Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A COASTAL DRAWCARD
Best known as the world’s top whale-watching location and a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, Hermanus is also one of the most dynamic coastal property markets in the Cape region
ABOUT a two-and-a-halfhour drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is probably best-known for being the top land-based whale-watching location in the world, and is also famous for its cool climate wines grown in the aptly named Hemelen-aarde Valley (“heaven and earth”).
Its reasonable proximity to the city (150km) makes it a perfect weekend getaway, but it’s also one of the most dynamic coastal property markets in the Cape, says Seeff Hermanus licensee Paul Kruger.
“And it continues to perform well above expectation, despite the poor economic climate,” he says.
The location is exquisitely scenic, ranging from the Overberg mountains to the rear and a beautiful blue coastline with sunny white beaches to the front. While the whales are the big marine attraction, cage diving at nearby Gansbaai offers the opportunity to see Great White sharks.
Hermanus offers a broad range of adventure and nature pursuits; in addition to a sports club, there is a golf club with a housing estate. Once a small holiday town, Hermanus has grown significantly over the years and now you’ll find plenty of shops, including the new Whale Coast
Mall with major retail and clothing brands as tenants.
Excellent medical facilities and schools, a fabulous little high street with a treasure trove of boutiques and curio shops, beach cafes and restaurants, add to the seaside town’s attraction.
“There is a wide selection of hotels, guest houses and apartments, and the town offers an excellent mix of property including apartments, free-standing houses, estates and retirement complexes,” says Kruger.