The modern developing suburb of Equestria has an abundance of relatively new townhouse complexes and lifestyle estates, varying from small and convenient to large and luxurious.
This neighbourhood is conveniently flanked by the N4 in the north and the well-known Lynnwood Road in the south. It’s nestled between the established “old eastern” suburb of Die Wilgers to its west and prestigious high-end “new eastern” developments like Six Fountains Residential Estate and Silver Lakes Golf Estate on its eastern border. Property in Equestria’s estates is sought-after, not only for the extra peace of mind security services and monitored entrances provide, but also for amenities such as communal entertainment areas, tennis and/or squash courts, swimming pools and play parks offered by some of these estates.
The community is mostly made up of young couples and small growing families because of the area’s affordability. However, a number of exclusive upscale complexes accommodate the needs of more established residents. Equestria is also home to several retirement villages offering comfortable living and a secure lock-up-and-go environment. The neighbourhood succeeds in maintaining its peaceful residential character as most amenities and facilities are located in surrounding suburbs or alongside the main roads just a stone’s throw away. Equestria has its own little shopping centre and business complex, Equestria Gateway, located on Simon Vermooten Road at the neighbourhood’s western entrance. A few blocks further south is The Grove Mall offering a comprehensive diversity of shopping and business services and entertainment attractions including an eco-friendly ice rink, Cine Prestige, ten-pin bowling, bumper cars, a water play park for toddlers, and many restaurants. Residents can choose from a wealth of pre-schools, public and private primary and high schools in Pretoria East, and, for medical care, Wilgers Hospital, Hazeldean Intercare and Pretoria East Hospital are also easily accessible.
I love that there are many roads taking one out of the suburb as it helps with traffic flow, and the fact that it is so close to a lot of shops – big and small
Liezl Le Roux, resident
Best in food:
- Hooters, Willows Crossing
- Karoo Cafe, Lynnwood Road
- Mo-Zam-Bik Restaurant, Solomon Mahlangu Drive
- Cape Town Fishmarket, Silver Lakes
- Aroma Gourmet Coffee Roastery and Bistro, Shere
Top schools:
- Curro Hazeldean Primary Independent School
- Lynnwood Ridge Primary School
- Deutsche Schule Pretoria
- Willowridge High School
- Hoërskool Die Wilgers
Things to do:
- Spend some family fun time at the The Grove Mall.
- Take the kids to Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park.
- Enjoy a picnic at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Buying in Equestria
The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Equestria, namely a three-bedroom townhouse with the median asking price of R1,3m, is R12,992 per month over 20 years at prime of 10,5% with no deposit.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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