Four Generations of Family Success
Realty 1 in Southbroom has become a household name in terms of property on the South Coast. It has also become synonymous with the Purtell family who have owned the business since 1968 although it had been in operation for some time prior…
Southbroom Township was pioneered by the Eyles family. Alfred Eyles came to South Africa in 1883 as a missionary & settled in Southbroom. His two sons, Frank & Gilbert decided to develop the township, they showed great foresight in their planning. They envisaged the preservation of all that was best in its original landscape with the maximum conservation of the indigenous vegetation. They provided larger lots & made generous provisions for parks & open spaces, including the magnificent 18 hole golf course.
Many years were spent developing the township & golf course, though it was not until after the war, in about 1946 that they became actively involved in selling off the properties in the township. They formed a company called the Southbroom Development Co (PTY) Ltd & in 1948 Dennis Howe, who much later opened his own company in Port Shepstone, was appointed as the residential salesman where he remained until the early 50’s. In the mid 50’s Bob Pullock joined Gilbert Eyles. He later went on the purchase the business from Eyles & changed the name to Southbroom Estate Agency (PTY) Ltd. He continued to operate until 1968 when he then sold to Byron & Phylis Purtell. Byron was joined five years later by his son Hugh & wife Yvonne. Hugh & Yvonne had three sons (Gary, Wayne & Dean) all of whom have been involved in the business over the years, with their eldest son Gary being the principal agent from 1984 to date.
Now in its fourth generation Gary’s daughter Deanne has joined him in the business along with his wife Renee, hopefully his son Darryn will not be far behind.
In 1991 Realty 1 was born out of Nedcor’s interest in the property market. The company, currently Southbroom Estate Agency trading as Realty 1 Southbroom, has grown from a one man operation, operating out of a single roomed office, into a very successful company having offices in the main street of Southbroom. It could be said that the contributing factors leading to the success of the company have been its ability to treat people with the respect they deserve, being honest with their clients & professional in all their business transactions.
As a pioneer in the area & besides the Real Estate business, the company also consists of a holiday and permanent letting department, are managing agents for various Bodies Corporate, as well as having a garden services & tree felling department, which all together employs over 50 staff from the area.
The agency along with the Purtell’s have been deeply entrenched in the Southbroom community throughout the years, Byron having found sponsorship for the first two Southbroom tennis courts, Hugh building the third tennis court as well as having the vision for the Southbroom Men’s Amateur Classic & many other golfing endeavors at the magnificent Southbroom Golf Course. Gary was part of the inaugural Ratepayers committee that worked tirelessly to setup the UIP on our rates account that pays for our Southbroom CPF, which has done wonders in keeping our area safe & sound. The company has been involved with many events & projects for conservancy, tourism & sports in Southbroom, this is a passion of ours & will be continued.
We can’t wait to see where the next 50 years takes us!
Hi pls contact me