Temperate south coast paradise
Living in the sleepy seaside village of Ramsgate in Kwazulu-natal is just the ticket to get away from it all. Lea Jacobs reports
THE KwaZulu-Natal south coast, famed for its Blue Flag beaches and mild winter climate, remains a top choice for investors who, while seeking a relaxed lifestyle, don’t wish to break the bank. The area, although a popular holiday spot, has become the place to be for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of metro living permanently.
Situated about an hour from Durban, the lower south coast is renowned for its unspoilt beauty, golf courses and the world famous sardine run.
Ramsgate, a small seaside village located near Margate, is seen by many as one of the best areas in the region. Close to the main commercial centre of the coast, Shelly Beach, the village is also home to one of the only private schools in the area, Southcity Christian Schools that caters to children of primary and high school ages. The village also boasts some of the best restaurants in the region.
“There is something very appealing about the village,” says Mike Knowles — owner of the local branch of the Dormehl Property Group. “Firstly, it is far enough away from Margate to avoid the crowds that descend down here during the holiday seasons. It has its own Blue Flag beach and is only 30km from the Wild Coast Sun Casino and Resort. There are excellent fishing spots and four of the country’s finest golf courses.”
As with other seaside towns around SA, the slowdown in demand for second homes has affected sales in the area severely. Lightstone statistics show that 79 freehold homes were sold in the area last year — a far cry from the 300 that changed hands in 2005.
A total of 18 freehold homes have been registered this year.
“Recent market research has shown that the average sales price of property throughout most of SA is on the rise. However, historically, the south coast has always taken a little longer to react to the market changes and as such the price of property in the area has not started to increase as yet. We believe that this situation is set to change in the short term.”
An award-winning property in Ramsgate has recently come onto the market. Set on a double consolidated large 2,538m² stand above the actual village, the prop- erty enjoys 180-degree sea views and won the builder a coveted National Home Builder Registration Council ( NHBRC) award when it was built in 2006.
“Although the property, which is zoned commercial, has been valued at R8m, the owners who want to relocate to Gauteng, recently lowered the asking price to R5.9m,” says Knowles.
The home measures just under 1,000m² under roof. The main house boasts four entrances — two vehicle and two pedestrian — has four en suite bedrooms. All of the bathrooms feature imported marble, tiles and listellos. The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream and features solid beech wood and granite finishes. There is a separate formal lounge and the family room has a large built-in braai. The property also boasts a separate billiard room. The home has a fully self-contained, one-bedroom flat complete with a sundeck, an external laundry area and a four roomed flat/office area with a kitchenette and bathroom facili- ties. There are two extra-large garages as well as parking inside and outside the property for about 30 cars.
For those who are reluctant to get their feet wet in the nearby ocean, there is a rimflow pool as well as three balu wooden sundecks where sun worshipers can take full advantage of the temperate climate the area enjoys all year round.
The home comes equipped with a 6.5kw generator and is surrounded by a custom-made elec- tric fence. Top-notch security is evident both inside and out and includes security beams. Most rooms are air-conditioned and there are telephone and television points in all the main rooms. There is wireless connectivity throughout and the landscaped gardens are fully irrigated. Price: R5.9m Contact: Dormehl Property Group Mike Knowles 074 112 0522 Office 039 312 1811