The recent sale of a luxury 750sqm home by Pam Golding Properties for R16 million has set a new record in Port Elizabeth’s property market.
That’s according to Ian Olivier, area principal of Pam Golding Properties (PGP) Port Elizabeth, who says the previous record price for the area (across the market) stood at R10 million. And not only were both sales concluded by PGP GoldClub agent Linda de Lange, but both are situated in the Upper Seaview area just metres from each other as the crow flies.
“The sale”, says Olivier, “underpins a growing trend for high net worth buyers to relocate to Port Elizabeth from other parts of the Eastern Cape on the back of the area’s growing economy, its new, dynamic municipality and its selection of exclusive coastal homes where space, privacy and good security come standard.”
So what does R16 million buy today in Port Elizabeth? According to De Lange, it’s the ticket to a superbly designed, highly secured and endlessly spacious property where the sea meets the sky.
Bought by an out-of-town game farm owner whose brief specified space and either sea or country views, the two-hectare property ticked all the boxes and more, she says. “This property has spectacular views of both the ocean and the countryside, and with six bedrooms in the main house, including a guest suite, separate two bedroom cottage and housekeeper’s quarters, all the space they wanted. It’s also very secure owing to its location in a security estate, where there is controlled access and electrified perimeter fencing.”
And while it’s essentially in the country, it’s a quick drive to the Port Elizabeth International Airport, a couple of kilometers from the acclaimed Priory Schools and Walmer Park Shopping Centre, and close to medical facilities. The highly regarded Grey and Collegiate schools are about 15 minutes away, so by big city standards, it’s a mere hop and a skip.
The architect-designed home combines modern lines with a contemporary South African farm aesthetic, boasting high vaulted ceilings, custom-made up sized picture windows and doors that slide back into wall cavities to open the home to the outdoors.
“It’s a ‘wow’ home, but in such a friendly way,” says de Lange, herself a local resident as well as the Pam Golding Properties area specialist. “There’s a bench on the ocean side of the property where you can just sit for hours and enjoy the magnificent views. And it’s wonderfully private and beautifully maintained.”
Accessed by a tree-lined driveway that culminates under a portico, the quietly gracious home sits in a lush, north-facing garden nurtured by a computerized irrigation system.
The portico is a grand introduction to a large, Travertine-tiled entrance hall, which in turn leads to a number of spacious living areas and a custom-made, granite-topped solid wood kitchen with a central island big enough for casual dining as well as high-end gas and electric cooking appliances, a separate laundry and scullery, and its own deck, just perfect for al fresco breakfasts and teas.
Spectacular sea and countryside views form the backdrops to most of the living rooms, which include formal and informal lounges with fireplaces and a large upstairs gym with exposed trusses.
For entertainment, there’s a tennis court, Balau-decked solar heated swimming pool, boat house, all weather veranda with built-in braai on the north side and another patio on the south for guaranteed year-round entertaining.
As one can expect of a high caliber property, the fixtures and fittings include underfloor heating, Travertine tiles and wood laminate flooring, feature lighting including recessed lights and chandeliers, French doors, heated towel rails and wooden paddle ceiling fans. There are also two double garages and a gardener’s bathroom.
De Lange’s previous record sale, for R10 million in 2010 – was also a record high for Port Elizabeth at the time, setting a new benchmark for residential property selling prices.
That property, she says, while not on an estate, offered similar accommodation and living space. Contemporary in design, the 1.8 hectare property comprised a 1 000sqm main home with generous open-plan living areas serviced by a modern kitchen, cinema room, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, large office with its own ablutions, a sauna and Jacuzzi, games room and four-car garaging. There was also a large pool, tennis court, separate building with an en suite bedroom upstairs and a fully fitted flat downstairs. “Needless to say, the home was immaculate with top-class finishes throughout, and the views absolutely beautiful,” she says.