The Hemel-en-Aarde Estate on the outskirts of Hermanus is nearly fully developed, with just 16 vacant erven remaining out of a total of 356 plots. Pam Golding Properties (PGP) reports that the secure residential estate is currently attracting interest from a wide range of buyers, from local families and business owners to those relocating from upcountry provinces for security reasons and European “swallows” who spend their summers in South Africa. The development’s reputation as an extremely well-managed estate with hi-tech security ensures perennial demand, although stock turnover tends to be low due to most owners opting for long-term residence.
Hemel-en-Aarde Estate is located between Onrus and Hermanus, in the heart of the Cape’s Whale Coast district. It lies at the tip of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, alongside the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Most properties enjoy views of either the mountains, Walker Bay, or both. The 45ha estate includes a range of housing options, from small lock-up-and-go cottages to more substantial family homes and a few super-luxury properties on very large erven. Landscaping includes extensive open spaces for residents to enjoy, including a fynbos garden, Afri-Zen garden, several water features and some 6km of paved walking or jogging trails.
PGP’s MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, Annien Borg, says prices range from an entry level of around R1.6 million for smaller cottages with limited views, going up to R2 million to R3 million for larger family homes with better views of the ocean or mountains. More substantial properties with four bedrooms, high quality fittings and unfettered views can fetch R4.5 million to R5 million, while a handful of super-luxury properties can sell for well over R10 million. Plot sizes average around 1000sqm per erf, and the few remaining vacant plots are priced between R500 000 and R1.2 million, depending on position, elevation and views. “All residents enjoy the peace of mind of living in a secure environment which is protected by biometric access control, an extensive yet unobtrusive CCTV camera network, infra-red perimeter beams and 24 hour armed response and guard patrols,” she says. “These extensive security features are one of the major selling points of the estate, particularly for families relocating from other provinces for security reasons, as well as for those who spend only a portion of the year in South Africa, and want to know that their homes are secure in their absence.”
The lifestyle on offer on the estate is highly appealing, and includes access to a private Country Club with tennis and squash courts, saunas, steam bath, putting green, bar and fully-equipped gym, as well as a 25m x 12m heated swimming pool and adjacent children’s pool. The estate offers high-speed internet connections, digital satellite connectivity and free telephony between residents’ homes. “The magnificent beaches of Hermanus and Onrus are a few minutes’ drive away,” Borg adds, “as is the Hermanus Wine Route with its 17 wine estates, including top names like Bouchard Finlayson, Whalehaven, Hamilton Russell and Southern Right. And for golfers there are five golf courses in the vicinity, including the acclaimed Arabella Golf Club. Residents can even walk to one of the local wine cellars located at the nearby shopping centre, which also offers restaurants and a collection of lifestyle and decor shops. It is a lifestyle which appeals to young and old, and is suitable for everyone from young children to executives and retirees.”
PGP currently has a selection of close to 20 properties on offer in Hemel-en-Aarde Estate, ranging from vacant plots to small lock-up-and-go cottages and larger and more luxurious homes. For more information, call PGP agents Louise Momberg (082 553 0427) and Annali Durr (082 323 6552) or contact their office on 028 316 3390 or onrus@pamgolding.co.za.
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