The award-winning Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, part of the Val de Vie super estate is testament to the abundance and beauty that secure luxury lifestyle estates offer in the Western Cape.
Pearl Valley, the gem of Winelands country living, took the honours in a recent national survey of residential estates, scoring the highest for security, scenery and wildlife, quality and design of houses, stand sizes, facilities and activities, value for money and resale potential. The survey, conducted by New World Wealth, a leading company that provides information on the global wealth sector, underscores the fact that the estate attracts interest from a broad range of affluent property buyers. Established in 2002, the estate provides residents with an unparalleled Cape Winelands lifestyle, encapsulated in its ‘Live, Play, Relax’ philosophy. Appealing to a growing number of locals from across the country, Pearl Valley is an attractive choice for those desiring a country lifestyle in close proximity to Cape Town, whilst remaining popular amongst foreign investors seeking a southern summer retreat.
“The Top Residential Estate in South Africa 2015 accolade acknowledges our vision of becoming the leading residential estate in Southern Africa, offering a secure lifestyle in beautiful surrounds where residents can enjoy the convenience of various world-class facilities and a championship golf course,” says Gawie Marx, Pearl Valley’s general manager.
The sprawling 212 hectare luxury estate located between Franschhoek and Paarl is nestled among the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains in the pristine Berg River Valley. Residents enjoy complete secure tranquillity and privacy. The estate has various state-of-the-art security measures, including an electrified perimeter fence and 24-hour security patrol, supported by current technology detection cameras, all monitored from a central on-site security control room. In another significant development, the highly anticipated luxury five-star Pearl Valley Hotel and conference venue is set to open in 2016. Developed and operated by Mantis Collection, world-renowned for their boutique-style approach, the hotel will be the largest in the region and another representation of Mantis’ bespoke style.
The Pearl Valley story continues to unfold with 95 prime-located developer plots released towards the end of last year, exclusively marketed by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Realty Winelands, directly from a property office in the clubhouse. Lew Geffen, chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says, “There is a natural brand marriage between Pearl Valley and Sotheby’s that is arguably the most exclusive real estate brand in the world. The quality of real estate found at Pearl Valley is sought after not only in South Africa, but by international buyers as well.”
Ranging in size from 580m² to 1890m², starting from R1 million, the developer plots make for an attractive investment, borne out by the fact that 24 have sold since launch, with the remainder being rapidly sold to discerning investors. Of the 500 residences allowed for in the master plan, 375 have been completed, as well as 66 of the 90 sectional-title lodges.
The estate’s modern architectural vernacular draws inspiration from the surrounding natural fauna and flora, with a play on the hues, tones and textures of the province’s magnificent climate and the rich Cape Floral kingdom. Many of its homes offer spacious living areas, positioned to optimise expansive views, which is on-trend for premium country estate living.
In May, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Winelands achieved a new record price of R 22.5 million for an award-winning home on the estate. The modern masterpiece, designed by celebrated architect Louis Phillips, was awarded third place at the acclaimed international architectural competition Casalgrande Padana Grand Prix 2012. Pearl Valley encompass a well-rounded living experience, offering leisure and respite, and, as such, attracts a broad spectrum of residents – from influential business leaders to, of course, those passionate about golf. Over the past two years, there have been a rapidly increasing number of young families setting up primary residences on the estate.
There is a superb array of leisure facilities at the clubhouse such as a spa, gym and swimming pools. Sports facilities include tennis courts, pétanque courts, cricket nets, a soccer field and the Swingfit Golf Academy. An equestrian centre, boma on the banks of the Berg River and hiking and biking trails alongside lakes interspersed with natural fynbos and ample trees complete the picture. The Bridge House Play School, adjacent to the clubhouse, caters for ages two to four years.
Last year, for the seventh consecutive time, the rolling championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, designed by the ‘Golden Bear’ himself, won both Best Conditioned Golf Course in the Western Cape by Golf Digest and the Compleat Golfer Five-Star Experience Award. This course was built and maintained by Golf Data. From 2007 to 2009, it played host to the South African Open. One of its noted residents is Lee-Anne Pace, South Africa’s number one female golfer and also Pearl Valley Golf ambassador.
With many South African property buyers relocating to the Cape, the need for safe and tranquil living, proximity to Cape Town, and, for families with children, an education path, becomes a balancing act. However, with Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, no compromise is required. Marx comments, “It’s not just the demand for a country lifestyle just outside Franschhoek, the wine and gourmet capital of South Africa, that makes Pearl Valley so appealing, but also our location near Cape Town, various top-class schools and a leading university in the immediate surrounds.” The estate is a mere 40-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and a 30-minute drive to the beaches of Strand and Gordon’s Bay. Ensuring that Pearl Valley maintains a premium lifestyle experience, the management team is responsible for all aspects of daily estate management. One of their successes is a close, collaborative relationship with the Homeowners’ Association, golf members and residents. Apart from an open-door policy, residents and members receive various regular communications in the form of estate newsletters, golf updates and special newsflashes as and when required.
The choice that many satisfied homeowners at Pearl Valley have made is one that sees them waking up each morning on a secure residential estate surrounded by majestic mountains, to the sound of birds singing, being able to jog down a peaceful lane and the pleasure of a vibrant Winelands lifestyle all year round. Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate achieves a brilliant balance for those wanting to live, play and relax in a beautiful and safe environment. It’s a world-class destination that sets the bar high for other communities in the domestic residential estate sector and showcases South Africa as a viable option for foreign investment.
