Priced at R990 000, this attractive character home in Ladismith is marketed by Pam Golding Properties.
Since the start of 2015, home buyers have demonstrated a continuation of a growing modern trend towards a more balanced way of life, with Pam Golding Properties area manager, Masood Husain in Ladismith in the Garden Route region of the Klein Karoo reporting a steady rise for investment or getaway properties in this tranquil town as well as in nearby Calitzdorp, situated not far from Oudtshoorn.
“As has been the case for the last four years or so, buyers are repopulating small towns such as these, seeking an escape from the pressures of city life in major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, and on the rare occasion, Durban too. Major driving forces further fuelling this migration incorporate a number of factors, including economic, social security and political. Many of these buyers are looking for affordable smallholdings in order to become almost self-sufficient, while they enjoy a better quality lifestyle.”
“Right at the beginning of the year I sold a nine hectare piece of vacant land in Calitzdorp, which fetched R97 500 as well as a 4832sqm piece of municipal vacant land in Ladismith which I sold, almost simultaneously, for R185 000. In line with the predominant focus on bargain properties, both these represent exceptional value for money for the purchasers.”
Husain says Ladismith is made attractive by a combination of factors. It has busily booming neighbours on either side, namely Barrydale and Calitzdorp, which affords Ladismith – which is not experiencing a boom as yet, a kind of fish-bowl attraction.
“Over saturation in both these two towns is driving buyers our way, particularly those with foresight and vision who are looking to capitalise on the potential of Ladismith, as has been realised elsewhere. That, together with the town’s spectacular natural mountain views, friendly locals who greet each other and strangers alike, almost zero percent crime, as well as burgeoning cheese, wine, hospitality and transport industries, are all helping create an alluringly winning, growing market.”
“Geographically Ladismith is situated on an elbow type joint on the R62 route between Barrydale and Calitzdorp, which provides a growing net in which to capture those looking for that little undiscovered gem which offers the perfect, sought after property. I would say that Ladismith, as opposed to its neighbours, inherently offers most in the way of an ideal outdoor type lifestyle and healthy environment, which is also well suited to raising a family.”
Plenty of activities in the larger region also play a role in drawing home buyers and achieving increasing exposure for Ladismith. Calitzdorp and even Oudtshoorn, somewhat further afield, offer a variety of mountain biking races. There is also the annual Oudtshoorn KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees) festival, as well as the Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival in July, when visitors overflow into Ladismith. “Booming and creative restaurant activity in these towns attract visitors in what is happily a growing trend,” says Husain. “Calitzdorp is also experiencing an influx of those setting up small businesses, including artists and crafts people.”
He says from fairly low-key beginnings just a few years ago, Ladismith is now home to a number of appealing stop-over places for visitors. “Oaksrest Vineyards offers superb accommodation and conference facilities as well as a breathtaking wedding venue in a spectacular valley not far out of town. In the same valley is Mymering guest estate, home to Hillock Wines, with 4 Star accommodation and winner for the second consecutive year as one of the top 10 Klein Karoo restaurants. Then across from there is the very buzzy Koedoeskloof Country Lodge, with a rapidly growing biker fan base and a lovely weekend getaway for locals and city folk too. A little further afield lies the mystical Wolverfontein guest farm – an erstwhile ostrich palace which has been wondrously converted into a fabulous getaway which is truly off the beaten track.
“All of these factors attractively merge to form the ideal backdrop for a property newly listed on our books – offering a winning combination of city comforts in an elegantly appointed 3 Star guesthouse, yet with plenty of farmland available to indulge anyone’s need for a satisfying farm environment or experience. Situated in Ladismith and realistically priced at R4.4 million, this offers good returns for the investor, with the potential to further enhance the current returns at little cost – from utilising and maximising the under-used farming component to expanding and capitalising on the conference facilities which already exist,” says Husain.
This generous 53ha property includes 14ha under irrigation. The old manor house has been lovingly restored and upgraded to a high standard and includes 10 bedrooms, most en suite and with separate entrances to the main house and to the separate cottages. The self-catering cottage is fully upgraded with a kitchenette and a full bathroom. The house also has a store room with implements, laundry room, generous farm-style kitchen, scullery and several outside workrooms. The property includes a large pool, beautifully manicured gardens and spacious veranda ideal for sumptuous, elegant meals.
A further opportunity is a lovely three bedroom character home in Ladismith, built in 1914 and set on a generous stand of approximately 1979sqm, with scenic mountain views and ample privacy. With main bedroom en suite with wooden floor and a pressed ceiling, the home includes a huge farm-style kitchen with wooden floor and Oregon ceiling. There is a large living room with pressed ceiling, wooden floor and built-in fireplace, large wraparound veranda, attractive garden which adjoins the golf course, two garages and several outside rooms. Ideal as a family getaway, the property is priced at R990 000 through Pam Golding Properties Ladismith.