Bryanston East in Johannesburg was once a farm-like suburb but today is one of the wealthiest suburbs in South Africa.
About the area:
Bryanston East is a wealthy Johannesburg suburb bordering Rivonia, Riverclub, Morningside and Sandton. Bryanston, of which Bryanston East is a part, was once a farm-like suburb with dirt roads, but today it is ranked as the second most exclusive suburb after Sandhurst, according to New World Wealth.
Having lived in the area for 30 years now, residents, Brenda and James Smith, say the area has changed a lot. “Back then (some properties are still big), property consisted of large plots and smallholdings. However, the area today is divided into large freehold homes, sectional title units and secure estates,” says Brenda Smith.
She says the area was founded by Anglo American in the 1960s. At the time, the Cinderella suburb was peri-urban and characterised by dirt roads with properties on land measuring between 1ha and 3ha.
Like many owners in this neighbourhood, the Smiths lived in a cottage while they built their house allowing them to create a sanctuary for their children and grandchildren. “Some of the title deeds allowed homeowners to keep a cow, a certain number of chickens and maybe a pony.”
Nowadays, owners subdivide their properties or leave them as they are if it’s not too much maintenance. Many of these homes boast swimming pools, tennis courts, and well-manicured gardens.
We love the intimacy and the community feel. In addition, the redevelopment of Riverside Shopping Centre coupled with its location close to Rivonia and the Gautrain bus route is why we still live in Bryanston East.
It has excellent schools, shopping and entertainment facilities and is close to major transport nodes. Security is a major concern for residents as is the case in many suburbs. In the early 2000s, one could count the number of homes with state-of-the-art security systems. Today, however, it’s the norm.
“We love the intimacy and the community feel. In addition, the redevelopment of Riverside Shopping Centre coupled with its location close to Rivonia and the Gautrain bus route is why we still live in Bryanston East” shares residents, Brenda and James Smith.
Best in food:
- Calice Wine Bar Restaurant at Petervale Centre
- Junipa's at Hobart Grove Centre
- Jackson’s Real Food Market
- Riverside Caffe & Bistro
- The trendy Social on Main
Medical facilities nearby:
- Mediclinic Morningside
- Netcare Olivedale Hospital
- Netcare Waterfall City Hospital
- Mediclinic Sandton
- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital
Things to do:
- Stock up on fresh produce at the Bryanston Organic & Natural Market.
- Visit the PwC Cycle Park for fun rides and family outings.
- Roller-skate at RollEgoli.
- Visit Liliesleaf Farm and museum for history lessons.
- Enjoy a parkrun along the spruit on weekends.
