horse's mouth from the
January 2018 YOUR UNIQUE LIFESTYLE
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Magazine
contents JAN 2018
ESTATE NEWS 04 06 11 12 14 16 17 22
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER SALES UPDATE NOTICE FROM THE SALES MANAGER SECURITY UPDATE THE ESTATE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT FIBRE TO THE HOME BUILDING RULES
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR 07 19 24 28
THE BRICKS OF BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL HOME WHAT IS TRENDING IN INTERIORS THIS SEASON? TSHIDZO ART WHAT YOUR HOME IS REVEALING ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY
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IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS ESTATE MANAGER Percy Manenzhe 083 512 2005 SALES MANAGER Musi Motsuenyane 082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za SECURITY SITE MANAGER 076 771 9082/ 071 230 1627. Bluehills@thompsec.co.za EMERGENCY Eskom 086 0037 566 JHB Water 0860 562 874 Police 10111 Ambulance 10177 SPCA 011 265 9935 SNAKE CATCHER Mike 083 448 8854
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BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BODY The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body has been developed to ensure that should you have a query or wish to address anything on the Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer your concerns to. This committee goes beyond our monthly Directors’ Meetings, but rather is aimed at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled with all due care. THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF: • • • • •
Nick Crow, Century Ugen Govender Joel Mokgohlwa Caesar Mtetwa Kanyane Mathibe
THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY: • • • • •
Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar Chene Blignaut / Estate Portfolio Manager Percy Manenzhe / Estate Manager Head office support Birdhaven
Should you wish to be involved and have a spare couple of available hours per month, please contact Percy and he can put you in contact with the relevant Committee Heads.
Disclaimer: This Newsletter is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Estate HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Blue Hills Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
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ESTATE NEWS
From The
Estate Manager’s Desk
Dear Owners, A happy new year to you!! I wish you all a prosperous 2018. Somebody once said you have to love what you do but that’s not necessarily true. What is true is that you have to love the opportunity. The opportunity to build a life, make a difference, build a future, improve health and reach success and fortune. Jim Rohn, an author, and motivational speaker once said you can be inspired by having found something even though you are making mistakes. You don’t have to love it, you just have to learn to appreciate it, appreciate the opportunity that you can change lives – and the circumstances and the way you look at things might change in the process. If you will embrace each opportunity you will soon find that your self-confidence starts to grow, that you go from being a skeptic to being a believer. And soon when you go out person to person, talking to people, you will find it to be the most thrilling experience and opportunity in the world. Remember all success is based on longterm commitment, faith, discipline, attitude and a few stepping stones along the way. It is only through the support of others; friends, family and neighbors that we
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will be able to get over those stepping stones. You might not like the stone you are on right now, but it’s sure to be one of the stones that lead to prospects in the future. In life today, we get so swamped with smaller issues and we teach ourselves to get through each day. The result of this is that we are only focusing on the now and we sometimes miss the opportunities. This year the challenge is out there to look for the opportunities where you can make a difference, whether it is in your life or that of others, go out and be the change! The intention of the newsletter is to keep everyone connected, provide helpful information and to invite you to join upcoming events and activities. I hope you will find something of value in every issue and will share it with your friends and family. The plan is to publish an issue every third month. Feel free to write your comments or share your news with us by e-mailing: percym@Trafalgar.co.za
Percy Manenzhe
THE BRICKS OF BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL HOME
By Gillian Holl Veld Architects
Often the temptation to jump straight into the building project overshadows the importance of the planning that needs to take place prior to starting. The sooner you can get the contractor to start laying bricks, the sooner you’ll be done, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out that effortlessly without some essential planning up front; and often this could result in a scenario of being penny wise and pound foolish.
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR
At the outset of a residential project, the various components to be considered in order to realise a successful and valuable product, can be daunting to a client. A team of building professionals, with the principal goal to assist you through the process, are vital for transforming this potentially daunting process into one that is exciting and rewarding.
Building a home is very personal project and most likely one of the biggest investments a client will make in their lifetime. 7 BLUE HILLS JANUARY '18
Who are the key role-players in a building project and how do they contribute to the success of a project? There are five important role-players to consider, with the client-architect relationship being central to the project from the outset of the brief. With years of education and experience in the design field, architects carefully formulate a brief according to the client’s requirements and lifestyle, in order to guide the crafting of a unique and innovative spatial solution that complements and positively contributes to the everyday life of the clients. This same commitment to quality is carried out by the architect, throughout the documentation, to the construction process on site. This includes liaising with the structural engineer to ensure the structural integrity is met, by still
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retaining the desired aesthetic conception. Consultation with the quantity surveyor guarantees that all design decisions are accounted for in the contract value of the project, as well as ensuring that the best contractor are appointed for the specific design. During construction the architect will works closely with the contractor to ensure the design to be accurately realised. Experience and a positive working relationship within this team of building professionals enable the anticipation of potential red flags and therefore prevent unnecessary costs and delays. Lastly, the expertise of a landscape architect is imperative to the relationship between the building and its surroundings. Ecological conscious decision making starts at the home and the expertise of the architect and the landscape architect combined, can assist with achieving this effortlessly.
Harmonising sustainability and aesthetics When carefully considered from the outset of the project, sustainability can truly enhance the harmonisation of the house with its immediate environment. The context of a home provides ample inspiration of natural design and processes that can be translated to the architecture. Architects, landscape architects and specialist consultants work together throughout the design and construction process to effortlessly marry sustainability principles and aesthetics of the project. It is only when applied as an afterthought that these systems unfortunately look the part. The harmonisation of the architecture with its environment start at the initial consideration of orientation and form of the home. Planted pergolas and indigenous courtyards between living spaces can soften the threshold between the interior and exterior and invite the natural splendour into the home. Non-negotiable passive strategies for a comfortable indoor environmental climate includes basic principles such as adequate natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces. Material considerations of the home can ensure an envelope that avoids fluctuating indoor temperature conditions. More specialised systems such as harnessing solar power for the electricity of the home and recycling rain-, storm-, and grey water can minimise domestic water usage and the recycled water combined with sun energy can be utilised for ecological conscious heating and cooling strategies. When it comes to choosing the right team of building professionals, a little insight and some useful advice can be a rewarding investment and positively transform your lifestyle!
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DISTINCTIVE CEMENT-BASED FINISHES I wanted something modern, durable and timeless - and I think concrete ticks all those boxes. Cemcrete had such a great range of colours and products too - it was a no brainer!
www.cemcrete.co.za
0860 CEMCRETE
Roxy Burger
enquiry@cemcrete.co.za
R
ESTATE NEWS
Sales
UPDATE Only 24 of 128 stands left in Blue Hills Estate
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Of the original 128 stands in Blue Hills Equestrian Estate, there are only 28 that remain on the market for sale. 4 stands have been sold recently, taking the Estate to 84% sold overall. Building activity on the estate is busy with an impressive 19 properties currently under construction, we anticipate approximately another 10 or so stands to break ground by the end of Jan 2018. Century Property Developments has just released 8 new stands on the equestrian side of the Estate. These stands range in size from 9,900sqm to 13,700sqm and are available from R3.1million. Contact Musi now on 082 806 1735 or musi@century.co.za for more information or to arrange a viewing of these new stands. This is your opportunity to build your dream family home on this incredible Estate!
ESTATE NEWS
Notice from Sales manager If you have been looking at investing at Blue Hills Estate or know somebody who does, now is the right time as property sales are extremely strong. There have been another 4 stands sold in the past 2 months, taking the Estate to 84% sold overall. Building activity on the estate is busy with an impressive 19 properties currently under construction. The long term value of the Estate is set to make it an unprecedented investment. Contact us now to experience this wonderful Estate which is On Show daily 9am-5pm.
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ESTATE NEWS
SECURITY UPDATE Once an owner resides in the Estate, he/she can register on the “Click-On” system in order for their visitors to gain access to Blue Hills Equestrian Estate. We reiterate Importantly: 1. Residents of Blue Hills Equestrian estate who are interested in getting panic buttons which will be linked to the reaction officer’s vehicle and the control room may contact Percy or security manager for the arrangement of installation at their homes. 2. If ever you are travelling home to Blue Hills and you feel unsafe & suspect that you are being followed, Thompson’s security have offered to meet you at a safe collection point to escort homeowners to the estate but only from specific pick up spots, Cnr R55 & Summit road/Olifantsfontein and secondly Robots at Crowthorne shopping centre. 3. Thompson’s site security manager can be contacted on 071 230 1627 (Joe Williams) & 076 771 9082 (Reaction officer) to have your own personal Alarm system & panic 14 BLUE HILLS JANUARY '18
buttons installed for rapid response by the on-site armed reaction officer. Owners are welcome to contact Percy to arrange to have their fingerprints loaded to the access system for easier access to the Estate. The Estate has installed a state of the art thermal CCTV system which is monitored by Thompson’s 24/7/365. Cameras have been strategically placed around the Estate to monitor and report on any transgressions. Thermal cameras have been placed along the wetland area separating Blue Hills Equestrian Estate from Blue Hills Country Estate and these will assist in alerting any transgressions in this area.
ESTATE NEWS
The Estate
Maximum speed limit.
Speed limit is 30Km/h in the estate. We don’t have stop signs in the estate yet but the HOA is looking at installation of road signs/speed signs throughout the estate, please ensure that you drive as safe as possible.
There are children walking and riding their bikes to school please ensure that you keep to the speed limit and stop at the stop streets.
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ESTATE NEWS
Fibre to the home
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We would like to gladly inform you that the HOA resolved to proceed with Clear Access to deploy a fibre network into the estate. We once again encourage all homeowners to make provision for a sleeve from the house to the road verge in order to pull the fibre from there.
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What is trending in interiors this season? We’re talking space, colour, florals, pastels and summer ambiance in what’s trending in interior decor this season. Blush, brass, golds and gorgeous shades of pink have made a grand entrance into the interior space. These colours paired with a calm shade of grey and taupe combine perfectly with metallic accessories like brass, gold, copper and crystal. The colour blush is slowly becoming the next neutral as it can take in stronger colours like navy, greys and corals, blacks. This colourway has a relaxing effect and it’s making a presence in the spa and cosmetology industry. 19 BLUE HILLS NOVEMBER '17
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR
In the residential space this trend can be used in bedrooms and private lounges where there is minimal traffic and the sole purpose is to relax. This scheme is easily made elegant by including mirrors, rose wood and marble as well as reintroducing last year’s floral trend in the form of throws, scatter cushions and light curtains. This scheme has worked well with Scandinavian and French theme inspired looks. The interior deco world is ever changing with trends for each season, so it is always best to
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keep your shell (which is the walls and the floors) neutral and use whatever is trending for textiles and accessories. We will soon be saying goodbye to this trend, so you can look forward to the multiple shades of green, especially emerald green, which is making its way into the interior space. Green is easily paired with neutrals like beige, greys, taupe and lighter shades of brown. The colour works magic with mustards, gold metallic, camel and monochrome. Green is also known to be one of the most restful colours. You can incorporate it into your study entrance and bedroom.
It will be seen with the trending reclaimed wood by bringing the outside in this summer. It also represents a green environment for the popular eco living spaces. This colourway has been fabulous with Mid Century and contemporary modern inspired looks, and it will be the trending colour right into the autumn and winter seasons.
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Lindiwe Mabizela
ESTATE NEWS
• Toilet must be in place before any work commences. • Water meter must be in place and switched on before any work can commence. • Rough Sketch of the layout of the house before work commences. • Green fence 1.8m high with 80% density must be erected around the fence line using steel poles only. The poles must not be higher than the fence line. • The fence must be of Agricultural make only. • The fence line must have five (5) rows of mesh wire holding the fence in place. • The fence must have a locked gate in place to seal off the yard after hours. • Contractors sign viewable at all times indicating the site number. • Generator onsite when needed. • Shed in place within the fence line at all times. • Bin / Chicken mesh within the yard to store all rubble. • OHS file to be on site always. • Workers to wear clothing with company name / logo for identification purposes. • Workers are not to loiter to other sites. • First Aider to be on site at all times. • Cement box for mixing.
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rules
• Copy of deposit slip for pavement deposit required. • A copy of the builders NHBRC. A copy of the approved plan • No delivery trucks longer than 9.1m • Security or the Estate Manager must be made aware of deliveries. • No truck will be allowed on site without pre authorized delivery. • Obey all operating times as stipulated in the contractor agreement. Not Allowed • Use of the pavement. First 3m to be clear of building material / rubble at all times. • The use of adjacent plots is not allowed to store building material / rubble or parking of vehicles. No parking of vehicles on the road. • Only SABS tools / equipment allowed on site (EG: No homemade ladders allowed). • Employees to stay within the fence line of plot working on at all times. • No sharing of access cards. • Contractors to enter and exit through the same gate at all times. • Site to be left clean and tidy at the close of business each day. • No making of fires on site. • Ladders and equipment to be stacked correctly when not in use.
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LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR
Tshidzo Art
“Bringing to life vivid images of the beauty, mystery and force of Africa”
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I began my career as a self-taught contemporary artist over a decade ago. I discovered my talent “by chance� when I started selling hand painted T-shirts and other merchandise, just to make some kind of living. I have always drawn, from an early age, so I knew I had some talent. While I have always been inspired and driven by the stories and faces of the African people, my interpretation and expression of that has consistently grown more assertive. Raised in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, I have been greatly influenced by my own diverse heritage, and the steep, rich culture of my country, and Africa as a whole. I consider myself a storyteller of sorts, bringing to life vivid images of the beauty, mystery and force of Africa. I have participated in various successful group and solo exhibitions, local and international, throughout the years, and I am always drawn to projects that involve and impact the communities around me. I have also enjoyed various commission projects from both private and corporate collectors. 25 BLUE HILLS JANUARY '18
Tell us a bit more about your most recent painting, the African portrait of woman in red? What inspired it? My latest work was inspired by the recent overwhelming news about femicide, and every day abuse of women in this country. I felt a need to portray a strong, beautiful and joyful woman, to contrast the pain and deep struggle that so many women deal with. The piece is happy, yet it carries such an intense emotion behind it. It is a piece about overcoming, and triumphing over life’s dips and bends. Which mediums do you prefer to work with? I started out working in charcoal and pastels, and now enjoy flowing
mediums like oils and acrylic, which allow for spontaneous and expressive palette and brush application, which I prefer. What keeps inspiring you to continue with your work? Passion, and the satisfaction I get when I have just completed a piece. I get to create something out of nothing, and in the end, in front of me is a piece that carries a part of me – something that other people can be a part of, enjoy, and find their own expression in. I love the dialogue that comes from my art. I love seeing and interacting with people enjoying my art, but mostly, it’s a sense
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of wonder at what my mind can conjure up one moment, and my hands turn into something the next. It is wonderful to think that every piece I create will far outlive me. Can you tell us about your studio, where do you like to work and what helps you to focus? I have converted my garage into a working studio. I enjoy it because, depending on my mood, it allows me some flexibility. Some days I close it up and work in solitude, with nothing but the sound of my breath and some music in the background. But I am rather unusual as an artist in that I mostly
love to work with the door open, facing the street. I enjoy the interactions and reactions of people as they walk or drive by. I draw a lot of energy from people and the buzz of life happening around me. How did you evolve since the beginning of your career? I think I have become less concerned about what people think of my art, or who I should be as an artist, and I have insisted on my freedom to create whatever wants to come out. I trust myself more, and it shows in my work. I started out as a “survivalist artist”, so I painted what I thought would sell. Since
then my works have become more reflective of who Tshidzo is today. I play and experiment more. I am still inspired by the same things and so there hasn’t been much change in my subject matters of choice, but I’ve grown through different techniques and applications of my gift. A lot of your work mainly focuses on African portraits and scenes? What continues to draw you to this subject, what inspires you about Africa? Africa for me is layered beauty. I have always been fascinated by the strength and beauty of African women and children. As you know, this very same beautiful continent also continues to be one of the harshest environments for women and children in which to thrive. How long does it typically take you to finish a piece? That really just depends on the day. Sometimes I get woken up with a clear picture of what I want to paint,
and I sit on that painting for a solid 10 hours until it is finished. Often my wife has to force me to take a break to eat something. Other times, which is most of the time, I work on three or four paintings at a time. It then takes me weeks, or sometime even months, to finish a painting. What do you do for fun, outside the studio? I love watching movies and series. I also really enjoy playing with my three children, and spending some quality time with my wife and muse. What exciting projects do you have on the horizon? Well, I’m about to open my own gallery (Yonaka Art Studios), which I am very excited about! As much as I’m an artist, I also really enjoy art in general, and am looking forward to working with other artists, and enjoy their art in my space. I absolutely love interacting with people, so having my own gallery again has been on the cards for some time.
We were just waiting to find the right space and I think we have. We will be opening our gallery at Graskop Gorge Lift Company in Graskop, Mpumalanga. It is a new tourist attraction, which boasts a 51-metre glass lift that will go down into the thick, lush ravine and waterfall below. It’s a stunning site that will attract many local and international tourists, in my home province. Heaven! We open on the 15th of December, so come check us out! How do potential buyers get hold of you and do you have a down payment option available? Clients can reach me on social media. On Facebook and Instagram @tshidzoart. They can also email me at tshidzoart@gmail.com, or call directly on 073 564 1214 or 0823 740 740. Some of the bigger works can be quite hefty on the pocket, so we are always open to negotiate payment terms that suit our clients.
LIFESTYLE & DÉCOR
home WHAT YOUR
is revealing about your personality
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With Pinterest, home décor magazines and interior decorators behind many of our home décor inspiration, a home’s style reveals more about personal preference than it really reflects your personality. However, there are a few of our subconscious décor and layout decisions that psychologists refer to as “behavioural residue” that may reveal more about ourselves than we may think… 1. The colour of your front door
The blue door, such as the one we adored
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so much in the movie Notting Hill, says that you are easy going and at ease, a red door reveals that you are someone that says what you think and a green one says that you are someone who believes in tradition. A black door, on the other hand, exposes your reserved personality.
2. Scatter cushions
Who doesn’t love a few scatters on a couch or bed? If your home boasts many on the couch it reveals that comfort is an important goal and you want your guests to linger when visiting. Scatters with bold stripes say that you are confident; polka dots indicate your fun side, while animal prints suggest that you are creative and geometric designs that you have a need to be in control.
3. Motivational posters/stickers
Do you have motivational stickers, posters or wall hangings? If so it could reveal your inner anxiety and neuroticism in life. Surrounding yourself with inspirational quotes help you get through the day, psychologists believe.
4. Seating for many
A home that over caters when it comes to space and seating in the living room,
dining room and even at the breakfast nook indicate that you have an inviting personality and love social gatherings.
5. Bare counters
Even though the toaster and other appliances are used daily you won’t find it on a Type A person’s counter. A home with bare counters suggests that appearance is more important than practicality.
6. Colour choices
A home that favours bright yellows and orange tones reveal your optimism in life, while blues and greens show you have a laid-back personality and jewel hues such as emerald and purples reflect your creative side. If you prefer neutrals in your home you are probably a peacemaker.
7. Fridge door
The kitchen is perhaps the room in the house that gets the most traffic, which makes the fridge the most used appliance in your home. This could be why fridge doors often display an array of nik-naks. Nik-naks that reveal something about you. Inspirational magnets say that you are an optimist and life experiences are important to you.
door decorated with kids’ art pieces show your sentimental and arty side. Photos of family and friends indicate that you are a hopeless romantic who value social gatherings. Sticky notes and reminders reveal your hectic schedule while a bare fridge says that you are a neat freak who is never late for an appointment.
Have a look around your house and the homes of friends and family to find out if you agree.
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Unique
Estate Digital Advertising
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