National outlets nationwide.

+27 (0)11 704 0056, on24.co.za

ZOOM INFrom the Lighting Warehouse comes a new

range of desk and fl oor lamps, including this

Magnifi er Clamp Light in white. The lamp

effortlessly clips onto your desk and has the

bonus of a built-in magnifying glass. Available

from Lighting Warehouse outlets nationwide.

0861 5444 8464, lightingwarehouse.co.za

TREND WATCH

For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no further than these accessories

For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no

ZOOM IN ZOOM INFrom the Lighting Warehouse comes a new

range of desk and fl oor lamps, including this

Magnifi er Clamp Light in white. The lamp

effortlessly clips onto your desk and has the

bonus of a built-in magnifying glass. Available

from Lighting Warehouse outlets nationwide.

0861 5444 8464, lightingwarehouse.co.za

For a cool and technologically trendy addition to your offi ce space, look no GETTING IT RIGHT

The Livescribe Echo Smart Pen is a must-have for the

offi ce stationery box. This multipurpose pen records

everything that its writer hears and writes. For quick

and accurate access to all recorded information,

simply tap on your written notes. It has a built-in

micro USB connector (useful for transferring notes to

your computer) as well as a jack for headphones and

a speaker for playback. With two memory options

available, 4GB (400 hours) or 8GB (800 hours),

the Echo Smart Pen never misses a beat. Available

nationwide from The Gadget Shop. +27 (0)11 792 4912,

thegadgetshop.co.za

56 | May/June 2012

R605 000*1,2 & 3 bedroom houses also available

Built-in sound control

0860 27 28 29 www.gyproc.co.za

With Gyproc’s new high performance SoundBloc, you can create a world where patients heal and doctors can hear themselves think. A world where kids can learn and teachers can teach. A world where business travellers are guaranteed a good night’s sleep and holiday goers can go on partying till dawn. Sounds good, doesn’t it.

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1905_Gyproc_SoundBloc_Ad_FA.indd 1 2012/05/02 1:14 PM

tpm pretoria may/june 2012

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