Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 45 September 2019 | Page 27

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
2014, 2015, and 2016, and two new members in 2018. This keeps the
board fresh without losing the knowledge, experience and historical
input from longer-standing members.
‘The trustees have a very hands-on role; we have a good and very
knowledgeable team who are committed and prepared to invest
a lot of time on their portfolios. All seven of us meet once a month,
but other meetings take place between relevant members and staff
when required.’
Much of Erinvale’s success, Dinklage emphasises, is due to long-
serving HOA staff and trustees, granting continuity and sustainable
management.
Moving with the times
Erinvale’s board and HOA acknowledge that the world is constantly
changing, so the rules may need to change too, in order to conform
to current lifestyle requirements.
As a mature estate, all homes are built, and unlike other estates,
Erinvale allows individual style of the buildings, which creates
the unique look. However, there are architectural guidelines that
were written 25 years ago. Erinvale has revisited these guidelines
to accommodate requests for renovations and updates. Each
application is reviewed by the architectural committee and the
architects to ensure that the aesthetics of the estate are not
compromised, while allowing for contemporary trends and a
move towards sustainability.
The estate encourages, but does not enforce, adherence to the
Green Building Council guidelines for renovations. Solar panels
and water tanks are recommended but must be hidden from view.
Erinvale continuously looks at keeping security to the highest
standard. The perimeter fencing and cameras have already been
upgraded, and
Communication is key
In the past, HOA communication was done via newsletters and
email, but building a community requires more interaction. Erinvale
is now implementing a new tailored community app, Spotlight
Social, which was designed by two Erinvale residents.
The app gives push notifications for emergencies, updates on
roadworks, repairs, news and events. It can be tailored to the
community needs, and offers separate platforms for various interest
groups, and – of course – golfers, where they can engage, chat and
share photos, news and events. ‘Via the app we are able to encourage
a multi-way communication among our residents; no matter if you are
on site or spending half of the time somewhere else in the world, you
can stay connected with your community.’
This app is a game changer and could become a modern version of
traditional portals.
Erinvale is part of the greater community, supporting local
charities and schools in the area. Estate residents are a happy,
forward-thinking group, and the HOA, trustees and employees work
as a team, ensuring the ongoing success of this luxury estate.
erinvale.com
As an estate, the move towards sustainability in public areas is
constantly ongoing. ‘Apart from location, property owners and
investors have a number-one priority: security and a peace-of-mind
lifestyle of really feeling safe! This is what Erinvale offers to a
great extent. We can freely go for a walk at any time, our kids can
play outside and we do not have the need of extra security at each
property.’
In 2016 Erinvale was also one of the first estates in the region
to implement fibre to the home (FTTH), providing up to
100Mbps internet speed to every property in the estate. ‘We
have a great mix of residents here at Erinvale and we need to
cater for all sorts of different requirements and needs. The
families with kids want to be able to stream, surf and play
simultaneously, the working-from-home professionals require
stable internet connectivity for video conferencing, and the
‘Swallows’ from Europe like to watch streamed European TV.
Investing in the future
investigated over four years to decide on the best solutions available
for our estate.’
One immediate impression is the pristine beauty of the estate.
In contrast to the manicured golf course, Erinvale has its own
fynbos reserve at the top of the estate with sensibly integrated
walking trails for the residents. ‘These areas are classified as a
critical biodiversity area (B1) as part of the greater Cape Floristic
Region. A lot of attention and effort is going into this recreational
asset to protect and maintain the biodiversity in our estate.’
the estate is presently enhancing all security measures to the latest
technology available, implementing biometric hand scan access, and
a comprehensive guest management system. ‘Our committee has