Cape Town – Residential estate Steyn City has shot up into the top four of South Africa’s top 10 residential estates, it was revealed on Monday.
The New World Wealth released its annual top 10 SA residential estates on Monday, which sees new entrants such as Steyn City in Johannesburg and Whalerock Ridge in Plettenberg Bay.
Characteristics of the top estates include good security, activities like golf and horse riding, facilities like shops and children playgrounds, well designed houses of high quality, the spacing of houses, views including scenery and wildlife, the appeal to wealthy buyers and the resale and price growth potential.
The following is New World Wealth’s top 10 residential estates
1. Val die Vie
Where: Paarl in the Western Cape
House prices: R5m to R40m
Characteristics: “Val die Vie recently merged with Pearl Valley, our top rated estate last year. Highlights of the combined estate include: vineyards, polo fields, an equestrian centre, a highly rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, parks, lakes and mountain backdrops.”
2. Zimbali
Where: Ballito, north of Durban
House prices: R5m to R50m
Characteristics: “It is arguably the most picturesque estate in the country, with its own natural lagoon and forest. The bird life on the estate is very impressive - it is home to several types of kingfishers, bee-eaters and even the rare Crowned Eagle is a resident.”
3. Fancourt
Where: George on the Garden Route
House prices: R3m to R50m
Characteristics: “It is undoubtedly South Africa’s top estate for golfers, with three highly rated courses on one estate. The two original courses (the Montagu and the Outeniqua) were built in the early 90s, whilst the world famous Fancourt Links was added in 2000.”
4. Steyn City
Where: Between Fourways and Lanseria in Johannesburg
House prices: R2m to R30m
Characteristics: “It is the largest estate in the country in terms of land size and currently includes an equestrian centre, a golf course and over 250 hectares of landscaped parkland. The communal areas, vegetation and parklands on the estate are particularly impressive, as is the bird life. The estate is still at early development – there are plans to add: two private schools, offices, convenience shopping, a retirement village and a private hospital.”
5. Pezula
Where: Knysna on the Garden Route
House prices: R5m to R40m
Characteristics: “Pezula includes two sub-estates, namely: Pezula Golf Estate and Pezula Private Estate.”
6. Whalerock Ridge
Where: Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route
House prices: R3m to R35m
Characteristics: “The 100 hectare estate offers residents impressive views over Robberg Beach. The bottom gate of the estate is located approximately 100 metres from the beach. Notably, Whalerock Ridge is the only estate in our top 10 that does not have a golf course.”
7. De Zalze
Where: Stellenbosch in the Western Cape
House prices: R5m to R20m
Characteristics: “The 300 hectare estate is also a working farm, comprising 120 hectares of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves. It is home to a particularly scenic golf course and 3 top restaurants.”
8. Atlantic Beach
Where: Between Blouberg and Melkbostrand in Cape Town
House prices: R2m to R15m
Characteristics: “Atlantic Beach is the ‘hidden gem’ of South African golf estates. It is home to some of the most spectacular houses in the country. The estate also operates as a wildlife sanctuary, with several wild animals such as antelope living on the property.”
9. Highland Gate
Where: Steenkampsberg mountain range near Dullstroom
House prices: R2m to R10m
Characteristics: “Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is a newly built estate (and) features an Ernie Els designed golf course, fly-fishing and hiking trails.”
10. Arabella
Where: Bot River Lagoon in Kleinmond, 25 miles west of Hermanus
House prices: R3m to R15m
Characteristics: “Arabella is a hotspot for wealthy second home owners. Only a few of the holes have houses on them and as a result stands are limited - there are only 236 houses on the estate.”
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