Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 45 September 2019 | Page 20

P R O P E R T Y & I N V E S T M E N T when it came to architecture,’ says Dries. ‘We believe that we are united in our diversity.’ The structure of these homes, on separate islands linked by a main arterial, is also noteworthy, as it contributes to the security of the estate. ‘We are able to block off certain areas of the estate very easily, should the need arise.’ Gert adds that facilities like a clubhouse, swimming pool and many kilometres of walking and running track add to its desirability as an address. run-off that serve the estate (obtaining water from Hartbeespoort Dam itself is not an option, as this water is not clean). ‘We store water in a 1.2-megalitre reservoir. Once it has been used, the grey water is recycled and cleaned thoroughly, then fed back into the system so that it can be used to water gardens. The cycle is completed when the water returns to the reservoir.’ Added to this, all canal water is passed through a wetland to ensure that it is properly cleaned and in constant movement, which helps avoids the issues associated with stagnant water. Getting better all the time Savvy environmental management is just one of the factors that sets The Islands apart. It is also distinguished by larger than usual stands, which feature homes best described as ‘island style’ with a heavy dose of Balinese influence. ‘We didn’t want to be too prescriptive This desirability is set to grow as the developers implement their plans to take The Islands to the next level. Chief among these plans is the construction of a 250-bed hotel, which will boost the area’s tourism potential considerably. Dries reports that, situated as it is on the major route between Johannesburg, Sun City and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Hartbeespoort’s roads see almost 70,000 vehicles passing through every weekend. C The hotel, with an accompanying harbour and jetty, will provide a reason for these passers-by to drop anchor. M Y There are, furthermore, plenty of enhancements planned for the area itself, including the development of a commercial park and medical suites, joining the recently introduced shopping centre. CM MY CY CMY If life is better on the islands, Hartbeespoort Dam is certainly the place to test the theory. theislandshoa.co.za K