Advertisement
Val de Vie in the Cape Winelands recently scooped the award for the Best Leisure Development in the World at the 2021 International Property Awards, retaining its top position yet again.
Experts say this is in part down it its equestrian offering. ‘The multi award-winning estate has been setting the bar since inception, underpinning the growth of the once very niche equestrian estate sector,’ says Chris Cilliers, CEO and principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
‘Val de Vie is termed a super-estate because, in addition to the wide variety of residential properties, it includes more than 100 stables, two polo fields and numerous other equestrian facilities as well as a wine farm, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, extensive mountain biking, jogging and walking trails and the recently completed office space,’ adds Cilliers.
Equine estate choices
But it’s certainly not the only estate to offer equestrian facilities. Several other top-class equestrian estates in the region include High Riding, Tre Donne in The Winelands, Wedderwill in Helderberg and Klein Zevenwacht in Kuilsriver.
Advertisement
Tre Donne Equestrian Estate and Klein Zevenwacht are extremely popular as they offer larger plots with a rural atmosphere where residents can keep horses and small livestock for small-scale self-sustainable farming either for own use or for small business.
‘Equestrian people have a unique set of requirements. Not only do they want secure and carefree living for themselves, but they also want a secure and healthy living environment for their horses with plenty of space and exercise facilities as well as safe areas for outriding,’ says Cilliers.
Equestrian investments
According to Cilliers, house prices on equestrian estates are very similar and homes generally range between R4 million and R15 million, but stabling options and pricing can differ from estate to estate.
‘Shared stabling is charged monthly or on a debenture system like at Wedderwill while on some estates owners can build their own stables on their properties which obviously reduces the costs of stabling.
‘Obviously depending on the position of the estate, the size of the land, the available facilities and demand, prices may become quite substantial. For instance, at Val de Vie, the Gentlemen’s Estates have been extremely popular and proven to be an excellent investment.’
The best care
With the equestrian estates increasingly offering all the facilities necessary for equine needs, such as arenas, riding fields and state of the art stables, a major plus for those passionate about everything equine is that it’s cut commute times as they can enjoy it all on their doorstep.
‘Equestrian people have a unique set of requirements. Not only do they want secure and carefree living for themselves, but they also want a secure and healthy living environment for their horses with plenty of space and exercise facilities as well as safe areas for outriding.
‘Most equestrian estates also offer larger plot sizes which appeals to people who prefer a more rural lifestyle,’ says Cilliers.
Most luxury equestrian estates are based up north with over 50% of all estates in Gauteng compared to 25% in the Western Cape. However, the Western Cape sector has the largest total value, which is something to consider if you’re weighing up the options between the two provinces.
