The Eastern Cape town of Aberdeen is experiencing a surge in demand for all types of property from appealing character homes of various styles to businesses servicing the new and vibrant Karoo culture that is rapidly taking root.
"This attractive town is coming alive again with home buyers becoming increasingly aware of the charming homes on offer at very competitive prices. Aberdeen is home to eight architectural design styles, namely Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Karoo, Russian, Cape Dutch, Cape Vernacular and Modern. The town is also renowned for its large 'feather palaces' built by the ostrich barons between 1890 and 1920," says Clyde Cole, Pam Golding Properties (PGP) resident agent in Aberdeen.
Cole made his first sale with a transaction for the town's landmark De Denne Guesthouse for the record price of R900k, which remains the highest price achieved for a property in Aberdeen. Built in 1894, this gracious example of beautiful Victorian/Edwardian architecture was sold as a historical property as opposed to a going concern.
Recently, another exclusive historic home, The Homestead - built circa 1820 – was sold for R750k. This was originally the farmhouse of Jan Voster, situated on Brakkefontein Farm and which 35 years later was sold and subdivided to form the town of Aberdeen.
"These sales indicate an awakening of a growing appreciation for historic properties and the exquisite architecture associated with those bygone eras. This is coupled with the fact that the Karoo is still arguably the most affordable investment opportunity in the country, offering sound value for money and a highly desirable lifestyle - undoubtedly the reason why many city dwellers are relocating here," Cole says.
Accessibly located on the N9 highway between Bloemfontein and George, Aberdeen was a bustling town serving the surrounding farming community - still its main function - but today, although it finds itself back in the spotlight as a desirable country destination, it remains a tranquil country village, relatively crime-free and offering a relaxed, laidback lifestyle.
It has its own abundant water supply from the original spring - as well as bore holes - with the lei water channel to gardens still operating to supply water to half the town.
There are a wide range of properties on the market, with many in the very affordable R250k to R350k price range, and ideally suited for those retiring. "While some of these homes do require some attention, the value for money makes them extremely attractive to outside investors, particularly those moving away from the tighter markets in the bigger centres and at the coast," says Cole.
Other homes currently on the market are priced between R350k and R450k, while at the very top end of the market a guesthouse is available for purchase at R1,1m.
He says while it does not have the tourist attractions of Graaff-Reinet, uranium is abundant on farms nearby and speculation is that world demand may make the establishment of mines viable in the future which would have spin-offs for Aberdeen and its property market.
Image: This property in Aberdeen is marketed at R1,1m.
Image: This four-bedroom Victorian home in Aberdeen, complete with Oregon floors and situated in a quiet area of the town, is marketed at R375k.
For more information contact Clyde Cole on 049 846 0917 or send an email. Click here to visit the website.
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