A Serendipitous Journey to Gansbaai: The Story of Local Resident Melinda Wessels
Kleinbaai Lifestyle Estate: How long have you lived in Gansbaai, and why did you move here?
Melinda Wessels: I’ve been living here permanently for four years, but I’ve been coming to Gansbaai for 12 years. My in-laws used to live here, but they passed away a few years ago. During COVID (2020), businesses in Cape Town struggled, and we were fortunate to have property here, so we decided to move. I was able to continue my real estate activities from here, even though I was working for an agency in the northern suburbs. I thought it would only be temporary for six months. In the beginning, I commuted to Cape Town for a few days each week, but now I don’t even want to drive to Hermanus, let alone all the way to Cape Town.
Kleinbaai Lifestyle Estate: What stands out to you about the area?
Melinda Wessels: All the hidden gems. There’s such a wide variety of beauty here; it’s as if all the beautiful pieces of nature have come together to create a stunning mosaic. We have breweries, wine farms, local honey producers, and stunning coastlines to the east, south, and west. There’s the sandy beach, vineyards, the five-star Romansbaai Fynbos Estate, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, De Plaat, and the Gray where you can fish right off the beach. And let’s not forget the Penguin Sanctuary, the best cheesecake, and Tannie Cathy’s pancakes from the Friday market, along with a variety of artists and wonderful people.
Freshwater ring in the sea at Stanfords Cove.
Kleinbaai Lifestyle Estate: Why should others consider moving here?
Melinda Wessels: One reason is that we have one of the best-managed municipalities. You actually know the mayor! On the first Thursday of every month, you can meet her and the council members for a one-on-one chat.
Like any small town, everyone knows each other, but people here genuinely care about one another and our community. No one hesitates to help when someone is in need. Carla Gouws and her Garden Club create beautiful gardens on the main street, while Lauretta Nel, Louise Swart, and their Gorgeous Gansbaai Art Group enhance the buildings along Main Street with stunning artworks. Everyone gets involved.
Kleinbaai Lifestyle Estate: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the area?
Melinda Wessels: Property values are growing astronomically, and bargains are becoming scarce. The expansion of our area is bringing in new people with fresh ideas, creating more opportunities for progress. It’s no wonder our mayor refers to us as the Riviera of the Overstrand.
For more information:
Property Developer: Devco Group
Bond originator: BetterBond
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