Being part of a community, excellent security and good property growth are just some of the reasons for the popularity of Port Elizabeth estates.
How is estate living in Port Elizabeth
Estate living is all about being part of a community and getting to know the people who live nearby. This is according to Jaco Rademeyer, estate agent and resident, Beau Monte Estate in Walmer Heights. “Estate living gives you the chance to live in a space where you have the freedom and security to be out on the streets. You can go for a morning run or enjoy an evening walk. You’re free to enjoy your community and still feel safe,” he says.
Jaco has been living in Beau Monte Estate since 2008 and says the wildlife in the area was the big drawcard for him. “Being a child of Africa, I was absorbed by the birdlife, the buck roaming freely, the geese and the dam that the estate o¬ffers. The openness is like being on a farm,” he says. “You get the feeling of living in the countryside, but you’re on the doorstep of all amenities, with top schools and shopping centres only five minutes away.
“When I drive into our estate I get a stress-free farm feeling. You still get robots and busy streets, but two minutes later it feels like you’re out of town and in the most beautiful environment.”
Because estates are safe and secure, residents are more likely to be out on the streets. This allows neighbours to build relationships with each other, he says. “If you have kids, the security o¬ffered by estate living gives you the peace of mind you need to let them enjoy being young. They have a safe place to ride bikes and play with other kids.”
Jaco’s home is a “modern farmhouse” planned around a giant milkwood tree in the middle of the property. “There’s lots of wood and a modern feel, with copper pipes outside the walls. Some floors are wood and some concrete. I love the mixture of old and new. I was also intrigued by the various angles at which the sun filters through the many windows.”
Jaco believes the value of estate homes is high because of the added security. “This means you’ve made a sound investment and will probably get great market value if you ever want to sell.”
I fall more and more in love with our beautiful estate every day I wake up there
-Jaco Rademeyer.
Three things you might not know about the living in an estate in SA:
1. Lower levies apply because an estate is a freehold property. It’s not usually a sectional title property, so you’ll have your own erf number.
2. You pay your own rates and taxes.
3. There’s no body corporate, but you belong to a homeowners’ association. This means there’ll be guidelines and some rules to adhere to, but these are not as strict as with a sectional title property.
The benefits of living in an estate:
Excellent security, with gates manned 24 hours a day
An opportunity to build relationships with your neighbours
You may even have game grazing on your lawn
Popular estates in the Bay:
- Beau Monte Estates
- Little Walmer Golf Estate
- Providence Place
- Melsetter Estate
- Lovemore Heights Estate
- Al Pri-va Estate
Why we love Baywest Mall
Conveniently located on the N2, Baywest Mall is considered the Eastern Cape’s only destination centre offering food, fun and fashion in a safe and modern environment. You and the little ones can enjoy hours of entertainment at the Fun Factory, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or takeaway shops on offer, or shop to your heart’s content at firm family-favourite stores as well as never-before-seen global brands.
Retail stores are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 5pm, while the Fun Factory, restaurants and takeaways are open until late.
Experience for yourself:
- baywestmall.co.za.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood,Sunday Times.
