Matchless golf estate and V&A Waterfront homes

Cape Town’s now world-famous V&A Waterfront is home to prime real estate today, incorporating some of South Africa’s most prestigious, highly sought-after properties – commercial, residential, lifestyle and retail.

Moreover, the Waterfront is a mere stone’s throw away from the region’s premier golf estates, featuring the ultimate in estate homes and the corresponding gracious lifestyle – a far cry from its humble beginnings.

Name and origin of the V&A Waterfront

Centuries before anyone in the world had heard or thought of golf and estate living, some two years after Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival at the then Cape of Storms in 1652, the Dutch built a jetty from which the Dutch East India Company’s ships could be loaded with fresh supplies and divested of goods destined for the first European Cape settlers.

The Cape of Storms had proved worthy of its name. Many ships foundered in heavy winds and seas. In 1858, a particularly severe storm wrecked at least 30 vessels there, after which the marine insurer, Lloyd’s of London, denied cover to ships anchored in the bay in future.

Prince Alfred was instrumental in the decision to construct the first of the basins, subsequent to Lloyds’ refusal of insurance coverage. After the discovery of gold at Witwatersrand and diamonds in Kimberley, the demand for port facilities increased, necessitating the construction of a second harbour basin, then named after Queen Victoria.

State-of-the-art, modern redevelopment

Prior to 1988, the ageing waterfront, then known as the Foreshore, had become a rather seedy harbour area, in great need of attention and refurbishment, notwithstanding its connection with royal personages. Total redevelopment, with due consideration for historical and heritage sites, took place.

The rest is also confined to the annals of history. Suffice to say that the V&A Waterfront and all its facilities are an integral part of the lives of modern Capetonians, tourists from all around the world, and property purchasers who recognise sound investment opportunities.

Golf estate lifestyle

As in any other type of residential estate, golf estates have certain rules with which residents must comply, but these are intended for the greater good of the estate and its community. Generally, the pros far outweigh the cons. Typical rules include:

• Visitors’, contractors’ and domestic workers’ access is controlled – a small inconvenience, intended for your safety and security.
• Monthly levies are charged – ensuring that the estate is well maintained (especially the course, greens, clubhouse and communal facilities), and on a sound financial footing, thus protecting everyone’s property values. 
• Some estates may specify architectural styles or minimum specifications of homes within the boundaries – this increases the overall ambience and character of the development.

A few top Cape golf estates

• Pearl Valley (Paarl) – is easily accessible by modern, well-maintained freeways, and was deemed to be Golf Digest’s 2005 “best new golf course of the year” at that time.
• Arabella Country Estate (Overberg) – en route to Hermanus and said to be one of the finest residential golf estates on offer.
• De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate (Stellenbosch) – the best of two or more worlds – golf and vineyards.
• Erinvale (Somerset West) – featuring a championship course and low-density occupation/property layout to preserve the peaceful tranquillity of the estate.  

Assistance from Fine & Country South Africa

The demand for golf estate homes and V&A Waterfront residential properties in proximity to golf estates and courses continues to increase. You may decide to live in a golf estate, do your shopping, dining out and entertainment at the V&A, or live in a world-class V&A residence from where you can play golf at any of the region’s select golf clubs.

The sooner you contact Fine & Country South Africa for assistance in making your property investment, the better for your wallet, your family’s lifestyle, your investment portfolio’s value and most importantly – your golf handicap.