By Katherine Wilkinson

The Pezula Private Castle on the 1000ha Pezula Resort development in Knysna has been named best international property in the biggest global property awards.

Pezula said on Monday that 4000 entries from 56 countries in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Britain and the Americas had been received for the awards, known as the CNBC International Property awards.

Pezula spokesman Janine Orzechowski said: “Pezula Private Castle was voted as the winner of the best international property category judged on location, architecture, design, appearance and finish. Details of safety, security, energy efficiency and innovation were also taken into account.”

Other categories in the awards included best development, best high-rise architecture, best interior design and best marina development.

The awards were judged by a panel of experts in the field of property, design and construction, and international property writers.

Pezula group chairman Keith Stewart said the award gave further international recognition to the up-market estate.

“Since our launch in 2003, Pezula has been overwhelmed with accolades and awards, including Best Luxury Development in the World (2007), Most Environmentally Aware Development in the World (2005), Best Retreat in Africa (2008), Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Africa & the World (2008), Africa‘s Leading Spa Resort (2008) and Most Outstanding Golf Resort Worldwide (2006),” he said.

The English soccer team has expressed interest in staying there during the 2010 World Cup.

Source: The Herald