Caribbean touch in this revamp
A new development in Shelly Beach on the south coast of Kwazulu-natal has created a great deal of interest. Lea Jacobs visited the site and investigates what the hullabaloo is about
SITUATED in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, Shelly Beach, the commercial hub of the region, has experienced extensive growth over the past 10 years. However, unlike its somewhat more cosmopolitan cousins to the north, the development has not impacted on the natural beauty of the area, so the glorious beaches and undisturbed coastal bush still rule the day.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing and the entire area was severely affected by the economic crunch. Like many coastal areas, a great number of properties were second homes that were bought during a time when credit was easy and money no object.
However, when the tide turned many investors were forced to sell properties that they could no longer afford.
As the overall financial situation improves and investors begin to find their feet once again, they are returning to the area.
While sales are nowhere near the numbers achieved in 2006, Lightstone statistics reflect that 192 freehold and 69 sectional title sales were concluded. Blanche Scholtz from Realty 1 says that there is an on-going demand for neat, well-presented properties.
She says that the shopping malls, private hospital as well as the new business park developed slightly further inland have created a feeling of “this is where it is happening” and this is also fuelling the demand.
As always, coastal land in builtup areas is pretty scarce and the news that a well-known site of a
Much of the interest already shown is from people who spent holidays at the former resort as youngsters
former holiday resort is being transformed into a new residential development has created a a stir.
The development is situated on the old Skipper’s site and the developers, Janet Midler, Wendy Vinnicombe and Brent Vinnicombe from Ingelosi Construction, have turned what was fast becoming an eyesore into what now looks like a beautiful small village fresh out of the Caribbean.
The first phase of construction, which is being sold under a sectional title banner, is virtually completed and the second phase, to be marketed as a lifestyle village for the over-50’s will be launched in January next year.
The developers have been responsible for a number of top developments in the area.
“We have been developing in the Shelly Beach area for the past 20 years and have effectively changed the face of the area,” says Midler. “We are obviously au fait with local conditions and have gone all out to ensure that our latest product boasts the right look with the right finishes.
“The first phase comprises 18 units of which eight are apartments. The 10 uniquely-designed freestanding units feature two, three and four bedrooms and all have a private garden.”
Midler says that the site is regarded by many as a landmark and much of the interest already shown is from people who spent holidays at the former resort as youngsters.
“We wanted to keep as much of the original footprint as possible and asked our architects to design the homes using the best of what was already in place. By utilising the old buildings, we have been able to pass on the savings to the buyers,” she says.
Although many of the rustic features remain, most of the finishes were sourced from overseas. The Cape Cod designs feature Quartz stone worktops, porcelain tiles and bamboo flooring in the bedrooms. The units all have an air conditioner and ceiling fans. They are fully alarmed and all feature LED down-lighting.
“We travelled overseas and personally chose the finishes and fittings that were not available locally and are extremely proud of the result. We firmly believe that it is the small things that count the most and is what makes a good development great.”
Sales have been brisk and five units were snapped up as soon as the buyers viewed the site. Interest continues growing and Scholtz maintains that part of the reason is due to the affordability that the development offers.
“At this stage there are still units available priced from R820 000. However, given the amount of interest already shown, these are not expected to stay on our books for long.
“The resale and letting potential in Shelly Beach has always been good and given the location, style, quality of workmanship and the overall appearance of this development, we expect to see strong demand in the future.” Price: From R820 000 Contact: Wendy or Brent Vinnicombe 039 315 5448 Janet Midler 082 444 9939