CAP D' AFRIQUE as Cape Town's coastline is affectionately known, is still the popular location for a sound property investment. Suzy Ormond, Standard Bank's financial advisor has commented on this property boom, "Buy now! You might think prices are high, but in 5-10 years time it's going to go through the roof." While investors are busy gobbling up property along the Atlantic Seaboard, others are heading for the phenomenon of the Golf Estate.

The Garden Route is traditionally the No. 1 choice for property purchase for retirement and holiday purposes. In the new South Africa, it has increasingly become the destination of choice for permanent residence by local and foreign buyers, due to its scenic beauty, tranquillity, and low crime rate.

Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is a town, known as the historical 'capital' of the Garden Route and this picture-perfect destination is in demand across the property spectrum with investors, holidaymakers and conferences, vying for space.

BRAND NEW GOLF

The new kid on the block, in terms of real estate safe-havens is the beautifully landscaped and designed, Mossel Bay Golf Estate, which has positioned itself as an investors dream, and most of the architect-designed houses on the estate have been snapped up. It stands on one of the most dramatic settings on the Southern Cape Coast.

The lifestyle of this golf estate is luxurious and insular, perfect for holidays or the permanent home you'll never want to leave. The living is gracious with a wonderful blend of lush green fairways and indigenous fynbos, spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and a climate referred to by the Guinness Book of Records, as the second most moderate climate in the world (after Hawaii). This golf estate is only minutes away from the amenities of Mossel Bay with its rich history, museums, picturesque shops and restaurants, and long stretches of sandy beaches.

The Mossel Bay Golf Estate is 108HA, fenced, 24-hour security service. There is an 18-hole Champion Links Course, ranked 47th in South Africa, Par 72 (course ranking 71/5.570m).

Peaceful, protected and self-sufficient, golf estate living has become the perfectly safe option for 21st century living. It's the peaceful exclusivity of the lifestyle that is compelling. You don't have to play it! Just live it.

CAPE TOWN ESTATES

Other golf estates on offer around Cape Town include the Erinvale Golf Estate situated at the foot of the Helderberg and Hottentot Holland mountains in Somerset West. Designed by Gary Player, Erinvale's beautifully manicured par 72-championship course boasts some of the countries most challenging and spectacular holes.

The Atlantic Beach Estate with its 18-hole, links-style course is in complete harmony with its environment. Every manufactured structure on the estate has been designed to preserve the unspoilt heritage of the Table Bay coastline. The estates unique architectural design takes its inspiration from the natural world around it; creating a style that blends unobtrusively with the diverse plant life, so that homes are at one with the surrounding nature. Cape Town is just 25 minutes away.

The Steenberg Estate is a golf estate, winery, hotel and a great holiday location all rolled into one. One of South Africa's leading golf course architects, Peter Matkovich, built the golf course. This 18-hole championship course meanders leisurely through the vineyards of this tranquil Constantia Valley, and is set against the slopes of the Steenberg Mountain.