In recent years the picturesque area of Dullstroom and its scenic surrounds has experienced a dramatic increase in demand for homes, particularly among those seeking leisure or getaway properties located in a tranquil environment.
As a result, says Anton Greeff, Pam Golding Properties (PGP) area principal, developers launched several new residential developments to cater for the growing demand - especially for new homes within secure estates.
"These are selling well, with the bulk of buyers from Gauteng, given that Dullstroom is only two hours from Johannesburg. With its fresh air, peaceful ambience and renowned for its excellent fishing, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
"Purchasers generally buy for holiday or weekend use, as well as for pure investment or retirement purposes. In addition, return on investment is good, with the value of homes appreciating annually by approximately 34% over the past three years," he says.
He adds there is also a strong demand for affordable trout farms.
In terms of new residential developments, at Highland Gate Golf Estate, just 18km from Dullstroom, just over 100 stands remain of the total of 455 - priced from R805k to R1,74m and ranging in size from 700sq m to 1,700sq m.
With a 18-hole Ernie Els signature golf course, equestrian centre providing stabling for both estate and residents' horses, wellness centre, upmarket lodge with conference facilities and clubhouse with restaurant and function facilities, this prime development also offers still water and river trout fishing and a network of eco-trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding – without impacting on any ecologically sensitive areas.
Individual and fractional ownership is also available and a centralised domestic servicing and unit rental operation is provided.
At St Micheil's Golf Estate, easily accessible off the N4 just after the Belfast and Dullstroom turnoff, 119 stands have sold out of a total of 650 stands averaging at 2,600sq m each, and priced from R395k.
With a Lee Westwood golf course designed by Tyrone Yates, this major development includes an equestrian centre with dressage, show jumping and scenic supervised outrides, 5-star, 100-room hotel, conference centre, health spa, gym, indoor swimming pools, tennis courts and other sports facilities, restaurants and a private landing strip with helipad and hanger facilities. Home to numerous small game, the estate incorporates conserved and protected wetlands areas.
"Only three stands are left, and a two-bedroom house has become available as a re-sale at Waterkloof Nature Reserve, 24km from Dullstroom, where a total of 47 stands are situated on a 330-hectare site situated in the mist belt of the highland escarpment. Priced at R340k, the stands are approximately one hectare in size, and the house for re-sale is priced at R770k. This development also offers residents fly fishing in 15 licensed trout lakes, while 200 head of game, including eland, zebra, black wildebeest and blesbok, roam the estate.
"At nearby Teal & Trout, 13 stands – priced from R410k to R970k – remain of the total of 40 one-hectare stands, set on an estate of 1,020 hectares of rolling grassland, fully game fenced, and including 18 dams and six stone weirs. The largest dam, Lake Banagher, is four hectares in size, followed by Kilkenny, which is three and a half hectares. A landing strip is on site, and the complex has a manned gatehouse and 24-hour security.
"From an investment aspect there is no other development in the Highlands with comparable fishing waters. The development is fully game fenced and being stocked with game originally indigenous to the area. In addition three of the dams are earmarked as wetland wilderness areas and access will be limited to bird watching," says Greeff.
Stands at Mountain View Trout Estate are also being marketed, with six stands sold at this 200-hectare, 40-stand development just 10km from Machadodorp. The stands are one hectare in size and range in price from R325k to R700k. The estate incorporates five dams and weirs, electrified and game fencing, and has secure access control.
Just 16 stands priced between R450k and R700k each 2,500sq m in size remain at Troutmere, located between Dullstroom and Belfast. Fully game-fenced, this 800-hectare development has a total of just 22 full title stands, with seven stocked dams, and offering horse riding, mountain biking and bird watching.
For more information contact Anton Greeff on 013 254 0205 or send an email.
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