LOCATED on the Eastern Head of Knysna on SA’s scenic Garden Route, Pezula Private Estate spans more than 612ha and has nearly 4km of coastline.
It is bordered by the Noetzie beach and Sinclair Nature Reserve and has great views of the Indian Ocean and the indigenous forests and fynbos landscapes of the Southern Cape. It is close to the Pezula Championship Course and Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, and homeowners have access to all the facilities and amenities of the award-winning resort.
With only 255 residential sites, Pezula Private E state is one of the lowest density projects in the country, with plots ranging in size from 3000m² to 33000m² . Only 15% of the estate is being developed, meaning 85% of the property will be made up of indigenous forests and rehabilitated coastal fynbos overlooking the sheltered beaches below the cliffs.
When the Pezula Group purchased the cliff-top real estate that was to become Pezula Private Estate, much of it was covered in commercial pine and blue gum forests. The co mpany launched a huge rehabilitation programme to restore the land to its original pristine state. The success of this endeavour has been hailed internationally and recognised with a number of prestigious awards.
In fact, Pezula Private Estate was recently officially registered with CapeNature as part of The Knysna Coastal Conservancy, together with its surrounding areas. Comprising some 880ha, the conservancy incorporates all the different property usages on Pezula as well as the adjacent Sparrebosch Home Owners Association.
Set on a stand measuring more than 7000m² , this striking modern 760m² home enjoys views of the Indian Ocean and indigenous forests. The five large en-suite bedrooms are complemented by an open plan kitchen/lounge and dining area with integrated water features. There is an additional flatlet as well as an indoor/outdoor braai and entertainment area.
Four garages, a wine cellar, gym, laundry, scullery, central sound and vacuum systems, underfloor heating, swimming pool and Jacuzzi complete the picture.
The owners of the property, who are UK property developers, were involved in the design of the house, which was undertaken by architect Geary Mansfield of Dwell Designs. It has a distinctive African feel to it which is accentuated by the thatch roofing.
Alan Evans, principal of Seeff Properties Knysna, says that the property market at Pezula is slow because prices are high. “A small number of vacant stands have sold in the last six months, but no second-hand houses,” he says.
While Knowledge Factory’s SAPTG statistics have no appreciation trends available for Pezula, they show that only eight transfers have been processed so far during the 2008-09 period, with an average price of just over R4m. This is compared to the 76 transfers in the 2005-06 period and the 20 transfers during 2007-08.
Evans says that prices of houses on the market range from R9m to R24m plus. “Owners have not been reducing prices as there are no distressed sellers. We have, however, seen some speculators who purchased vacant stands reducing prices by up to 25%.”
Evans says that buyers are attracted to Pezula Private Estate because it is a secure area with access control throughout. Features on the estate include stabling for horses, the Field of Dreams which includes a cricket oval, rugby and soccer fields, a golf practice range, tennis courts and more.
“It will in time be a world-class international sports complex and already a number of international football teams are looking at basing themselves at Pezula for the World Cup in 2010,” says Evans.
Price: R19,8m Contact: Seeff Properties Alan Evans 083 308 2595