Linden, Randburg

Linden, near the foot of Northcliff Hill, is one of Johannesburg's oldest suburbs. It is exceptionally well treed and is surrounded on three sides by green park like areas and bird sanctuaries. These open areas and ‘green lungs’ give the area a wonderful ambience and are reminiscent of the days when the area was famous for its peach and cherry orchards, fields of maize, chicken farms and a large dairy which supplied most of the surrounding suburbs.

Linden was named after Johannes Jacobus Rabie van der Linde and his farm, known as Linden farm, which was established in the area over a century ago. Van der Linde was a farmer from Philippolis in the Free State. He co-owned the southwestern corner of the farm Klipfontein with Louw Geldenhuys, who farmed fruit and vegetables on the neighbouring farm of Braamfontein.

By the 1920s, the area had been divided up into smaller plots and farms and Linden was considered an idyllic place in which to live. Residents lived the ‘country life’ yet were close enough to central Johannesburg to easily access its amenities via three dirt tracks that covered the eight kilometres to ‘town’.

The soil in the area was exceptionally fertile and water was plentiful via boreholes and wells. Linden soon grew but essentially remained a peach farming area. More homes were built and roads into the area were developed and tarred including Rustenburg Road on the eastern border of Linden.

Through the decades, the farms gradually disappeared and properties in the suburb of Linden were predominantly bought by upper income people. The area developed considerably in the following years and today, the suburb has a mix of people. Albertina Sisulu is listed as the suburb's most famous resident.

Linden has an excellent infrastructure, with highly acclaimed schools and churches being a huge draw card, while a wide range of amenities is in close proximity. Linden has two public swimming pools, several recreation centres and numerous sports clubs and facilities. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and the Emmarentia Dam and Sailing Club are within easy reach.

The leafy peaceful suburb of Linden lies predominantly on a slope and the suburb was designed so that most of the streets and avenues form similar sized blocks. Third Avenue passes through the middle, along which a number of shops, churches and schools can be found.

The original Linden farmhouse still exists in Linden and has been restored to its former glory, as have many of the older homes, which feature the beautiful verandas of bygone days. Many of the older or renovated properties in Linden have relatively large family homes, some with big well-treed gardens, swimming pools and tennis courts. Freestanding homes are generally on subdivided stands or can still be subdivided as they exceed 1,600 square metres. However, the Linden area does still offer a good number of smaller homes and many older good-sized apartments as well as a range of newer sectional title complexes. Linden is central to all the major centres and in terms of accessibility is considered one of the most conveniently situated suburbs in Johannesburg. Lindens’ neighbouring suburbs include Victory Park, Emmarentia, Greenside, Aldara Park, Darrenwood, Northcliff, Risidale, Roosevelt Park, Jacanlee, Montroux and Pine Park. Ground value is exceptionally good in Linden and its central and convenient location ensures that buying a home in Linden remains an excellent investment. Seeff Properties Randburg has a wide range of sale or rental properties in this sought after upmarket area with a good selection of Linden homes and freehold or sectional title apartments, townhouses and guesthouses.