From young families to retired seniors, the good all-rounder suburb of Equestria remains a popular choice.
East of Pretoria’s city centre, the ever-evolving suburb of Equestria is characterised by complexes of modern starter homes, lush garden centres, top shopping centres and peaceful retirement villages. Located between Simon Vermooten Road in the west, Solomon Mahlangu Drive in the east, Ouklipmuur Avenue in the north and Lynnwood Road in the south, it has developed greatly in the past few years, offering modern units with 24-hour security and easy access to the N4 highway.
Resident here for four years, Patricia Vieira Dos Santos (31), says that when it comes to shopping, Equestria offers excellent retail hubs, including The Grove Mall, Equestria Shopping Centre and Equestria Gateway Centre. You’re spoilt for choice with a wide range of food, clothing, health and lifestyle amenities conveniently located in the suburb.
The Grove Mall has more than 100 stores to satisfy every shopping need with a unique ‘inside outdoor’ section of restaurants creating a continental atmosphere, where friends and family can eat and socialise. The mall provides entertainment such as an ice-rink, cinema theatres, IMAX, tenpin bowling and a toddler water play park
says Patricia.
And if that’s not enough, she adds, Equestria Shopping Centre offers a wide variety of amenities, as does Equestria Gateway Centre.
A unique feature at the heart of the suburb providing great family entertainment is the Bester Birds & Animal Zoo Park. Created by wildlife enthusiast Mike Bester, the park has imported various species, such as the squirrel monkey, Cape porcupine, striped hyena, leopard, Nile crocodile and red kangaroo, from zoos across the world.
If you’re looking for a convenient amenity to take care of your animals while you’re away, Xantah Kennels and Cattery offers a boarding facility for pets – from cats, dogs, birds, poultry and pigs, to rabbits and hamsters. Veterinarians are available, and the dedicated team, does daily walk and play sessions, with the option of nutritional consulting if necessary.
Tintswalo Machate (34) has lived in Equestria for almost three years, and says it is peaceful, safe and not overcrowded – she enjoys being able to take late-evening walks without worrying. She appreciates the area’s many wonderful nurseries and garden centres, including The Garden Root Nursery, C&M Landscaping, and the R3 and R5 Nursery and Budget Plants.
When it comes to educational facilities, Equestria’s options include the Kiddies’ Academy Nursery School, Little Flowers Nursery School, Moonlight International School and Star College Pretoria. The nursery schools provide childcare through trained teams, and create a secure, friendly environment where each child is encouraged to reach their full potential. They provide a home away from home for babies and toddlers, and provide stimulation for children during their most crucial developmental period.
Moonlight International School and Star College Pretoria engage students through a holistic approach to academic and behavioural standards. They aim to develop young people to become confident, ethical leaders, empowered with excellent academic skills.
Equestria is especially well equipped for elderly residents, with a number of retirement villages, such as Equestria Village Retirement Centre and Selrose Park Retirement Village. Mel Ueckermann (71) of Equestria Village Retirement Centre moved here four years ago, with a view to enjoying a safe and caring space that is financially sound.
“The village is a secure environment in close proximity to medical practitioners and hospitals, and offers entertaining social activities. It provides a clinic and a wellness programme and has a bus taking residents to shopping malls in the vicinity daily. Social activities include line dancing, bridge, Rummikub, choir, walking club, port and pudding evenings, and bring and braai occasions. I am happy in the village and appreciate the friendliness, support and caring from fellow residents,” says Mel.
With affordable living available in an area filled with vibrant shopping centres, pleasant garden centres and tranquil retirement villages, this suburb is geared for everyone, from young families starting out, to elderly individuals ready for a secure complex lifestyle.
Things to do in and around Equestria
- Green-fingered enthusiasts can visit R3 and R5 Nursery and Budget Plants
- Take the family to learn about the animals at Bester Birds and Animal Zoo
- Shop till you drop at The Grove Mall, Equestria Shopping Centre and Equestria Gateway Centre
- Select your garden decor at C&M Landscaping
- Go ice-skating at The Grove Mall
- Indulge in the pottery classes offered at one of the garden centres
Demand
- Properties listed for sale in Equestria comprise approximately 17% of the total sale listings in the Pretoria East area.
- Approximately 18% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Pretoria East area is attributable to those on the market in Equestria.
- Properties listed for rent in Equestria comprise approximately 17% of the total rental listings in the Pretoria East area.
- Approximately 17% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in the Pretoria East area is attributable to rentable properties in Equestria.
Median asking prices for Equestria properties
R1,8m - For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R1,26m - For a property in a complex
R780,000 - For a flat
R1,9m - For a house
Median monthly asking prices for Equestria rentals
R14,000 - For a typical rental property (three-bedroom house)
R11,170 - In a complex
R14,270 - For a house
R6,340 - For a flat
Property types for sale
29% House
15% Flat
56% Complex
Property types for rent
10% Flat
28% House
62% Complex
Buying in Equestria
The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Equestria, namely a three-bedroom house, with the median asking price of R1,8m is R16,778 per month over 20 years at prime of 9,5% with no deposit.
Take a trip through Pretoria East:
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
