Anyone taking part in this year’s Pick ‘n Pay Cape Argus cycle race will, says Lanice Steward, MD of the real estate agency Anne Porter Knight Frank, have learned something valuable about Cape property – that the early settlers were adept at choosing sites out of the wind.

“Talking to those who endured the 65km winds all the way down to the Cape Point reserve gate,” said Steward, “one hears the same story time and again: the Newlands/Upper Claremont stretch from the Groote Schuur homestead to the top of Wynberg Hill, certain parts of Boyes Drive above St James and Kalk Bay, central Simons Town, a pocket on the approach to the Smitswinkel Bay climb, Fresnaye, Clifton and Sea Point were all comparatively wind free. These are all areas in which people have lived since the early 1700s.”

Property in such precincts, said Steward, always commands a huge premium on areas in the wind zones.

“This is particularly important right now because global warming, we are told, will make the Cape hotter, drier and windier – while, thankfully, increasing rainfall on the high mountains. This means that certain traditionally wind-blown areas could become less popular and these “safe”, protected spots will be even more desirable.”

Article by: www.anneporter.co.za