COUNTRY CLOSE TO CITY

THIS country town is a thriving centre for the agricultural sector in the region, but its proximity to the Mother City means it also has an element of city suaveness. The town of Paarl is a typ ical country town with older inhabitants either selling or downscaling and making way for new families attracted to the exceptional schools in the area. "It has become a popular commercial centre, particularly for business connected to wine and fruit farming and the export of those and other agricultural products. Dairy farming is also popular in this area. "This urban living with country connection is attracting residents from other areas of the country, as it retains the feel of a country town, yet offers masses of opportunities," says Chris Cilliers, chief executive officer for Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in the Winelands. There is a good spread of property prices, from starter homes to exceptional mountain side properties with magnifi cent views. Northern Paarl has properties priced attractively for young families. Homes in this areas have seen significant price increases in the last few years because many residents have renovated and improved their properties. There have been some successful small developments in and around the central Paarl area. The extension to the south has brought more estate based prop erties into play. Boschenmeer is now well established, offering excellent value for money for golf estate living. Val de Vie, incorporating Pearl Valley, has recent ly been voted the best multi generational estate in the world. This means properties on the estate are available for every life stage of occupants starter home to retirement. In addition, there is a new extension, The Acres, where stands range in size from 700m2 to 0,4 hectares. A limited number of lha erven will also be available, where owners will be able to stable horses or establish a small vineyard. "Properties in prime positions in Paarl are always sought, but do not attain the top prices achieved on the estates. It is important to remember that buy ing on an estate is an investment in a lifestyle and comes with access to many facilities. "The top price on Val de Vie has been 30 million and there have been several sales on the greater estate Pearl Valley and Val de Vie above R20m. This would be difficult to obtain in Paarl town. "There are currently homes in the market up to R19m. However, most transfers at those prices in the past two years enjoy commercial zoning or the possibility of further development. "Paarl is a town embodying old fashioned country living; it offers something for everyone.