The property initially went under the hammer to Les Dyason, on 1 February, for R2,5-million. This week, Debbie Sherman of Aucor properties confirmed that, following post-auction negotiations, the price of R4,58-million was settled upon.
Dyason now needs to take transfer of the property before the deal will be finalised and legally bounding.
An elated Dyason, who owns the Gateway Lodge in Kraaibosch near Victoria Heights, said he has great plans to revamp the hotel and all its facilities. He hopes to spend just under R10-million to restore the hotel and complete the unfinished wing.
Dyason told the George Herald that he wants to provide upmarket accommodation to third and fourth year students. Students will have access to a kitchen and recreation facilities. He plans to create a security access point, just like the one at Fancourt. He wants to appoint a hostel matron to ensure that order and silence is maintained in the quiet suburb of Heatherlands.
"After two years, I want to convert Hawthorndene from student quarters into a secure retirement village. I realise that I have to get the neighbours' permission and I really want to create something good that will fit such a lovely area. I have been doing my homework and found that there is a gap in the market for student accommodation, as well as a retirement complex." An architect and lawyer have been appointed to help with the legal and architectural issues that exist on the property. Dyason added that he was planning to do the same for Gateway Lodge.
The Hawthorndene, which boasts five large en-suite bedrooms,13 garden apartments, a new wing and catering and entertainment areas, was owned by Pluscor Six (Pty) Ltd and Natserve Developers (Pty) Ltd and put up for auction following the liquidation of Pluscor Six.
Sherman, who sold the building, commented: ''Following the successful sale of the Old Mutual Building in York Street for R9-million, we are very pleased with this sale. There was much interest in this property but we always knew it would be a difficult sell due to the various problems the property had over recent months with illegal tenants. However, the sale was a success, as this property represents an excellent redevelopment opportunity and, as we know, good properties always achieve good prices.''
* Die historiese Hawthorndene Hotel in Heatherlands is gekoop deur Les Dyason vir R4,58 miljoen. Oordrag moet egter nog plaasvind. Hy beoog om verblyf te bied in 'n sekuriteitsbeheerdekompleks vir senior studente, en om 'n koshuismoeder aan te stel. Hy beplan om die onvoltooide gedeelte van die hotel klaar te maak asook om 'n argitek en prokureur aan te stel om die problematiese kwessies aan te spreek en te sorg dat die opknapping iets is waarop die dorp trots sal kan wees.
The Hawthorndene Hotel.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
