Set in the best of all worlds
SET in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, which borders the town to the north, picturesque Wilderness has the Kaaimans River to the west, the Goukamma Nature Reserve to the east and the Indian Ocean to the south.
Well known for its infinite stretches of beach, which embrace the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, Wilderness is a place of peace and tranquillity.
It is said that this popular holiday node established a reputation for hospitality as far back as the 1800s when a seaside boarding house was established in the old homestead.
“It is undoubtedly its natural beauty that continues to attract many tourists and property investors alike, year after year,” says Schalk van der Merwe, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Eden, whose office services Wilderness and the surrounding areas.
“Just 15km east of George, the area is saturated in rich South African history and since as far back as the 1800s the area has been known for its long white sandy beaches and lagoons, along with its natural bounty of rivers and lakes, which attract many outdoor enthusiasts.
“There are many activities in the area such as hiking, mountainbiking and paragliding. There are also activities for the less adventurous who would prefer to take in the breathtaking scenery of the forests and lakes at their own pace. The area has become synonymous with intrinsic tranquillity and is ideal for seaside holidays or property investors looking for a change of pace.”
He says that due to the historical significance of the region, there are currently plans for an eco-tourism trail, museum and adventure centre. The museum will highlight the cultural history of the area and honour its early inhabitants such as the Khoi-Khoi, San and the Gouriquas tribes. There will also be exhibits of the early trek farmers, who left deeply incised wagon wheel imprints in Kaaimansgat, which are still visible today. Kaaimans is a Khosan name given to the place where the Kaaimans and Swart Rivers join. Kaaimansgat was one of the few places between the mountains and the sea where it was possible to cross the Kaaimans River with a wagon. The first recorded crossing was that of Ensign A Beutler, who crossed the Kaaimans on October 13 1752 on business for the Dutch East India Company.
“A lot of development has occurred over the years since the first wagon crossing. In 1920 a gravel road was built around Dolphin point leading to Kaaimans
A lot of development has occurred over the years since the first wagon crossing, first recorded in 1752
and linked on the other side of Woodfield, this become the popular way to Wilderness. To meet demand and higher volumes of traffic, the N2 Road was built in the late 1940s with the main Kaaiman’s bridge being opened on January 20 1950. The original wagon crossing point was in the area between the causeway and the N2 bridge and though the infrastructure has been modernised to accommodate the growing numbers of people visiting the area, Wilderness has still maintained its quaint coastal town charm,” says van der Merwe.
“The lifestyle that is offered has continued to add to the allure of the region.”
Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that there is always a high demand for property situated within coastal areas that offer both picturesque surroundings and quality-of-life living.
These areas generally hold their value and offer buyers a good return on their investments.
Knowledge Factory’s SAPTG data indicates that 91% of property in Wilderness is full title, which has seen a five-year appreciation trend of 7.39%.
One of the properties that RE/MAX Eden currently has on offer in Wilderness is a hilltop retreat with river frontage that is surrounded by the indigenous fauna and flora of the region. This home is set on 10.89ha and boasts spectacular panoramic views of its surroundings. It offers spacious, open-plan reception areas that flow out to the undercover braai and entertainment area that features a rim-flow pool. The house has two bathrooms and two bedrooms with a third loft style bedroom to complete the picture.
“The beauty and unique offering of the area make it a sought-after region. There is nowhere quite like it in SA, and once people visit Wilderness they will want to keep coming back,” says van der Merwe. Price R8m Contact: RE/MAX Eden Madelyn Kohler 082 550 8945 Office: 044 877 0042