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Most exclusive estates in South Africa

23 Jul 2014

Ever wondered what the country's most exclusive estates to buy property in are?

Wake up to sunrises over the warm ocean, watch the dolphins and enjoy breathtaking beach views stretching for miles. This three bedroom designer apartment in Zimbali Coastal Estate is on the market for R10.75 million - click here to view.

This article follows on from the last feature on top pioneer estates in South Africa, which looked at estates including Fancourt, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, Sunset Links, Steenberg, Pecanwood and Dainfern.

This review of the most exclusive estates in SA is based on the number of millionaires that live in or have second homes on these estates. Results are based on information provided by wealth consultancy, New World Wealth.

Millionaires are defined as individuals with net assets of US$1 million (R10 million) or more, excluding the value of their primary residence.

Important to note is that smaller luxury estates such as Nettleton Ridge are excluded from the review due to the low number of units on these estates.

Zimbali Coastal Resort

Live a lifestyle most only dream of in the upmarket Blair Atholl Golf Estate. This luxury home is priced at R18 million - click here to view.

This 700 hectare estate is located next to Ballito, 45kms north of Durban, and along with Umhlanga, it is the premier luxury area on the east coast of South Africa. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R50 million. Zimbali is a large and growing estate with over 500 houses or plots currently for sale.

Blair Atholl

Blair Atholl is arguably the most exclusive estate in South Africa. There are only 329 stands on the 600 hectares, equating to 2 hectares per home - this makes it the least dense estate in the country. House prices on the estate range from R10 million to R60 million. Located in Lanseria, Blair Atholl is also home to the 6th best golf course in South Africa (according to Golf Digest 2012 ratings). The entire estate was developed and designed by Gary Player and family.

Silverhurst Estate

Set on a prime stand of 2 600 sqm, in exclusive Silverhurst Estate, this large double storey residence is selling for R16.5 million - click here to view.

Situated in Constantia, Cape Town, this estate is home to 76 villas, all of them high-end. The estate dates back to the 1600s but it was not until 1987 that it was turned into a housing estate. House prices on the estate range from R10 million to R50 million.

Erinvale

Completed in 1995, Erinvale golf course was designed by legendary South African golfer Gary Player. The housing estate that surrounds the golf course is one of the most exclusive areas in Cape Town when it comes to inland residential property, along with the likes of Bishopcourt and Constantia.

This four bedroom home in Erinvale Estate offers an outstanding private position with mountain views. It is priced at R11.3 million - click here to view.

Unlike traditional estates, the houses at Erinvale vary considerably from one another in terms of design, size and colour. House prices on the estate range from R7 million to R30 million.

Dainfern

Built in 1992, Dainfern is one of the best known golf estates in the country. It is also one of the largest, with over 1 200 relatively large stands on the estate. Dainfern is located in Midrand next to the soon to be built Steyn City. Like Erinvale, the houses at Dainfern vary considerably from one another.

This modern house for sale in Dainfern Golf Estate is on the market for R9.9 million - click here to view.

House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R30 million.

Pearl Valley Country Estate

Pearl Valley is arguably the best all round golf estate in the country. It contains one of the top 5 golf courses in the country, well designed homes, a highly rated spa, natural fynbos scenery, mountain backdrops, several lakes and it is located within 30 minutes of Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Furthermore, stand sizes are relatively large and well-spaced. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R25 million.

Steenberg

With its spectacular position in the Berg Valley, this luxurious home has one of the best views on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Estate. It is selling for R9 million - click here to view.

Originally a vineyard owned by the Louw family, Steenberg was re-developed by JCI in 1990 to include a golf course, hotel, spa and housing estate. The estate still contains a large winery and vineyard to this day, making it unique from other estates in the South Africa. There are relatively few houses at Steenberg, when one considers the size of the estate. The newly built ‘Nieuwe Steenberg’ is the latest development there. House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R20 million.

Simbithi Eco Estate

Located in Ballito, 45kms north of Durban, Simbithi is a 430 hectare ecological estate. Slightly less exclusive than the nearby Zimbali, Simbithi prides itself in offering an outdoor experience which includes 25 dams, mountain biking, hiking, tennis and an adventure playground. There are also several community centres dotted around the grounds.

This Steenberg Golf Estate home is North facing and immaculate. It is on the market for R14.2 million - click here to view.

House prices on the estate range from R2 million to R20 million.

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is the ‘hidden gem’ of South African golf estates. Located between Blouberg and Melkbostrand in Cape Town, it is home to some of the most spectacular houses in the country. The estate also operates as a wildlife sanctuary, with several wild animals such as antelope living on the property. It is located within 20 minutes of central Cape Town, making it a great location for local business people.

Atlantic Beach is also becoming popular among wealthy overseas buyers. According to Western Cape estate expert, Basil Weinrich from Sotheby’s International: “over the last few months Atlantic Beach has experienced a significant increase in demand for the more luxurious homes exceeding R5 million. Most of the buyers are foreign, taking advantage of the weak South African exchange rate.”

This three bedroom house for sale in De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate is priced at R6.99 million - click here to view.

House prices on the estate range from R2 million to R15 million.

De Zalze Golf Estate

De Zalze is located in Stellenbosch, within commuting distance of Cape Town. The 300 hectare estate is a working farm, comprising 120 hectares of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves. It is also home to a particularly scenic golf course and 3 top restaurants. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R20 million.

Look out for part 2 of this article tomorrow, which will continue with second home millionaire hotspots. - Andrew Amoils

About the Author
Andrew Amoils

Andrew Amoils

Andrew is the head of research at New World Wealth, a global wealth intelligence company based in Johannesburg. He can be contacted on andrew@newworldwealth.com.

Andrew is the head of research at New World Wealth, a global wealth intelligence company based in Johannesburg. He can be contacted on andrew@newworldwealth.com.

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