estate Magazine
www.cotswolddowns.co.za
August 2008
development on the estate
Feedback from Cotswold’s Developer
meet cotswold’s first residents estate managers meanderings Vic Bonsor gives an update on recent news and events at Cotswold
LAUNCH EDITION
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To view call JENNY AITKEN 082 414 3853 or 031 716 8013
Jenny Aitken 082 414 3853
Gretchen McCormick Jeni Mockridge 082 451 2729 082 552 1719
impressive amenities and facilities and you have the recipe for an unrivalled lifestyle of luxury hassle free living!
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R1 395 000 Immaculate 2 bed 2 bath north facing unit offering fantastic privacy & overlooking landscaped gardens! Extras incl. granite top kitchen, bic's, burglar bars & aluminum windows. A single garage & easy access to sought after facilities at Le Domaine. When your security, lifestyle & comfort are what counts! View by appointment.
To view call MANDY PANNELL 082 323 1868 or 031 716 8014
Mandy Pannell 082 323 1868
Tel: 031 716 8008. Visit the Wakefields sales centre. Open Monday to Friday 09h00 - 16h00 Saturday 09h00 - 14h00, Sunday 11h00 - 16h30 Follow the Wakefields pointers from cnr Old Main and Inanda Roads to 100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest, Durban, KZN
Peter Ries Architects has been situated in Kloof for some 14 years with projects from Zimbali to Mount Edgecombe, the Midlands and South Coast. Peter is also the Estate Architect at Selborne Park Golf Estate where he has been solely responsible for planning and all the Architecture for approximately 12 years.
Extensive Commercial and Residential experience Award Winning Architect Company Focused on upmarket residential homes Offering the best, comprehensive service from sketch to completion
email: riesarch@iafrica.com
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Editors Letter
ROUGIER, SWIATEK & ASSOCIATES
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” ~Jane Howard
ARCHITECTS
One of the things we look out for when we try to find a place to live, is a place where we “feel” at home, a place where you can raise a family and feel safe. What stood out for me when we started with The Cotswold magazine, was the amazing sense of connection at Cotswold. Even although we’re seeing the first residents starting to settle, its the team at Cotswold that give you a sense that this estate is a place where people are going to connect, creating life long memories and friendships. It really has been great fun putting together this first edition of your magazine, The Cotswold. As part of the job, and yes I know it sound terrible to some, I’ve had a few priveledges such as ,playing a round of golf on the amazing golf course, meeting the Giddy family, taking photo’s of the estate (in the very early morning with coffee in hand) and chatting to the management team on their ideas for this and future editions.
Established in in 1918, 1918, Rougier, Rougier, Swiatek Established Swiatek Architects are team orientated Architects are team orientated professionals, professionals, dedicated to to providing providing design design excellence. dedicated excellence. Our philosophy is to service clients’ needs needs Our philosophies to service clients’ imaginatively and effectively developing imaginatively and effectively developing and and maintaining maintaining successful successful client client relationships. relationships
We’re excited and trust you enjoy the magazine as part of the Cotswold experience. If you have any interesting stories to share with us, or just want to drop us a note, please feel free to do so....we’d love to hear from you about interesting stuff at Cotswold. God Bless
PO Box 1453, Kloof, 3640 Suite 3, Village Park, 19B Village Rd., Kloof Email: andrew@rsarchitects.co.za Tel: 031 7645515 Fax: 031 764 4800
Estate Press Editor
Editor
Justin Scott justin@estatepress.co.za
Graphic Design
Lorinda Scott lorinda@estatepress.co.za
Sales
Laura Myers 083 271 5243 sales@estatepress.co.za
Printed by
Fishwicks
Photography
Justin Fuchs 082 332 4178
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents Estate Press cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise therefrom. Estate Press is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by LeDomaine residents or board of trustees.
Estate Manager Letter
ESTATE MANAGER
Vic Bonsor Mobile
SECURITY Control Room &Access Control Gate House
031-716 8188 079 490 5491 031 -716 8193 031–716 8195
TEMPORARY LEISURE CENTRE Pro Shop 031-716 8184 Steph 031-716 8185 Peter 031-716 8186 Denny 031-716 8187 Office Fax 031-716 8092 WAKEFIELDS SALES Jenny 031-716 8190 Gareth 031-716 8191 Office hours /admin hours 07h30 - 16h30 C.D.M.A. Board Members Keith Wakefield – Director and Chairman of the Board Nico van Rooyen – Developers’ Director Haydn Wakefield - Developers’ Director Rob van der Waal – Residential Director Leon Trickett - Residential Director
Every morning as I drive into Cotswold Downs and around the Estate I am really amazed and inspired by an estate which is so different and outstanding. I say different because of the change to the area from the old cane fields, and also because of the 240 hectares of estate an area of almost 100 hectares has been kept aside to be preserved, or re-habilitated, to be as mother nature intended. I say outstanding because these areas of wetlands, mist belt forests and grasslands will be a delight for Owners for ever more. I also say different because the Security systems and perimeter fence provided for the Estate are top of the range. I again say outstanding, because this is one estate that ensured that not only the architectural style was set, but the whole management system was developed and in place before owners start moving in. These are the reasons I feel proud to be a part of the Cotswold Team – the team that looks forward to ensuring that the transition to estate living becomes an experience to be enjoyed and remembered into the future for the whole family of each and every owner. At Cotswold Downs activity on all fronts is snowballing. Our first residents have moved in, over twenty freehold homes are under construction, ten condominiums at Cheltenham Mews are almost ready for occupation, the earthworks for the next thirty at Woodchester Mews nears completion, phase two registrations are under way and in fact the earthworks for three homes is already happening up there. C.D.M.A. has had its second annual general meeting, and here we are with our first quarterly magazine. The Cotswolds is one of several ways in which we will able to keep you in touch with all that is happening at Cotswold Downs. We will naturally continue to communicate via email and letters on the more urgent day-to-day matters that affect owners so please make sure your address details are up-to-date on our database so that you receive all important communications. At our Annual General Meeting in April it was decided that the Board of the Cotswold Downs Management Association would remain unchanged. The Board members are Keith Wakefield representing the Proprietor of the Leisure Centre; Nico van Rooyen and Haydn Wakefield representing the Developers; Rob van der Waal and Leon Trickett elected by Members. We say a very big welcome to our first residents, the Giddy family, and we are looking forward to soon welcoming the Smarts, Robinsons, Chettys, Harcourts, Schwegmans, Lellos and the list just keeps growing . We are hoping that by December we have many more residents to enjoy with us a special First Year-end party. Finally let’s hope that you enjoy the magazine as much as we have putting it together with Justin, Lorinda and the Estate Press team and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial association.
Vic Bonsor.
Hope to see you around,
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Developers Feedback
When a great a plan comes together Keith Wakefield and Nico van Rooyen reflect on the birth of Cotswold and share how being a developer is about battling through to the end, full of pride. Many times at Cotswold Downs, whether on the golf course or at the clubhouse, interacting with owners who are building or welcoming the first residents – Andrew, Becky and Tyler Giddy – Nico van Rooyen and I have been filled with a sense of pride. As keen golfers and businessmen it was obvious to that with all the residential and commercial growth in Hillcrest it lacked a top golf course. We wanted to create a golf course and estate that was exceptional, and that would be the best (or a least among the best) in the country. One aspect of this was ensuring that there was space on the estate. The 85 sectional title units and 724 freehold sites put the overall density in the estate at just under three units to a hectare, making Cotswold Downs one of the lowest density estates in the country. It also needed to be ideal for families with young children and it will eventually have six parks. A sense of satisfaction comes from seeing a project which, seemed enormous five years ago come together; from seeing hundreds of hectares of sugar cane transformed into a eco-friendly secure area where people and nature live together. When we started the land had a river but it was dry, and the wetlands and ponds
were in poor shape. I remember sitting next to the river with golf course designer Peter Matkovich trying to work out how we were going to provide the water needed for a golf course. Not only did we resolve this issue but the golf course has been rated among the best in the country – not bad going for a course that will be two-year’s old in a couple of months. This winter we experimented with cool season grass on five fair ways with fantastic results. It now remains to be seen how the grass stands up to the summer. There were also environmental and infrastructure issues that we needed to resolve to the satisfaction of the municipality and others. We started by cutting down thousands of gum trees. In place of the trees that were cut we planted twice as many indigenous trees and shrubs. Then one day as we sat at the river we heard the first sound of water flowing. The result is there for all to see. With the streams, dams and wetlands restored over 160 species of birds have been spotted on the estate. There are some small buck and monkeys. The environmental restrictions on this estate are severe, but as residents I am sure you will agree that without these our beautiful estate could be damaged.
We chose Cotswold as the architectural theme for the estate because we wanted the estate to stand out from all the others, and the Cotswolds is one of the UK’s country areas that I really enjoyed visiting. The concept given to leading architects GAPP became exciting in a South African context, and has led to some exceptional designs. One of our infrastructure problems was solved by building the country’s first privately owned and run regional sewage plant, and it is agreed with council to pay a substantial sum towards improving the road infrastructure. On this score, work on Old Main Road is well under way and the upgrade of Inanda road has started including putting in traffic light. Soon the massive power lines that run along the border of the estate will be put under ground, vastly improving the landscape. With all estate approvals in hand an increasing number of owners are starting to build. Over 200 phase-one sites have been registered, and the majority of the owners are proceeding through the architectural approval process. It is anticipated that 120 homes will be in various stages of construction by year end. To-date 85 (update) house plans have been approved by the estate’s architectural committee and have been submitted to the eThekwini municipality for approval. Over 50 homes are under construction including the first homes in phase two. Some may think that being a developer is a show of guts and stupidity. But more than this being a developer is challenging and exciting. It is about having a vision and taking each day one step at a time, overcoming hurdles until the project is complete and we thoroughly enjoy it. Keith Wakefield and Nico van Rooyen Cotswold Downs Golf Estate Developers 7
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The Giddy Family is Home
Cotswold Downs first family takes up residence
the entire building process and even built a model so they could see the end product; the secure feeling (although no estate is infallible) and the care that the estate management has shown since they moved in.
While Andrew, Bekkie and 3-year old Tyler Giddy and Flo their Rotweiler are absolutely delighted to be the first residents at Cotswold Downs, they are looking forward to the arrival of their neighbours whose homes - House Smart and House Robinson - are nearing completion. Andrew and Bekkie hail from Oxfordshire which interestingly forms part of the English Cotswolds. But this was not part of their decision to move to Cotswold Downs rather it was their view and that of the English family that this was the premier development in Hillcrest. The couple immigrated to South Africa in 2005 after eight holiday visits, and after touring the country they chose KwaZuluNatal deciding that it was the most ideal. “From our first visit, eight years ago, we loved South Africa and wanted to buy land and build a holiday home. So we bought a plot and plan package which suited us as foreign investors.” Having decided on KwzZulu-Natal they scoured the Durban region from Umhlanga to Hillcrest and decided on the latter as there
was little development, it had a village feel and the climate was cooler. “But after a number of visits we started to miss the country. We started to analyse the situation and taking economic and social factors into consideration we decided that South Africa should be our home and England the place for a holiday,” said Andrew. The holiday home was sold and further investments were made at Langford, where they lived for a short while, Cotswold Downs and Clifton Hills. Like many people it was a life’s ambition to design and build their own home, an opportunity that people do not easily get in the UK. Although the process is overwhelming and painful it is one of the most rewarding achievements in the end, says Andrew. Of the things that have made a difference are: the developer, Keith Wakefield, who is hands on and has his heart in the development; being able to choose their own builder and architect; their architect, Mark Tashner, who took them through
The Giddys have a second property at Cotswold Downs and plan to build a spec house at some stage and when they do there will be one difference the roof. Andrew explained that they were advised by the design review committee to have a slate roof. However, as they were sticking to a budget they opted for a concrete roof tile – a mistake in retrospect because the roof is a very big feature of the house. Built on the 18th hole the one-and-a-half story house with an east and west wing was designed to maximise the outstanding views over the wetlands, dam and golf course, while the height option (using the loft space) created the opportunity for an interesting internal design. The Giddys started to build at the same time as the country experienced is rolling black outs so it is not surprising to find that the house has solar panels and a solar powered geyser among other green features. While House Giddy may be one of many impressive homes at Cotswold Downs the Giddy crest sandblasted onto the imposing front doors (a gift from Andrew’s father) gives it a true English distinction. The bottom line is that for Andrew and Bekkie and their golf crazy family Cotswold Downs is the best investment in the upper highway area. 9
Estate ManagersMeanderings BUILDING INSURANCE
ENERGY SAVING
When building commences builders insurance will automatically be taken out by the Management Association through our brokers, Crawford Dougall, and on the issue of a completion certificate the insurance will be transferred to the owner. The insurance valuation is formula based and the owner will be advised of this valuation in advance. If an owner feels that the valuation is too low the insurance may increased on written application.
FEATHERED FRIENDS
UPDATES
To date the Cotswold Design Review Panel has viewed 71 plans for freehold homes and approved 51. The panel has also viewed 60 condominium plans, for three sectional title sites, and approved 40. These are 10 in Cheltenham Mews and 30 in Woodchester Mews. Of these the eThekwini municipality has approved the 40 condominium plans as well as those for 34 freehold houses. Four show houses were completed last year and Cotswold Downs has welcomed its first residents, Andrew and Bekkie Giddy of No. 3 Woodchester Gully. Another18 homes are at various levels of completion and the Cheltenham Mews are almost ready to receive their first residents. We are hoping that there will be enough residents by year end to have a Cotswold celebration.
Birders have spotted as many as 164 species of birds on Cotswold Downs. As it is becoming more difficult to find new species on the estate we assume we are reaching our ceiling for the number of species that would naturally occur in this region.
The latest bird to be spotted is a raptor - the Jackal Buzzard. It is a juvenile, which makes identification more difficult, and whenever it has been seen it has been in the area of the 5th, 6th and 7th fairways and the area to the west of that. It is hoped that a mate will be in the area within the next year or so to start nesting. A copy of the bird list can collected from the estate manager’s office or it can be e-mailed if requested.
All owners are reminded that they have 36 months from the date of transfer to complete the construction of their home otherwise they face penalties that could result in their ate k of the d Keep trac be finsihed paying anything from to you need and save on y b g in d il 50% to double the bu your levy standard levy.
Managers Tip
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Cotswold has always aimed to be energy efficient notwithstanding the Eskom’s load shedding earlier this year. All plans submitted to the design review panel are required to show energy savings measures. The obvious ones are solar panels, photovoltaic panels for heating and electricity saving and gas for cooking and heating. Specific guidelines have been drawn up for the fitting of panels to ensure that the aesthetic values are maintained.
ENVIRONMENT The Cotswold Downs Environmental record so far is something to be proud of, and we intend to ensure that everyone on the estate is part of ensuring that the estate continues to be an outstanding example of what can be achieved. Obviously to achieve these high goals the co-operation of everyone from developer to staff and residents is needed. Every owner must take responsibility for his or her area of influence on the estate. Residents will be required to sort their refuse into various categories, the no-feeding of wild animals and birds rule will be strictly applied to ensure the environment is kept as natural as possible and every garden has to at least 80% indigenous. While this may sound restrictive all the estate management is asking is that residents give the environment the chance to go about its business as naturally as possible.
Estate ManagersMeanderings SECURITY LOW DOWN The Inanda Gate security staff has been increased to ensure there is always a Grade C Guard on duty at the gate and a controller in the control room. There is a guard patrolling the fence during the day and two guards patrolling the fence at night. The vehicle dedicated to the estate is manned by an armed response guard at all times, while the site supervisor and access control clerk work Monday to Friday. The security fence is divided into 46 zones – that is one about every 150 to 200 meters. In the event of anyone attempting to climb over, through or dig under an alarm sounds on the control room computer and is automatically logged. The response officer and patrol guard will be immediately dispatched to the “alarm� zone to investigate.
The visitors booking system has been installed and will only accept calls from preregistered telephone numbers. This prevents outsiders from booking in visitors. As residents move in they will be issued with detailed operating instructions and all visitor details will be loaded onto the computer at the main control gate. It is intended to eventually place a boom at the entrance to each village to ensure visitors go only to the area they are intended to visit. This will also prevent golfers and visitors to the Leisure Centre from driving around viewing properties.
Armed response
A silent home alarm, or at least a panic button system, is encouraged. Why? Is the security fence not first class? One may ask. Although our fence is a great deterrent and has a means of detecting illegal
access attempt no security fence is infallible. In addition all house alarms will be monitored by our Cotswold Downs control room to ensure speedy reaction to any alarm. It should be noted that should a resident choose to have their alarm monitored by an outside company that company will not be permitted to enter our estate. They will only be able to advise our security of the event and request our response officer to attend. Having more than one security companies armed response attending to an incident could spell all sorts of disaster. The house alarm may be fitted by any company but the communication to our control room will be by radio on our approved frequency. While there is no cost to the monitoring there is a fee of R10 a month for the cost of the radio and licence.
Access cards
Every resident and family member that needs to independently access the security gates will be issued with an access card with their photograph, name and identity number. Drivers need to remember that the card is not issued to a vehicle. These access cards can be obtained from the security office at the Inanda Road gate. You will need a copy of your ID, the photograph will be taken and the card printed at the gate. If a card is mislaid it must be reported to the control room immediately to ensure that it is suspended and not usable by unauthorised persons. Even if you believe you will find the card again it is best that security is advised to suspend the card so that no-one else may use it in the interim.
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Arranging corporate golf days with
Flair
“Our aim is to make arranging your corporate golf day as easy as possible whilst providing excellent service at competitive prices.“
A
t Cotswold Downs we take pride in organising, planning and managing corporate golf events and we believe passionately in their importance and effectiveness. Our aim is to make arranging your corporate golf day as easy as possible whilst providing excellent service at competitive prices. We understand that arranging a golf day is a lot of work time consuming and therefore we have staff on hand to offer assistance where needed. Give your corporate golf day that something extra whilst creating a professional look with branded golf clothing. Not only is golf shirt or cap with your logo a lasting reminder to all those who play in the day it is a very effective branding technique. We can arrange all of this for you! Cotswold Downs has been the venue for some great corporate golf days in the past few months. We count amongst our clients many of KwaZulu-Natal’s large companies such as Wakefields Estate Agents, Supergolf, Golf Digest, Dormac, Grinaker Lta, BMW Finance, Mercantile Bank, Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World, Shell Chemicals, The Pavillion, and organizations such as the KZN Senior Ladies and many more. Although our clubhouse is a temporary facility we have managed these golf days remarkably well, with our modern locker rooms, large verandah, and cosy bar area, and clients have been extremely complimentary. We have a great team to manage all the event’s requirements from registration to prize giving and dinner. Our team goes the extra mile and has really made these golf days a great 13
Cotswold Downs Estate Approved Schuco Solar Thermal (Hot Water) Geysers Solar Powered Alternative Energy Solutions Industrial and Domestic Power Backup Systems Tel & Fax: 031 776 4070 Email: solartec@iafrica.com Web page: www.solarshacksa.com
success, and we are proud to say that we have had return bookings from our corporate clients . Here is what some of our clients say about Cotswold Downs: Grinaker LTA: “Many thanks for putting together a superb outing of golf for us last Thursday. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and only had good things to say about Cotswold Downs, right from the course to the facilities and the service provided. “ Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World: “A very special thank you for all that you have done before and during the Sibaya Golf Day. We are glad that the day was successful and I must admit, I was really amazed at the calm way you all handled the last minute changes etc. and the day itself. It was great working with you on this event. You have a great team & the right team spirit.” We also specialize in organizing charity golf events and have hosted many since the opening of the golf course including the Ethelbert Children’s Home, Edu Kids, Hillcrest Pre-Primary, Hillcrest Christian Academy, Watercrest Round Table, Wakefields & GPI. All these events have been a great success in raising much needed funds. We offer reduced rates for these events and clients plan them for a Monday we offer a great rate of only R140.00 including the compulsory cart fee!! Ethelbert Children’s Home had this to say: “I appreciated
the efficient service I got from Cotswold - it was an absolute pleasure to work with your staff and your course clearly impressed all the players - so we will definitely be back next year if it is up to me. And if all calculations are correct then we made at least R10 000 more at Cotswold than last year’s golf day. “ Our professionally organized and run events will ensure your guests leave having experienced a truly memorable and enjoyable event Cotswold Downs introduced a new membership special this year whereby you pay R12 000 in monthly installments of R1 000 for 12 months. This membership includes your annual subscription, your entrance fee(which will entitle you to be a member of the 5-star life style centre) and unlimited golf including your portion of the cart!! This fantastic offer has been well received, however, this is a limited offer with only 250 of these specials available to outside members. Joining is simple all you do is contact Denny on 031-7168187 denny. lc@cotswolddowns.co.za Cotswold Downs is a place of pleasure, from arriving at the main gate to arranging golf with the pro shop, to practicing your putting and chipping.... to teeing up for real with clients or friends...and then sipping a cold one on the balcony or the bar after the game, our club is like a comfortable shoe. It fits and always feels good!
FROM DENNY’S DESK Feedback from the Leisure Centre As general manager of the Leisure Centre at Cotswold Downs it is with great pleasure that I introduce my colleagues to you. I shall split this over a few issues and hopefully you will get to know our team a little better. Some of you may have not even been to our transitory Clubhouse on the estate and therefore will not put the names and faces together but this is such a wonderful opportunity for me to show off my associates. For those who have been introduced before please forgive me if I repeat myself. Key to the golf operation are Welcome, Zanele, David and Blessing who greet and meet you on your arrival and guide you to the Pro-Shop. After golf Bhekani will be there to clean your shoes and look after your change room requirements. They report into Dee Cruikshank who manages the golf carts operation.
In the Golf Shop, Bruce and Sani will make you welcome and provide you with professional advice on the products available on the shelves. Dean Le Vieux is on hand to guide you through the golf experience and offer you a quick fix to your golf game.
Most important to the golf experience is our two starters Glen and Max both of who share with us their passion for golf. In the next edition my introduction will be to our office team of Denny Wheeler
and Steph Whitton. As I mentioned earlier we are presently housed in the transitory clubhouse which is very functional for our golf purposes at the moment. Final plans are presently on the table for the Leisure Centre which promises to be not only lavish but a home from home to our residents as it encompasses Golf, Squash, Tennis, Gym, Spa and swimming pool. The complex will also house luxurious Dining and Function facilities and a full on Conference Centre. As golf has been the singular attraction since our opening it is only right that I mention our course staff headed by Mike Wallington who is recognized as one of (if not) South Africa’s finest turf grass experts. Finally mention must be made on the course itself. After less than two years since we opened our doors the course has already grabbed the attention of golfers from all over South Africa and other countries. Designed by Peter Matkovitch, Cotswold Downs is sculptured out of the most beautiful rolling landscapes synonymous with the Valley of 1000 Hills. Built to USGA specifications it is already ranked as one of Kwa Zulu Natal and South Africa’s top courses.
Cotswold Downs has once again been given the opportunity to host the Golf Digest Subscriber Challenge, this event taking place on the 3rd of December. The top two pairs from each regional day will win an all expenses paid trip to the final at Sun city where the finalists will be competing for the opportunity of participating in the Paradis Challenge in Mauritius. Entrance Fees @ R699 includes the following: Green Fee, Halfway House, Golf Cart, Cutter & Buck golf shirt valued @ R500.00, an ahead cap, a sleeve of Srixon ZUR-S golf balls and a 12 month subscription or renewal to Golf Digest. A Jack Daniels single barrel 50ml, an Aramis gift as well as an ice cold Pilsner Urquell after your round. Entries must be in pairs and players need to have official handicaps to qualify for prizes and to win through to the finals. To enter call Julie Palmary on 021-4081247, jpalmary@ touchlinemedia.co.za or download forms on www.golfdigest.co.za alternately contact us for entry forms. Book a Book now to avoid for Co s early as p tswold ossible Slot g disappointment et tak golf event e s. n q these these days fill up highly uickly for quickly. even rated
DennysTip ts
BOGEY’S AND BIRDIE’S Hardus Maritz, who has been with us from the start of building the golf course to the present is unfortunately leaving us to take up the post of Course Superintendent at Pinnacle Point in MosselBay. We congratulate Hardus and thank him for the wonderful work that he has done for us at Cotswold Downs. His replacement is Brian Coull who recently worked at Simbithi GC on the north coast. As an ex Kearsney College student he obviously knows the area and his valuable experience in KZN will undoubtedly be an asset for us. Welcome Brian to your new home -Cotswold Downs. 15
The Wakefield British Open O
n Sunday 20th July Cotswold Downs hosted this annual event and a wonderful day was had by all.
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conditions for their round. Keith Wakefield was on hand to thank the participants and hand over the Trophy to the winners Richie Corfe and Chris Etherington on a score of 45 points.
Unlike the rain and wind which was the feature of THE OPEN played at Birkdale in England the Cotswold golfers enjoyed warm friendly
In the fun event Mark Thorpe won the Birkdale competition which was
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played off the card of the Birkdale course a novel idea, as you can be playing a par four at Cotswold but the Birkdale hole may be a par 5 or vice versa. We look forward to next years event and playing the card of the Turnberry Course in Ayrshire, Scotland.
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1.Nico van Rooyen driving of the green 2.Prize giving - Gary-Jon Citron, Joesph Dodds and Dean Le Vieux 3.Brett Randall, Mark Thorpe and Dean Le Vieux 4.Mark Thorpe and Dean Le Vieux 5.Pre Prinsloo and Dean Le Vieux 6.Sean Rowan and Dean Le Vieux 7.Pre and Mijtie Prinsloo with Dean Le Veux 8.Hadyn Wakefield in a bunker 9.Leon van Rooyen taking in the fairway 10.Trevor and Kyle Burnett with Dean Le Vieux 11.Keith Wakefield with winners Richie Corfe and Chris Etherington and Dean Le Vieux 16
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Development can improve the environment for all Most people think that “development” means that the environment will suffer. This, however, is not always the case. In fact, development can have a very positive effect on the environment, greatly improving
wildlife and plant habitats while creating amazing places for people to live, work and play, writes Nicci Diedrichs, environmental consultant at Cotswold Downs. What many people don’t realize about ecoestates like Cotswold Downs is that they are not built inside existing pristine natural environments – they actually CREATE or EXTEND natural environments into the development fabric. Not only does this create a healthy living environment for the residents, it adds enormous value to properties and increases the coverage and health of the natural environment in the Estate. In creating and rehabilitating 70 hectares of wetlands, forests and grasslands Cotswold Downs has set a new standard for environmentally sensitive development – particularly for a golf estate - and some
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28% of the estate is now high quality natural environment. Some of these natural areas will pay for themselves, by acting as natural storm water control areas, water filters for the
“What many people don’t realize about eco-estates like Cotswold Downs is that they are not built inside existing pristine natural environments – they actually CREATE or EXTEND natural environments into the development fabric”
harm to the rivers on the property, as the treated wastewater from the houses will be productively used for irrigating the golf course, while the nutrients in this water will reduce the need for fertilizers! The quality and health of the Nkutu River is regularly monitored, and we have found that our natural environment is working – the river water that leaves our estate is healthier than that which flows in! We run the estate to a strict Environmental Management Programme, which includes a Wetland Management Plan, Alien Plant Control Programme and Water Management Programme. With time, attention and investment into the environment residents now enjoy the sight of scarce Blue Duiker in our forests, flowering ground orchids in our wetlands, walks in the forest, a wonderfully diverse birdlife (150 species) and stunning views over grasslands studded with wildflowers. So please help us to protect our natural assets by acting responsibly when you are in our roughs.
golf course irrigation system, and silt traps. In addition they play an important role in protecting and improving the quality of the water in the Nkutu River, which runs through the centre of the Estate. This as a win-win situation: the development has brought investment to a piece of land and transformed it from sugar cane with limited environmental value, into an area of greatly enhanced environmental quality. To top it off, the golf course irrigation will use mainly recycled wastewater from the development’s own wastewater treatment works. This means that neither the golf course Contact Laurie nor the residential 073 785 6760 Fax 031 7653142 lellolandscapes@gmail.com units will cause major
Domestic and commercial landscaping Garden Plans Paving Retaing Walls
Sales C hold steady
otswold Downs has established itself as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading golf estates, and those who invested in the estate when it was launched have been well rewarded with increases of between 100% and 500% in land values. Recently top sites have been selling for over R2 million. Land available from the developer averages a price of R1 million although some sites, including re-sales, are available from R650 000. The estate is roughly 75% sold and despite the country’s economic situation our sales office continues to strive for sales in a challengig market. Four show houses are for sale priced from R2, 9 million to R6, 5 million, and the forty sectional title units were launched earlier this year are selling well. In all there are 10 units in Cheltenham Mews and 30 in Woodchester Mews. Within a week of release six of the
Cheltenham Mews units were sold while at Woodchester Mews 10 of the first 14 upper level units have been sold. Priced from R1, 83 million to R4,2 million the duplexes offer two and three bedroom options, two bathrooms, fully fitted kitchens with top quality finishes, double lock up garages and some of the finest views on the estate. In total 85 sectional title duplex and simplex units will be developed on the estate, and the remaining 45 phase two units will be launched at a later date. At Cotswold Fenns, which is the equestrian third phase of Cotswold Downs where sites average 1800 square metres, the take up has been good. To-date 28 sites have been sold and a further 10 have been released priced from R1, 34 million. Haydn Wakefield Director Wakefields Estate Agents and Manager Cotswold Downs sales office
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Address: 38 Sherwood Drive Forest Hills 3610
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gough homes specialise in mastercrafted homes the company commenced operations in 1995 customer service and quality of workmanship Email: solartec@iafrica.com have been a key reason behind our success Web page: we are confident in ourwww.solarshacksa.com ability to measure up to the standard one would expect from a master builder “project development from concept to completion”
Gardening is for the Birds!
By Jenny Dean
You have bought your home in a secure estate you have wonderful views and a superb country lifestyle to look forward to. Your garden can add immense pleasure to your life. Cotswold Downs specify that 80% of plants used should be indigenous and this is the fun part! Gardening with indigenous plants is so rewarding – by choosing carefully you can have a water wise and colourful garden brimming with birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Imagine an array of colourful birds visiting your garden daily to feed, bath and even make their homes in your special space. This is not as difficult as it may seem. Here’s how... The backbone of your garden will consist of trees. The tree fuschia (Halleria lucida) pictured here is one of the very best for smaller gardens. It is the “Engen” for birds, the “one stop shop”. Autumn sees the branches aflame with dark red
flowers which attract every nectar eater in town. This is followed by green marble like fruits adored by all kinds of birds. Mousebirds, bulbuls, thrushes and even loeries (now called touracos) will flock to the feast. A perfect spot for this beauty is right at your patio so you can enjoy the spectacle first hand. Insects form the bulk of most birds’ diet (even sunbirds), so you want a year round supply, an ever available pantry from Nature. Another favourite is the Wild Peach or Kiggelaria africana. It is very fast growing and has attractive grey green leaves. Females bear green warty little fruits which split open starfish-like, to reveal a tempting seed on each arm. But here is the joy of Kiggelaria – it is host to the Garden Acraea butterfly and will lose its leaves to the caterpillars which will festoon the branches. This is the moment the cuckoos have been waiting for. If you have
yet to see the flashing metallic green and white of a Diedericks cuckoo then you have a treat in store! They simply love the caterpillars and their irritating little hairs are no deterrent at all as the cuckoos thrash them against a branch to get rid of them. What a snack! Never be tempted to spray poison – the caterpillars will eventually become butterflies and the tree will simply sprout a new set of leaves. It is all a completely natural cycle and you will have had the privilege of watching it from the comfort of your home. All the Acacias, so typical in an African landscape, are wonderful trees for your garden. For example the Sweet thorn , Acacia karroo is a fast growing treasure . All summer long its fluffy scented balls will adorn the tree and attract bees and other insects. This in turn will bring interesting birds like warblers, fly catchers and shrikes. The Acacias craggy shapes are interesting
and will add character to your landscape. Your aim is to form a “green corridor” along which birds can move easily and safely. Once the trees are in place your next step will be to fill in the understorey. Clever planting will ensure a supply of nectar each month, fruit on a regular basis and year round insects. We will cover this in future articles. For inspiration I invite you to wander about my nursery which is set in an all indigenous garden. Come and see what can be done to encourage wildlife while enjoying the colourful and tranquil surrounds. In South Africa we are blessed with a huge choice of indigenous trees. So have fun choosing them then sit back and enjoy the spectacle of wildlife in your garden.
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First rate clubhouse in the Planning
T
here is a lot to brag about at Cotswold Downs and when built the R30-million club house with world class facilities will be another feature to get tongues wagging. Currently in planning and scheduled to open in 2010 the clubhouse, designed by Gapp Architects, will be built according to the Cotswold architectural theme. It will be a unique blend of contemporary design incorporating warm materials, stone and wood, offset by extensive glass to maximize views. A dramatic example will be the double volume entrance with expansive views over the 18th and putting greens to the indigenous forest From a fitness perspective residents will
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enjoy a top rated health spa, gym, indoor swimming pool and glass back squash courts. Add to this a tennis pavilion and three league standard clay tennis courts, which as far as can be ascertained, will be the only ones in KwaZulu-Natal. On the entertainment and relaxation side there will initially be a fine dining restaurant and a sportsman’s bar and cosy lounges with stone fireplaces. The design allows for a library as well as conference facilities to be built in phases. A first rate pro-shop, well appointed upmarket change rooms, golf bag storage facility and a golf cart valet will pick golfers up at the clubhouse round off the clubhouse experience.
Hewitt
Velissariou
Architecture
PASSION
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DEDICATION
COMMITMENT
VISION
INSPIRATION
ESTATE ARCHITECTURE Jimmy Velissariou: 083 309 8983 Geoff Hewitt: 082 822 3370 Website: www.hvarch.co.za TEL: 031 539 6755
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FAX: 031 502 5378
ESTABLISHED COTSWOLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY GPC was one of the first development companies at Cotswold
Unichem House Gleneagles Park 10 Flanders Drive P.O. Box 2223 Mount Edgecombe 4300
COMPLETE END TO END BUILDING SOLUTIONS Able to offer complete building service from virgin ground, to piling to quality finishing.
Tel : +27 31 502 3230 Fax : +27 31 502 4816 mike@gpisa.co.za