A landmark Pringle Bay property fondly referred to as ‘Trix se Trein’ has been sold by Pam Golding Properties for close to the asking price of R1.85 million.
The home incorporates one-and-a-half first and second class SA Railways train carriages which aroused considerable interest when they were transported from Franschhoek through Gordon’s Bay and along scenic Clarence Drive to be installed in a prime elevated site close to the beach in Pringle Bay.
The seller of this unusual character home is acclaimed actress Trix Pienaar, who starred in numerous successful productions across theatre, film and media.
In 1976 she acquired the carriages which had been used as the set for a TV production, and with the help of architect Chris De Hart, designed her dream home.
The interiors consist of solid Burmese Teak and leather lined counters, cupboards and interior seating, while the original SA Railways numbering still appears on compartment doors. Original features include exquisite ‘pull-up’ teak shutters on the windows and foldaway tables, bunk beds and cupboards, mirrors and bathroom and basin fixtures. The kitchen counters and cupboards are all leather lined and surround a gas hob and electric oven.
Says Pienaar: “Over the years this home has provided me with endless joy. I love wood, having grown up in a house where my father’s study – a magnificent room, was filled with beautiful wood and oozed the warm ambience of this timeless natural feature”.
“The train, with its lovely, solid wood is reminiscent of that room and being surrounded by the velvety rich Burmese Teak is almost like wearing a fur coat! And so I came to enjoy my own ideal home in the perfect setting with scenic mountain and ocean views, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. I am sad to be leaving this home but am delighted it will be appreciated and cared for in years to come.”
The three bedroom, two bathroom property includes two reception rooms, wood kitchen, built-on sun room which acts as a lounge and dining area with the sweeping ocean vistas and a garage.
The property has been acquired for leisure use by a Western Cape buyer.
Nicola Lloyd, selling agent for Pam Golding Properties in Pringle Bay, says the area is attracting considerable buyer interest particularly Johannesburg buyers seeking homes for immediate leisure purposes with a view to relocate to in the future. “There is also considerable interest from buyers from Cape Town, Somerset West and Franschhoek”.
“Situated in the Overberg region on the famous Whale Route and only 85km from Cape Town, Pringle Bay is north-facing, sheltered and appealing, offering a host of leisure activities as well as good value for money, factors which are attracting serious buyers. It has a primary school and is accessible to larger centres and educational facilities from pre-school to primary, with a Curro School in nearby Onrus”.
“Pringle Bay is somewhat akin to Noordhoek many years ago. Becoming increasingly popular as a place to live permanently , it’s a satellite village where you can still kick back and relax or head off to larger towns as and when needed.”
Currently Pam Golding Properties is marketing a number of attractive properties in Pringle Bay, including a quaint fisherman’s cottage for R995 000, a large beachfront home for R3.995 million and a spectacular riverfront retreat for R5.45 million.