Estate Living Magazine Estate Living Issue 29 May | Page 11

Security is taken very seriously. The electric
fence is set in concrete, to repel tunnellers,
and every 50 metres there are zoned CCTV
cameras, with trip wires, which are monitored
both on-site and off. There are regular
guard patrols, and access is biometrically
controlled. It should be noted that Somerset
Lakes has not had a single incident to date.
While there is a significant proportion of buy-to-rent investors,
says Stefin Strydom, who is sales manager at the estate,
there is also a surprising number of empty-nest downscalers,
even though they have not specifically targeted the retirement
market. However, the bulk of purchases are buyers with young
families.
The wide open spaces, the lake, the forest, the playparks, and
the fact that kids can cycle or skate to their friends’ houses,
look at birds, fish in the lake, or paddle all play a part. The
secure environment makes seasonal playfulness like Easter
egg hunts, and Halloween trick-or-treating safe.
The popular Reddam House School secured a large stand early
on, and has built an established primary and high school and
boarding house with cricket oval, tennis courts, indoor aquatics
centre, pavilion and rugby fields under construction. It’s part of
the estate, but with separate access for security. They naturally
have a close relationship; they do cross-country runs through
the estate, or take learners around the forest or around the
lake for mini field trips. Curro, too, have secured a site on the
northern perimeter of the estate, but have yet to commence
construction.
The estate is clean and modern, with uncluttered landscaping,
and extensive vistas. While each section has its own aesthetic,
the overall architectural style is Rural Cape vernacular, which is
appropriate for an estate that is situated on the edge of the Cape
Winelands, but that does not overly emphasis the connection.
Somerset Lakes is all about creating a secure environment for
a happy, healthy outdoor lifestyle and residents – whether aged
eight or 80 – can enjoy a romp (or stroll) through the forest or
a float on the lake, or just gaze at the scenery and admire the
prolific bird life.
www.estate-living.com | 11