The R100 million-plus coastal estate in Hermanus is drawing notable attention from discerning buyers and investors, but is still looking for the right buyer, according to Paul Kruger, licensee for Seeff Hermanus.
 
Calls and enquiries are coming in, and we expect the property to sell for over R100 million, as the estate offers an unmatched legacy investment, says Kruger. There is no other property currently on the market which offers this precise combination of a unique, prime oceanfront location and sheer land size in Voëlklip, he says.
 
The property, initially owned by the Rupert family as their holiday retreat, was subsequently purchased and developed into a R100 million-plus estate spanning over 7000sqm on a double plot of land. It offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Walker Bay, and a world-class, front-row seat to spectacular whale-watching.
 
A property of this size and location is virtually unheard of, says Kruger. The magnificent estate is a piece of coastal heritage, featuring a massive 2,082 m² Cape vernacular manor house with seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and expansive reception rooms boasting generous proportions and bespoke, high-end finishes. The property also features an indoor swimming pool, private wine cellar, heritage cottage, and a flat, along with ten garages and meticulously maintained gardens.
 
Kruger says the property represents a strong, non-replicable investment opportunity. Its distinguished history, architectural mastery, vast footprint, and unparalleled location in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing wealth hubs make it a beacon for discerning investors looking to secure a truly significant coastal residential holding.
 
Hermanus has become one of the wealthiest coastal towns and hottest holiday and retirement markets in the country. New World Wealth, for example, reports that over 1,100 millionaires own property in the Whale Coast area, with Hermanus as the main centre. Tourism accounts for over 50% of the region’s economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
 
Notable families, such as the Graaff, Hersov, and Rupert families, have owned property here, along with Afrikaans intellectuals and writers like Jan Rabie, Uys Krige, and André P. Brink.
 
It is a solid store of wealth for property investors, says Kruger. The proximity to Cape Town and location have made it one of the wealthiest coastal towns, predominantly as a holiday and retirement town. The market has expanded notably over the last few years, with an increasing number of high-net-worth buyers investing here.
 
Kruger says higher-value transactions over R5 million have more than doubled, and around 30 properties have sold for over R20 million, with rare properties such as this now reaching prices of over R100 million.
 
Property values have increased more than twofold over the last decade, thus offering strong capital appreciation potential. The market has remained fairly consistent, with total transactions over the last 12 months to the end of September, standing at R2.9 billion at an average transaction price of R3.3 million. This is 2.5 times higher than it was a decade ago.
 
While attracting more younger families due to the quality lifestyle, most buyers tend to be in the 35-65 age group and older. Over 76% of all property stock is freehold. These are highly prized properties, some of which have been held for generations. This strong investment case is well illustrated by this heritage property in Voëlklip, says Kruger.
 
Hermanus is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in South Africa. It is set between two lagoons, the ocean and the mountains, with properties hugging the coast around Walker Bay. It is renowned worldwide for its whale-watching, ocean adventures, and numerous pristine beaches. 
 
The location, size and infrastructure of this property are simply unmatched. Not even in Cape Town could you find a property of this stature with such good views and beach access, concludes Kruger.