Estate Living Magazine Estate Living Issue 29 May | Page 10

So far, the clubhouse has been built, with a restaurant that
is open to the public, and a 5.29ha site has been earmarked
for a mixed-use commercial development comprising retail,
entertainment and office space. It’s foreseen that many of
the existing and future residents will utilise the commercial
development as well – both in the retail and office sectors – as
many are self-employed or run small businesses. Interestingly,
the restaurant at the clubhouse is run by a resident. In fact, the
whole estate has already developed a strong community feel,
which may be in part because the developers have chosen to
live here as well.
While Somerset Lakes is not marketed as an eco-estate, the
developers are well aware of the rapidly increasing demand
for sustainable housing, so they have hit on a very clever
compromise. Because greener options are still a tad on the
pricey side, and the market is price sensitive, the units are
plumbed and wired for solar water heaters, photo-voltaic cells
and grey water systems. Homeowners can choose to have these
elements built in, or they can install them later without incurring
the expenses usually associated with retro-fitting. Rainwater
tanks are not included as standard, but are encouraged.
10 | www.estate-living.com
The developers are well
aware of the rapidly
increasing demand for
sustainable housing, so
they have hit on a very
clever compromise.
Landscaping is done with mostly indigenous water-wise plants,
with an onsite nursery and a strong borehole for watering.
Special permission was granted to build the pool at the
clubhouse, although it has to be filled with bought-in water.
Residents can choose to have private pools but – with the
present water restrictions – they can be planned for, and the
plans will be approved, but they may not be built until some
time in the future when Cape Town is feeling a lot more water-
secure.
Connectivity is almost as essential as electricity and water
reticulation, so the developers have installed their own open
access fibre system. This enables residents to choose their
service providers, so they are not held hostage to one supplier
who can just increase prices at will. As there is one satellite
dish for the entire estate, residents can save on individual
satellite installation, which is also an aesthetic advantage. Fibre
is also central to the security system.