Vredehoek is currently enjoying a healthy demand, and has received an added boost with the restoring of several of the older blocks to their former glory, according to Ryan Greeff, Director of Greeff Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate, City Bowl.
Currently being restored and updated, is The Adelphi, a gracious art deco block in Vredehoek, conceived by Larry Coleman and Pierre Steenkamp of Bespoke Residences – a boutique property developer focusing on creating unique, high quality, and personal residential spaces in Cape Town’s most coveted locations.
“We have had extensive consultations with Heritage Western Cape, and in fact the design of The Adelphi has been in partnership with them,” says Bespoke Residences’ Managing Partner and co-founder, Pierre Steenkamp.
“From the very beginning, we wanted to create something that was meaningful and close to our hearts. It would be a development that would combine all the best parts of the original building, with the form, function and beauty of contemporary design,” adds Pierre.
The developers aimed to complete the development before putting it on sale. This approach allowed them the opportunity to design and craft each element, from interiors to finishes, progressively and organically, so that every part is exactly as it should be.
“Everything we do is based upon one simple premise – creating timeless, functional and desirable homes that are purpose-designed for the way people want to live today,” says Larry Coleman.
“Combining old and new is a contemporary path to rejuvenating inner city buildings in a sustainable and sophisticated manner, thus, providing modern convenience for today’s needs, while preserving the old world charm, warmth and human scale” comments architect Xico Meirelles of MLB Architects who has succeeded in blending contemporary design with the beautiful original deco moulded façade, to create a stylish and striking juxtaposition of eras which, he says, will revolutionize the way we look at urban living.
“We enjoy the challenge of renovating historical buildings, while creating modern living space,” says Meirelles. “These ‘old ladies’ tend to have good solid elements, which can be retained as assets when incorporated with the new. Art Deco is a perfect style for such refurbishments, as long as the ‘new’ does not try
to mimic the ‘old’. Our approach was to preserve the proportions, materials and colors of the original structure, while ‘receding’ what is new, in scale, finish and detail.”
The existing carcass has been widened to offer ultra spacious, airy living areas and generously proportioned patios and balconies, bordered by seamless glass paneling, achieving the effect of an “inside outside” living experience while allowing sweeping views of the City Bowl.
The four-storey Adelphi offers four, two-bedroomed, two-bathroomed apartments with separate dining room, and one two-bedroom, three-bathroom grand penthouse serviced by its own exclusive elevator with access directly into the apartment.
“Views will be extraordinary from here, particularly as the penthouse leads to a wraparound balcony,” says Greeff, adding that the two ground floor flats enjoy a 50m 2 garden and 30m 2 of balcony and patio space.
“These apartments are exceptionally generous by the standards of the City Bowl where space comes at a premium,”says Greeff.
The block will boast state-of-the art security, including CCTV with multiple screen views linked to all apartments. “You’ll be able to see your child in the pool in the back garden, from your bedroom,” says Greeff. There will also be off-site monitoring. An alarm will link to cameras and cell phones and there is to be an electrified perimeter fence.
Other features include: Fiber optic cables into every room, double glazed windows with solar tinted glass, Oggi engineered wood floors, kitchens by Joos Joiners, travertine tiles, Bongio Italian taps, Victoria and Albert free-standing baths and matching basins, Smeg appliances including wine coolers, Caesarstone counter tops, solar heated geysers, heat pumps, LED lighting, air conditioning in every room, built-in cupboards with adjustable shelving, Lumen8 handmade light switches and granite balconies.
“If you design according to your own lifestyle, as if it is your own home, your place of relaxation and inspiration, the space has an authentic feel and future residents will appreciate the effort you have put into the functionality, layout and detailed design of the home,” comments Coleman.
Priced from R5 490 000. The price includes one garage, one parking bay, plus a spacious storeroom per unit.
Completion is anticipated for mid December, 2016, according to Steenkamp. “Vredehoek is perfectly located for those wanting or needing to be close to the city without being right on top of the hustle and bustle,” says Greeff.
“Residents will enjoy easy access to the city’s exceptional amenities and attractions, be able to dine at sought-after restaurants and cafes, shop at the V&A Waterfront and relax at world-renowned beaches, all a few minutes from their doorstep,” adds Greeff.
“Vredehoek has really arrived as a neighbourhood and investors are taking note,” says Greeff.
He adds that there is also a very high demand for rentals in Vredehoek, and luxury apartments in the vicinity have been known to achieve yields of between five and seven percent of the purchase price.
“This makes The Adelphi a particularly notable investment opportunity,” says Greeff.
