Water’s Edge has proved to be the most prestigious and luxurious development seen in the Cape Town West Coast suburb of Big Bay. Sited at the northern end of the Big Bay developed area and bordering onto a nature reserve, it offers its residents panoramic views that take in “half the Atlantic Ocean”, including Robben Island and Table Mountain - and it has direct access, through a small security gate, to the beach.
The complex offers excellent security with only one main entrance which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Figures, compiled by CMA information and the Rawson Properties Blaauwberg franchise, indicate that the average price for a typical 330 to 480 m2 beachfront plot (without any improvements) at Water’s Edge has been close to R3.5 million– and the average building cost at this upmarket estate is R11,500p/m². The average value of homes in the estate is well over R10 million.
“As one would expect,” said Mike Abrahamse, franchise principal for Rawson Properties Blaauwberg, “the standard of design and building at Water’s Edge, both governed by strict architectural and other guidelines, has been superlative. It is quite possible that no other Western Cape development has quite so many well-designed, upmarket homes.”
These comments by Abrahamse were made at an introduction to a home which his agency – and his agent Michèle Pecorelli – are selling at Water’s Edge. This home, said Pecorelli, is probably the finest that she has ever marketed in her entire property selling career.
The home was designed, developed and built by Bob Bunning and his daughter Kirsty Carmichael. Bunning is a mechanical engineer by profession. Kirsty is a qualified interior designer and builder who has previously taken the number one spot in South Africa’s Builder of the Year competition. Together they have completed more than 40houses over the years, including the two in which they live.
“Our aim from the start, no matter what price bracket we were operating in,” said Bunning recently, “was to always achieve exceptionally high standards. At the same time we dislike and avoid any form of ostentation: we appreciate understated elegance and believe that this is best achieved by simple designs and by using only quality materials and finishes throughout.”
This is very evident in the three level 460 m2home that they have now completed and put up for sale. Extensive use has been made of laminated bamboo claddings, English Oak countertops and natural light grey slate and porcelain tiled floors. The front door is solid bamboo and required three men to lift it. The interiors are all either cool white or grey. The kitchen cupboards are smoothly and beautifully lacquered, with the kitchen appliances finished in light grey or white.
It is evident that no expense has been spared: for example, the slow burning solid fuel glass fronted fireplaces are all by Saey from Belgiumand the largest of these cost R27,000. Solar heating has been installed for the geysers and low wattage LED low level lighting illuminates both staircases. The home is wired for air-conditioning, but this will only be installed if specified by the buyer.
The entrance level of the building consists of an extra-large double garage, a storeroom and a self-contained flat with its own kitchenette, shower and its own off-street entrance. In this space, too, is a small study area with an oak work top, suitable for both writing and computer work.
The first floor is given over to a long open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, which on the northern side fronts onto an entertainment deck and a plunge pool. One of four large en suite bedrooms is on this level.
This floor also has an indoor braai room, which flanks onto the pool deck which has been kept uncluttered so that it can be used for entertainment.
Two of the large en suite bedrooms are on the third floor, again offering views of the coastline to the north, across the reserve, and to the west of Table Bay. Here too there is a deck with Astro-Turf, from which these views can be enjoyed.
The listed price of this home is R8,995,000. Abrahamse said, as already indicated, that this stunning home is significantly well priced for Water’s Edge.
