Doornkloof, Centurion

The Estate was established in 2002 and forms part of the renowned farm Doornkloof. The farm has a rich history. General Jan Christiaan Smuts, arguably one of South Africa’s most remarkable sons of the twentieth century, bought the farm in 1908 and lived on it for more than forty years. This is the place where this enigmatic South African leader found peace and spent time with his family. “Smuts Koppie”, which the “Oubaas” hiked every day, and where his ashes and those of Ouma Smuts are scattered, can be seen from most of the properties on the Estate. Irene Glen Estate is an up market eco-estate with spectacular views and hiking trail along the Sesmyl spruit. Close to schools and shopping centers but with a distinct rural feel to it. The Estate boasts a number of wildlife species including birds, porcupine, hedge hogs, mongoose, scrub hare, bushbabies, monkeys, jackal and small antelope such as duiker etc.

The Estate, covering approximately 100 hectares consists of 82 residential stand averaging 8,000m². The Estate is surrounded by an electric fence and access is via one entrance which is manned 24 hours a day. The Estate is patrolled daily by security personnel. A number of the properties have subsequently been subdivided into two stands each. The hill on which the Estate is built is mainly north facing, with the Sesmyl spruit being the Northern boundary. The R21 forms the Eastern boundary, Goede Hoop Avenue (M57) forms the Southern boundary while Irene is on the Western boundary. Two separate houses with their respective out buildings can be built on all plots. There is no prescribed architectural style. However, future home owners will need to satisfy the HOA and their Architectural Review Committee. The proposed development will complement the envisaged lifestyle and response to the unique site characteristics and the collective concern for the site and neighbouring property owners. The required architectural style can be described as African Modernism, which illustrates the climate and lifestyle patterns which are uniquely South African.

Irene Glen Estate is perfectly located between Pretoria (14km) and OR Thambo International Airport (25km). Access is gained to the Estate from Goede Hoop Avenue (M57), just off the R21 highway, which makes Irene Glen Estate a popular choice for anybody working in Pretoria, Midrand or on the East Rand. The R21 was recently upgraded to 8 lanes and is lit all the way from the airport to Pretoria. A mere 5 minutes drive from the estate is the very trendy Irene Village Mall boasting top restaurants, retail shops, supermarkets and cinemas. There are a few excellent schools in the area namely Cornwall Hill College, Southdown’s College and Irene Primary. Another attraction in the vicinity is the Rietvlei Nature Reserve which is directly across the R21 highway and offers fishing, canoeing, birding, sailing, hiking, horse riding and picnic areas. A lapa is provided for group functions and night drives are also available. The village of Irene which is close by has all the usual facilities such as shops, schools, restaurants, doctors, libraries, vets, sports facilities, churches, station, post office, clinic, guesthouses and Lodges.

Although most of the properties have already been developed there are a few vacant stands available for resale. Prospective buyers can expect to pay between R 800,000 and R 2, 000, 000 (2012) for a vacant plot, while house prices average around R 3,500,000(2012).