New heritage societies and special property promotions are bringing the historic old Karoo homesteads to buyers, and at the same time helping to preserve the area's heritage.
The quaint, beautiful - and historic - towns of the Karoo, set in tranquil and scenic surrounds, are increasingly capturing the interest of home buyers, particularly those wanting to escape the pressures of modern, urban living, and the unique architecture of the Karoo is providing the stimulus for the economic revival of its towns.
Wayne Rubidge, Pam Golding Properties' Karoo area principal based in Graaff-Reinet, says that the affordability of property in the Karoo is also a major attraction and most towns still have properties available under R500 000. This has created a viable and exciting opportunity for first time homeowners as well as families and others looking for an alternative to city - or coastal living.
Now PGP Karoo, which currently has over 300 residential properties in the area as well as approximately 100 farms, is running a series of promotions regarding the special property opportunities which the Karoo has to offer. All the properties showcased will be on sole mandate with PGP Karoo, and the series of promotions will include the following categories:
a.. Historical homes of famous people of the Karoo
b.. Exceptional historical farmsteads
c.. Classic Karoo cottages
d.. Stately Karoo homes
e.. Exclusive Karoo nature retreats
Comments Wayne Rubidge: "The Karoo region of South Africa spans all three Cape Provinces - Western, Eastern and Northern Cape and stretches into the Southern Free State, and abounds with historical 18th and 19th century towns and villages, each with its own well known people who all contributed to the making and history of the country.
"Styles vary from Cape Vernacular and Victorian to early Karoo, Art Deco, more modern homes, and even mansions - there are many styles of Karoo huisies, all of which take on new dimensions within the spatial context of the Karoo. In fact, a house might have up to four different architectural styles added on over the past three centuries. It's only in the past decade that a more general public appreciation for the materials, historic value and craftsmanship of early buildings of the Karoo has developed. While anything older than 60 years is protected by law and you need permits to make changes to the exterior, unfortunately, in recent years, many historic buildings in the Karoo have been illegally stripped of their key features, which is why we believed it was a key imperative to establish Heritage Societies in the region," he says.
With a network of trained and dedicated agents committed to the well being of the towns and their communities, in June this year (2006), Pam Golding Karoo teamed up with the Nama Karoo Foundation's Karoo Architectural Network (KAN) and invited members of the National Heritage Foundation and Drakenstein Heritage Societies (based in Paarl) to visit the Karoo on a Pam Golding Heritage Weekend. The purpose was to view the architecture, create awareness about the Karoo's architectural heritage, provide advice about home restorations, educate interested parties about new legislation pertaining to South Africa's heritage and explain how to launch Heritage Societies in Karoo towns.
Says Marina Beal of the Nama Karoo Foundation: "The Pam Golding Heritage Weekend was a great success, being enthusiastically supported by local communities - and Historical Societies are now being established in the towns visited. The focus for the weekend was a beautiful Bo Karoo town called Phillipstown which was the first shopping mall of South Africa which included a beautiful boxing ring. It now has Pam Golding offices as well as "Die Box Kryt" (boxing ring) facility complete with a pub that details local town and farming history. Andries and Kay Fourie are the Pam Golding Karoo representatives and they are seventh generation farmers in the district. They have in their possession a camping table left by Andries Pretorius when he went through the farm on his famous trek. The tour also included trips to Victoria West, Petrusville, Bethulie, Hanover and Richmond."
The Nama Karoo Foundation is developing a guideline booklet compiled with experts such as Len Raymond, chairman of the Society, about restoring and caring for Karoo homes. This booklet, sponsored by Pam Golding Karoo, will be freely available to anyone who wants to participate in the Karoo Architectural Network.
For more information or to enquire regarding details for local artisans in the Karoo area (eg plumbers, electricians, builders etc), can contact 049 8923495 or email karoo@pamgolding.co.za. or info@namakaroo.org.
Photo: Built by Andries Stockenstrom Jnr, Landdrost of Graaff-Reinet in 1819, this historically elegant guest house, has been immaculately restored and perfectly maintained. This National Historic Monument offers six bedrooms in a luxurious ambience where no expense was spared to create a peaceful and tranquil environment. It includes a walk-in refrigerator, wine cellar, large scullery, industrial dishwasher and Italian ovens. Sold as a going concern, the new owner can literally walk in and entertain guests on the first night. Price is on application.
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