Own a country getaway in Overbergs Napier
To describe Napier as one of the most charming little gems of the Overberg is no understatement.
This three bedroom house selling in Napier is currently being run as a 4-star guesthouse. All the bedrooms are en suite, and the home has a large lounge with fireplace. The property is on the market for R3.9 million - click here to view.
This is according to Seeff’s agent, Barbara Rowley, who says with only about 2 200 residents, it is still a place where everyone knows each other, and it ranks amongst the most desirable for country home buyers.
Napier is located a little off the beaten path in the Southern Cape region, about two hours’ drive from Cape Town.
The R316 road that leads off the N2 to Napier takes you through rolling fields of wheat and barley to the picture-pretty village that lies at the foot of the Soetmuisberg mountain.
As with the rest of the Overberg region, it is renowned for its agriculture and food production, but is also attracting excellent tourism business, says the agent.
Aside from houses and businesses lining the main road that runs through the village, there is now, for example, an eclectic mix of eateries and hospitality establishments that cater for the growing tourist market.
It has also been attracting growing numbers of artists, and she says Napier now easily ranks in popularity with villages such as Montagu, Greyton and McGregor.
Annual events that draw visitors include the Patatfees (Sweet Potato Festival), held in June each year, as well as the Foot of Africa Marathon that is run in mid-September.
This house for sale in Napier has two bedroom suites, open-plan living areas, a utility room, water-wise irrigated garden with a small vineyard and good security. It is selling for R1.195 million - click here to view.
Rowley says the village is clean, secure and part of the well-run Cape Agulhas Municipality. There are some basic facilities, including a supermarket and restaurants. For everything else, there is Bredasdorp, just 15km away.
Other attractions in the area include local wineries, and Napier is fast gaining a reputation as a bit of a gastronomic adventure, says Rowley.
Aside from the interesting eateries, there is also a weekly food and craft market. Other activities include hiking and horse riding, along with fishing and bird watching.
Clearly not short on culture, she says the village boasts an interesting history that dates back to around 1838, and a number of interesting buildings, says the agent.
The first is the imposing Napier Dutch Reformed church that stands at the centre of the village. It is built in the form of a Greek cross with teak wood interiors and beautiful solid yellow copper organ pipes.
The Feeshuis is also one of the oldest in the village, and served as slave quarters (1810 to 1820), and later as a wine cellar and. It was restored in 1988 to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary. Then, there is also the sundial at the municipal offices, which was erected in 1965.
For property buyers, she says the village offers a wonderful mix of old and the odd new.
In the last year, about 48 property transactions to the value of just over R32 million were concluded in the village.
This three bedroom, two bathroom home is situated on Napier’s main road. The property has a private paved patio with a dip pool. The house is on sale for R960 000 - click here to view.
“With the rise in tourism and interest in property in the village, we are also seeing younger buyers heading here. According to the latest data from Lightstone, for example, almost half of recent buyers are under 49 years,” says Rowley.
For the country house buyer, the village offers a lovely selection of country cottages, priced upwards of around R500 000 for an older two bedroom home. Three bedroom houses start at around R900 000 and range to about R1.8 million for a three bedroom home.
An interesting find here is a modern architectural cottage, designed with a blend of steel, corrugated iron, raw face brick accent walls and sealed cement floors that is on offer for R1.195 million.
The home comes with stunning views, two bedroom suites, spacious open-plan living areas, a utility room, water-wise irrigated garden with a small vineyard and good security.
Another unique opportunity is a lovely Cape Dutch home with Victorian influences, priced at R3.9 million, which is set on a plot of 2 415sqm.
She says it was recently renovated and has been run as a 4-star guesthouse for the last six years.
Modern conveniences complement the original Oregon wood finishes, and there are three bedroom suites (two with air-conditioning), a lounge with large fireplace, dining room, kitchen and large veranda with braai facilities.
The property also includes a separate one bedroom flat, multiple carports, a generator (housed in a generator room), solar water heating and a water purifying system.