Prospective buyers across continents are lined up to land one of the world’s most unique and desirable properties next month when Pezula Castle goes under the hammer in the first High Street Auctions sale of the year.
But the name is deceptive, buyers will get to own not just one fairytale property on the magical stretch of beach – they will be buying three castles that collectively offer five ultra-luxurious suites in palatial surrounds.
High Street Lead Auctioneer and Director, Joff van Reenen, says the castles form part of the exclusive Pezula resort, which offers the world-class Conrad Pezula Hotel, the Pezula Spa and Gym that boasts multiple awards and the Championship Pezula Golf Course.
“The castles last changed hands more than seven years ago for in excess of R35 million and have in recent years again sporadically appeared on the market through traditional real estate brokerages.
“They were also marketed abroad in countries such as the UK, but as was the case locally, brokers were unable to source a suitable buyer.”
Van Reenen says 99% of residential property can be disposed of rapidly through auction at a price determined by the market on the day of sale, or via traditional estate agents.
“The remaining one percent will almost exclusively only find buyers at auction, though, because this segment comprises unique, truly exceptional residences that must be paired with equally exceptional buyers. And this is where the auction model of ‘sales on steroids’ comes into its own.
“A superior specialist auction house such as High Street that has for years been marketing almost exclusively online to a massive network of domestic and global clients can frequently realise for a seller in minutes what a broker or tender process might take months or even years to achieve.
“Unique properties are perfect for auction. The Kyalami Race Track and the Nettleton Ridge villa in Clifton that smashed the previous residential auction price by more than R30 million when High Street sold it just over a year ago are prime examples.”
High Street Auctions Director, Rodney Beck says Pezula Castle is situated in its own manicured private garden with the sand of Noetzie beach just a few metres away. “The magnificent residence provides ultimate luxury with every conceivable comfort including a heated rim flow pool, huge terraces with panoramic views of the ocean and a well-equipped gymnasium.”
“But if it’s romance you’re after, then the Beach Castle is arguably one of the dreamiest hideaways in the world,” says Beck. “Totally secluded and private, it is decorated in shades of cream and blue with quirky accessories that give it a distinctly nautical flavour.
“The majestic trifecta is completed by the quaint Cliff Castle, set against the rock face above Pezula Castle, boasting panoramic views of the beach and ocean. It offers spacious accommodation and absolute privacy for a couple, with a luxury en-suite bedroom and an adjoining open-plan living area that comprises a kitchenette and comfortable seating space.
“Cliff Castle is also a wonderful location from which to watch the several species of whale that visit the Garden Route and to marvel at the vast dolphin pods that play close to the shoreline.”
Beck says the Pezula Private Castle was described by the late President Nelson Mandela as“an exquisite piece of heaven”.
The castle was a retreat away from the public eye for Madiba and Graca Machel for a leisurely 10 days. Upon departure they commented: “We enjoyed it immensely. The warmth of the staff, the delicious food. We really touched our inner selves here with the combination of beauty, privacy and human touch. Thanks a million.”
That combination of service and luxury earned the Castle the accolade of Best International Property in the biggest global property awards, the CNBC International Property Awards. It was selected out of 4 000 entries from 56 countries in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Britain and the Americas.
It was chosen as best international property judged on location, architecture, design, appearance and finish. Details of safety, security, energy efficiency and innovation were also taken into account.
“Noetzie’s castles are just a few minutes' drive from Knysna - one of the Garden Route's most desirable travel destinations. A cosmopolitan town steeped in history, Knysna offers fabulous restaurants, charming coffee houses, craft breweries, artisanal bakeries, local crafts, art galleries, waterfront shopping and lagoon cruises,” says Beck.
“Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route, which situates the castles perfectly for an array of day trip to – among others – animal sanctuaries, a wide variety of adventure sport locations and the picturesque surrounding areas of Sedgefield, Brenton-on-Sea, Rheenedal and the ‘Millionaires’ Playground’ of Plettenberg Bay.”
The first High Street sale of 2018 starts at noon at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on February 21. All bidders are required to pre-register for the sale.
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