The heritage and olde-worlde character of these homes charm investors

CAPE Dutch architect is synonymous with the Western Cape, representing the determination and hard work of early farmers, as well as the warmth and character of family homesteads passed down through generations.

Although many Cape Dutch homes have been lost to urban development over the years, the Winelands region still offers a high concentration of such properties, particularly the Helderberg area.

Pam Golding Properties (PGP) says Cape Dutch style homes remain among the most sought-after for family buyers in Somerset West who aspire to gracious living in a distinctive historical setting.

PGP’s area manager for the Helderberg region, Louise Varga, says the Cape Dutch style was prominent in South African architecture of the 17th century, during the early days of the Cape Colony.

“It has its roots in a blend of European styles, including medieval Dutch, German and French architecture as well Indonesian elements. Typical features include whitewashed walls and thatched roofs.”

Originally the layout was a single-storey home with three rooms – but as families grew more affluent by the 1800s, floor plans became more elaborate and houses larger and more ornate. H or T-shaped designs became the norm and ornate rounded front gables began to appear more frequently.

Vergelegen i n Somerset West is thought to be the oldest surviving example of the style. Its manor house dates from the early 1700s when Cape governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel developed the property.

Today, Cape Dutch homes are highly prized, with even modern replicas of the style

Such properties seldom come on to the market, but when they do, they tend to attract attention

appealing to those who want a distinctive home with historical character, heritage and olde-worlde charm.

The family-oriented lifestyle of the Somerset West area, with its mountain and sea views and highly rated schools, adds to that appeal.

PGP agents Natasha Wright and Thea Albertyn say suburbs like Morningside and Nature’s Valley offer several examples. Such properties seldom come on to the market, but when they do, they tend to attract attention from far and wide, including foreign buyers.

“Depending on the size, age, area and condition of the home, prices can vary quite significantly,” say the agents. “For example, in 2009 PGP sold a Cape Dutch property in Helderrand for R2.15 million, and a similar home in Briza fetched R3.9m in 2010.”

PGP has Cape Dutch-style homes for sale, among them a three- bedroom cottage on a 1 000m2 erf in Morningside that borders Nature’s Valley.

Designed and built in 1975 by the owners, the home has panoramic views of the Helderberg and lies close to many historical sites, among them Lourensford and Vergelegen estates, as well as the modern Erinvale Golf Estate.

The home is also within easy reach of Radloff Park, a popular area for dog-walking and sports.

Top- rated schools in the vicinity include Beaumont Primary, Parel Vallei and Somerset House. Notable features include a full- length patio shaded by a grapevine, as well as an enclosed braai area. The price is R1.85m.

Call Natasha Wright on 072 997 2045, Thea Albertyn o n 0 8 2 9 2 5 5 5 1 0 o r e mail somersetwest@pamgolding.co.za