Author: Seeff, 14 February 2018, News
Here are some of the most authentic village like estates in Gauteng
This need has given rise to many security estates in Gauteng attempting to simulate that feeling of living in a village when you are in fact only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle and most importantly your place of employment and good medical and educational facilities.
Seeff notes the following estates in Gauteng that have not only done an exceptional job of preserving nature within their boundaries, but also in creating a bona fide small town feel, affording residents with the inkling that they have truly “escaped” big city life.
Eagle Canyon Estate in Johannesburg North West
Although many suburbs have emerged in the Honeydew area it retains a country feel with magnificent views of the Magaliesburg mountains and rolling hills which border the West Rand, Randpark Ridge and Weltevreden Park.
Elna Myburgh, Seeff’s Area Specialist here, says the suburb is perfectly positioned to reach the Lanseria International Airport, the business centres of Sandton, Randburg, Krugersdorp, Pretoria, Johannesburg, towns like Hartbeespoort and Magaliesburg and the world renowned heritage site, The Cradle of Human Kind.
“Eagle Canyon Estate - that had an average house price of R6.1 million for freehold in 2017 - originally consisted of only about 16 smallholdings and is one of very few estates in South Africa that can truly lay claim to complete individuality based on its distinctive topography. Property prices here start from mid R 1 million and go up to over R 20 million.
The estate is situated in what once was an old granite and sand quarry, along canyon cliffs and encapsulates 3000 hectares of land. About 40 years of quarrying by various companies resulted in what is today known as the Eagle Canyon Golf Estate”.
Myburgh concludes that Eagle Canyon Golf & Lifestyle Estate, boasts a superb lifestyle with over 40 hectares of parkland, 12km of tree lined avenues, a spectacular Eco wetland area and 11 dams and water featuring on almost every hole of the 18 hole golf course attracting a large variety of bird life and offering magnificent views.
Saddlebrook Estate in Midrand
Charles Vining, Seeff’s Licensee in Sandton, says in this estate it’s not strange to have a horse as a neighbour as many residents here are avid horse-riders and keep their horses in their backyards.
“In this estate you’ll find many green paddocks enclosed by neat white fences that are home to peacefully grazing ponies, shiny show jumpers, delightful Lipizzaners, glorious warmbloods and even a rescue donkey or two.
The estate boasts exquisite country mansions in an idyllic secure enclave that has many bridle paths, communal areas and jogging tracks.
Fourways Gardens Estate in Fourways
Charles Vining, Seeff’s MD in Sandton says that Fourways Gardens is one of the most sought after estates in Johannesburg.
“The Estate has a true family appeal with a host of parks, dams, a nature reserve that invites an abundance of fauna and flora to the area, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer field, cricket nets, designated play areas with jungle gyms and swings, a clubhouse with restaurant and sports facilities.
The security surrounding the estate is excellent, giving you the opportunity to let your children roam freely and cycle the streets. Aptly named “The Garden of Eden of estates”, the lush gardens, plant life and beautiful verges are a spectacular sight.
As many as three generations have lived and still live on the estate, which is unique in any environment. Often Grandparents would have settled here in the eighties, with their children following suit after getting married and starting their own families. There are six such families where all three generations currently still live on the estate and many more of two generations living together. The family unit, old world values and overall quality of living are what is at the core of this estate’s ethos.
Of the 940 stands on this estate, only three are vacant, with two of these currently under construction. One cluster development and one townhouse complex also add to the variety of living arrangements on offer”.
The average price for freehold in the estate was R4 million in 2017 and prices here generally range between R2.5 million and R10.5 million.
Irene Farm Villages in Centurion
Steve van Wyk, Seeff’s Licensee in Centurion, says he is not surprised that this estate was recently voted as one of the best suburbs by Financial Mail.
“Prices in the estate have gone up 40% in the past five years and the median price is now around R3.13 million. Irene Farm Villages is a modern, yet tranquil oasis with many parks and an abundance of natural bird and animal life.
Scrub hares, duiker and mongoose are regularly seen after sunset. The Estate is situated on “top of the town” and has magnificent vistas of the surrounding countryside and stunning sunset views. The lack of built street-front boundaries and the extensive manicured parkland and conservation areas capture the inner heart of peace and tranquility of Irene Farm Villages.
Van Wyk concludes that the estate is within close proximity to the R21 and has easy access to Pretoria, JHB, OR Tambo and Krugersdorp highways, many top schools and medical facilities.