4 Bed House in Brackenridge

JOINT MANDATE

As you set foot on the drive up to the house you know this is a special property. Lily ponds with happily croaking frogs are fed by a little stream originating from a water feature by the entrance a portico filled with an abundance of plants flowing over rustic railway sleepers. The wide stable door invites us into a stylish hall, where the guest toilet on the right is as pretty as a ladies powder room.

Moving into the spacious, open plan living area we are attracted to the kitchen on the right, which while completely functional as modern need dictates, is fitted in traditional style, the centrepiece a lookalike Dover aga, but is actually storage for cooking pots, with a gas hob on top. Set in an alcove with a stone chimney breast, the red enamelled stove radiates a lovely warm glow, drawing you in to enjoy the classic cupboard units painted in antique style, with integrated fridge / freezer and double electric oven. A walk-in pantry and scullery / laundry lead out to a drying yard, toilet, and double garage with ample workshop and storage space.

Retracing our steps we pass the walnut breakfast bar into the dining room to the left of the entrance, where a magnificent display cabinet, crafted from mahogany and elm burr, takes pride of place. The serving alcove and pendant lamps above the dining table make this the perfect space for formal dining. A step down takes us to an enclosed sunroom where a stone wall frames a braai and wood store, which when not in use is discreetly tucked away behind a picture. Glass sliders and picture windows reveal a panoramic view of the Roodefontein Dam nestling in the green valley, and across to the undulating hills of the ridge and country club beyond.

Next to the dining area is a comfortable lounge space filled with natural light streaming in on both sides, one overlooking the valley, while at the back, glass sliders give onto a bamboo roofed patio where a solar heated training pool is set in the centre of an exquisite walled garden, giving both sun and shade a haven where peace and beauty reign supreme. Back in the lounge we note the traditional stone fireplace with woodburner, and a tv alcove out of sight behind a painting.

The light feel of this lovely living space is enhanced by the steep ridge roof with skylights at each end, as well as the north-west orientation. Walls are tinted in soft natural shades and floors throughout are laid with pine. Cabinetry and wood fittings are crafted in walnut.

Time to see the bedrooms: let us return to the entrance, where a passage on the left delights us with its purpose built alcoves displaying a variety of art pieces. It leads us to the carpeted main bedroom where we enjoy the lovely view over the dam and the balcony lush with potted plants. Secluded from the rest of the house, this room offers privacy from the buzz of family life. There is an ample dressing room, and the full bathroom includes twin basins, a shower with a seat, and a heater.

On the other side of the living area are two bedrooms sharing a full bathroom. One bedroom is presently used as a study and overlooks the garden. The other gives onto the pool garden. There is a linen room in the passage. Steps from the courtyard take us up to the fourth bedroom - a teenagers dream with a large en suite bedroom and kitchenette.

This delightfully imaginative home is complemented by the enchanting, undulating garden where every available space is filled with a wide variety of fynbos and other indigenous plants and trees, creatively landscaped a paradise for the keen gardener and bird lover. This one of a kind property is not only beautiful, but well equipped for the practicalities of life.

There are two sound systems covering much of the house. An inverter services the wifi, laptop and tv. There is underfloor heating in two bedrooms. A large storage area is situated under the main bedroom with access from the garden.

Rainwater from two 5000l. tanks is pumped into the house and purified using a reverse osmosis system. A gravity fed system irrigates the garden. The three geysers have aluminium blankets, two have solar panels, reducing energy usage. The estate has excellent 24 hour security, and the house also has its own system. There is ample parking on the drive.

Brackenridge is a much sought after eco estate, especially by those who appreciate the care of the natural environment, (a commitment has been made to leave 54 per cent of the land undeveloped). Nature trails meander through the 128 ha estate where residents can walk in peace and safety, and where small creatures, such as mongoose, buck and tortoise are frequently spotted.

The golden beaches for which Plett is famous is but a five minute drive, as is the friendly town centre with its wide choice of shops, services, and restaurants.