As the oldest area in the country, Cape Town is renowned for its wonderful collection of heritage property. These range from original Cape Dutch buildings of the pre-Colonial area of the late 1600s to 1800s and thereafter to a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian architecture that followed during the Colonial period. Later, there is the evolution to what is known as railway and Karoo cottages.
This seven bedroom, seven bathroom 1898 Victorian Villa in Montagu has a landscaped garden with irrigation system, pool and staff quarters. It is on the market for R7.8 million – click here to view.Ahead of Heritage Month in September, Pat Müller, estate agent for Seeff Montagu, looks at historic homes and the demand. She says these properties are highly sought after and when they come onto the market they are usually snapped up quite quickly. Aside from the historic value, these properties often come with fabulous stories that new owners absolutely love.
While there are many examples of the wonderful architectural heritage of the Cape, they are not often for sale in the open market. Many of the Sir Herbert Baker buildings in Cape Town are, for example, occupied by corporate or government entities,” says Müller.
When it comes to houses in the countryside, she says the ratio of what is available is so low that these properties tend to attract a notable premium of upwards of 40% compared to non-historic types of properties. Bear in mind though, that these older houses are generally well built and often feature aspects such as solid wood (often rare wood types) along with excellent craftsmanship.
Müller says all of this adds value and for buyers there is also a big prestige factor when it comes to owning a historic property or even just a house with some significance in the area, and the property tends to be a great talking point.
This four bdroom, three bathroom historic home in Montagu has landscaped gardens, a pool and cottage. It is on the market for R3.295 million – click here to view.Of course, she says there is also always the opportunity to make it work for you by turning it into a business such as a restaurant, art gallery or guest house, something that is very popular in the Montagu area.
A town such as Montagu, for example, has a rich historical past that dates to around 1841 and with 175 historic buildings is, next to Stellenbosch, home to the highest number of historic buildings in the Cape, says Müller.
She says these include exquisite examples of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. In Long Street alone, there are 14 historic properties, but these are seldom for sale. That is also why Montague prices are higher than those of surrounding towns and properties hold their values much better.
A rare grand Victorian homestead that dates to 1913 that is on the market here for R3.295 million provides an excellent example, says Müller. It offers a roomy 435sqm in floor space and land of some 1 943sqm in extent. The home was built by the Van Zyl family, well-known for their contributions to the area including being the founders of Attorneys Van Zyl & Hofmeyer, the oldest law firm and still in operation today.
She says the home was passed on to the next generation, Babsie van Zyl, who pioneered many building projects in the town, many of which are still existtoday.
This six bedroom, six bathroom home in Montagu has multiple patios, a pool and well-kept garden with computerised irrigation system. It is on th emarket for R4.442 million – click here to view.Müller says the house is in good condition and shows excellent craftsmanship along with valuable original features such as authentic wood work in typical Oregon Pine, metal pressed ceilings, brass taps, original chandeliers and Brookielace and brass details on the doors.
It comes with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, still with their original Victorian baths and basins. The living areas comprise a lounge, study and TV room, dining room and authentic country kitchen with an original 1895 Bolinder stove and a separate pantry. On the back stoep is a kitchenette with braai facilities, says Müller.
She says extras include panel heaters, ceiling fans and water tanks. A salt water swimming pool is set in the landscaped gardens along with a veggie garden and a range of fruit trees. The arable land and irrigation means there is opportunity to do more, and there is also a separate laundry and workshop plus the original horse stables, which are now a one-bedroomed cottage.
In addition to its historic credentials, Müller says the property enjoys fabulous views over the town and surrounding Langeberg Mountains.
Montagu is just over two hours’ drive from Cape Town and is a popular tourist area. It is located on the popular Route 62 Wine Route and renowned for its Muscadel and fruit. It is famous also for the historical Kogmans Kloof tunnel, the gateway to the Klein Karoo.
This four bedroom, four bathroom historic home in Montagu has Oregon Pine finishes and a lounge with cast iron fireplace. It is on the market for R2.895 million – click here to view.Other attractions include Montagu Dried Fruits and Roscherr’s Jams along with Krause Butchery for the best game wors and the Blou Bul Butchery for the best boerewors in the country. There is a farmers’ market every Saturday and a number of restaurants, eateries and hangouts along with a variety of hiking, mountain biking trails, 4X4 and quad bike trails.
Historic properties such as the ‘Van Zyl Villa’, are an excellent investment, you cannot go wrong as your property will retain its value, potentially increase at a rate higher than that of non-historic properties and there will always be a demand for the property, says Müller.
When investing in historic properties, she says, it is important for buyers to know there are legislative guidelines that need to be adhered to. The National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999 regulates all structures over 60 years old including the fixtures and fittings.
According to Müller, a tier system classifies the property according to its national, provincial or local importance. Tier One is a Heritage Overlay Zone, generally applicable to areas declared as historic such as Chelsea Village in Wynberg (Cape Town) and all properties in such an area would fall under this protection, regardless of the individual heritage statuses.
This four bedroom, two bathroom home in Montagu has a lounge and dining area leading out to a balcony. It is on the market for R2.195 million – click here to view.Tier Two, she says, applies to individual properties and buildings older than 60 years or which are of particular architectural or heritage value. Tier Three applies only to buildings officially classified as National Monuments or Provincial Heritage Sites. In all three instances, you will need approval for any building work, and the higher the tier, the more stringent the regulations that apply.
Generally, Müller says buyers of historic homes have a passion for the history and heritage and want to preserve it, and in many cases, go as far to restore it to its former glory. This of course, also adds value to the property. If your property is a declared National Monument, you are able to affix the relevant signage and market it as such, which would add further value.
When investing in historic property though, Müller says it is important that you do your homework before you sign on the dotted line. Be sure to also check whether the title deed carries any provisions that you need to be aware of.
