Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 6 June 2015 | страница 26

The developers wanted to create the
best lifestyle possible for residents
and fauna and flora alike, with little
architectural restrictions. The estate
borders the Hennops River as well as
Smuts Koppie and the land was initially
left open for all to roam. The estate was
later enclosed in order to provide the
perfect combination of security and
freedom for its residents, although a
substantial amount of the surrounding
landscape was incorporated. Today,
residents can enjoy hiking, cycling,
picnics and the good old South African
braai, whilst keen fisherman can also
enjoy the catch and release fishing
option available along the river’s edge.

ESTATE REVIEW

28

The 30 hectares of grass planes and
bordering river makes the estate a
wonderful habitat for a number of
animals, including fish eagles, crested
eagles, Franklin Grouse and guinea
fowls. In order to protect the estate’s
growing population of bats and owls,
the Homeowners’ Association has
restricted the use of streetlights within
the estate, with each home having its
own exterior lighting, which is kinder to
the environment. The grassy planes are
also home to a number of scorpions,
snakes, tortoises, wild hares, bush
baby, hedgehog and reptiles and many
of the homeowners have opted to keep
a large portion of the grass planes and
incorporate it into their garden design
so as to enjoy the regular sights of these
animals.
A special communal green area on the
river front, dubbed the fairy forest, is the
venue for many estate social gatherings
as well as the annual Spring Market,
where residents and the general public
can come and showcase their wares for
sale.

The average age of residents at Irene
Glen falls between 36 and 49 and, as
a result, the estate is child friendly and
puts family values first. With a rule that
pedestrians and children have right of
way, the roads within the estate are
often filled with families walking and
riding bicycles, whilst a permanent
jungle gym allows for hours of play.
Meandering pathways, benches along
the river and individual post boxes
at the main entrance complete the
offering, providing greater convenience
and allowing residents to fully unwind
and escape hectic city life. The use
of quadbikes and motorcycles are
preferably not allowed for scenic drives
through the estate, contributing to the
estate’s tranquillity.
Stand sizes at Irene Glen
are above the national
average and, as a result,
some of the homeowners have
chosen to sub-divide their
plots into smaller sectional
title stands, but these must
never be smaller than 3000m²
in order to prevent high
density. Only freestanding
homes are allowed to be
built and the estate has no

apartments onsite.