Sanctuary under the mountain
Money can't buy happiness, but it can secure a luxury estate. According to statistics from Lightstone Property, there are about 318000 gated communities in the country, with the top residential estates recently being crowned by an international wealth consultancy.First place in the New World Wealth's top 10 residential estates in South Africa went to Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, which is nestled in the scenic Berg River Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl in the Western Cape.Here house prices range between R5-million and R25-million - by no means the most expensive for the estate life in South Africa.According to the report, house prices at the Zimbali estate in KwaZulu-Natal range from R5-million to R50-million, with the Blair Atholl estate in Gauteng, which is listed in 11th place, boasting house prices of up to R60-million.The value of property in gated communities in South Africa is estimated at R643-billion and the Western Cape can claim top honours with the province getting seven estates in the top 10.For successful business consultant Janet Welham it was "security first and foremost" that drew her to Pearl Valley 10 years ago."The mountains are right on top of us - 360º worth of mountains, which is beautiful. I'm able to run early in the morning and I have great peace of mind with regards to tranquillity and safety," said Welham.Other well-known Paarl Valley residents include South Africa's top female golfer, Lee-Anne Pace...
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