Grabbing a share of west coast
Lea Jacobs uncovers the little piece of paradise that is Yzerfontein in the Western Cape and takes a look at a new development there
name, Abraham Katz, a prominent dairy farmer who started farming in the Malmesbury District in 1900 and who was considered to be the first dairy farmer to deliver milk from his farms to the distributors in Cape Town, bought a large portion of the farm “Yzerfontein” in 1936.
Katz recognised the area’s favourable winter grazing conditions and its merits as a coastal retreat for his family. The Katz family continues to have a very close and strong association with the Yzerfontein community and have been directly involved in the establishment of the modern-day town of Yzerfontein.
Dennis Katz, Abraham’s grandson, succeeded his brother Jeff as MD of Yzerfontein Seaside Estates in 1999. Dennis has been instrumental in upgrading the quality of homes that have been built in Yzerfontein and continues to be the visionary behind the enhancement and improvement of the town’s facilities.
He, together with his son Graham, have established Yzerfontein Property Developers to undertake new development projects, such as the Strandveld Villas.
The continued involvement of the Katz family in the overall development of the town will help ensure that the pristine qualities of the area are maintained for generations to come.
The latest development will consist of 40 homes within a secure, eco-friendly estate, the focus being on quality of life, health and security. With Yzerfontein’s sunny climate, low rainfall and beautiful beaches, Strandveld Villas is the ideal home for nature-lovers, sun- seekers and water sport enthusiasts, or for those who simply desire a relaxed lifestyle. At certain times of the year, Strandveld Villas’s residents can expect to encounter beautiful wildflowers, the tell-tale spray of Southern Right or humpbacked whales breaching in the bay, as well as a variety of birdlife. In season, local fishermen will offer a variety of fresh fish for sale. Yzerfontein is famed for its unique, 28km-long stretch of beach, the longest uninterrupted sandy beach on the South African coastline.
The town itself features, among many other things, a strong local residents’ association, medical and emergency services, a small-craft harbour, and several restaurants and guesthouses. Naturally, shopping facilities are also available. Club and sporting activities include 4x4 and hiking trails, bowling, tennis, and badminton. There is also angling, kitesurfing, kayaking, water skiing, and a windsurfing club.
The areas surrounding Yzerfontein include the West Coast National Park, the West Coast Fossil Park, numerous golf courses as well as the Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve.
When finished, the 40 freehold residential homes, measuring between 176m² and 207m², will boast quality finishes and fittings. Buyers will have the choice of twoor three-bedroom units, including an enclosed patio option. Kitchen, scullery and double garage are standard in the six types of Cape Vernacular styles that are available. Plot sizes range from 265m² to 370m². All units will be linked to a fibre optic DSTV network.
There is a 24-hour security presence, foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols, audio and visual access control, as well as a direct link from any residence to the Yzerfontein Armed Response monitoring station at the entrance gate
There is also access to a bouquet of medical and emergency services. A Telecare Monitoring System (affiliated to ER24) is standard in each home. There are also a number of medical practitioners in the town of Yzerfontein itself.
Each home will feature an SABS-approved solar water-heat- ing tank and panel. Owners also have the choice of including a dedicated caddy for recycling bins in the scullery.
In addition, all private open spaces and road reserves will be landscaped with water-wise indigenous gardens. Price: From R1.495m including VAT and all costs Contact: Yzerfontein Property Developers Graham Katz 073 190 5895 Office 021 683 3433