Neighbourhood 19 NOVEMBER 2017
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Serene Irene Actress Sorina Erasmus tells us why she feels so at home in this peaceful suburb, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: IRENE
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BUSINESS Q&A
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HOME SECURITY
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PROPERTY NEWS
19 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Irene
Actress and singer, Sorina Erasmus, tells us about her neighbourhood WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER, ISTOCK & SUPPLIED
I chose Irene because it reminds me of the unruffled countryside where I lived as a little girl SORINA ERASMUS
THE RED BARN
TRANSPORT PLUS: • Located adjacent to the N1, a few kilometres from the R21 • Only 20 minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport • Less than 10 minutes away from the Centurion Gautrain station
SCHOOLS NEARBY: • • • •
Southdowns College Cornwall Hill College Irene Primary School Laerskool Doringkloof Primary
DINE OUT: • Irene Dairy Farm: for fresh countrystyle home-cooked food • Village Bistro: for delicious thinbase pizza • The Punjabian: for tasty Indian food • The Publican: for sundowners and steaks • Whisk Wine Bar: for a varied selection of food and drinks IRENE DAIRY FARM
PUBLISHED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423
EDITORIAL TEAM: Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Managing Editor: Molly Fitz-Patrick
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orina Erasmus, who is known for her role as the biker “chomma” Flooze on 7de Laan, is also an Afrikaans singer, songwriter and TV presenter. She recently presented the Ons Sprokiesbruilof reality show on KykNet. She’s been happily married to businessman Braam Riekert for nine years and they have two children together. The family live in the charming old-world suburb of Irene in Centurion. Sorina says Irene reminds her a lot of the countryside village in Limpopo where she grew up. “It’s beautiful, peaceful, with green pastures all around us. Although Irene is basically located between the hustle and bustle of Centurion and Pretoria, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of two busy cities, but rather in the country, like a small village such as Clarens or Dullstroom.” Sorina describes their lifestyle as “modern country”. “Most of the time my kids are outdoors playing barefoot in the mud and seeing how many little ‘goggas’, grasshoppers and shongololos they can catch and keep as ‘pets’.” Fairly recent major developments in the area include two unique malls. “Southdowns Shopping Centre and Irene Village Mall came along and they are both really unique as they fit in perfectly with the vibe
of the area. But the look and feel of the area was kept the same as that is what gives Irene the unique character that makes the neighbourhood so popular.” Sorina’s favourite places to visit in the area are the historic but still working Irene Dairy Farm, for outings with the kids, and The Big Red Barn, where the whole family can participate in several outdoor adventures. For everyday shopping and restaurants, she loves to visit Irene Village Mall. When asked what makes a house a home, Sorina doesn’t hesitate. “The people living between those walls and the love they have for each other. If you live in a shack with love surrounding you, you’re much richer than someone living in a luxurious five-storey mansion where the people have no love or respect for each other.” Sorina and her family feel blessed to live in a neighbourhood where people still care for each other. When asked how living in Irene differs from life in Witbank, Sorina chuckles and says, “I have never stayed in Witbank, so I don’t know. The Flooze character comes from Witbank, so I’ll have to ask her next time she pops in for a kuier.”
ADVERTISING SALES: Senior Sub-Editor: Mlungisi Mthembu Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Group Online Editor: Lauren Joubert
Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Key Account Manager: Marie Hay marie.hay@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen pretoria@yourneighbourhood.co.za
19 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
For sale
PROPERTY NEWS
For rent
Median asking prices
Median monthly asking prices
R3,95m
R18,000
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
R2,2m In a complex
R1,62m For an apartment
For a typical rental property (three-bedroom house)
R3,82m For a house
R15,000 In a complex
Property type 94%
Monthly bond repayments For a typical property in this area
apartment You’ll pay
R38,775 per month
R8,500 For an apartment
R17,000 For a house
Property type 1%
house
3
5%
complex Based on
49%
20%
house
apartment
over a period of
at
R3,95m
20
10,25%
median asking price
years
prime
WHY WE LOVE IRENE VILLAGE MALL: This open-air mall with a cattle theme has more than 90 shops to choose from and includes movies at Ster-Kinekor, top restaurants such as Piza e Vino Pizzeria, RocoMamas, Mythos, Karoo Cattle and Land, and Memory Lane Frozen Yoghurt. Irene Village Mall is family-friendly and also allows pets. Parents can enjoy refreshments and watch over their kids as they play on the ground-level fountain. Irene Village Mall also has Facebook competitions, weekly exhibitions and a regularly updated events calendar. Find out more at irenemall.co.za.
31%
complex
A rising stalwart in the restaurant game continues to impress in the Southdowns Shopping Centre. The Publican Bar & Grill features arguably some of the best steaks in Gauteng. All of their cuts are sourced from Black Angus and Kalahari beef and are aged anywhere between 32 and 100 days. What sets it apart from other steakhouses however is the unique way in which all their meat is cooked, over charcoal in a specially imported Spanish oven called a Pira which enhances the rich flavour of their aged steaks. The heartbeat of The Publican is their desire to remain authentic. Their decor compliments the old Chicago style steakhouses, rich leather finishes and large double volume spaces set the scene for a warm and welcoming ambiance. They firmly believe that a great menu should be uncomplicated, fresh and above all delicious. Owners Neil and Bartho are both chefs and dedicate much of their time to ensuring their high standards are met over the pass. The wine selection at The Publican has been expertly sourced to develop a list featuring the finest South Africa has to offer. With a wide selection of craft beers covering every style and a constantly changing selection on tap, beer drinkers are sure to be kept satisfied as well.
Southdowns Shopping Centre, John Vorster Drive, Centurion. 012 753 1235 www.thepublican.co.za
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19 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Revolutionary Ink in Duncan Yard aims to revolutionise the body modification industry WORDS: ZENA LE ROUX IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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iblings and business partners, Eloise and Andrew Brooke, created Revolutionary Ink to change the image of body modification. Their tattoo and piercing studio is a fun and unique space with bright colours, upbeat
PROPERTY NEWS
music and a little garden where clients can relax while they wait. We chat with Eloise to find out more. Q: How did your business start? A: A ndrew and I saw an opportunity to change the dynamic of the industry. We already had a creative and energetic group of artists who, thankfully, jumped on board when we pitched the idea. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: We’d known about Duncan Yard before and had always enjoyed the vibe it gave off, so we took a chance and enquired. They had a shop for us and loved the idea of having us in the centre, so we went for it. Q: How did you find your premises? A: We were actually just taking a chance when we enquired about the space, and luckily it paid off. Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: The centre itself is made up of a close-knit group of people with unique personalities and businesses, which makes every day beautiful. It’s also located close to all student accommodation and Tuks, which gets us a lot of exposure to the younger target market – a large part of our clientele. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Our neighbours consist of a diverse group of creative and unique individuals from all walks of life.
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Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: The rental prices are fair and can vary depending on shop size and utility usage. Q: How many people go through your store each day? A: On average, we get between six and 10 clients per day. This can also vary greatly depending on the time of the year and month. At our Bonanza events, we get between 200 and 300 people per day. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: We recently just expanded and moved into a much larger space, but the plans never stop and we hope to grow even more in the near future. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, we do. Our website is revolutionaryink.co.za. We also keep our clients updated via Instagram (@revolutionary_ink) and Facebook (facebook.com/ revolutionary1nk). Q: What’s your most popular service? A: Tattoos and piercings both do well in our shop.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Revolutionary Ink 062 738 0294 revolutionaryink.co.za
18823
FOUND YOUR DREAM HOME? KNOW INSTANTLY IF YOU QUALIFY. Get an answer on your home loan in 3 minutes flat with the Nedbank Instant Bond Indicator. Visit nedbank.co.za/homeloans and click on ’Instant Bond Indicator’. Indicator’
Terms and conditions apply. | Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).
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PROPERTY NEWS
19 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
Home security An expert shares a few tips on how to keep your home secure while you’re away this holiday season WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGE: ISTOCK
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hen it comes to home security, Brian Jackson, operations director, Blue Security, suggests we think differently. “Your home security is often only as strong as its weakest link. Patrol your entire property for gaps or faults which make it vulnerable and fill them in. Inspect fences, walls and gates for any evidence of damage or tampering that could allow intruders access. If you have an electric fence, cut back overhanging trees that could soon touch the fence and set off a false alarm. Trim overgrown bushes which provide potential hiding places for intruders.”
Security maintenance
Brian emphasises the importance of well-maintained windows, burglar bars and security gates. “Ensure putty and screws aren’t loose, and that there are no rusted or damaged bars that need replacing. Attend to any repairs. Rather spend a little now to conduct a small repair than risk making it easier for potential burglars.” An anti-gatecrashing kit has become an essential part of any home security system and sounds an alarm if intruders tamper with the gate.
Smart technology
“One of the greatest advantages homeowners now have is to turn an ordinary home into a smart home.
Apart from being able to control electronics such as your TV, lights and air-conditioning via your home alarm system, from a security perspective, you can remotely monitor and control access to your home via your smartphone. So while you’re on holiday you can still remotely control your alarm system,” says Brian.
on of lights at night so that you don’t have to leave them on all day. If you don’t have a smart alarm system, ask a neighbour to switch on a few lights inside and outside and put on the TV in the evenings. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, especially those in bathrooms and children’s bedrooms, before you leave.
The price of smart technology has become a lot more affordable in recent years. This has made it possible to open the gates and front door to your home to provide access to your staff no matter where you are in the world. If you have a smart home alarm system connected to CCTV cameras, you can receive real-time photographic and video footage directly to your smartphone if an intruder enters the property and activates the alarm. If it’s a cat or other false alarm, you can instantly deactivate the system, or a particular zone, using your phone.
“Home security is about fitting the correct alarm system for your needs, maintaining it and living a security-conscious lifestyle in close communication with your security service provider,” says Brian. It’s also a good idea to connect with your neighbours and use a range of options like WhatsApp groups and key swaps to look out for each other.
Lighting and presence
Burglars do not favour breaking into a well-lit property, so ensure there’s sufficient outdoor lighting that switches on at night either via your smart home alarm system or motion sensors. Use your smart alarm system to create the appearance that someone is home. Schedule the opening and closing of your window blinds and switching
TOP TIP: • Arrange for a neighbour to collect any mail/newspapers, as nothing shouts “empty house” louder than an overflowing mailbox. • Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. You could also offer your driveway as extra parking for your neighbour’s visitors to create the impression that someone is home.
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Southdowns Estate / Irene
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THE PADDOCKS Town Houses NO TRANSFER FEES PAYABLE!!!
R100 000 discount 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Living Areas, Patio, Double Garage (some units feature a pyjama lounge/study & separate scullery) Duplex & Simplex Units Available From: R 3 790 000 (incl VAT)
· Secure and tranquil Southdowns Estate · New, modern townhouses · Designed to complement the traditional farm style architecture with a contemporary interpretation · Tree-lined streets · Walkways meandering through 50ha of parklands
Sales Office Open: Weekdays: 08H00 - 16H00 & Sundays: 14H00 - 17H00 Denise Pretorius: 083 459 7064 / 012 665 1147 denise@southdowns.co.za
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Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
Buy
. . . d n a t as
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: R1 225 000
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 150 000
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 100 000
FAR = 120% of stand size
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
BUILDING PACKAGES Pretoria East
View the video of Mooikloof Country Residences on the link below: https://youtu.be/2hm6Cq07xEk
u b d an
e r d r u o y ild
! e m o h am
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 450 000
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 350 000
Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 200 000
WERNER EKSTEEN
RE/MAX Jowic - Team Werner Eksteen
082 411 3089
082 5774531 (OfďŹ ce) werner@wernereksteen.com
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Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
Ready to move in... HOUSES WITH TOP QUALITY BUILDING AND FINISHES! PRETORIA EAST
Priced between R2 325 000 - R2 450 000 The units have 3 bedrooms, 2 Full bathrooms and an additional guest toilet. Open plan living and dining area, covered patio with built in braai and a lovely small but big enough garden. Double automated garage and one open parking. The finishes of these houses are exceptionally good and gives you the buyer value for your money! The first phase is already 100% completed and ready to move in!
Priced between R2 325 000 - R2 450 000 This Eco Lifestyle Estate is in Pretoria east just off Garsfontein Road. It’s an upmarket, secure 480-hectare residential estate which includes a game reserve stocked with several species of antelope and zebra. Numerous facilities in the estate include an impressive gatehouse which houses the estate management and Security. The newly opened private school, walking, mountain biking and game trails, the clubhouse with gym and restaurant.
Transfer and Bond fees included in sales price. No transfer duty payable.
Contact us today to view these units, we have a fully furnished show house that can give you a good idea of the layout and how your house will look. We are available to show you 7 days a week between 08:00 – 17:30. CALL NOW!
Werner Eksteen 082 411 3089 | werner@wernereksteen.com Max Eksteen 081 418 3347 | max@wernereksteen.com
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
Great homes make great memories, find yours
Equestria
The Hills Game Reserve Estate
3 bed | 3 bath | R2 295 000 | ADHS:6954
STAND | R795 000 | ADHS:6078
This spacious, luxurious home will bring the tranquility and harmony anyone craves as a home owner. This spacious, bright 3 bedroom, 2,5 bathroom offers comfort and flavour to your living arrangements. No need to worry about the garden upkeep as this service is readily available with irrigation!
A NEVER TO BE REPEATED OFFER BY AN INVESTOR! Be a RESIDENT of The Hills Game Reserve and Lifestyle Estate with this BARGAIN! This huge stand offers 962m² of land on the HIGHEST POINT of the road and comes with a great view of The Hills and surrounding suburbs
VIEW BY APPOINTMENT
VIEW BY APPOINTMENT
DIANNE 082 957 8261 ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
DIANNE 082 957 8261 ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
Midlands Estate
Menlo Park
3 bed | 3 bath | R4 450 000 | ADHS:6565
6 bed | 5 bath | R5 900 000 | ADHS:6608
Stunning home with large rooms and bathrooms, all with superior finishes. Oversized garages completes the home. Excellent 24 hour guarded security in an upmarket estate. Estate living is becoming more desirable than ever and convenient access to amenities and health care within the Estate add to the benefits of carefree living. This home represents true value for money and is ready to move in, nothing to be done. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT MARTIN 082 456 4777 ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
Grand mansion with everything your heart can desire. Drive through the porte-cochère as if at your own hotel. There are 2 entertainment areas leading off each other. The one includes a jacuzzi & heated under-roof swimming pool & the other has a full custom bar & huge space for entertaining guests. There is a huge kitchen in the house with multiple cooking areas & space for plenty appliances. All bedrooms are en-suite with balconies leading off the rooms. Including 3 self contained cottages. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT MARTIN 082 456 4777 ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
Brooklyn
Lynnwood
7 bed | 5 bath | R2 450 000 | ADHS:6720
7 bed | 5 bath | R5 845 000 | ADHS:6595
If you are looking for a commune or a compact family home with flats to rent out to help with your bond repayments, then look no further! This property offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in the main home plus an attached flat with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a selfcontained separate cottage consisting of 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom & kitchenette. 7 under-roof parking areas & a small, easy to care for garden, pre-paid electricity, uncapped Wi-Fi & good security. Walking distance to UP!
This sumptuous home for the larger family or even guesthouse has it all and more! Set on a park-like stand of 2,602 sqm with beautiful big trees and right next to and with a gate into Laerskool Lynnwood. The home offers 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a 2-bedroom flat with own lounge, kitchen, full bathroom and own entrance. Upstairs offers an office of about 80 sqm with own entrance. Also includes full S/Q, 4 garages, 2 carports and secure parking for 10 cars. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
VIEW BY APPOINTMENT
ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
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Brooklyn
5 bed | 3 bath | R2 755 000 | ADHS:6955
5 bed | 4 bath | R3 680 000 | ADHS:6977
This lovely face-brick family home is situated in the beautiful Brooklyn & offers so much for the family who loves to entertain! Beautifully redone kitchen with scullery, dining room, 2 living areas, a wooden fitted bar & veranda leading onto a large pool & outside braai area. 2 auto garages, covered parking for 3 cars, full SQ, separate self-contained flat with own entrance & parking area. Large established garden waiting for the kids to play in. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
Beautifully spacious 540m2 family home with excellent location in the heart of Brooklyn offering 4 bedrooms, 1 with own entrance, 3 bathrooms, 2 guest toilets, entrance hall, lounge, TV room, dining room, well-appointed kitchen with granite tops, pantry & scullery, undercover patio with built-in gas braai for easy entertaining & gorgeous Oregon wooden touches throughout. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT ANNALIEN 082 904 2695
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stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood
stneighbourhood.co.za | 19 NOVEMBER 2017
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO SHARE OUR NEW DEVELOPMENT CALLED ARABELLA WITH YOU
Arabella is a sec�onal �tle development with all the costs included in the purchasing price. Situated in Equestria, on the Eastern side of Pretoria, Arabella has 24 access control, is pet friendly and has a communal pool. Two- and three bedrooms available from R929,000 to R1,450,000. All the units does have either double garages or single garages and single carports. WE WILL BE ON SHOW EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY FROM 12:00 - 16:00 PM For more informa�on please contact: Aantje & Anje 083 273 9527 / 082 922 1087 from Dwelling Developments.
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