A landmark coastal estate in Hermanus, listed for more than R100 million, is turning heads among South Africa’s high-end property investors, and for good reason.
The Voëlklip property, originally a Rupert family holiday retreat and also owned by Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, has evolved into one of the Whale Coast’s most significant private estates.
Spread across two prime oceanfront plots, the property covers more than 7 000 square metres and commands sweeping, uninterrupted views over Walker Bay, one of the world’s top whale-watching locations.
Hermanus’ rare coastal gem
The main residence, a 2 082-square-metre Cape vernacular manor, offers seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a private wine cellar. A separate heritage cottage, flatlet, and ten garages complete the expansive coastal compound.
Properties of this size and location rarely come to market. The combination of heritage architecture, land size, and direct access to one of South Africa’s most picturesque stretches of coastline has positioned the estate as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
According to Seeff Hermanus, the home represents more than just luxury living; it’s a non-replicable investment in one of the country’s fastest-growing wealth hubs. Hermanus has transformed from a quiet coastal town into one of South Africa’s most affluent holiday and retirement destinations.
A magnet for millionaires
Data from New World Wealth recently indicated that over 1 100 millionaires now own property along the Whale Coast, with Hermanus at the centre of this trend. Tourism contributes more than half of the region’s economy, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The town’s appeal has also attracted several notable families, including the Graaff, Hersov, and Rupert families, as well as prominent South African writers such as Jan Rabie, Uys Krige, and André P. Brink.
Over the past decade, property values in Hermanus have also more than doubled. Recent data shows transactions worth R2.9 billion over the past 12 months, with the average sale price at R3.3 million, roughly 2.5 times higher than ten years ago.
High-end sales above R5 million have more than doubled in recent years, with around 30 properties selling for over R20 million. Ultra-prime estates like this Voëlklip property are now breaking the R100 million mark, underscoring Hermanus’s position among South Africa’s top-tier luxury markets.
