De Zalze Golf Estate - A walk in the winelands | Blog

Situated perfectly between the Blaauwklippen River and the Stellenbosch mountains, De Zalze Golf Estate offers guests and visitors a lifestyle like no other – where luxury, entertainment and comfort meet to bring you a slice of the good life. The future of the 300-hectare estate was secured when permission was granted in 1996 for its development on the three adjacent farms, Groote Zalze, Kleine Zalze and De Vleie. Since the first residents moved in, the estate has proved to be one of the most sought-after real estate investments in the country, surpassing sales and featuring on the top ten lists of residential estates in South Africa, including the World Wealth Report 2015 of top residential estates in the county. A total of 398 freehold homes complete the estate, together with the Winelands Lodges, which boast 40 luxurious self-catering holiday lodges, comprising one, two, three and four bedroom suites, and the stylishly decorated Klein Zalze lodges that offer 47 rooms for short-term accommodation. Each lodge offers stunning views of the golf course and traces the banks of the river, and guests can enjoy a full or continental breakfast overlooking the first green. Kleine Zalze is also an ideal Winelands venue for a range of events and offers professional conferences to memorable functions and weddings.Diverse mixes of homeowners from all over the world, including Germany, France, England, China and India, have made this estate their home. Tenants occupy approximately 75 homes on the estate, whilst some owners use their De Zalze residences as holiday homes. The estate comprises 14 villages and properties range from 350m² to 1750m². A three-bedroom home on the estate set on 375m² can cost anything between R 5 million and R 7 million. The most expensive house was sold for just over R 21 million. The independently managed 18-hole golf course is one of the finest courses in the southern hemisphere and includes a clubhouse and pro shop, both of which underwent a major revamp in 2014. The golf club was awarded the 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award as well as many other prestigious titles and is constantly ranked within the top 30 golf courses in the country, as well as the top four in the Western Cape. Designed by Peter Matkovich, it has an interesting mix of parkland holes and water features, creating the best possible setting for golfers.The course has been the venue for a number of major events, such as the SA Amateur, SA Senior and SA Mid Amateur championships. It is also the first golf course in the world to adhere to fair trade principles and criteria. Other than playing golf, residents can make use of the tennis courts or the boule courts, or can take a walk in the 120 hectares of vineyards. The estate boasts rich and diverse bird life, and bird watching, canoeing on the dam or catch and release fishing are other popular activities.Klein Zalze Wines is an inherent part of the estate. The family owned wine farm is well known locally and internationally for its outstanding winemaking, in particular its Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. Earlier in 2015, it won the Harold Eedes Trophy for best Chenin Blanc (Vineyard selection Chenin Blanc 2014). The well-known Terroir restaurant, consistently on the top ten list of Best Restaurants in South Africa, opened its doors more than ten years ago and has become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands ever since. A security upgrade is currently in process, including complete thermal camera coverage with alarms along the eight-kilometre perimeter fence, with 24-hour surveillance, together with a biometric access system. The architectural style of the houses is Cape Vernacular, the main features being white painted and plastered exteriors finished with charcoal sheet metal, thatch or slate roofs. Residents are encouraged to plant indigenous plants that are water wise, in an effort to look after water resources in the five dams.The installation of FTTH (fibre to the home) is in the process of being investigated, to ensure strong and fast internet connection throughout the estate. Situated five minutes from Stellenbosch, 10 kilometres from Somerset West and 20 minutes from the airport, the estate is on the doorstop of convenience and comfort. There are a number of outstanding schools in the area and the nearby Techno Park offers great office space and other business opportunities.Surrounded by top-class wine estates and stunning scenery, De Zalze is a beautiful estate, offering a tranquil country lifestyle. Immersed in natural beauty, there is a deliberate effort to enhance the environment, creating luxury homes amidst the beauty of nature – a perfect place to make your home.

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De Zalze Golf Estate - A walk in the winelands

October Digital 2015