Jet set couple land in South Africa
Two things led Jeff and Carola Babcock to create their dream house overlooking the Indian Ocean in South Africa: one was a two-week stay at a hotel in Europe and the other was chancing upon an idyllic location on the Cape's Garden Route.
"We were staying at a five-star hotel in Spain when we realised how much better it would be to holiday in a home of our own," explains Jeff. "I don't really like hotels, even good ones. So the thought just hit us - let's buy our own house overseas."
Deciding where to buy was more difficult for this international couple. Jeff works in telecoms and Carola is a London-based investment banker so they currently live in Penn, Buckinghamshire but Jeff is originally from the USA and Carola was brought up in Germany. They briefly toyed with the idea of buying a property with a vineyard but in the end the lure of the sea won out. "I grew up on the water in Massachusetts and have always wanted to live near a beach," explains Jeff. "Carola and I both enjoy golf and outdoor activities and we found somewhere that allows us to enjoy all these things."
It was on a trip to visit friends in South Africa that they discovered Pezula Private Estate in Knysna on the Garden Route. Pezula, set between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is an award-winning resort in a 612-hectare private nature reserve. Surrounding it are forests, mountains and of course the Indian Ocean. There's a challenging golf course - both Jeff and Carola are keen golfers - and a luxury hotel and spa.
"We were immediately taken with the beauty and design here," says Jeff. "It became an easy decision for us."
In June 2004 the Babcocks bought a 1.75-acre plot with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and started plans to build a unique house there. "Pezula is an eco-resort, something that appealed to us. We wanted a house that would reflect the natural environment but also wanted to create a stunning design," says Jeff. "We met four different architects before choosing Marinda Brymer. She is part of a husband and wife team with such creative flair and a unique style in every house she does. We ended up giving her a free hand and she has designed a 'contemporary organic house' using local stone and wood along with glass and steel."
Jeff describes the design of their 460 square metre property as an "inside out house". There are four separate areas for the four bedrooms and a garage joined to a communal living, dining and entertaining area. This central open-plan area is double height with a large gallery, the perfect vantage point to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean.
Once their house is finished, the Babcocks plan to travel to South Africa three or four times a year for visits of around two to three weeks at a time. They have visited several times to discuss the design and to oversee the build and claim the distance is not a problem for them. In fact Jeff finds the 12-hour flight to Cape Town, where there is little time difference with the UK and so no jet leg, easier than travelling to East Coast America.
"The journey is easy," insists Jeff. "The most annoying thing is the way that airlines get greedy and put airfares up in the holiday seasons. In summer for example they can increase by £200 to £300 per person."
With one of the most secure and trusted deeds registration systems in the world, buying property in South Africa is generally straightforward. There are no restrictions on non-residents like the Babcocks buying land or property or on renting it out.
The Babcocks certainly have few complaints. "The process wasn't difficult," says Jeff. "We put a 10% deposit down and got a mortgage through a local bank. The only hassle really was when we started to transfer large amounts of money from the UK. Our South African bank questioned us carefully about this. There's a set procedure you have to go through and they were just being very thorough. Now that they understand we are building our own house it is much simpler."
Owning a second home in South Africa means that the Babcocks can enjoy weather and an outdoors lifestyle yet still have their own space. "This isn't a cheap option though", says Jeff. "By the time we have finished, this will cost the same as our four-bedroom house in Buckinghamshire but it is an unbeatable lifestyle choice." He says the price will be in the "mid six figures in pounds".
The Babcocks also like the international make up of Pezula Private Estate where 50% of buyers are from South Africa while the other half is made up of British, German, Dutch, Irish, American and Swiss buyers.
Did South Africa's recent political history and the alarming crime figures concern the couple at all? "These facts are certainly in the back of your mind," admits Jeff. "But crime is bad only in certain areas and not in Knysna. South Africa has the extremes of the First and the Third World. Its wireless phone system for example is a real world leader. Yes, things could be better and change can be frustratingly slow but in terms of the whole situation the signs are that the country is moving forward. There are fewer young South Africans choosing to emigrate for example."
The house is due for completion around Christmas time this year. There has been a three month delay while one of the massive steel beams was transported to Port Elizabeth for specialised treatment. Overall the Babcocks have nothing but praise for the process. "Yes I would definitely do it again," says Jeff. "Working with our architect and our builder has been fantastic. We are getting something very special in a wonderful country. Family and friends are already lining up their visits."
June 2007
Cathy Hawker is a freelance property writer who contributes regularly to The Evening Standard and BBC Good Homes Magazine.
The content provided in the Primelocation.com guides is for information only. In all cases, independent and professional advice should be sought before buying, selling, letting or renting property, or buying financial services products.