Interview with the 2021 TITAN Property Awards Winner
Interview with the 2021 TITAN Property Awards Winner - Penny Streeter OBE. After all the challenges faced by developers, investors and home buyers over the last year, the winners of the 2021 TITAN Property Awards have been announced.
Benguela Cove won Gold in the prestigious international TITAN Property awards
This award honours the industry’s most formidable projects in architectural design, interior design, property development, real estate, and marketing from all over the world.
Your dream home awaits. Discover the best place to live in South Africa.
Please give us a brief bio of yourself, your background, and your job profile.
I am the Developer of Benguela Cove and have owned the development since 2013, I am an entrepreneur with three significant hospitality businesses across the UK and SA. A self-made business woman I have a passion for business, conservation and property.
What is your role in the company?
I am the Developer and shareholder of Benguela Cove. I drive the vision and the passion for the business.
Please tell us more about your company / organization.
Benguela Cove is truly one of the most beautiful natural places on this earth, located in the Hermanus Kogelberg region, the estate is surrounded by fauna and flora, mountains, lagoon and sea. It truly is a special place. The development consists of only 124 erven so is one of the lowest density estates in South Africa and certainly one of the only estates to be almost on the ocean shores. In addition to this the estate is home to the fantastic Moody Lagoon restaurant and has its own 600-ton winery and vineyards that are producing some of South Africa’s best estate wines.
Congratulations! As the winner of the 2021 TITAN Property Awards, what does it mean for you, your team, and your organization, to receive this distinction?
It is recognition for the team after all the hard work that has been put in by everyone to ensure that this is the premier place in South Africa to live.
Could you briefly explain about the winning project / title you entered into the 2021 TITAN Property Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
We felt it was important that Benguela Cove benchmarks itself against other property developments in the Western Cape - and to win this award reinforces what we have known all along.
What were the biggest challenges you faced with this project?
It was important to be absolutely sure that vineyards would grow and produce amazing wines - the properties which are nestled within the fynbos and the vineyards were very much centered around residents being able to share in their own wine farm with all the hard work and investment needed. There were many naysayers but ultimately the vineyards have gone on to be some of the best and largest in the area and it is truly special to be able to walk within them and to enjoy the finished product directly from our own winery.
How has winning this award developed your practice / career?
We are always continually looking to innovate and improve everything we do, this award will keep us on our toes as we strive to ensure we continue to be one of the best estates in South Africa.
For Property Developer, Architect and Designer, what makes a “good” property design?
Ensuring that the property that is built is sympathetic to the environment that it is located in, the architectural guidelines of the estate ensure that all homes have the opportunity to make use of natural materials and courtyards.
Describe your property design style and its main characteristics.
We have four property design guidelines that take into consideration the location of the home, the views and allow for areas within the home that protect from the elements. The designs provide a consistency of architecture.
What made you / Why did you choose to become an artist / designer / real estate agent / property developer?
I was a homeowner and loved the place so much I bought the development when the opportunity arose.
What’s your favourite kind of design and why?
I love contemporary architecture with its smooth clean lines, Benguela Cove has very contemporary homes and there are some truly amazing properties that have been built.
What led you / your organization to become successful within the industry you are currently in?
I strive to be successful in everything I do by providing focus and energy to the business. It isn't hard to be enthusiastic about Benguela Cove.
What makes your country specifically unique in the design industry?
South African homes are built around the weather and much of our time is spent outdoors, the homes created at Benguela Cove maximise views and outdoor living.
Do you think your country and its cultural heritage had an impact on your design process?
The designers clearly had in mind that the homes that would eventually be built would complement the environment that they are located in, the idea was that they would almost disappear into the fauna and flora so as to create a feeling of a natural unspoilt environment.
How has the country, you are based in, helped move your industry forward?
South Africa is such an amazing place to live and is definitely in my top 5 best places in the world to be. The Cape is a safe and beautiful place and there is much support locally and provincially for estates like Benguela Cove.
Who has inspired you in your life, and why?
I am a self-motivated individual who strives to ensure that we do the best in everything we do. I don't think people want mediocre efforts.
What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Hard work, drive and vision.
