Rare beachfront gems on sale in St Francis

SINCE the turn of the millennium, while thousands of homes have been sold in St Francis Bay's property market in general, only 32 front-row houses facing directly onto the beach or ocean have changed hands in this highly appealing coastal area, says a leading estate agency principal in the area, Richard Arderne.

"By front row, it means you are able to step from your front garden onto the beach or rocks. Of these 32 front-row houses which have been sold, only seven were on the beach. This indicates the high desirability of residential property in these prime locations as owners tend to hold onto their homes, even through the recent recession."

Arderne said in 2003 a beachfront house sold for R4.5-million, which was the first residential property sale in St Francis Bay at more than R4-million.

In 2010, Pam Golding Properties sold a beachfront home for R6.75-million which was completely demolished and a prestigious new mansion erected.

In 2007, a vacant plot on the rocks in Santareme sold for R4-million.

"Until 2007/2008, prices of front-row homes increased significantly, and then flattened. However, they have sustained value despite the fact that coastal property was negatively impacted by the economic downturn.

"Currently, Pam Golding is offering two front-row houses which we are marketing on sole mandate at excellent prices – one on the beach for R5.75-million and the other in Santareme – overlooking the rocks on the oceanfront, priced at R4.5-million," Arderne said.

The first property is a light and bright, double-storey beachfront house with five bedrooms which include an en-suite flatlet, spacious open-plan living and outdoor patios. A lovely home situated in a prime location, it has endless beach views and spectacular sunrises over the ocean.

The house overlooking the rocks in Santareme is elevated, sunny and north facing. This is a master-built home with sophisticated, classy interiors, with a cherry wood kitchen and study and granite top cupboards throughout, including bathrooms.

It includes a guest en-suite bedroom downstairs and two upstairs with a balcony, while an upstairs study is a fourth bedroom option. The open-plan living comprises two lounges and a dining area which opens out to the garden and patio. There are three garages, including a double garage with direct access to the house.