New luxury ‘green’ estate adds more shine to affluent Paarl

The Western Cape town of Paarl is steadily becoming one of South Africa’s leading centres of affluence as it continues to attract high net-worth property investors from around the world to its luxury lifestyle estates surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas, prestigious schools and exclusive retail and entertainment venues.

And in response to the demand for more luxury homes in the area, the picturesque town will shortly also be home to Drakenzicht, the latest residential project – and first Cape venture - to be launched by international award-winning developer Legaro.

Exclusively marketed by the Chas Everitt International property group, this secure estate offers three and four-bedroom architect-designed villas at prices from R6 999 900, as well as top-grade security and a curated selection of exceptional on-site amenities, including a world-class lifestyle and sports centre and a Montessori pre-school, as well as a dog park, running track and padel and basketball courts.

Centrally located, Drakenzicht is conveniently close to the town’s top shopping and entertainment venues but will enable residents to simultaneously enjoy a country lifestyle, with beautiful views of the majestic Drakenstein mountains, as well as a green garden environment incorporating orchards and indigenous trees. It has also been carefully planned to be eco-friendly, with water-wise landscaping, a solar power system and charging points for electric vehicles.

In addition, all homes in the estate will have an Edge Advanced sustainability rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa, which means they will be certified for a minimum 40% reduction in the use of high-energy building materials and in energy and water consumption.

Designed by Daffonchio & Assoc architects, the double-storey villas will range in size from 269sqm to 326sqm (excluding private garden areas) and there are six different floorplans available, all with double garages. All the homes will be immaculately finished to Legaro’s award-winning standards and feature SMEG appliances, Stephen Pikus chandeliers, wood-burning fireplaces, Oggie hardwood flooring and gas stoves.

Drakenzicht will be protected by a state-of-the-art security system that incorporates facial recognition, CCTV, motion detectors, electrical fencing and armed and perimeter drone response, and for those who prefer to walk to their work outs, the on-site lifestyle and sports centre will house a yoga studio and a pilates studio with reformer machine, a Training Science techno gym and a 25m heated swimming pool.

Working from home will also be a pleasure with robust internet connectivity throughout the estate and an on-site café for coffee breaks. And for those with young families, the Little Hills Montessori school in the estate will provide an excellent educational foundation. Additional on-site facilities for children include a play area and a splash water park.

However, Drakenzicht residents will also be able to enjoy a luxury lifestyle beyond the gates of the estate, which is within easy reach of several internationally acclaimed wine estates including Avondale, Fairview and Laborie, as well as outdoor adventure and nature experience destinations like Strawberry King, The Alpaca Loom Café and Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures.

The town and surrounding wineland areas are also world-renowned for their many exceptional restaurants and local markets selling farm-fresh products and artisanal food. For other retail needs, the Drakenstein shopping centre is within walking distance of the estate, and the Paarl Mall just a few minutes away.

Additional options include the Laborie Centre and Rembrandt Mall, and the Drakenzicht is also very well located in relation to the town’s sought-after schools, including the Paarl Boys’ primary and high schools, the Paarl Girls’ primary and high schools, the Paarl Gimnasium primary and high schools, the La Rochelle Girls’ primary and high schools, the Bridge House school and the Green School.

The estate will officially be launched on 26 November, and it is being marketed by the specialist Luxury Winelands Estates team from Chas Everitt, who are also responsible for exceptional sales in the Val de Vie, Pearl Valley, Boschenmeer and Klein Parys estates close to Paarl, and in the nearby town of Franschhoek, which is known as the culinary and wine capital of SA.