A R200-million residential development has been launched on the water's edge at Lake Michelle, near Noordhoek beach. The developers of the 90-hectare site have only allowed for just over half of the number of stands for which they originally got approval in order to ensure that it remains eco-friendly and preserves the natural habitat for plants and animals.

More than a quarter of the 224 plots ranging between 700m2 and 2500m2 have already been sold. The marketing agents, Sotheby's International Realty (operated by Lew Geffen), say this is due to the "very competitive pricing", which ranges from R695 000 to R1.5 million - and the wetlands setting, which is home to an astonishing array of bird and animal life. Astra Wilson, head of developments in the Southern Suburbs, said: "The development is environmentally friendly and very attractively priced. It offers spectacular mountain and water views in a tranquil setting surrounded by natural beauty." The Lake Michelle development has a prescribed Cape Cod-influenced architectural style which has been given a South African feel and buyers will have to observe architectural guidelines.

Barak Geffen, responsible for the Cape operation of Sotheby's International Realty, adds: "We have seen a lot of interest in this and many other of our developments across the Western Cape, especially from our exclusive high net-worth international client base, who have been very active in South Africa this year."

The developers worked very closely with The Department of the Environment for the Western Cape, Noordhoek Environmental Action and The Noordhoek and District Civic Association to ensure preservation of the natural environment, which is home to over 126 species of birds and other fauna like the rare Leopard Toad. Special corridors have been built between the plots to allow the Leopard Toad and other small animals to move freely between Lake Michelle and the surrounding Nature Reserve