Owning a weekend getaway home or retiring to the countryside is one of the most desired lifestyle changes that many city dwellers aspire to.
This charming three bedroom home in Porterville has a pool and undercover entertainment area with braai. It is being sold furnished for R1.3 million - click here to view.Often, says Ina van Zyl of Seeff Porterville, older buyers will even invest in a second weekend home in a country town with the view to later retiring there. “We are also seeing a rise in younger buyers, especially families looking for a lifestyle change.”
The benefits are obvious, she says. “The quaint and quiet country lifestyle is enviable. In the smaller towns, there is a still a real sense of community and you can enjoy the outdoors, whether you prefer walking or cycling. Here, children can still cycle to school. The low crime rate is another big draw card.”
In the case of the town of Porterville, you are under two hours’ drive from the Cape metro, says van Zyl. Porterville lies on the slopes of the Olifant's River Mountains and is highly regarded for its para and hang gliding, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.
This gracious four bedroom home in Porterville is in a quiet tree-lined street and has a large stoep. It is on the market at R1.2 million - click here to view.“The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness mountain range, just east of Porterville is another big attraction and is home to ancient rock art. Other attractions include the Cardouw/Dasklip Pass. Another unique attraction of the area, is the rare Disa Uniflora, and this is the only place where you can see these flowers in the wild. You can also find cranes in the area.”
As with most of the countryside, the town is surrounded by farms with rolling wheat fields interspersed with yellow Canola fields, vineyards, olive orchards which, along with the fynbos and Mountains in the area, make for “picture-pretty” surroundings.
The town itself offers good infrastructure with schools, churches, a hospital, library and a wide range of services and shops including coffee shops and restaurants. There is also a brewery, museum and the Porterville Wine Cellar.
This three bedroom Porterville property has been lovingly restored with Moroccan-inspired tiles and wooden floors. It is selling for R1.02 million - click here to view.Leisure pursuits are in no short supply, she says, from exploring nature to hiking, cycling, camping 4X4 routes and much more.
The availability of internet and technological advancement mean that the town is also ideal for people who can work remotely, she says.
Porterville attracts buyers from across the country and offers affordable prices with houses that range between R850 000 and R1.2 million. Rental properties are also in demand as many older people prefer to rent as it is a cheaper option.
Lightstone data shows that the town is home to an adult population of about 5 128. Property is predominantly full title and some 75% has remained in the same hands for 11 years and longer. Interestingly, while more than half of all recent buyers are older, above the age of fifty, we are seeing a strong shift with younger people comprising recent buyers.
“The 2016 and 2017 years were quite active for the market and although stock levels are tight, there are a number of excellent properties on the market such as a lovely Karoo-styled home with three bedrooms, an extra family/TV room, swimming pool and lapa, laundry, garage and carport. It is fully furnished and priced at R1.3 million,” says van Zyl.
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