GGIL

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to another addition of The Golfers’ Guide to Investment Living.

When a tourist thinks of South Africa, and Africa alike, wildlife and the 2010 World Cup are the first things that come to mind. But what about golfing in South Africa – is that enough to draw in international tour-ists? With tourist figures remaining low, due

CREDITS

Published by Celebrate LivingCEO: Cameron BramleyEditor: Stacey RowanProject leader and sales director: Jason BramleyAdvertising consultants: Francoise Fassler and Jeff MalanProduction Manager: Stacey RowanAdministration: Michelle SwartDesign and layout: Amoeba Design Studio

Tel: 011 465 5745

No part of this publication can be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publishers. The publishers and staff do not take respon-sibility for any errors or omissions. The information was deemed ac-curate at time of publications, but details may change from time to time.

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to continuing global economic tightening, it is clear that golfing related services, B & B’s and guest lodges near golf courses, and golf courses themselves, need to realise the value they cur-rently have in hand and begin to develop unique and innova-tive ways in order to ‘pull’ these tourists to their establishment… and to South African shores. South Africa can no longer rely on the traditional attractions to attract tourism consumers. We need to look for alternative ways to lure international travellers – and golfing is the answer. No longer will the South African golf market’s potential be ignored. The Golfers’ Guide to Investment Living is one of those vessels that continue to highlight South Africa as one of the world’s best tourist destinations, with golf-ing being one of the top ‘lures’ for international tourists. With the hopeful increase in travellers, this will bring continued invest-ment to South Africa… and that’s what The Golfers’ Guide to Investment Living is all about – investment living.

In this edition we take a look at three golfing estates: South-downs Estate; Woodhill Golf Estate and Zimbali Coastal Resort – where the game of golf meets investment living.

Our lifestyle section covers investment furniture. Here we take a look at how, with this ideal investment, money certainly grows on trees.

For more on the world of golf, be sure to visit our website on www.golfersguide.co.za

Best Wishes,Stacey Rowan (Editor)

Golfers’ GuideTO INVESTMENT LIVINGVolume 02

CONTENTSIn this issue

COLLECTIONS4 Money Grows on Trees

ESTATE LIVING8 A Piece of the Past 10 More than an Investment 12 Two Championship Golf Courses in your Backyard

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When looking for the ideal invest-ment, one usually considers short-term investments, bonds, stocks, real estate, commodities like gold and silver or mutual funds. But has one ever considered furniture as an investment? When looking at collectable antique furniture, key furniture pieces and high-val-ue carpentry items, it is easy to see how, with this investment, money certainly grows on trees.

So what makes wood such a sound in-vestment opportunity?

T he question is: If wood is a long-term in-vestment, will it still be in high demand in 25 years time? There are three factors:

The growth of the world’s population, wood as a renewable resource and emerging markets. The consumption of wood is connected to human life - over the years the global demand for wood has

grown in parallel to the world’s population. If the past is anything to go by, there is no doubt that wood will play an even bigger role in our lives in the coming years. Wood is a renewable material and is increasingly replacing other materials like plastics, stone and other materials. Timber, and wood furniture, has long been considered an old fashioned, unsophisticated investment. Howev-er, people are increasingly aware that wood, a low-tomoderate risk asset class, is outperform-ing more creative assets. Another reason why wood is such a great investment is simply be-cause of its natural growth. Trees do not only grow biologically and steadily in volume, but their increased volume additionally jumps slow-ly into higher dimension-based value classes. The same volume of small dimension timber is cheaper than of big dimension timber. This com-bination of natural growth in both volume and value class makes wood a unique asset class. Trees will just continue to grow in volume and value exponentially, as will wooden furniture.

Collecting Antique Furniture If you are collecting antique furniture as a future investment to hand down to your children, or for

MONEY GROWS ON TREES

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Go for a sealant on wood that is used in moist areas as the air in these areas is often damp.If you damage your furniture possibly, get it mended. Depending on the amount of damage sustained it may need to be gently sanded and then refinished using a sealer. Once it is done you should polish it frequently over a course of several days to let the polish seep in to the wood.

Which wood is best for investment furniture?Available in a variety of colors, grains, and hard-ness’s, solid wood has always been a preferred material for fine furniture. Shock-resistant and durable, it’s also a sound investment, increas-ing in value over generations. Different parts of the world produce different types of woods, each with its own set of characteristics. Because each tree yields lumber with its own grain patterns and markings, each piece of genuine wood has its own unique personality. It’s its own unique in-vestment.

MahoganyMahogany, a tropical medium-to-hard wood in-digenous to S. America, Central America, and Africa, has a uniform pore structure, a medium grain, and less defined annual rings. Mahog-any’s strength makes it an excellent carving wood. Mahogany ranges from tan to reddish-brown in color. Not only is the wood durable, but it can maintain its shape against swelling and shrinkage. Also, its stability and resistance to decay makes the wood ideal for high-quality cabinetry and furniture. As the girth of the tree is broad furniture makers were able to use a sin-gle cut of wood for a table top. Mahogany ranks tops when it comes to making quality furniture.

OakOak continues to be sought after as the wood to use for luxurious furniture, as well as finer and more durable furniture. It is a very hard, heavy, open-grained wood that grows from deciduous and evergreen trees. It’s found in both red and

other purposes, it can, not only, be a very nice hobby, but it can be a valuable one. This is one of the best ways to invest as you will not only get years of use with beautiful furniture pieces in your living space, but also - the older the furniture gets the more valuable it will become, especially if cared for properly. At the end you then have something very special to pass down to your children or something very expensive to resell – when it comes to furniture it’s a win-win situation.

When you start collecting, firstly buy what you like as you’ll be living with this for many years. Always buy quality furniture pieces from repu-table antique dealers that are in original condi-tion - not over restored pieces. Be very careful when buying at auction as they sometimes don’t tell you if pieces are restored, marriages or have been messed around with. Check over each piece of antique furniture carefully to make sure there is no bad damage. In addition, try to place your furniture in the right area in your home to protect from sun damage or heat. Collecting Unfinished furnitureUnfinished furniture is a good investment deci-sion if you would like to add some style to your residence - when the wooden piece is designed in such a way as to highlight the natural grain beauty of the wood. Some collectors paint wooden furniture, however most frown on do-ing so as you do not only destroy the look of the furniture but you also lessen its natural value. When purchasing unfinished wooden furniture you must choose what finishes you would like to achieve. Obviously should you be looking at us-ing a wooden table in the kitchen to eat on, you’ll want a more resistant finish than that needed on a wooden bookcase for the lounge room. Many people would suggest finishing the table using a finishing oil to nourish the material and then putting on a sealant to avoid unwanted dust and bacteria getting trapped in the grain of the wood.

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white varieties. Red oak has a pinkish cast and is the more popular of the two. White oak has a slightly greenish cast. Prominent rings and large pores give oak a coarse texture and prominent grain. It stains well in any color.

MapleMaple is a very light-colored medium-to-hard wood, abundant in the E. America. Known for its shock resistance, maple has diffused, evenly-sized pores that give the wood a fine texture and an even grain. Maple is highly durable and can take any stain well. It can be finished to resemble wal-nut, cherry, or other more expensive hardwoods.

BeechFound primarily in northeast America and Cana-da, beech is a heavy, pale-colored, medium-to-hard wood used widely for chairs and stools. It has a fine, tight grain and large medullar rays. Beech wood has a high shock resistance and takes stains well. It is a hard, strong material, but it does not endure like some hardwoods do. Beech polishes well. It is used in general purpose fab-rications as well as in furniture, toys, and floors.

PinePine wood is widely used in high-value carpentry items. Pine is a softwood that grows in many vari-eties in various parts of the world. Pine’s “knotty” characteristics provide warmth and individuality to each crafted piece. Usually light-yellow in color, the wood has a broadly spaced striation pattern. It is ideal for rooms where you’d like an airier, light-er feel. Its natural grain and shades ensure that no piece is exactly alike. Excellent for staining.

So no matter whether you are collecting an-tique furniture, unfinished furniture, key furniture pieces or high-value carpentry items, wooden furniture is a must when it comes to investing. Whether it is for decorating your home or for re-selling in the future – wooden furniture, just like the tree from which it came from, will grow in value over time. ◘

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Southdowns Estate has a unique Architectural Style – essentially an unembellished contemporary interpretation of a Transvaal / Victorian vernacular.

One of the corner stones of this modern farm style is the use of Victorian S-rib Chromadek roof sheeting in either Kalahari Red or Dark Dolphin Grey. The metal sheeting is also extensively used for wall cladding – creating the effect of farm buildings and sheds.

The Chromadek roof sheeting, besides being extremely cost effective, creates an ambiance of bygone rural living.

A number of home builders are including galvanized steel farm dams as swimming pools and installing water tanks of the same design. The resurgence of Chromadek as a building material for residential developments in Gauteng is a noteworthy trend towards a uniquely South African architectural style.

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Southdowns Estate has a unique Architectural Style – essentially an unembellished contemporary interpretation of a Transvaal / Victorian vernacular.

One of the corner stones of this modern farm style is the use of Victorian S-rib Chromadek roof sheeting in either Kalahari Red or Dark Dolphin Grey. The metal sheeting is also extensively used for wall cladding – creating the effect of farm buildings and sheds.

The Chromadek roof sheeting, besides being extremely cost effective, creates an ambiance of bygone rural living.

A number of home builders are including galvanized steel farm dams as swimming pools and installing water tanks of the same design. The resurgence of Chromadek as a building material for residential developments in Gauteng is a noteworthy trend towards a uniquely South African architectural style.

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Bordering on the Irene Dairy Farm, a landmark for over 200 years, and incorporating 50 hec-tares of farmland within it, South-downs Estate has brought a piece of the past back into the future in Irene. Residents of Southdowns Estate can experience this histori-cal dairy farm when strolling down lanes, passing open pastures and barns that date back to the 1800’s, and visiting the old fashioned dairy farm to get a gallon of fresh milk or have breakfast in the open air tea garden in the shade of age old oak trees.

Southdowns Estate is located on Nell-mapius Drive in the picturesque Irene, Greek word for peace and name given

to a choice piece of Highveld land in 1889. The development spans approximately 200 hectares and comprises a residential node, Sport and Arts Exchange (SAX), Southdowns College and Southdowns Shopping Centre, all in easy ac-cess for the residents.

Architecture & Building GuidelinesThe Estate’s Architectural Guidelines ensure that homes built compliment the surroundings and is described as a modern interpretation of the old Transvaal farmhouse. The overall appearance of

the Estate is directed by architectural standards whilst allowing residents a broad range of fl ex-ibility in creating their own homes. As one drives through Southdowns Estate, the attention to detail is evident. Specially designed street lighting and signage are small tributes to the care taken on the estate – ensuring the au-thenticity of the Irene Farm is maintained. The Estate is notable for a number of features and has upped the ante with its fi bre optic backbone.

SecuritySurrounded by a natural farming habitat, the South and South-eastern perimeter borders the Southdowns College and Agricultural Research Council and has open landscapes and dense fo-liage on other areas of the perimeter.

With this in mind, as well as the ever changing risk profi le of a developing estate, the decision to develop a sound security infrastructure, combin-ing an effi cient guard force with state of the art and military specifi cation technology was made, which led to the implementation of what is now viewed as the most prestigious intelligent secu-rity solution for residential estates.

Integrated electronic security solutions such as Biometric access control systems, CCTV and Thermal Cameras with internal fi bre optic com-munication networks compliment further solu-tions such as the 7km electrifi ed perimeter fence and an on-site state of the art Control Room. Control room operators monitor the perimeter, ac-cess points and residential alarm systems, ena-

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A PIECEOF THE PAST

bling them to immediately dispatch skilled armed response units patrolling the estate 24 hours of the day. The thermal cameras are Israeli mili-tary specification cameras and state clearance had to be obtained to utilise them. The cameras in essence define images from heat energy and can penetrate atmospheric obscurants (day and night) such as haze and fog.

This combination affords the residents of South-downs Estate with the sought after peace of mind and a relaxed farm lifestyle.

Natural GasThe Estate is one of the most innovative devel-opments to make its appearance in the property market and is the first estate in South Africa to have its own Natural Gas pipeline with direct nat-ural gas feed to each home. Southdowns Estate set the benchmark for developments to come when the Natural Gas pipeline was successfully commissioned in July 2009. A first for South Af-ricans is having natural gas direct to each house. Not only do homeowners save on energy bills but have a less expensive energy source to rely on. A 2km gas pipeline was installed from the Estate to SASOL’s main pipeline. Another 10.5km of pipeline runs through the estate. The project was designed by VGI – a gas engineering company.

Southdowns Management Services has signed a 10 year contract with SASOL Gas to provide the estate with Natural Gas. Management of in-stallations and maintenance has been tasked to The Gas Company – another leader in the field. Each home is fitted with a gas meter and residents are charged on their individual con-sumption in accordance with the agreed tariffs. Residents are no longer subject to escalating electricity tariffs. Natural gas is a “clean” en-ergy source and is instantaneously available.

Environmentally and Ecological friendlyTo ensure minimum ecological impact was caused during the construction and operation of Southdowns, an Eco Plan was implemented to make sure that the ecological integrity of the various open spaces of the farm land was re-tained and protected. A proposed open space system for Southdowns Development Proposal included consolidated sections of open land con-nected by thinner pieces of open land known as corridors. The more substantial sections of the open space serve to conserve large sections of natural grassland, woodland and riverine areas, as well as high quality agricultural land where the activities of the dairy farm continue. The cor-ridors inside the boundaries of the site as well as with the surrounding land are integral com-ponents to maintaining ecological integrity of the sites and areas as they provide for systems to continue functioning naturally. This is particularly true for faunal species that require larger areas and territories with suitable habitat where that they can breed, hunt and disperse to.

By capturing the very essence of Irene’s natu-ral beauty, maintaining the dairy farm feel and providing the ultimate backdrop for an extraor-dinary lifestyle, the estate lives up to its slogan of “A life less hurried.” With is environmentally friendly methods and natural gas system, South-downs Estate continues to maintain it’s vision of being the premier residential estate in Gauteng offering a unique lifestyle in an environmentally sustainable manner.

At Southdowns Estate, come live a life less hur-ried. ◘

With its origins as a dairy farm, Woodhill Residential Estate & Country Club came into being on 1 March 1999.

Once a dairy farm, its origins are refl ected in the harmony of country ambiance and state of the art living. The design of the estate retains much of the existing fl ora, fauna and farm-life features, allowing you to take a step back in time when entering the estate. Carefully pre-pared architectural guidelines have ensured an aesthetically pleasing estate, without restricting individuality of design. Each home on the es-tate represents a sense of style that refl ects a sophisticated, playful and relaxed atmosphere.

For golfers on the Woodhill - Peter Matkovich designed - course, it’s like golfi ng on an ever-green investment. Currently ranked one of the top courses in South-Africa, Woodhill challenges all aspects of a golfer’s game, yet at the same time provides a distinctly different and enjoy-

able golfi ng experience. Hosting the second oldest professional golf tournament in the coun-try - the South African PGA Championship - as well as President Thabo Mbeki’s Inaugural Golf Day, sees Woodhill holding its proud head high in the prestigious world of golf. Stunning scen-ery and dramatic natural features are evident in the course, shaped and strategically positioned around more than 850 residential stands. The Club House is the focal point of the estate and golf course. It overlooks the 9th and 18th greens and has a panoramic view over the estate and course. Complimented by a well stocked state of the art Pro Shop and a halfway house, Woo-dhill Country Club ensures that the needs of the most discerning golfer are well catered to. With all these great investments, it is no wonder why Woodhill Residential Estate & Country Club stands as Pretoria’s premier “Estate of Choice.”◘

MORE THANAN INVESTMENTLocated in the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria, Woodhill Residential Es-tate and Country Club is ideally situated adjacent to the Pretoria East Hospital and Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre. When investing in Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club, home owners don’t just get a house – they get close amenities too. With Woodhill College, a private school adjacent to the estate offering quality education from grade 000 to grade 12, parents at Woodhill can have excellent academ-ic results at their doorstep. A fi ve-star guest house on the premises and a 18 hole championship course guarantees residents of Woodhill more return on investment than just a home.

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Zimbali Country ClubOffering irresistible ocean and forest views, ex-ceptional water and wetland features and an in-spiring natural setting, Zimbali Country Club was designed by Tom Weiskopf. This 18 hole cham-pionship course is rated one of the top South Af-rican golf courses, as well as one of South Afri-ca’s fi nest golfi ng experiences, and is supported by a well stocked Pro shop, cloakrooms, driving range, half-way house and putting greens.

With the brief of “conservation takes prece-dence”, Tom Weiskopf, had to integrate a “cart only” course. The end result is an ecologically sound course that maximises the natural land-scape. Having been described as “an enthralling journey through 18 holes”, the changing terrain stretches the golfer’s skill yet captivates its par-ticipating golfers. Landing areas are wide, with

an improved defi nition from tee positions. The need to retain the ecology and extensive wild-life habitats dictated the positioning, abundance and controlled maintenance of the semi and long rough areas. This ultimately necessitates some precise shot making indeed and also contributes to increased diffi culty of play.

The remains of a ruined farmhouse framed around an ageing wild fi g tree dominates the entrance to the clubhouse. Construction had to take place around nature and this feature not only marks the entrance of the modern, colo-nial-styled clubhouse, it also bears testimony to the preservation ethos of the developers of Zimbali Country Club. The clubhouse has been designed and decorated in an African Classical theme, with extensive use of hand crafted décor, fi ttings and furnishings.

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES IN YOUR BACK-YARD…

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Known not only for its endless golden beaches, world-class hotels, bush buck wandering through indigenous gardens, long walks on shaded forest footpaths, horse riding, signature architectural style and a causal coastal lifestyle, Zimbali is also known for its golf.

In terms of the ultimate golfi ng experience, Zimbali has some of the best golf courses, clubhouses and golfi ng facilities in South Africa. Welcome to Zimbali – a place with two private championship signature golf courses in your immediate back-yard.

Zimbali Lakes ResortThe Zimbali Lakes Resorts boasts a Gary Play-er designed 18 hole championship golf course; country club; driving range and golf academy. Purpose developed as one of the finest coastal residential and resort estates in Southern Africa, Zimbali exists as an oasis of stylish living and is set to become one of the most played destina-tions within South Africa.

Signature Architectural Style of Zimbali Right from the start sensitivity and minimal dis-turbance to the existing surroundings was to ex-emplify the spirit of Zimbali’s architecture. The solution to this has now become the signature style of Zimbali. In Zimbali, homes have been fit-ted into their setting, becoming part of the sur-rounding landscape. The use of natural finishes and materials has ensured there is synergy in the architectural aesthetics as well as a distinct partnership with nature.

Homes located within the Zimbali Lakes Resorts are innovative in that they represent carefully considered reinterpretations of the strict archi-tectural guidelines. The generously proportioned homes use spatial arrangements and local ma-terials in interesting ways, expertly weaving

them into the fabric of the architectural style. The interior and exterior is treated as a whole with a seamless interaction between outdoor and in-door living. Sliding or fold away apertures open out onto a variety of outdoor spaces, each de-signed to accommodate exceptional views and embrace the natural setting. This outdoor/indoor interaction is a creative design solution for real living. In addition, residential gardens merge into the natural waterways, and outer fringes of the coastal forest and golf course, forming one ex-tensive garden.

For form to meet function and temper the de-mands of the sub tropical climate of Zimbali, the dominant roof scapes have large overhangs, spacious covered verandahs and large openings for through breezes. Structural materials are nat-ural and hard wearing whilst the exterior facades are painted in rich African earth tones, providing an earthy neutral backdrop to the all-indigenous landscape.

With all the beaches, wildlife, nature, outdoor ac-tivities, beautiful architecture and golfing avail-able to residents of Zimbali, it’s time for you to now occupy a top-spot on a list of the world’s most desirable addresses. ◘

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