Growing Demand for Secure Estate Living
As a result of the growing demand for secure estate living, few properties are still available on Digteby Estate near Stellenbosch.
“In the historic town of Stellenbosch in the heart of the scenic Cape Winelands region an increasing number of residents are selling their homes in the suburbs and relocating to secure, lifestyle estates in tranquil countrified settings. Other buyers from the Western Cape include those from the Durbanville and Welgemoed areas of Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs.”
Louise Varga, PGP Area Manager for Boland and Overberg
“When we launched Brandwacht Aan Rivier in 2010, the majority of our buyers were from the local Stellenbosch area. Such was the market response that 90 erven sold in the first month, with all 120 plots on the estate sold out in four months,” says Varga.
“Coupled with this ongoing high demand from local buyers, we are recently noticing a growing tendency among out of town buyers, particularly Gauteng residents, to permanently relocate to the Boland. And they are choosing estate living with security and the peaceful, rural landscape being the key attractions.”
Pam Golding Properties is experiencing these buying trends at Digteby Estate, which is located just outside Stellenbosch with easy access to the N1 and N2 highways. “This beautifully landscaped estate is the epitome of anyone’s dream destination of appealing Cape vernacular homes set among vineyards and with panoramic mountain views. Now that the estate is rapidly reaching its full potential, with completed homes and established gardens setting the scene for an enviable way of life, buyers are grabbing the opportunity to acquire property here – particularly as vacant land in Stellenbosch is so scarce,” adds Varga.
Apart from local and upcountry buyers, South African expatriates have relocated to Digteby Estate from America, according to Lizette Botha, agent for Pam Golding Properties, which is marketing completed homes and erven on the estate. “There are also ‘swallows’ who have settled here, who spend a few months of the year in South Africa and a few months in Europe,” she says.
Launched in 2007, Digteby Estate comprises 49 erven in total, with 27 homes constructed. Marketed exclusively through Pam Golding Properties (PGP), the first phase of the launch sold out within three months.
Over the past 22 months (to October 2014) there has been significantly renewed interest in Digteby Estate with 16 erven re-sales concluded, of which PGP concluded 12. During the past year erven ranging between 630sqm and 1000sqm in size sold for prices from R775 000 to R1.55 million, while in the second phase of the development eight 400-450sqm erven sold out though PGP priced between R580 000 and R650 000.
Botha says owners have invested from R7000 to R10 000 per square metre to build luxury three or four bedroom homes, depending on the quality of finishes. “Positively, most owners who have built a home are using it as a permanent, primary residence. In fact they seem to love living here, as no completed residential homes have become available for purchase until now. While there are a couple of retirees, the estate has proven most popular among younger buyers, mainly with families. We have also recently seen buyers looking to acquire a home for leisure getaways.”
She says there is now not much stock left to buy on Digteby Estate, with only four erven for sale. These comprise a 767sqm stand for R1.04 million and three erven varying from 630 to 720sqm, priced between R1.4 million and R1.98 million. There are currently two completed houses available for purchase, including a modern and spacious four-bedroom, double-storey house on a prime site, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees with scenic mountain views. With high quality fixtures the home includes three large reception rooms, three bathrooms (two en suite), large study and cosy ‘pyjama’ lounge plus two fireplaces, and is priced at R5.5 million through Pam Golding Properties.
The second home for sale in Digteby Estate overlooks a large, green open space with panoramic mountain views,beautifully appointed open plan living room, dining room and kitchen with easy flow onto a north-facing patio and private pool area. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms (two en suite), high ceilings and generously proportioned rooms, this attractive home is priced at R4.9 million, exclusively marketed by Pam Golding Properties.
Picturesque Digteby Estate has 24-hour manned security, strict access control and perimeter electric fencing. Inspired by the rich traditions of Stellenbosch, the architectural style affords residents a sense of privacy and old-world charm with the benefits of modern facilities and amenities. Beautiful gardens and tree-lined avenues lead the eye across the vineyards to spectacular vistas of the surrounding Simonsberg, Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountains.
For family home buyers there are about 19 primary and secondary schools in the surrounds, including the prestigious Stellenbosch High School, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Rhenish Girls High and Bloemhof Girls High, while Stellenbosch University is just 4km away. Zevenwacht Mall is a 10 minute drive and Cape Town city centre 40 minutes away.
For further information contact Lizette Botha of Pam Golding Properties on 021 8871017 or 084 440 1057 or email lizette.botha@pamgolding.co.za