With a shortage of quality residential accommodation close to the centre of George – a regional hub and the second largest city in the Western Cape, it’s not surprising that 34 out of the total of 40 units have already been reserved in a brand new, upmarket sectional title residential development, Le Jardin, launched at the end of November (2021) in a tranquil but very central area, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.
Marketed jointly by Pam Golding Properties and Signatura and designed by BBB Architects, Le Jardin is brought to market by one of Cape Town’s most experienced developers of quality residential projects, John Rabie of Signatura, to meet the urgent need for such accommodation. Over the years Rabie has launched hundreds of residential projects in the Western Cape as well as a blue-chip international development in Lisbon, Portugal, which is also marketed by Pam Golding Properties.
Says Dr Golding: “The location is prime as this landmark new development is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few hundred metres from the shops and restaurants of York Street, but with a rural feel, being opposite Van Riebeek Park and very close to the green belt of the Camfersdrift River, with exceptional views of the Outeniqua Mountains. A few minutes’ drive to George Airport and around the corner from George Golf Club, it’s also in the middle of the city’s medical belt, with Mediclinic and George Hospital nearby.” Popular beaches such as Victoria Bay, Herold Bay and Wilderness are only 20 minutes’ drive to the south while hiking, walking and biking trails are only about 1km away.
Says Stephen Murray, Pam Golding Properties area manager in George: “The units in the four-level block comprise 10 one-bedroom apartments priced from R1.25 million and 30 two-bedroom apartments priced from R1.65 million, VAT included and no transfer duty, with most having two secure parking bays. There is lift access to the apartments, all of which have terraces, open-plan kitchens fitted with SMEG appliances, WiFi, satellite TV and a smartphone-operated access control security. The development has solar panels for a discounted electricity supply as well as extensive landscaping. Fitting for Le Jardin, which means ‘The Garden’, each level of the building connects out onto a central garden area with added vertical greening and cascading edge plants in keeping with the local mountainous vegetation.”
Introducing a modern blend of contemporary domestic architecture into a well-established residential area, the building volume is designed around a kraal-like central enclave, protecting the inside areas where there is pedestrian movement and creating sheltered areas from the elements. The U-shaped layout of the building creates space for the centrepiece of the design – the attractive entertainment deck and swimming pool on the second floor – while maximising the scenic mountain and river views from the apartments. The inner courtyard surrounds a sunny rooftop terrace which offers shared spaces for residents, and the interior design achieves a fresh, modern look and optimal use of light and space.
Says Murray: “It is extremely rare to find a new sectional title development launched in George, let alone in such a prime, central location, and especially a luxury project such as this within an accessible price range, as the apartments are priced up to a maximum of R1.9 million. The units are well designed with clever use of space, with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area and appealing vinyl flooring throughout except for porcelain, non-slip tiled bathrooms and terraces.
“This development ticks all the boxes for a range of buyers and investors, being ideal for permanent living and an attractive proposition for tenants for sound rental income. Offering good value for money for these upmarket, finished apartments, Le Jardin is ideal as a starter home for the active and busy professional or active retiree, and being within the medical precinct of George, is very suitable for letting.”
Commenting on the residential property market in George in general, Murray says the popularity and desirability of George as a permanent location lies in its beautiful natural surrounds of the Outeniqua mountains, making it a country environment offering quality of life, as well as its strategic positioning as the ‘capital’ of the Garden Route, with sound infrastructure, good schools and an abundance of outdoor activities including golf.
“As a result, apart from local activity we receive enquiries from around the country but predominantly Gauteng and areas elsewhere in the Western Cape, including the Boland region. The market comprises not only those with families but also financially secure entrepreneurial individuals who are able to work from anywhere, and those who are semi-retired but live an active lifestyle. Estate living has boomed over the past few years with some of the estates almost reaching sold-out status from a vacant land perspective.”
Adds Murray: “While George has traditionally not been a town of sectional title property, the extremely positive market response to the launch of Le Jardin underlines the high demand for hassle-free, luxury living with quality components such as finishes, security, parking and facilities.”
For further information contact Pam Golding Properties George office on 0 44 874 6619 or email george@pamgolding.co.za .
