The continued demand for good security and convenience has seen estates that cater to a variety of lifestyles and income brackets in Pretoria East.

When looking for a new home, people are increasingly choosing environments that offer good security and well-maintained infrastructure close to amenities.

The high number of secure residential estates in Pretoria’s popular eastern suburbs clearly indicates that development here is focused on meeting the high demand. O¬ffering a range of estates, Pretoria East brings this sought-after lifestyle within reach of residents from a variety of income brackets.

First-time buyers with smaller families can enter the market by buying into estates like the mega Equestria Estate development comprising a multitude of complexes with units of various sizes. The estate offers its residents a secure environment in which to relax, be part of a community and enjoy well-maintained communal gardens and sporting and leisure facilities.

Repeat buyers and larger families may prefer to invest in one of the many upmarket estates in the established leafy suburbs of Faerie Glen, Olympus and Moreleta Park. The focus here is as much on nurturing city dwellers’ cravings for nature and tranquil surroundings as it is on meeting the need for safety and convenience.

In estates like Boardwalk Manor Estate, Boardwalk Meander, Heron Hill Garden Estate, Olympus Heights Estate and Olympus Country Estate, natural ecological green spaces are used to create areas of peace and relaxation.

These can include mountainous areas such as the Bronberg sanctuary, spruits, lakes and indigenous bush and vegetation. An abundance of birdlife can be found in these estates. Walkways, jogging and cycle paths and safe play areas for kids allow residents the freedom to live a healthy and active life in the privacy of their estate.

Beautiful, spacious family homes with lush gardens complete the package. Estates in Moreleta Park such as Country View Estate, The Meadows, Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, The Wilds Estate, and many others, o¬ffer the best of both worlds – a serene and exclusive living space with easy access to top schools; hospitals; entertainment, lifestyle and shopping facilities; churches; gyms, and much more.

Pretoria East is also home to the exclusive Silver Lakes Golf Estate, Woodhill Residential Estate, The Hills Game Reserve Estate and Wingate Golf Estate. Many new estate developments catering for the higher-income brackets can be found in the Hazeldean growth node, such as The Ridge. Prime estates such as the prestigious Mooikloof Equestrian Estate and the stylish Lombardy Estate are located on the tranquil far-eastern countryside outskirts of the beautiful Jacaranda City.

Christo Esterhuizen, a Pretoria East estate resident, says, “Although estate living comes with a few rules and regulations, I feel proud to drive through the gates of our estate. All the properties are neat and the area is clean. It feels good to be part of a community where we care about each other.” He says it’s important that residents acquaint themselves with the rules before they choose an estate. “Make sure you choose an estate that’s right for you.”

Living in our estate is like living in a small town where residents are involved with and care about each other. It feels safe in the estate. The biggest bonus is that children can ride their bikes and play around safely.

-Ria van Vuuren, estate resident.

Schools in Pretoria East:

• Curro College Hazeldean
• Hoërskool Waterkloof
• Hoërskool Garsfontein
• St Alban’s College
• Woodhill College

Hospitals in Pretoria East:

• Intercare Sub-Acute Hospital Hazeldean
• Kloof Mediclinic
• Life Faerie Glen Hospital
• Life Wilgers Hospital
• Netcare Pretoria East Hospital

Transport in Pretoria East:

• Minutes away from the N1, N4 and R21 highways linking Pretoria East to Johannesburg, Mpumalanga and Ekurhuleni respectively.
• Close to the Hatfield Gautrain station
• On the Tshwane municipal bus route
• Various private transport and shuttle services are available

This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood,Sunday Times.

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