An increasing demand for homes in the attractive country town of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal has seen 85 stands, representing approximately R17 million, already sold at the new Eshowe Hills Eco & Golf Estate - the first golf estate development to be launched in Zululand. The development is just 26km to the coast, 50 minutes to Ballito and within an hour's drive to the planned new international airport at La Mercy.

On completion, this development set on 110ha will comprise a total of 184 stands competitively priced from R175 000 to R550 000. In phase one 74 of the 94 stands have sold, while 11 stands have sold in the recently launched phase two - comprising the balance of 90 stands. The average size of the stands is 1000sqm, with some smaller plots of 550sqm and larger ones of 1400sqm also available. Pam Golding Properties Eshowe area principal Simon Gardner says the bulk of buyers to date are from Gauteng, purchasing as a holiday home or for future retirement, with high interest from those currently living in Empangeni and Richards Bay and seeking a more relaxed country lifestyle.

"Increasingly sought after by home buyers, Eshowe's residential property market has over the past three years experienced exceptional growth, yet still offers extremely sound value for money. Currently there is a shortage of residential accommodation and correctly priced houses sell rapidly. Residential prices in the area range from R320 000 to R1 million. With the entire KZN north coast experiencing significant property growth and with Empangeni and Richards Bay undergoing major economic growth in general, Eshowe is enjoying the spin-offs as it becomes more accessible and centrally situated," says Gardner.

"In addition it's considered a 'green' town, being surrounded by the Dlinza Forest, offering tranquillity and a laidback lifestyle. The oldest town in Zululand, Eshowe is steeped in British Colonial and Zulu history and is included on the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefield Route. It's also close to major tourist attractions including Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Mkuze, Phinda and Itala game reserves.

"In the past, Eshowe residents would have to travel to Durban to gain a taste of the city, then it became Umhlanga and now it's Ballito, and with new development in Blythedale, the 'action' is even closer. Empangeni us just 40 minutes' drive and Richards Bay an hour, and with these towns being very industrialised, easily accessible Eshowe, with very little industry and an elevation of 500m above sea level is seen as a temperate climate with fresh country air and an appealing village ambience. This makes it very appealing for home buyers who can commute to places of work in these nearby towns. On completion of the new P230 and P240 roads, Empangeni will be just 48km from Eshowe," says Gardner.

At Eshowe Hills Eco & Golf Estate, the architectural design style is Victorian Zululand - incorporating wrap-around verandas - and homeowners need to build a house within three years of taking transfer. To purchase only a 10 percent deposit is required, with the balance payable on transfer. The estate includes a 100-year old top class 18-hole golf course designed by the late Bob Grimsdell - recognised as one of South Africa's best golf course designers. There are also eight tennis courts with floodlights and two squash courts. The monthly levy of R930 includes two full memberships for adults for all the club facilities.

The estate incorporates a former game park devoid of non-indigenous game but still providing habitat for endemic game such as Bushbuck and Blue Duiker. The vegetation is being rehabilitated and all alien vegetation removed as part of a five year plan. To date some four hectares of land has been reclaimed. The developers have complied with the Development Facilitation Act from the outset and appointed an environmental advisor to work closely with the provincial wildlife body. All gum plantations have been removed and as a result rivers now flow throughout the year. The portion of the Dlinza Forest included in the estate has been cleared of all exotics, which has helped boost bird life. Home to the unique 125m Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk 10m high in the tree canopy, the forest is part of the Zululand Birdwatching Route and over 1000 indigenous trees have been introduced to create new forest land.

Adds Gardner: "Quality, outdoor living is the key focus of this Eshowe Hills. An important component is that by purchasing a property in this development and thereby becoming a member of the homeowners' association one becomes a co-owner of all the common areas of the estate including the golf course, Eshowe Country Clubhouse, all the other sports facilities and the indigenous bush and game park areas. As the estate is limited to 184 stands and outside membership will be kept to a minimum, the course and clubhouse will maintain a personal and genuine country feel. Due to the excellent climate the golf course is very low maintenance - always lush and green with no need for fairways to be irrigated. Other well known golf courses such as Zimbali, Umhlali and Prince's Grant are within an hour's drive."

In addition to the main attractions of golf and bird watching, Eshowe Hills is just 30 minutes from the launch site for the Amatikulu Ski-Boat Club - for deep sea fishing, and 15 minutes from Lake Phobane, one of the top big bass dams in the country.

For more information contact 035 474 4884 or 083 442 3884 or email simon.gardner@pamgolding.co.za.

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