Seeff Eastern Cape and Garden Route Spring 2015 Magazine

PROPERTY PAGES

WIN A KURLAND GET-AWAY

THE R19 MILLION STEAL 15 HARKER STREET, PLETTENBERG BAY

INVESTMENT OVER 100 PROPERTIES TO CHOOSE FROM

BEYOND ESKOM

OFF THE GRID LUXURY LIVING

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE RECIPE

F I T N E S S , F O R M U L A 1 , F U T U R E H O M E S & M O R E

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

EASTERN CAPE & GARDEN ROUTE

P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 2

P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 2 P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 3

SAMUEL SEEFF

IT is not a lack of buyers,

but rather a lack of stock

that is characterising

much of the housing

market right now. The

recent twenty five basis

point interest rate

hike notwithstanding,

conditions within the

market continue to favour

sellers.

While the economic

climate remains muted

and many sectors are

slowing down, the

property market is one

area that still provides

plenty of opportunity.

Our branches continue

to report strong buyer

interest with excellent

attendance at show

houses.

Sellers are still seeing

good offers and, provided

they are pegging their

price in line with what

buyers are prepared to

pay, are seeing good

prices, often close to or

even full asking price.

In many areas, the time

that it now takes to sell

a property has almost

halved from what it was

two to three years ago.

Well priced properties

in high demand areas

can sell for well within

a month of listing,

sometimes in less than a

week.

In most areas, the

number of properties on

the market has reduced

drastically, yet another

factor pointing to the

still favourable selling

conditions. Agents report

that in primary areas, for

example, there are now

waiting lists of bond and

cash-ready buyers.

The buoyant

conditions have also led

to many areas seeing

excellent double-digit

price growth over the last

two years. This, on the

back of stronger demand

and buyers willing to pay

more to get their hands

on the right property in

the right location.

While the economic

challenges are no doubt

mounting, we believe

that the housing market

will maintain its good

balance throughout this

year. Regardless, there

will always be buyers

and people who need

to move for whatever

reason, being transferred

to another location, or

getting a promotion and

looking to move to a

better house or area, for

example.

This means that there

will always be activity

in the housing market,

sometimes a bit less, as

the case was three to five

years ago, and sometimes

more, as we have seen

over the last two years.

With demand levels still

well above what it was

two years ago, now is still

a particularly favourable

time for sellers.

We are delighted

to present some of

our exclusive property

listings. Be sure to visit

www.seeff.com to view

Seeff’s excellent selection

of real estate buys or to

find your nearest branch if

you are looking to sell or

obtain a valuation for your

property.

Property Market Still Packed with Opportunity

A MESSAGE FROM SAMUEL

COMPETITIONWin a special evening for two at the Kurland Hotel in Plettenberg Bay, dinner and breakfast included. Email your name, contact details and the subject heading ‘Kurland’ to [email protected] to enter.

PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY CHAPEL LANE MEDIA EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: +27 82 452 8110

LIFESTYLE

1 ULYSSE NARDIN WATCH This is the Chinese year of the Goat. So the Ulysse Nardin Classico Goat should make the ideal gift, especially on our African continent, where we hold the goat in high regard.$40,000 from select jewellers

2 EVA SOLO TEA MAKERTea with or without tannin. Allow the tea leaves to float freely in the water and the filter to retain them when pouring. Or put the tea leaves in the filter and once brewed, depress the plunger. R840Yuppiechef.com

3 ELECTRIC DIAMOND KNIFE SHARPENERKeeping knives sharp is serious business. A sharp knife causes fewer injuries, as it requires less force to cut through food, and will slip off the side into hands less easily. R1,499 Yuppiechef.com

4 ALESSI 60 MINUTE TIMERCooking is all about the timing, so make sure you’re on time with this cute clockwork-style kitchen timer. Perfect for everything from a nap to a soft boiled egg. R599Yuppiechef.com

5 BIG GREEN EGGBased on the design of an ancient cooking oven, called the ‘kamado’, the ceramic Big Green Egg is a braai, an outdoor oven, a pizza oven, and a smoker. Available in different sizes.R20,790 Yuppiechef.com

EASY LIVING

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Fill your everyday spaces with the colours, tastes, smells, and textures of interesting products of all shapes and sizes, and at vastly different prices.


6 FLY-AWAY BIRDS VINYL STICKERS A quick way to add something fun to any room. Cover an area of ±2m x 1m, and with birds flying either direction. Available in black, white, charcoal, or dove grey. R239. Fantastick.co.za 7 DE LONGHI TOASTERThe Icona Vintage four-slice toaster is certain to

bring a note of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen, whichever classic vintage colour you choose. R1,399 Yuppiechef.com

8 RAPID BEVERAGE CHILLERChilling your drinks should be as relaxed as you are. This nifty machine chills a cooldrink can in one minute, and will have

a bottle of white wine ready in six. R1,499 Yuppiechef.com

9 BREVILLE ESPRESSO MACHINEBreville’s 15 bar programmable espresso machine has a built-in burr grinder with an integrated bean hopper and grind size selector. Choose between single cup or double cup. R6,999. Yuppiechef.com

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TIPS FOR COFFEE LOVERS

BACKWASHIf you use your espresso

machine daily, a backwash once a month is necessary to remove any coffee oils

and grounds that have built up over time.

STEAMWANDKeep the steam wand clean

by wiping it with a damp cloth immediately after

every use. This will prevent milk from burning – and sticking – to the outside of it, which is much more

difficult to clean off.

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15 HARKER STREET

ON A HIGH NOTE

SIZE: 550 square metre BEDS: 4 en-suiteASKING: R19,9 millionCONTACT: Daniel van Renen ([email protected]) on 082-883-6271Alet Ollemans ([email protected]) on 083-657-5678


COVER PROPERTY

Plettenberg Bay has many gems that are not so well hidden. This is, after all, where power and money come to claim bragging rights during the annual retreat and to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Once in a while, though, a really special hidden gem comes on the market.

COMPLETELY understated in appearance from the outside, 15 Harker Street nestles among good-looking neighbours on a slope that offers some of the most spectacular views. If ever there has been a focal point for Plett since Sol Kerzner built it during his heydays, it is the Beacon Isle Hotel. Add ocean, beach, distant peninsula, birds, sunset, lagoon, greenery and more and you might be forgiven for thinking we are scripting the next


Disney fantasy movie – so perfect is the vista at 15 Harker.

In an interview with a well-known décor magazine, architect Greg Scott of Greg Wright Architects explains what he

tried to achieve with the design of this property in the mid-2000s. The client wanted something that would be comfortable, understated and not too large, and also optimise the

panoramic views. For this, Scott opted for a design that facilitated space vertically, and would be enhanced by the use of natural materials and installed features, such as the

stairwell, fireplace and screens. Scott saw the dramatic slope of the property as less of a challenge than an opportunity and used it to his advantage to create a dramatic interplay


COVER PROPERTY

between levels and vertical lines. The culmination of the vision of a daring architect, a receptive client and a special site, enabled the flowing indoor and outdoor living spaces to realise

the ultimate lifestyle moments. The current interior design was managed by M-Interiors of Cape Town, with the design philosophy derived from the owner’s own art collection.

Admit it. When you see that deck, that pool and that view, you can viscerally smell the cocktails and sunscreen. Imagine choosing the music to accompany such perfect moments?

The place has the feel-good vibe of reggae, the pedigree of the Beatles, the authority of a Beethoven, but ultimately, it is a smooth jazz house. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three….

P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 1 0

SEEFF’S branches in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route region report that amidst a general uptick in activity, last summer saw the best trade since pre-2007/8, and with a very successful winter season continuing the trend.

Almost without exception, the deeds office data for last year, compared to the preceding year, tell of a market on the up. Activity in Mossel Bay, for example, was up by 17% in unit terms and 40% in value in 2014.

The picture for Knysna is even better, with units up by 37% as well as 28% more value recorded for the year.

Plettenberg Bay, too, has continued the upward

trend witnessed in 2014 when transactions were up by 59%, while the value of sold properties went up 29% from R333 million to R429 million.

The bounce-back amidst what remains a challenging economic backdrop is not all that surprising though, according to Seeff’s licensees. South Africans love the sun and the sea and if there is plenty of outdoor activities, it is all the more reason to invest in property in an area like the Garden Route that seems to have it all.

The beautiful Garden Route ticks all the boxes when it comes to location, lifestyle and something on offer to suit every buyer need and

budget. The property options are diverse, from retirement villages to convenient lock-up-and-go apartments, older houses priced below R1.5 million, exclusive golf estate homes and a host of water-side options ranging from lake and lagoon to ocean-front homes priced upwards of R3 million to R30 million and more.

Holidaymakers are expected to be back in full force over the coming summer. Kevin Engelsman of Plettenberg Bay mentions that aside from the George Airport, there are now also direct flights into Plettenberg Bay for easy access, especially from the larger metropolitan areas. As

PROPERTY KEEPS GAINING

MARKET OVERVIEW

The property market has been making steady gains since the economic meltdown of 2007/8. Up to early 2014, the market was still characterised by a massive oversupply of stock, but the tide has since turned.

P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 1 0 P R O P E R T Y P A G E S | 1 1

INVESTMENT

one of the holiday and investment hot spot areas for wealthy buyers, there has been a number of R20 million-plus sales over the last year at prices ranging to highs of over R28 million.

Pieter Jordaan, of the George and Wilderness area says that the market is now much more responsive than in the previous 10 years. The biggest demand in the George region is coming from younger buyers, under the age of 40 who are mostly looking to invest in the sub-R1.2 million sector.

Mossel Bay licensee, Kaaiman Schutte reckons that the market has seen at least a 15–20% improvement in demand over the last few months with homes below the R1.5 million price band selling well. European buyers, especially Germans and some Italians, as well as a few Americans, have been shopping for property in the area, he adds.

Sellers in Knysna have seen more offers in the last few months, although still somewhat short of the asking prices, according to Suzi Bilyard, licensee

for the area. The demand for retirement homes is especially strong, with buyers coming mostly from the major metropolitan areas, especially Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is also a growth in interest from African buyers.

With the general uptick in activity, Seeff licensees seem to agree that it is a good time for those looking to sell to explore their options. Based on activity this year, it is believed that the good sentiment is here to stay, at least through the rest of 2015.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

EDITOR’S CHOICE



FAMILY TRAVEL

THE historic farm Lynedoch was built in the Bedford district of the Eastern Cape in 1842 by William Dodds Pringle, half-brother to Thomas Pringle, who led the original party of Scottish Settlers. The setting of the homestead is strikingly beautiful, surrounded by idyllic oaks and nestling in the grandeur of the Baviaans River Mountains. During the disturbances of the eighth Frontier War, Lynedoch was a haven for

farmers and their families.Fast forward more

than 150 years, and today, Lynedoch Farm boasts 5,000 hectare of picturesque landscapes where visitors and avid hunters can expect to see game such as Kudu, Eland, Springbuck, Lechwe, Impala, Waterbuck, Nyala, Hartebeest, Gemsbuck and Mountain Rheebuck, to name a few. Whilst watching game, guests may also spot many different bird species

taking to the sky. Those who seek to explore further out on foot will find ancient Bushmen drawings next to the river banks.

For only R500 per room (per person or per couple per night) and a daily hunting rate of R500, Lynedoch is a must-visit guesthouse. Children are welcome at R250 per child per night. Escape the city’s hustle-and-bustle and visit this lovely Eastern Cape family-friendly farm.

LYNEDOCH FARMHISTORICAL PARADISE

Lynedoch Farm has a story to tell. In fact, it has a double story house of history, dating back to the 1800s. If the house’s thick walls could talk they’d tell you all about the very first owners – the Pringle Family.

For bookings Contact Dirk Ellis cell: 082-321-4703

email: [email protected]


OFF THE GRID

BEYOND ESKOM


ENVIRO-STYLE

THE bio-tecture of the Earthship was developed by American eco-architect Michael Reynolds, who has devoted the past 35 years to making his vision of self-sufficient, environmentally sound housing communities a reality. Many of the first Earthships were constructed in New Mexico because of the spectacular beauty and weather extremes. Earthships can handle the entire spectrum of temperatures as the buildings can warm and cool naturally.

Walls are constructed with used tyres rammed with soil, using up to 5,000 tyres. Small interior walls may be made from aluminium cans or glass bottles. Earthen plaster is

used for the interior of most of the building. Some use a mixture of sifted dirt from the site, sand, chopped straw and water, where the chopped straw is added to help bind the plaster and prevent cracking. Other Earthship projects have incorporated sheep’s wool insulation, metal panelling, adobe bricks and reclaimed materials from demolition sites.

Electric power is produced from solar panels or windmills that charge a bank of batteries. A Power Organising Module distributes energy throughout the house. Superefficient lighting, pumps and refrigeration reduce the energy load while ‘designed down’ features

such as natural lighting, heating and cooling add to lower consumption. In the winter, glass along the whole south side of the building admits sun. Natural ventilation provides additional cooling.

Every Earthship harvests all its water from rain or snow that falls off the roof. All water is used four times and is treated on-site in contained sewage treatment planters. Once-used water from the sinks and shower travels through a grease-and-particle filter into interior grey water treatment planters. As the grey water travels through the planters it feeds the plants and is aerated by the plant roots, making it clean enough to be used in the house again. www.earthship.net.

Earthships are houses that are totally energy-conscious, ecologically-friendly structures that offer complete freedom from government’s provision of services. There are currently

more than 1,000 Earthships in the New Mexico desert around Taos in the US, and the trend is spreading across

Europe, the UK and Asia.

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FITNESS MYTHS

Have exercise misconceptions prevented you from starting an exercise programme? Clear up any confusion and let these exercise tips improve

your workout routine.By Prof Elmarie Terblanche, Department of Sport Science at the University of Stellenbosch


#1 I WILL BURN MORE FAT IF I EXERCISE LONGER AT A LOWER INTENSITY So you’ve heard about the “fat burning zone.” In other words, if you want to lose weight, you need to exercise at a low intensity (a low heart rate). What few people realise is that you actually burn the highest proportion of fat while at rest (around 70 percent of your energy comes from fat) and by now we know that being a couch potato doesn’t make you thin. The most important

focus in exercise and fat weight control is not the percentage of energy coming from fat during exercise, but the total energy cost of exercise, or how many calories are burned during the activity. The faster you walk, step or run, for example, the more calories you use per minute. Therefore at low exercise intensity, you need to exercise for a very long time (far more than an hour per day) to match the total energy expenditure of a high intensity workout.

There is a growing

body of research supporting the use of high-intensity interval training for fat loss. This form of “cardio” takes less than half the time (typically 12 to 20 minutes) of traditional long duration cardio and leads to better results, i.e., faster and greater fat loss, more rapid improvements in fitness and better exercise adherence.

#2 GO HARD OR GO HOMEIf this is your kind of thinking, you will never start or maintain an exercise programme. There is overwhelming evidence from research that one should rather do something than nothing, and that every little bit helps. For example, regular walking or gardening for as little as an hour a week has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. You will not necessarily be able to run a marathon or bench press 100kg, but both your body and soul will be much happier.

#3 I CAN GET MY DREAM BODY IF I JUST TRAIN HARD ENOUGHBoth weight gain and loss is impacted by

many factors, including dietary intake, your environment and genetics. All individuals will not lose the same amount of weight on the same exercise programme. Some individuals will actually respond very little to a regular exercise regimen in terms of losing fat weight (these individuals are called non-responders). You have all seen runners finishing the Comrades marathon not looking the part. Now you will be mistaken if you think they have not trained hard and long hours to finish that race, because nobody can just step up to the starting line and run more than 90km. This is good evidence to show that exercise per se doesn’t make you thin, especially if you’re not endowed with the right genes. Losing body fat is a complicated matter (if not, we wouldn’t have rising obesity rates), and it goes far beyond a regular training programme. The good news, however, is that research has shown that being overweight and fit is much better than being thin and sedentary, as fitness is directly related to a

WELLNESS


WELLNESS

lower risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, regular physical activity is one of the most important factors for successful long-term weight management.

#4 WEIGHT TRAINING MAKES WOMEN BIG AND BULKYWeight training can make you bulk up – if you have the XY chromosome and it is your distinct intention to build huge muscles. Even then, it is no easy feat to gain muscle. It takes time and effort, a

carefully compiled scientific training programme and finely tuned nutritional strategies. For women, however, these sound strategies will not be enough. The reason being that women have nowhere near the required testosterone levels to put on any significant amounts of muscle mass. If you do see women with bulky muscles, you know for sure that their dietary habits include illegal substances such as anabolic steroids,

growth hormone and many other designer drugs. There is just no other way. The truth is that strength training approximately two to four times a week, doing a variety of exercises for the major muscle groups, will help women to achieve a lean and toned appearance, and strengthen bones and joints. In fact, since women are more prone to osteoporosis, it could be said that women might actually benefit more from weight training than men.

#5 IF YOU’RE NOT DRENCHED IN SWEAT, YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD ENOUGHThe harder you work out, the more calories you’ll burn within a given period and thus the more fat you stand to lose, but how much you sweat does not necessarily reflect how hard you’re working. Some people tend to sweat bucket loads while others don’t sweat much at all, regardless of their fitness level or degree of exertion. Your sweat rate is related to your body weight, your genetic makeup and external factors such as environmental conditions and clothing.

Exercising in extremely hot weather or in a plastic “weight loss” suit will indeed make you sweat heavily and lose weight immediately. That lost weight, however, is almost entirely water and the kilos will return when you replenish your fluids by drinking after the workout.

#6 PASS THE PUFF PASTRY, I WENT TO GYM TODAYYou are in for a big surprise. You will probably gain weight, as the exercise will increase your metabolism and give you a healthy appetite. Research has shown that most people misjudge both the number of calories burned during exercise and the number of calories in food eaten. So never use exercise as an excuse to overindulge. If your goal is weight loss, you must learn to eat more without increasing your calorie intake. This means healthier choices of foods, smaller portion sizes and eating regularly during the day.

#7 I’M WAY TOO OLD FOR THISAge is just a very bad excuse. Studies have shown that it is never too late to start


working out – you can reap benefits at any age. Exercise can help reduce the risk of bone and muscle diseases and help enhance daily functionality even later in life. This means you will be more independent as you get older, not to mention being admired by your grandchildren for completing the odd fun walk/run every now and then.

#8 SIT-UPS BURN THE BOEP. NOT. A. CHANCE. There’s no such thing as spot reducing or burning fat off a particular body part. It is physiologically impossible. When you lose body fat, it comes off the body in a predetermined genetic pattern similar to how you gain the fat except in a reverse order. When your body is in fat burning mode, fat comes from all over the place – your arms, calves, thighs, abdominals, face, forearms, big toe, etc. If spot reducing really worked, people who chew gum would have skinny faces. Spot toning, on the other hand, does work, and resistance exercises will strengthen the

targeted muscles. Look at the dominant arms of professional tennis players, and you’ll see the difference in their muscle tone and size. The best method for reducing overall body fat is the age-old tried and true combination of cardiovascular training, resistance training and limiting your calorie intake. Results come from doing these three things with persistence and consistence.

#9 MORNING WORKOUTS ARE BETTER FOR YOUR METABOLISM Proponents of this piece of wisdom say that if you exercise in the morning, you jump-start your metabolism and therefore burn more calories during the day. There’s absolutely no evidence that this is true. The best time to exercise is the time you want to do it, and are most likely to do it, whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening.

The only exception is for those with high blood pressure. Research has shown that your blood pressure remains low for up to nine hours after an acute exercise bout. This phenomenon is called post-exercise

hypotension. So for those with hypertension, exercise in the morning is advantageous, as it will keep your blood pressure low during the day when you need it most.

#10 ELECTROLYTE SPORTS DRINKS WILL ENHANCE YOUR WORKOUT This is another one of those myths that are costing the average person a lot of money. Theoretically, a sports drink should be beneficial for those who exercise. It contains sodium, which helps the body to retain water and keep you hydrated,

and it contains sugar which your body burns for energy. However, contrary to what you may think, very few people exercise hard enough to sweat away significant amounts of sodium. There is even some research that suggests consuming popular sports drinks during or after exercise does very little to add to sodium levels in the body. Furthermore, one has to train for more than two hours continuously before your carbohydrates stores in muscles will start to run low. Thus, for the average Joe/Josephine, plain water is all you need.


1 TYRESEvery driver is allowed 11 sets of dry weather tyres. They are wrapped in heated blankets before the driver heads out. Soft and harder compound tyres must be used in the race.

2 REFUELLERThis red unit stands in the middle of the garage and pumps fuel into the car. It has a supply hose and a breathe hose so that it can also take fuel out.

3 POWER SUPPLYThe overhead gantry supplies the electricity to the garage. It powers the tyre blankets and overhead lights, TVs and data monitors.

4 TOOLBOX Every tool sits in neat foam compartments. This is vital, so a mechanic returns a tool to exactly where he got it. Time cannot be wasted looking for missing items.

5 CLOCKS/MONITORSThe team syncs their watches at the start of the weekend to the FIA’s time. The monitors

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include a GPS circuit tracker, timing screens, weather radar and race control messages.

6 AIR FANSMechanics plug these into the radiators to cool a lot of the residual heat given off when the car returns to the pits.

7 ENGINEERS All the telemetry from the car is transmitted to the back of the garage and systems engineers look at information here.

8 AIR JACKSQuick release, hydraulically operated jacks are used to remove wheel nuts

9 PIT LANE BORDERThis red line officially marks the entrance to the pit lane. If you don’t have a ‘red’ pass, then you are not allowed past this line.

10 FIRE EXTINGUISHERLocated next to the fuel for safety. Lessons were learnt after a fuel container gutted the Williams garage during a Spanish GP incident.

FORMULA 1 PRECISIONTidying the garage and converting it to a workable space ranks somewhere on most family’s to-do lists. However, it is far more interesting to see how the real professionals in the world of F1 organise their space, such as when Vettel’s team allowed our camera a rare glimpse while he was still racing for Team Red Bull.

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Masterchef Australia

BRENT Owens used to operate a bobcat front loader in his father-in-law’s business before he became a foodie household name as winner of Masterchef Australia. What endeared Brent to the public is that he kept his promise to give his closest competitor $50,000.

Brent explains that he goes nowhere without a good paring knife and his mixer – in part, because he lives a very healthy life and loves his fruit shakes and smoothies.

But, Brent also knows how to indulge. When hanging out with a few mates, he turns to his favourite Aussie ‘barbie,’ the smoker. He goes to town with some saucy deep-Southern ribs right off the smoker, and for good measure, throws some prawns on the barbie too. He reckons there are a few meals every man should be able to cook, most notably a spicy seafood curry.

BRENT OWENS

Masterchef Australia winner Brent Owens recently visited South Africa. He shared some of his kitchen

secrets, as well as one of his favourite recipes.


RECIPE

VIETNAMESE LETTUCE CUPS SERVES 4• 1 iceberg lettuce• 150g chicken mince• 150g pork mince• 2cm piece ginger, peeled and

grated• 1 garlic clove, grated• 2 eschalots, grated• 60ml (1/4 cup) fish sauce• 2 tablespoons peanut oil, plus

1 extra tablespoon• Handful roasted, unsalted

peanuts

• 100g rice vermicelli noodles• 2 large round rice paper

wrappers• 100g enoki mushrooms• 180g bean sprouts• 1 small Lebanese cucumber,

cut into batons• Small handful Vietnamese

mint or mint• Handful coriander leaves,

roughly chopped• 3 long red chillies, thinly sliced• 3 limes

METHODPeel individual leaves off the lettuce, trying not to tear them. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any grit.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, pork mince, ginger, garlic, eschalots and fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then combine together thoroughly with clean hands.

Place a wok over the highest heat possible. When it is smoking, add half the peanut oil. Add half of the mince mixture and stir-fry constantly until crumbly and golden brown.

Transfer the mixture to a sieve over a bowl and strain out any remaining liquid. Discard the liquid. Repeat the process with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and mince.

Reduce heat to medium, then add the peanuts to the wok and fry until lightly coloured, about 1-2 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the noodles in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. After 2 minutes, or when the noodles are tender, drain well.

In a frying pan over high heat, fry the dry rice paper wrappers in the extra teaspoon of oil, one at a time, until toasted, about 1-2 minutes. Once cooked, break them up into pieces to fit into the lettuce cups.

On a large platter, make a stack of your rice paper pieces, then a stack of lettuce cups, the individual salad items, a bowl of the mince mixture, the toasted peanuts, the mint and coriander, the chilli, the lime and noodles.


NEWSTEAD ESTATELAST WORD

Lund Family Vineyards is a very recent addition to a very young wine-producing region, and Doug and Sue Lund may be nurturing the newest best kept secret.

NEWSTEAD launched its first vintage in 2012 and is one of just 20 or so wine farms in the Plettenberg Bay Wine of Origin district, only established in 2006.

The Plett district has been compared favourably with New Zealand. And, in fact, it was a visit to New Zealand that inspired Doug and Sue Lund to start growing vines.

Both come with impressive pedigrees, having grown up and worked on thriving sugar and dairy farms in KwaZulu-Natal. “But,” Doug says, “we

wanted a change and a challenge.” Farming grapes in the Garden Route provided both.

So in 2006 they bought 11.5 hectares of fallow land in The Crags. As the name “Lund Family Vineyards” suggests, the sense of family is palpable. “It’s a small, boutique winery. How it makes people feel is very important. We put friendship before function,” Sue says. “Sometimes the hardest part of this business is actually charging for the wine!”

Award-winning winemaker, Anton Small (previously of

Villiera), scooped a gold medal with his first vintage of 2012 Newstead Sauvignon Blanc. The 2012 Méthode Cap Classique Brut (their first bubbly) won Grand D’or at the Michelangelo Awards. November 2014 saw the release of the 2013 Pinot Noir and the MCC Rosé bubbly.

Newstead offers lunches and picnics, hosts events and caters for private functions. The tasting room is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, throughout the year, and Tuesday to Sunday in high season.

WINYou could be treated

to a tasting of the award winning

Newstead wines and a picnic for 2 in the

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards. To enter, email your name,

contact details and the subject heading

‘Newstead’ to [email protected].


Documents

Seeff Eastern Cape and Garden Route Spring 2015 Magazine