An aerial view of the 3000m2 Oculus Mansion, which is on the market for R350 million.
The developers of Zimbali Coastal Resort on KZN’s north coast have revealed a new offering which they believe will shatter property records as being the most expensive private residence in South Africa.
The development, by IFA Hotels and Resorts, named Tatali (meaning Cascades in Arabic), is nestled within the greater Zimbali Lakes development along the KZN North Coast, and comprises a limited selection of properties ranging from R12.5 million to R350 million. There are only 22 Tatali Sky Apartments and 20 Tatali Mansions on offer, of which the purchase opportunities are by invitation only.
“The brief to award-winning international architecture firms – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA) and Craft of Architecture (COA) was simple. Create aesthetically pleasing and unique designs with the objective of delivering the most bespoke, private and secure residential offerings for discerning buyers who demand a world-class standard of sophistication and superior service”, explains Werner Burger, CEO of IFA Hotels and Resorts.
SAOTA’s director, Greg Truen, who has been intricately involved in the Tatali project, elaborated on the inspiration behind the futuristic design of the development’s unique oculus feature that is the “eye to the sky” and serves as a high level security and invisible service corridor.
“The design is all about enhancing your experience. We took a mundane, functional route through a basement and turned it into an exciting journey that winds down a feature tunnel formed with opulent curves, into a vast, tall oculus, full of space, light and greenery, then onto the lower ground driveway with angled feature columns and a central crevice above that streams in an abundance of natural light; while the gardens provide shade and shelter for vehicles. All of these elements combine in this experiential design to set a high tone for the rest of the development”.
According to Mr Burger, Tatali will meet the demand from high net worth individuals who trade above the R30 million mark. “Recent news about the Dubai penthouse going for $82 million that SAOTA was involved in, has given us increased confidence about our offering being a success.
“On par with international trends, buyers will be able to purchase white box penthouses, bespoke mansions and lock-up-and-go apartment suites from us. This white box concept will include all services, swimming pools and private lifts. Thereafter, buyers will have the opportunity to consult with our internationally acclaimed architects to curate their own bespoke home according to their exacting individual standards and personal style.
“The 3000m2 Oculus Mansion, which enjoys prime position at the highest point of the Oculus is on the market for R350 million. The 2000m2 Aurora Mansion, situated on the Lakes edge, will be available at R250 million. Other mansion sites range from R15 million to R30 million and buyers can design and build their own bespoke homes,” Mr Burger said.
COA director, John van Wyk, described the Tatali project as “exceptional”.
“By prioritising vertical circulation over horizontal, the scheme has generated an exclusive offering with multi-level penthouses capitalising on the unique opportunity of enjoying unhindered views and light through 270 degrees while enjoying exclusive individual access.”
Stefan Botha, of Rainmaker Marketing which specialises in marketing property and developments said he believes that the introduction of a product like Tatali is nothing short of game-changing for the KwaZulu-Natal and South African property landscape.
The development was officially launched to the public in April.