Hartenbos Property

Hartenbos property is a very popular town in the picturesque Eden District in the larger Garden Route area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is located some 45 kilometres outside George, South Africa. Together with 20 other settlements, Hartenbos forms part of the greater Mossel Bay Municipal Area. Originally a farm in a bygone area, South African Railways and Harbour turned the town into a holiday resort for their lower-rung employees in 1933.

Population: The 2001 census showed a population of 71,494 for the whole municipal area of Mossel Bay, which includes Hartenbos. The official estimate of 2005 regards 99 676 as a proper figure, which reflects a rapidly increasing population. Although no official figures have been made available, it is estimated that around 15% of these figures relate to the current population of Hartenbos.

History: The village of Hartenbos started life as a farm granted to Esaias Meyer, a local farmer, as a reward by the Dutch East India Company after he helped shipwrecked sailors. He called the farm Hart en Bosch (deer and bush). In 1936 the Afrikaans Taal en Kultuurvereniging (ATKV, and "Afrikaans Language and Cultural Society" in English) purchased the farm for 7000 pounds and divided it into 670 lots, which sold for about 50 pounds each. The resort was expanded over the years, and several lots were hired out permanently on condition that no permanent brick structures were built on them; not until 1994 were people allowed to purchase these lots.

Hartenbos these days has a large amphitheater and hosts Afrikaans music and cultural festivals, such as the 2005 Afrikiti concerts at the amphitheatre and even on the beach. On Christmas morning, the "Kersdiens" (Christmas Service) is attended by thousands in this arena. Several other services, such as the Kerssangdiens (Christmas Carol Ceremony) and Middernagdiens (New Year's Church Service) are held in the festive season. During this peak holiday season Hartenbos accommodates up to 20 000 visitors, which makes it a very popular holiday destination for South Africans.

Hartenbos includes five kilometres of beaches, a river with paddle boats, a "Waterwurm" (supertube), "Pretpark" (Fun Park), "Verhitte Swembad" (heated swimming pool), "Vlooimarkte" (flea markets), conference facilities and shopping centres. The resort is the largest self-catering establishment on the Western Cape's Garden Route coast.

The town of Hartenbos has its own primary and private schools, a private hospital, sport clubs, several churches, old age homes, guest houses, bed & breakfasts and residential estates. In May 2006 Langeberg Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the Garden Route region opened its doors to the public and is situated 2km from Hartenbos.

Cultural significance: With its history and the activities of the ATKV in the area, Hartenbos is embedded into the Afrikaans cultural thinking. But Hartenbos is not the only the Afrikaner bastion it used to be in days gone by. The modern Hartenbos is still a favoured destination for many Afrikaans speaking people - of all races, creeds and colours. Its popularity has just increased steadily over the years and it has also become one of the favoured stops for foreign visitors to the Garden Route.

Modern: There are many changes and developments re-shaping the face of the Hartenbos urban environment. Some of these new developments around the holiday area of Hartenbos have been met with some resistance from the locals, citing that the character of the town will be altered by these developments. Despite this, there are quite a number of ongoing residential and commercial developments to choose from by property investors.

Areas in the Hartenbos district are Seemeeupark, Meeuendal, Hartenbos Heuwels and Bayview. These areas are very up and coming and a lot of development is taking place.

Good investment opportunities. The people that buy in Hartenbos and surrounding areas are generally in the upper middle class. It is a characteristic of this group that their properties are their most significant investments. They take very good care of their houses, townhouses and flats.

There is ultimate luxury in living in Hartenbos. Many people who have retired from successful careers, or own second holiday homes, inhabit the majority of homes in Hartenbos. Many homes in Hartenbos are the exclusive holiday retreats of successful families.

Property values are very high and some of the stands are small, as these neighbourhoods are so desirable. A typical residence in Hartenbos normally represents a significant part of the owner's capital estate. The large number of retired people limits the average household income and, as a consequence, disposable income. However, this situation is completely reversed during holiday seasons when families on vacation in Hartenbos are keen to spoil themselves after a year's work and earning.

Things to do: Whale, dolphin and seal watching are very popular, particularly during May through to November each year. The river mouth is an active breeding ground for sea birds. During peak season, the beachfront is lined with colourful kiosks selling anything from seafood to clothing. There is also a heated indoor pool, water slides (Super Tube), an amusement centre and the local museum has an excellent historical exhibition of the Great Trek.

Being a coastal town, Hartenbos offers many water sports and activities. For the sporting enthusiast, the local bowling greens, tennis and squash courts, gyms, rugby fields and athletic tracks are very popular. Hartenbos is in a beautiful area and close to good roads, which makes it a very popular area among cycling enthusiasts.

Events and/or festivals in Hartenbos and surrounding areas:

April - Pink Loerie Mardi Gras - Knysna

May - Eden Wolwedans Festival - Great Brak

June - Vodashop Cheese Festival - George

July - Oyster Festival - Knysna: Cycle Tours - Knysna: Pick & Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon - Knysna: Rastafarian Earth Festival - Knysna:

Aug - Wedding Expo - George

Sept - Plet Festival - Plettenberg Bay: Talisman Herald Karoo to Coast 100km Mountain Bike Challenge - Knysna: Gastronomica - Knysna: Outeniqua Country Hop Strawberry Festival - George: FAMSA Outeniqua Chocolate Festival - George: Klein Karoo Klassique - Oudtshoorn

Oct - Eden Challenge - George

Nov - Animal to Hell and Back Mountain biking - Oudtshoorn: The Gary Player Invitational - George

Dec - Arts & crafts fair - Plettenberg Bay: Great Outeniqua MTB tour - George: Christmas Market - Mossel Bay: Die Merfontein Pinotage on Tap - George: Hartenbos Wine Festival - Hartenbos: Herolds Bay Beach festival - Herolds Bay: Summer Sun Festival - Mossel Bay: Kurland International Polo Test - Plettenberg Bay

Jan - Hessequa Beach Festival - Still Bay

March - Outeniqua Expo & Festival - George

April - Klein Karoo National Arts Festival - Oudtshoorn

May - Sedgefield Slow Festival - Sedgefield

Hartenbos property is definitely the place to raise your children, retire, have a fantastic holiday or for investment purposes.

• Residential Sale Property Ranging from R450,000 to R4,200,000

• Residential Let Property Ranging from R650 to R6,300