ESTATE REVIEW
Communication between the two estates is paramount , as the subtle differences in the rules of the two estates can cause confusion . For example , alterations can be made depending on the location of the property . For instance , owners of the waterfront homes are allowed to build their own jetties , giving them immediate and direct access to the dam . But a different location on Bankenveld could also mean more restrictions . Siobhan explains : ‘ With the eco-estate , we don ’ t allow work on a Sunday or on public holidays , whereas at the golf estate , they ’ re a bit more lenient .’
She says she has amazing staff helping her manage this on both sides . Siobhan also had the task of building a rapport with the golf estate ’ s board . ‘ The board members are younger and all business people .’ She had to explain to the board that she would make some serious changes , but convinced them that she could do it within the budget .
The estate also faces challenges from outside its boundary . She says she started engaging with the municipal council , which was under administration . ‘ It doesn ’ t matter which council you fall under ; I think secured communities are gravitating towards assisting municipalities with their problems . Our biggest issue is bulk servicing , but we are engaging with council and asking where we can help ,’ says Siobhan .
A NATURAL OASIS Townhouses sell from around R3 million , and freestanding homes from R4 million , with the highest recorded sale to date an astounding R15 million . Of the 384 existing stands , with homes averaging 900 square metres under roof and stands between 1,200 and 2,000 square metres , a little over 300 have been built on . These are mostly inhabited by families from as far afield as Pretoria / Tshwane and Johannesburg , both of which are less than a 90-minute drive from the estate .
Both estates boast a wealth of recreational facilities that allow residents to really experience the great outdoors in all its natural splendour , including 18 hectares of highveld grassland with meandering pathways for jogging , running and cycling , plus dedicated walking trails and birdwatching societies . The golf course , which was designed by the renowned DDV Design Group , is only nine holes at present , but is being extended to 18 .
During the height of the COVID-19 lockdown , restricting access to this proved a challenge .
‘ The hardest thing was managing things when everyone were on the walking paths at the same time . Usually it ’ s spaced out , but then they could only walk between certain times ,’ says Siobhan . But workfrom-home restrictions offered up some positive outcomes . Residents were able to enjoy and appreciate what the estate had to offer .
Home owners got to enjoy their outside environment with a number of species of game , some of which graze on the golf course that is shared with an adjacent estate .
‘ Residents would send photos and say they had seen the game for the first time . Although you do notice what the estate has to offer , due to some residents coming home late at night and leaving early in the morning , they don ’ t always get to experience it .’ says Siobhan .
As lockdown rules ease , residents are able once again to enjoy the other facilities on offer within and close to the estate . There was a Primi Piatti restaurant located inside the clubhouse , but that will soon be replaced by an independent restaurant that will also have breathtaking views over both estates .
Families can send their children to the excellent Curro schooling facility just outside the perimeter of the estate , and small children can also be entertained at the Equestrian Centre , which has a petting zoo .
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