Knysna castle is fit for a king
• Eastern Cape property includes the luxurious Conrad Pezula Hotel
Prospective global buyers are lined up to land one of the world’s most unusual and desirable properties in February when Pezula Castle near Knysna goes under the hammer in the first High Street Auctions sale of 2018.
But the name is deceptive; buyers will get to own not just one property on the magical stretch of beach, they will be buying three castles that collectively offer five ultraluxurious suites in palatial surrounds.
High Street lead auctioneer and director Joff van Reenen says the castles form part of the Pezula resort, which offers the world-class Conrad Pezula Hotel, the Pezula Spa and Gym that boasts multiple awards and the Pezula Golf Course. “The castles last changed hands more than seven years ago for in excess of R35m,” says Van Reenen.
“In recent years, they again appeared on the market through traditional real-estate brokerages. They were also marketed abroad in countries such as the UK, but as was the case locally, brokers were unable to source a suitable buyer.”
Van Reenen says 99% of residential property can be disposed of rapidly through auction at a price determined by the market on the day of sale, or via traditional estate agents.
“The remaining 1% will almost exclusively only find buyers at auction, though, because this segment comprises unique, truly exceptional residences that must be paired with equally exceptional buyers. And this is where the auction model of ‘sales on steroids’ comes into its own. A superior specialist auction house such as High Street that has for years been marketing almost exclusively online to a massive network of domestic and global clients can frequently realise for a seller in minutes what a broker or tender process might take months or even years to achieve.”
High Street Auctions director Rodney Beck says the Pezula Castle is situated in its own manicured private garden with Noetzie beach a few metres away. The magnificent residence provides ultimate luxury with every conceivable comfort including a heated rim flow pool, huge terraces with panoramic views of the ocean and a wellequipped gymnasium.
“But if it’s romance you’re after, then the Beach Castle is arguably one of the most dreamy hideaways in the world. Totally secluded and private, it is decorated in shades of cream and blue with quirky accessories that give it a distinctly nautical flavour.”
The first High Street sale of 2018 starts at 12pm at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on February 21.