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Welgevonden Estate in Stellenbosch undoubtedly holds a prime position. It has a countryside tranquillity with scenic views of the Boland mountains, and easy access to everything the vibrant town of Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands region have to offer.
Welgevonden Estate distinguishes itself in that it provides exceptional value to homeowners and property investors. Etienne Gunter, chairman of the executive committee of the Welgevonden Homeowners Association (WHOA) points out that several factors are contributing to this, and with a strategic development plan in place, the estate is positioned for continued growth and sustained success.
‘Welgevonden Estate’s prominent value is due to the vision and approach of the WHOA’s board of trustees, the proactive and hands-on management style of the estate’s management team, and active involvement from homeowners and residents,’ Gunter says.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WELGEVONDEN ESTATE
Adding to this, estate manager Gawie Marx points out that this approach has transformed Welgevonden Estate from its initial state as a residential area with minimal amenities into the competitive and vibrant gated community it is today. He holds the view that this transformation created the high demand for property in Welgevonden Estate, especially among those who are after affordability and added value when investing in real estate.
According to Marx, members who own property or reside on Welgevonden Estate can expect the following:
- Advanced access control and perimeter security with cutting-edge security systems and highly competent security personnel.
- Involvement in decision-making via opinion surveys, and special and annual general meetings.
- Sound communication via monthly newsletters, real-time messaging, and an open-door policy with direct access to estate management.
- Sound financial management and planning with a 7–10-year reserve fund and capex forecast in place.
- Levies that middle-income homeowners find affordable.
- An absence of special levies, as all capex projects are funded from the WHOA’s strong reserves, built up, among others, via exit levies payable upon the sale of properties.
An ongoing focus on the maintenance and upgrading of existing infrastructure to ensure its functionality and longevity.
- Major attention to estate landscaping and the beautifying of common property, made possible by ample water supply from the estate’s boreholes and customized irrigation systems.
- Special emphasis on the upkeep of the external appearance of homes and gardens to ensure the estate has a well-presented overall image.
- A dynamic approach to creating community and leisure facilities aligns with the shift toward community-centric living where lifestyle needs are integrated with proximity-based amenities.
- Sound relationships with service providers and the Stellenbosch Municipality.
- Stable and above-average property investment growth.
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COMMUNITY AND LEISURE FACILITIES
Marx draws attention to two recent and prominent integrated lifestyle projects — one recently completed, and the other in an advanced-stage project phase — that fulfill the need for neighbourhood amenities:
• Upgrading of the Welgevonden Dam to a leisure facility – Welgevonden Estate benefits from having a dam as a prominent feature at its main entrance, serving as a distinctive icon of the estate. The recent project to enhance the dam has improved the estate’s visual appeal and created a focal point for community life and an area where residents can unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Completed at the end of 2023, the project includes several decks and piers strategically placed along the water’s edge, a Fynbos Walk that gives pedestrians access to the area around the dam, and soft landscaping with plants along the dam verges.
• Developing the Welgevonden Park, an integrated leisure and lifestyle facility – The Welgevonden Park project will include a large swimming pool with a separate children’s pool, two floodlit tennis and padel courts, a pump and cycle track, an enclosed dog park, a clubhouse facility, new administrative offices, landscaped walkways, and ample parking.
According to Marx, the Welgevonden Dam and the upcoming Welgevonden Park development offer recreational and lifestyle benefits that residents can enjoy within the estate. These amenities, furthermore, not only drive demand for property in the area, but also increase the long-term value of homeowners’ real estate. ‘Considering the numerous residential estate living options in the Cape Winelands, these essential facilities firmly establish Welgevonden Estate as a preferred residential estate in Stellenbosch,’ he adds.
TIME TO INVEST
In recent years, Welgevonden Estate has evolved from being good to exceptional. It has become upmarket, yet remained affordable. It is managed by a visionary team of dedicated, hands-on professionals, and its momentum is driven by effective management and ongoing value enhancement. Now is a good time to own property in Welgevonden Estate. It is, after all, a remarkable asset in Stellenbosch and a residential estate with flair in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
