The 5 Most Exclusive Residential Estates In South Africa

The most exclusive estates in South Africa has been highlighted in a recent study by Hurst and Wills and New World Wealth - based on their appeal purely to the super-rich. 

The top things that wealthy people look for when buying an estate property are space, exclusivity, security, view, nature and scenery. Locality and lifestyle offerings are also critical. It is therefore not surprising that 4 out of the top 5 are located in the Western Cape – and 2 in the Cape Winelands.

1st place - Zimbali

Zimbali was rated as the most exclusive estate in SA for 2015. This 700 hectare estate is located next to Balito, 45kms north of Durban. Along with Umhlanga and La Lucia, it has become the premier luxury area on the east coast of South Africa. Zimbali features a world-class golf course, hotel and spa. It also has access to the beach. 

2nd place - The Gentleman’s Estate at Val de Vie Estate

This unique estate within an estate is currently under construction at Val de Vie between Paarl and Franschoek – and with a new planned bridge over the Berg River, 20 minutes from Stellenbosch. It will offer individual residents their own private stables, garden and vineyard. Properties range from 3 to 6 hectares each. Residents will, of course, also be able to access the rest of what Val de Vie has to offer, including the polo fields, trails and equestrian facilities as well as the lifestyle centre (Gym and in house pool) and Club House with a restaurant. The 17 Gentleman’s Estates will be developed  along the following lines– 4 will form part of a private nature reserve and 13 will allow for vineyards, citrus, olives or horse paddocks. For additional information regarding this project or any other property for sale in Val de Vie, please contact Anna Wiese (anna@cch.co.za / 072 331 1959 of CCH Luxury Property to assist you with this investment opportunity.

3rd place - Pezula Private Estate

Pezula Private Estate is located next to Pezula Golf Estate in Knysna. It is one of the lowest density estates in South Africa - the estate has 255 plots on 176 hectares. It is a relatively new estate and much of it is still undeveloped. 

4th place - Fancourt

This estate is located next to George on the Garden route. There are several distinctive residential areas on the estate including: Links Ridge, Links Avenue, Cape Dutch Village, Oakland’s Village and Montagu Ridge. Fancourt is South Africa’s premier golfing destination for the super-rich, with three highly rated courses on one estate. 

5th place - Pearl Valley

Pearl Valley is located between Paarl, Franschoek & Stellenbosch - right next to Val de Vie. Highlights of the estate include: a highly rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, mountain backdrops, several lakes and over 120 species of birds, including the iconic African Fish Eagle and Malachite Kingfisher. For additional information regarding property for sale in Pearl Valley, please contact Anna Wiese (anna@cch.co.za / 072 331 1959 of CCH Luxury Property to assist you with this investment opportunity.

The most exclusive estate worldwide 

The study also looked at residential estates outside South Africa. 

The Yellowstone Club was rated as the most exclusive estate worldwide for 2015. This private residential estate, which is situated in Sky, Montana, USA features a world-class golf course, ski slopes and hiking trails. The houses on the estate start from a base price of US$16 million, making it only for the super-rich. 

The estate is set on 13 600 acres with easy access into the wilderness areas that surround it. There are two large rivers that flow through the property. 

Activates available on the estate include fly fishing, golf, horse riding and rafting during the summer, and snowmobiling and skiing for the winter. 

Source  - Property 24 / Andrew Amoils