Hermanus; A balance between modernity and traditionalism
Category Property News
As urbanisation increasingly attracts a large population to modern cities in search for; better infrastructure, employment opportunities, housing, schools and health facilities – one aspect remains – these areas are losing its authenticity.
In an attempt to grapple with further urbanisation and densification; the rapid development of commercial, retail and housing precincts is taking hold in key South African towns. Although this supports economic development, many towns are unable to preserve its natural environment and traditional architecture in the face of modernisation.
However, defying this trend is the Western Cape south coast town of Hermanus where heritage control is abided by allowing for the preservation of many old buildings. Due to this, the town has managed to retain a balance between old and new worlds which infuse it with personality, character and depth. On the one end of the spectrum, development is taking place at accelerated speeds, whilst on the other end, a respect for the natural environment and traditional architecture is upheld. This is ideally encapsulated in the homes in Hermanus which are seated amid a village like atmosphere, behind a backdrop of mountain ranges, beaches and lagoons.
The balance between modernism and traditionalism is juxtaposed in four prominent residential developments, namely the modern estates of Hemel en Aarde Estate and Fernkloof Estate, with traditional architecture showcased through Glen Fruin Meadows and “The Homestead”.
The Homestead and Glen Fruin Meadows
With echoes of the past emanating throughout the Homestead on Hermanus’s Mossel River Drive, the property has a rich history that still stands today. The oldest part of the home has been preserved since 1860 and through the centuries it had a string of owners including land baron - Duncan McFarlane, Founder of Rhodes Fruit Farms - Harry Pickstone, The Nurses Trust, Private Owners - the Fraters and Dr. J A Mouton, and finally, the daughters of the Fraters. Of these owners, Pickstone and Mouton played a pivotal role in restoring and preserving the Homestead.
Today, after many transformations, the home continues to retain its 19th-century architecture and still contains its original furniture, bedding, crockery and books that were used by nurses who once lived there.
The appreciation for Hermanus’s historic buildings is demonstrated in the opinion of David Leppen, principal of Hermanus Property Sales who stated in The Village News: “By cherishing and protecting these old gems, we are not only preserving buildings but also the whole fabric of Hermanus,” he said.
A dynamic feature of the property is its milkwood trees that surround the home since the time of its construction in 1860. Today these trees are a testament to Hermanus’s innate respect to unspoiled nature.
Seated in the Hemel en Aarde Valley, just 2.9 km’s away from central Hermanus is the Glenfruin Meadows. The very ethos of this exclusive and private equestrian and country estate is to protect the nature around it, and it is for this reason that the mapping of the plots took place around historical trees and special plants
Hemel en Aarde Estate and Fernkloof Estate
The modern aspects emanating through Hermanus are the several secure residential estates burgeoning throughout the town. The most prominent estates include the upmarket Hemel en Aarde Estate and Fernkloof Golf Estate. The current properties on the market from Hermanus Property Sales exhibit contemporary features that promote luxury, comfort and security. The first property from Hemel en Aarde Estate is designed with ultimate sophistication in mind and comprises a gourmet kitchen, natural shell stone fossil tiles, interior shutters, two focal water features and two designer pools. The second property is a three bedroom, sole mandate property from Fernkloof Golf Estate. This home features luxurious entertainment and living areas, complete with an alarm and beam system, air conditioning and solar power.
Hermanus’s exceptional ability to merge old and new worlds is refreshing, especially considering that many towns have been stripped of historic and environmental features as a response to urbanisation. Hermanus is for those who appreciate rich architecture, authenticity and urban development that respects and preserves nature.
Author: Hermanus Property Sales
