Lew Geffen has been in the real estate industry since 1972, is recognised as one of the leading experts in property in South Africa and holds many directorships in associated real estate and allied industries.
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Sax Appeal
Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty | Published: March 20th, 2012
The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa in the middle of Sandhurst is synonymous with luxury, elegance and incomparable service, and so it was a fitting destination for our most recent Property Dinner in Johannesburg.
On arrival, glamorous guests were whisked from their cars into chauffeured Beemers to the steps of the beautiful hotel, where a stylish private dining room and chilled pre-dinner bubbly awaited them. Our company for the night was a sophisticated lot, and conversation flowed while glasses clinked, business cards were exchanged and laughter filled the air.
The evening was a celebration of old and new friends. Another cause for celebration was the imminent launch of two new titles, the Pretoria and national editions of The Property Magazine. (The latter, will be available for download via the Zinio digital newsstand app for Apple iPads and tablet PCs.)
Then, with the welcome speeches and toasts over, it was time to indulge in some fine fare, fine wine and scintillating conversation.
The doyenne of etiquette, Edith Venter, spoke fondly of her charity work, her favourite events of the year being the SA Guide-Dogs Association ball, the Saxon's Decor & Design Mornings and the Pink Polo event at Val de Vie. She said she found it immensely gratifying to hand over a cheque to a charity at the end of an event – it was a great reward after much sweat, blood and tears. I said I would be keeping my eye on her to double check which fork went with which dish, and she just laughed.
Jarod Kolman from Limestone Investment Properties intrigued with his positive attitude, saying he believed the demand for property in Sandton was insatiable. His busiest sector was the buy-to-let business and there was huge demand from foreign corporates in the CBD. Jarod called ours 'the age of the landlord': in Europe and Australia there were big rental markets, whereas South Africans liked to own their properties. However, because of the rising costs of property and the banks' unwillingness to give loans, South Africans were being forced into the rental pool. Another difficulty for landlords was the new Consumer Protection Act, which favours the tenant and necessitated stringent client checks, he said.
Jo Morreira from Blue Living Properties said she was proud of her small but exclusive portfolio and that it was growing well. Craig Hutchison from Engel & Völkers enthusiastically told us about his new offices opening in the Nicolway, Featherbrooke Village and Gateway shopping centres. He said Engel & Völkers had experienced huge growth and was enjoying a surge of young professionals working for them, people who would drive the market because they were keen to learn and worked well as a team.
Other causes for celebration were the 30th anniversary of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty and the 40th wedding anniversary of Lew and Sandy Geffen. They work side by side and Sandy revealed that they had never once argued about business in their 30-year partnership.
U.R.US designs elegant clothing for the corporate, leisure and hospitality industries. Its CEO, Debbie Braun, and fashion designer Michael Pokroy, of Marc & Michael fame, told us that they had entered into a partnership to introduce a brand-new lifestyle design concept into SA very soon. Assisting them would be Dimitrije Djukic of A Point Architects, who had recently returned from building glamorous hotels in Dubai and was currently building a masterpiece in his own highly contemporary style in our hood of Parkhurst. Watch this space.
The trio were quite hush-hush about their idea, but Debbie did let on that the concept was all about the details (you might have a beautiful space, but how do you create ambience?) while Michael was happy to reveal that it was about a synergy of the senses when you are in a particular space.
Following on from the fashion and design focus were Zahir Cajee and Suliman Surtee of the Surtee Group, an exclusive company covering brands such as Boss Menswear, Dunhill and Grays. With 20 stores countrywide, this luxury brand is aimed at top clientele and businessmen.
Leading fashion retail group Edcon was represented by Sudesh Bhageloo, who said he also had big plans for 2012. But he insisted on keeping these under wraps, so instead we discussed sports and what it had done for the nation. Sudesh and I were pleased to find out that we were both fans of Liverpool as well as the Sharks, and our conversation was an amusing mix of chuckling and bragging at a recent 6–1 win over Brighton & Hove.
Heavyweight architectural practice, Paragon, was represented by Vivien Yun, who told us the group was busy with the new Alexander Forbes building opposite the Gautrain. It was all about glass and technology and it would be a four-star green building once completed, Vivien explained, adding that there was a trend to focus on urban design and buildings.
Moving into the travel realm, the spotlight was on Mozambique. With its gorgeous surrounds and tropical climate, what's not to love? Christopher and Stella Bettany wholeheartedly agreed, saying that this is what had led them to leave the world of UK asset management and seek out something new. They have since opened the immensely successful Azura on Benguerra resort and a luxury eco-lodge on Quilálea Island, and were now planning their newest venture – a boutique tented property in Gorongosa National Park, a place so beautiful, said Stella, that it has eight biospheres and more wildlife than Sabi Sands. Their properties also have philanthropic interests and their passion lies with the Rainbow Fund, which has helped open a school on the island. They said they were aiming at opening a health clinic too.
Another intrepid Mozambique supporter was Debbie de Jongh from Mozambique Lifestyle. 'My focus is to get people interested in exploring and investing in the country of Mozambique – a country so open and ripe for business,' she said, adding, 'Come explore Mozambique with me!' When do we leave?
As the conversation and wine continued to flow, topics left the business realm for gossip and politics, but that's a story for another day.
Guest list
Christopher and Stella Bettany Azura Island Retreats, Sudesh Bhageloo Edcon, Debbie Braun U.R.US, Zahir Cajee Surtee Group, Debbie de Jongh Mozambique Lifestyle, Dimitrije Djukic, A Point Architects, Anine Ehlers, The Property Magazine, Lew and Sandy Geffen Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, Craig Hutchison Engel & Völkers, Jarod Kolman Limestone Investment Properties, Nicky Manson The Property Magazine, Jo Morreira Blue Living Properties, Michael Pokroy Marc and Michael, Suliman Surtee Surtee Group, Thembelani Tukwayo Infrastructure Blueprint, Tony Vaughan Media Nova, Edith Venter Edith Unlimited, Vivien Yun Paragon Architects.
Menu
Starter
Slow-cooked salmon, tender asparagus, wasabi mayonnaise, and fresh edamame.
Main
Fillet of beef Rossini, mushroom duxell, seared foie gras, wilted baby spinach.
Golden gnocchi, truffle, wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, chervil.
Dessert
Puff pastry mille fuille, raspberries, rose jelly, meringue.
Wine
Sparkling wine
Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan
Brut Sauvage NV.
White wine
Springfield Special Cuvée
Sauvignon Blanc 2011.
Red wine
DeMorgenzon DMZ Concerto 2008.
The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst, Johannesburg +27 (0)11 292 6000, saxon.co.za
On arrival, glamorous guests were whisked from their cars into chauffeured Beemers to the steps of the beautiful hotel, where a stylish private dining room and chilled pre-dinner bubbly awaited them. Our company for the night was a sophisticated lot, and conversation flowed while glasses clinked, business cards were exchanged and laughter filled the air.
The evening was a celebration of old and new friends. Another cause for celebration was the imminent launch of two new titles, the Pretoria and national editions of The Property Magazine. (The latter, will be available for download via the Zinio digital newsstand app for Apple iPads and tablet PCs.)
Then, with the welcome speeches and toasts over, it was time to indulge in some fine fare, fine wine and scintillating conversation.
The doyenne of etiquette, Edith Venter, spoke fondly of her charity work, her favourite events of the year being the SA Guide-Dogs Association ball, the Saxon's Decor & Design Mornings and the Pink Polo event at Val de Vie. She said she found it immensely gratifying to hand over a cheque to a charity at the end of an event – it was a great reward after much sweat, blood and tears. I said I would be keeping my eye on her to double check which fork went with which dish, and she just laughed.
Jarod Kolman from Limestone Investment Properties intrigued with his positive attitude, saying he believed the demand for property in Sandton was insatiable. His busiest sector was the buy-to-let business and there was huge demand from foreign corporates in the CBD. Jarod called ours 'the age of the landlord': in Europe and Australia there were big rental markets, whereas South Africans liked to own their properties. However, because of the rising costs of property and the banks' unwillingness to give loans, South Africans were being forced into the rental pool. Another difficulty for landlords was the new Consumer Protection Act, which favours the tenant and necessitated stringent client checks, he said.
Jo Morreira from Blue Living Properties said she was proud of her small but exclusive portfolio and that it was growing well. Craig Hutchison from Engel & Völkers enthusiastically told us about his new offices opening in the Nicolway, Featherbrooke Village and Gateway shopping centres. He said Engel & Völkers had experienced huge growth and was enjoying a surge of young professionals working for them, people who would drive the market because they were keen to learn and worked well as a team.
Other causes for celebration were the 30th anniversary of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty and the 40th wedding anniversary of Lew and Sandy Geffen. They work side by side and Sandy revealed that they had never once argued about business in their 30-year partnership.
U.R.US designs elegant clothing for the corporate, leisure and hospitality industries. Its CEO, Debbie Braun, and fashion designer Michael Pokroy, of Marc & Michael fame, told us that they had entered into a partnership to introduce a brand-new lifestyle design concept into SA very soon. Assisting them would be Dimitrije Djukic of A Point Architects, who had recently returned from building glamorous hotels in Dubai and was currently building a masterpiece in his own highly contemporary style in our hood of Parkhurst. Watch this space.
The trio were quite hush-hush about their idea, but Debbie did let on that the concept was all about the details (you might have a beautiful space, but how do you create ambience?) while Michael was happy to reveal that it was about a synergy of the senses when you are in a particular space.
Following on from the fashion and design focus were Zahir Cajee and Suliman Surtee of the Surtee Group, an exclusive company covering brands such as Boss Menswear, Dunhill and Grays. With 20 stores countrywide, this luxury brand is aimed at top clientele and businessmen.
Leading fashion retail group Edcon was represented by Sudesh Bhageloo, who said he also had big plans for 2012. But he insisted on keeping these under wraps, so instead we discussed sports and what it had done for the nation. Sudesh and I were pleased to find out that we were both fans of Liverpool as well as the Sharks, and our conversation was an amusing mix of chuckling and bragging at a recent 6–1 win over Brighton & Hove.
Heavyweight architectural practice, Paragon, was represented by Vivien Yun, who told us the group was busy with the new Alexander Forbes building opposite the Gautrain. It was all about glass and technology and it would be a four-star green building once completed, Vivien explained, adding that there was a trend to focus on urban design and buildings.
Moving into the travel realm, the spotlight was on Mozambique. With its gorgeous surrounds and tropical climate, what's not to love? Christopher and Stella Bettany wholeheartedly agreed, saying that this is what had led them to leave the world of UK asset management and seek out something new. They have since opened the immensely successful Azura on Benguerra resort and a luxury eco-lodge on Quilálea Island, and were now planning their newest venture – a boutique tented property in Gorongosa National Park, a place so beautiful, said Stella, that it has eight biospheres and more wildlife than Sabi Sands. Their properties also have philanthropic interests and their passion lies with the Rainbow Fund, which has helped open a school on the island. They said they were aiming at opening a health clinic too.
Another intrepid Mozambique supporter was Debbie de Jongh from Mozambique Lifestyle. 'My focus is to get people interested in exploring and investing in the country of Mozambique – a country so open and ripe for business,' she said, adding, 'Come explore Mozambique with me!' When do we leave?
As the conversation and wine continued to flow, topics left the business realm for gossip and politics, but that's a story for another day.
Guest list
Christopher and Stella Bettany Azura Island Retreats, Sudesh Bhageloo Edcon, Debbie Braun U.R.US, Zahir Cajee Surtee Group, Debbie de Jongh Mozambique Lifestyle, Dimitrije Djukic, A Point Architects, Anine Ehlers, The Property Magazine, Lew and Sandy Geffen Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, Craig Hutchison Engel & Völkers, Jarod Kolman Limestone Investment Properties, Nicky Manson The Property Magazine, Jo Morreira Blue Living Properties, Michael Pokroy Marc and Michael, Suliman Surtee Surtee Group, Thembelani Tukwayo Infrastructure Blueprint, Tony Vaughan Media Nova, Edith Venter Edith Unlimited, Vivien Yun Paragon Architects.
Menu
Starter
Slow-cooked salmon, tender asparagus, wasabi mayonnaise, and fresh edamame.
Main
Fillet of beef Rossini, mushroom duxell, seared foie gras, wilted baby spinach.
Golden gnocchi, truffle, wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, chervil.
Dessert
Puff pastry mille fuille, raspberries, rose jelly, meringue.
Wine
Sparkling wine
Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan
Brut Sauvage NV.
White wine
Springfield Special Cuvée
Sauvignon Blanc 2011.
Red wine
DeMorgenzon DMZ Concerto 2008.
The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst, Johannesburg +27 (0)11 292 6000, saxon.co.za
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