Estate Living Magazine Alfresco Living - Issue 36 December 2018 | Page 39

Horse-lover Christelle van de Merwe, also on the Saddlebrook as most residents here have their own pools’. And all the while you
board, says that irrespective of whether you’re an elite competitive know that your family is safe and secure. ‘Kids ride freely around on
equestrian or a happy hacker, there isn’t anything comparable. their bikes,’ says Van de Merwe. She also says the area is teeming
‘A horse on the property as opposed to at a central location means with birdlife, from the more common Grey Herons, Blacksmith
you form a much deeper bond with the animal, important for those Plovers and Grey Go-away Birds (Grey Louries) to rarer species
who don’t want a limited relationship. It also gives owners peace of such as African Spoonbills, Thick-Billed Weavers and Crimson-
mind and the convenience of constant access, while it’s easier to breasted Shrikes.
manage costs when compared to horses being stabled at a central
facility.’
Founded in 1998, the estate still retains its sense of space. Solid,
high walls between homes are still a firm no-no, with post and rail
And then, she says, there are the advantages of amenities like or palisade fencing demarcating the stands. As Warring says, ‘the
tennis courts, two parks, mountain-bike tracks, a seven-kilometre developers of the estate sought to retain a sense of the country and
bridle path ideal for cycling, jogging or walking, plus a clubhouse wide-open spaces, which is why boundary walls are not permitted,
and swimming pool – although, she adds, ‘this is relatively quiet thereby preventing the “canyon” effect.’
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