Estate news article as featured on Fin24 and MyProperty

Val de Vie is a primary residential estate with the majority of residents hailing from Gauteng and KZN region with their young families, settled in a secure environment they can call home. Expats returning to South Africa, high net worth executives, empty-nesters, retirees and international swallows make up the demographic of Val de Vie investors. This influx and subsequent development of the estate has had a tremendous positive impact on the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, creating jobs and improving infrastructure.

“Having sold in excess of R2 billion worth of developer stands over the last few years, placed us in a favourable position with an exceptional increase in property value year on year,” comments Ryk Neethling, Marketing Director and Shareholder of Val de Vie.

Over the last 24 months Val de Vie achieved these new sales records:

Sold out 162 Stefan Antoni designed plot and plan units in The Vines development

Sold out 60 Stefan Antoni designed luxury apartments in the Polo Village development

Sold out 17 Gentleman’s estate smallholdings (3 – 5 ha in size)

Sold out 64 stands in Le Domaine neighbourhood

Sold out 72 plot and plan units at The Vines at Le Domaine

Sold out Pearl Valley Hotel sectional title hotel and rental pool (operated by Mantis Group)

Sold a 3000 m2 stand on the Champion’s Field for a record amount of R12 million

In total, more than 500 developer stands and properties were sold over the last two years. On average, Val de Vie home prices increased from R18 000/m2 to R24 000/m2 and land price for Val de Vie Phase 1 increased from R1900/m2 to 2500/m2 during this time. On Pearl Valley, which was amalgamated with Val de Vie in 2016, land prices increased from R900/m2 to R2600/m2. This compares to a national house price growth* of 2.8% and an increase of 5.7% in the Western Cape region for the period January – July 2017.

Central to the success of this sought-after, luxury estate, is a diverse property portfolio offering that buys real estate investors an unparalleled lifestyle. From developer stands to elegant lock-up-and-go apartments, family homes and mansions valued over R100 million – Val de Vie has it all.

Secure living is of paramount importance to property investors, and as one of the first estates in South Africa to implement biometric-access control measures, Val de Vie’s state of the art deterrents bring absolute peace of mind to residents. The security measures in place are unobtrusive and strategically positioned, such as thermal cameras that allow residents to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and picnic spots along the Berg river.

Facilities on offer at Val de Vie are unrivalled anywhere else in South Africa. The estate’s features include elegant housing, lakes, vineyards, polo fields, the L’Huguenot wine cellar, Fleet coffee roastery, farms, landscaped gardens, parks and open areas for children to play safely outdoors. Residents have access to a 42 km running and cycling trail, fishing and picnic spots along the 7 km of pristine Berg river, the iconic Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, lifestyle centres and outstanding restaurants.

As South Africa’s only residential polo estate, equestrian lovers of all disciplines are well catered for. Val de Vie is paradise for horses with top quality stables, skilled grooms, miles of trails to explore, a riding school, two Hurlingham standard polo fields and an international standard outdoor arena in place. The Val de Vie Pavilion annually hosts the Cintron Pink Polo and Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo tournaments and has seen the likes of Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras play in high goal matches on the lush Champion’s Field.

917 ha of natural splendour and spacious surroundings offer true country-style living. A 4 ha game reserve is home to endangered species like the Cape Grysbok. Over 100 species of protected fynbos flourish in dedicated environmentally sensitive areas.

Current and future residents greatly benefit from the union with luxury lifestyle estate Pearl Valley, which is located next to Val de Vie. Shared facilities and cross-over use of outdoor and recreational spaces such as a world-famous golf course, resort swimming pool, clubhouse, member’s lounge and world class spa are enjoyed by all residents.

Soon, a new bridge linking the estate with the R45 Simondium road will open up an expanded domain and reduce traveling time to Stellenbosch, the N1 highway, Cape Town and the International airport. The Pearl Valley Hotel, operated by the Mantis Group, offers five-star accommodation right in the heart of the Winelands.

The region in which Val de Vie is located, boasts a selection of prestigious schools, such as Paarl Gimnasium, Paarl Boys’ High, La Rochelle, Paarl Girls’ High, Bridge House and the University of Stellenbosch.

Future developments on the estate include a new lifestyle centre, The Yard, with a 900 m2 gym training area, Yoga studio, a five lane Olympic length outdoor pool, full service deli and designer restaurant.

Evergreen at Val de Vie is a mature lifestyle community, launching at the end of 2017. This development brings South Africa’s top retirement brand and premier lifestyle estate together in a partnership of great promise. Retirees can look forward to secure living in a carefree environment with full access to all estate facilities.

The high demand for “a life worth living” at Val de Vie is evident in 95% of Phase 1 sold out and Phase 2, excluding Evergreen Retirement Village, 85% sold out.

“We cannot live in prosperity surrounded by despair. Val de Vie and our residents are deeply engaged in the broader community and know that the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley is life giving for all, not just the privileged few that are fortunate enough to live on Val de Vie,” comments Ryk Neethling. The Val de Vie Foundation is primarily funded by 1% of all developer sales income and 5% of HOA levies from new homes. Their target is to distribute R100m in the next 8 years to numerous viable community projects in the Berg River Valley. Residents from the 1350 families that live on the estate are actively involved in making a difference to the community by offering their time and skill.

International Property Awards for Val de Vie Estate:

2012: Best Multiple Unit Development in Africa

2013: Best Single Unit Development in Africa for “The Polo House”

2014: Safest Home in Africa

2014: World’s Best Marketing “Polo Village”

2016/2017: Best residential property in Africa for “Valentia Manor House”

Ranked top residential estate in South Africa 2015 & 2016 by New World Wealth

*FNB House Price Index 2017 by John Loos