Riekie Marais, who recently purchased Pam Golding Properties' Sedgefield franchise - having sold the successful PGP franchise in Jeffrey's Bay, which she built into a thriving business in just over a year, says Sedgefield has huge potential both from a tourism, eco-tourism and investment point of view.

"Sedgefield-on-Sea as we call it, is a picturesque town which has so much to offer and which has unfortunately has been previously overlooked by those seeking to invest in property - or to spend leisure time - on the scenic Garden Route. With the ocean on one side with exceptional beaches, the Outeniqua Mountains on the other, and in between, the beautiful lake area which includes Swartvlei and Lake Pleasant, we have views of every description - the sea, mountains and a lake! We even boast the new five star Lake Pleasant Hotel, operated by the renowned Shamwari Group. "Swartvlei is in fact the largest natural saltwater lake in South Africa, providing an ideal venue for those into watersports such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing etc. Sedgefield boasts a host of leisure activities with sports clubs for badminton, bowling, road-running (athletic club), tennis, squash, windsurfing and microlighting. The climate adds to outdoor enjoyment being mild throughout the year with exceptional, extended summers right through to the beginning of June - enjoyed by Europeans in particular as the cool south-easterly breezes keep the summer days pleasant - while the winters are characterised by warm 'Berg winds and mild night time temperatures."

Commenting on the local property market Marais says: "Our residential property market has seen sound capital appreciation over the past year, with increases of up to 30 percent which reflect strong investor confidence, however, when compared to other areas in the Garden Route we still offer exceptional value for money - stunning views included. Marais says Sedgefield still offers buyers a choice in the very affordable price range under R750 000, compared to Wilderness where houses in this price range are almost non-existent. She says investors are starting to discover Sedgefield with local, upcountry and even foreign buyers looking at property in the area for permanent residence, leisure investment or retirement. She adds that vacant stands are still available priced from R35 000, and in addition, an opportunity currently exists for an investor, as 25ha of land zoned for a resort and which is ideally located in Swartvlei is being marketed by PGP at the affordable price of R5.5 million.

"Our local infrastructure is excellent - we have a large shopping centre among other shopping, entertainment and catering facilities, and economic activity and growth reflects the ongoing growth of the town. This is born out by the 150 building plans that were submitted during 2002, of which over 50% were for new homes. Being an unspoilt and relatively small, coastal village with a high percentage of retirees among other residents, as well as holiday homes, Sedgefield has a very low crime rate. With approximately 6 750 residents - according to the 2001 census - the town includes a number of those who work in nearby George or Knysna, but who prefer to live in Sedgefield.