Why You Should Consider Building Your Dream Home at Benguela Cove 

Few places in the world can tick as many boxes as Benguela Cove, and with the estate now over 50% built, the availability of plots is quickly diminishing. If you’re considering investing in South Africa - more specifically, in the Western Cape’s picturesque Hermanus in the Overberg region - there are countless reasons why Benguela Cove should be at the top of your list. 

Why Hermanus? 

Hermanus has long been the best-kept secret among well-heeled South Africans. This charming yet unspoiled seaside town is world-renowned for its whale-watching, with its near-perfect climate, majestic mountains, and pristine white beaches. Additionally, Hermanus has earned the reputation of being the gastronomic capital of South Africa, offering yet another reason to call this special place home. 

The Unique Appeal of Benguela Cove 

Developed by British-South African entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE, Benguela Cove is an extraordinary estate nestled close to the ocean and surrounded by the serene waters of a lagoon that feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a low-density development, with only 124 plots, offering homeowners a private, tranquil lifestyle. 

What sets Benguela Cove apart is its location within the renowned Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The estate is rich in biodiversity, with rare fynbos vegetation covering the land and bright wildflowers scattered throughout the gardens. The estate’s ecology credentials are bolstered by its commitment to preserving nature, providing a habitat for over 120 species of birds. Springtime is especially delightful, with the arrival of young birds and blooming flowers visible from your own home. 

Amenities for Every Lifestyle 

Benguela Cove isn’t just about luxury living; it’s a fully immersive lifestyle experience. The estate offers homeowners exclusive access to its own boathouse, a jetty, and a slipway to launch your boat. Tennis courts, basketball nets, boules, and a 12km hiking trail cater to active lifestyles, whether you prefer walking or cycling. 

For oenophiles, the estate is also a working farm, with 70 hectares of vineyards and an additional 10 hectares of olive groves. On-site, you’ll find the award-winning Moody Lagoon Restaurant, a 650-ton winery, a tasting room, an art gallery, and an 18-hole Adventure Golf course, making it an ideal environment for families. Homeowners benefit from preferential rates on the estate's wines and receive an annual wine allocation curated by cellar master Johann Fourie. 

Building Your Dream Home

Building your dream home at Benguela Cove is a straightforward process. According to Nick Rea, it's never been easier. Penny and Nick can introduce you to top architects to begin your design journey. It’s essential to spend time visualising exactly how you want to live, as this is your opportunity to create a home that reflects your lifestyle and personality. 

The approval process is uncomplicated, and depending on whether your plot is located in the Southern Vineyards, Western Ridge, Southern Ridge, South Lagoon fronts, nature reserves, or pastures, the estate’s architectural guidelines will steer your design to ensure it aligns with the overall aesthetic of Benguela Cove. Regardless of the location you choose, you will enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and lagoon. 

Once you gain estate and municipality approval, it’s time to appoint your builder. If you're not based nearby during construction, it's recommended to hire a Project Manager to oversee the build and manage various stages of the project. On average, it takes about 18 months to complete a house, after which you can focus on landscaping, adhering to the estate’s landscaping guidelines before commencing. 

Hassle-Free Ownership 

Once your home is built, the fun begins - furnishing, decorating, and preparing for your move-in. For many, a property at Benguela Cove is a second or even third home. If this is the case for you, the estate offers a team of staff to help maintain your home while you're away. They can even stock your house with groceries and wine ahead of your arrival to ensure that everything is in place for you to relax and enjoy your stay. 

At Benguela Cove, everything is designed to be effortless. We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary estate, where building your dream home is just the beginning of an unparalleled lifestyle experience.