Here’s what’s happening in property in Lynnwood, Menlo Park, Waterkloof and Brooklyn.
Established in the early 1900s, the suburbs of Brooklyn and Waterkloof were once the most eastern neighbourhoods of Pretoria.
Menlo Park was added further east in the mid-1900s. Another neighbour, Lynnwood, bordering Menlo Park in the east and north, was founded in the ’60s. Pretoria has since sprawled along many kilometres further east, resulting in these older suburbs today being referred to collectively as the Old East.
The Old East is a well-established and well-preserved area, adored for its thousands of jacaranda trees that bloom from late spring, carpeting these suburbs in a spectacular mantle of purple flowers. Every year, the tree-lined streets are sources of inspiration for many photographers, artists and songwriters.
The leafy streets, generally large stands and homes, beautifully maintained gardens and welcoming patios add to the peaceful mood of the Old East.
Lynnwood, the youngest of the Old East suburbs, is an affluent, family-oriented neighbourhood, comprising freestanding family homes, gated communities and security estates.
While Lynnwood is not a bustling business hub, several office blocks, small businesses, basic shopping facilities and several pleasant eateries can be found in the suburb.
Lynnwood Road runs through the suburb and provides easy access to neighbouring areas and comprehensive facilities. This main road also links Lynnwood and Menlo Park to the N1 and N4 highways. Menlo Park is closer to the University of Pretoria and the busy student hub of Hatfield. Nowadays, many of the large properties in Menlo Park are subdivided and higher-density developments have been undertaken.
As more younger residents have moved in, the traditionally quiet suburb has gradually changed and become a more vibrant neighbourhood.
Properties on the main streets of Atterbury Road, Brooklyn Road, Justice Mahomed Street and Lynnwood Road are popular with businesses, and Menlo Park is home to a number of embassies. Although on the expensive side, residential property in this centrally located suburb is highly sought-after.
Menlo Park is home to a number of vibey hangouts. The Capital Craft Beer Academy next to the Brooklyn Theatre is popular with the young and old. Menlo Park’s western neighbour, Brooklyn, has a well-established business district concentrated around the well-known Brooklyn Circle. It’s also home to the Brooklyn Mall and Brooklyn Square offering all-inclusive shopping facilities and a wealth of coffee shops and restaurants.
With the residential part of Brooklyn dating back more than a century, the combination of yesteryear’s elegance the stylish modern sophistication of today brings a timeless look and feel to this charming neighbourhood.
Brooklyn has always been an elite, upper-income suburb with sizeable family homes and gardens. The neighbourhood hasn’t lost any of those qualities and has kept up with contemporary needs and trends. Today, this suburb comprises a wide range of homes, including luxurious apartments, trendy townhouses, and student accommodation.
In the south, Brooklyn borders the affluent suburb of Waterkloof, established after the Second Anglo Boer War. With street names like Edward Street, Victoria Avenue, Milner Street, Crown Avenue, the post-war British influence is clear to see. Some homes also reflect the architectural style of this era. The area is particularly popular with foreign diplomats as well as senior government officials and the rich and famous. A high premium is placed on privacy and security, with some streets closed off and many properties located on security estates.
Waterkloof offers an excellent location. It’s situated minutes away from the N1, close to good schools and shopping centres, and also houses the landmark Pretoria Country Club boasting a prestigious 18-hole golf course.
I love the Old East’s character, its many top restaurants, the lovely jacaranda trees and its tranquil atmosphere
-Willa May Ferreira, resident.
Schools in Pretoria Far East:
- Laerskool Lynnwood
- Menlo Park Primary School
- Brooklyn Primary School
- Laerskool Pretoria Oos
- Waterkloof Primary School
- Hoërskool Menlopark
- Pretoria Boys High School
- Pretoria High School for Girls
- TuksSport High School
- Hoërskool Waterkloof
Eat out in Pretoria Far East
- Hillside Tavern Grill: for juicy steaks and delicious seafood
- Capital Craft Beer Academy: for quality food and a great selection of craft beer
- Geet Indian Restaurant: for a contemporary spin on classic Indian dishes
- Kream Restaurant: for an upmarket, modern dining experience
- Meet on Milner: for delicious tapas and burgers
Things to do in Pretoria Far East:
- Indulge to your heart's content at the Hazelwood Food Market on Saturday mornings.
- Watch a musical show at the Brooklyn Theatre.
- Watch a movie at Ster-Kinekor/Cinema Nouveau (Brooklyn Mall).
- Enjoy Italian fare at BICCCS (bread, ice cream, cake, croissant, coffee and sandwich) cafe.
- Play a round of golf at the Waterkloof Golf Course.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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