A TOUCH OF SPAIN IN CLANWILLIAM

Clanwilliam, situated at the foot of the Cederberg mountain range, about 230km from Cape Town, was largely undiscovered until the N7 from Cape Town to Namibia was built in the 1960s. As one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa and the only place in the world where Rooibos tea is planted and cultivated, Clanwilliam is rich in cultural and historical heritage. 

Linda de Boer, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Blue Waters whose office operates in the area, reports that, in line with the rest of the country's property market, there has been a decrease in the volume of sales. "While homes here are selling at approximately 15% below the asking price, the properties here are often overpriced to begin with." She says the general demand is from Capetonians looking for a weekend home, and this has a strong influence on the asking price. 

"Sales of second homes and leisure properties have naturally taken a knock with the recession," says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. "However, as Clanwilliam is a popular getaway destination for Capetonians, coupled with the fact that the property market is well on its way to recovery, we expect to see a higher turnover in sales in this area as the year progresses, with the gap between asking prices and actual selling prices decreasing." 

De Boer says that an entry-level home in Clanwilliam sells for around R900 000, with mid-level homes selling anywhere between R1,5-million and R2-million. Buyers can expect to pay in the range of R2,8-million for the area's most expensive homes. 

One such property on the market for R2,8-million is a 4,62-hectare small holding that offers a luxurious country lifestyle. Only 4km from the popular Clanwilliam Dam, the spacious thatched roof, Spanish-style home is spread over three levels and enjoys an excellent position overlooking Clanwilliam. 

The ground floor of the home is a two-bedroom flat that has an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area along with a covered patio with picturesque views.

The second level of the home has been designed with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a lounge, dining room, a TV room and a beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops. The loft has two rooms, one of which can be used as a study/office. The second room is spacious with great views from the balcony, and, according to de Boer, would be ideal as a big family room.

"This property is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining," says de Boer who points out the lapa in the landscaped garden that overlooks the swimming pool with a rock water feature. 

The home also includes staff accommodation of one bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. Aside from air-conditioning and a fire place, additional features of this home include the water purification system and the computerised irrigation system. 

"The current owner enjoys the peacefulness, tranquillity and the space," says de Boer, "along with the property's nooks and crannies where they can have a cup of coffee and enjoy the splendid views." 

Situated in the centre of various flower and historical routes, Clanwilliam boasts a breathtaking natural beauty, modern recreational facilities and a range of activities including water sport, hiking, bird watching, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, 4x4 routes, rock art, bowls and historical trails.

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