Neighbourhood 5 AUGUST 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Pretty amazing Bronberg, on the outskirts of Pretoria, affords a tranquil lifestyle with all amenities nearby, page 2 2
SUBURB FOCUS: BRONBERG
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PROPERTY NEWS
5 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Bronberg Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS
*Map not to scale
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ronberg, a fairly new developing residential area, offers a balanced and tranquil lifestyle on the outskirts of the city, while its location close to the main arteries is another key attraction. This ensures easy access to Pretoria East’s shopping centres, good schools, top medical facilities, various religious institutions, and a superb choice of entertainment and leisure activities – either in the outdoors close to nature or in the vibey city surroundings.
Property
The real-estate market in these newer extensions of Pretoria East is characterised by offering modernday, stylish and well-maintained dwellings, generally offering a fair to large amount of floor space with smaller outdoor areas. These are situated within the boundaries of lifestyle security estates offering beautiful vistas over the scenic surroundings.
Properties include sectional- and full-title compact apartments, small, medium and large townhouses, comfortable duets, and free-standing three- to four-bedroom family homes in estates like Bronberg Close, Cormallen Hill Residential Estate, Bronberg Estate and Arathorn Estate. Asking prices for property in the area are aimed at middle-high to higher income households. Medium-sized two- and three-bedroom units vary around R2m upwards to between R4m and R4,5m and more for bigger three- or four-bedroom homes. Several plots, small farms and vacant land zoned for development are also available. The Bronberg area is home to the sought-after Bronberg Retirement Estate comprising a variety of units differing in size and priced from about R1m upwards. The estate offers 24hour security, frail care, a communal dining room and central braai area with a swimming pool, as well as other services like a hairdresser, tuck shop, movie room and library.
For sale
Median asking price:
R2,873m
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R1,5m
R1,153m
R3,19m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R27,725 per month
Property type:
87%
Based on
house
6%
apartment
7%
complex
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
R2,873m median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
RENSIE SE SPENSIE
EDITORIAL TEAM:
ADVERTISING SALES:
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Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen pretoria@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com
5 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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VOVO TELO
Schooling The closest public “city” schools to the Bronberg residential estates are located in Garsfontein. Laerskool Garsfontein is one of Pretoria’s topperforming primary schools, and it also offers pre-school and after-school care facilities. Likewise, Hoërskool Garsfontein is a prestigious, topachieving high school on all levels. The school offers boarding facilities. Tyger Valley College is an independent, combined school offering quality education to learners in the prepreparatory, preparatory and high school phases. The school is situated in the Silver Lakes area which is within easy access of residents from the Bronberg region. Woodhill College is just as easily accessible and this Curro Select School also offers education to learners in all phases of their school career. Laerskool Tygerpoort takes pride in offering learners the opportunity to
receive education in a less densely populated environment in the Shere area close to Bronberg. The area is home to several other smaller private schools like Bronberg Akademie in Olympus, Doxa Deo Christian School in Faerie Glen, Maragon Schools in Olympus, and the CVO Skool Pretoria located adjacent to Shere.
Hedianga Farm, situated on the Bronberg section of the Magaliesberg mountain range, offers somewhat of a challenging trail-running, mountainbiking and walking experience for those whose leisure interests include more muscular activities. This venue is also ideal for birding, dog walking, and horses are allowed as well.
The Bronberg Conservation Area includes the Faerie Glen Municipal Nature Reserve comprising 128ha of fauna and flora. The reserve welcomes nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers and dogs on leashes.
Cedar Junction Theme Park nestled at the foot of the Bronberg in Zwavelpoort is the perfect venue for spoiling the kids. Adults are welcome too. Experience a scenic train ride around the lake and pedal to your heart’s delight on the pedal boats. More amenities include a swimming pool, waterslides, jumping castles, jungle gyms, a sandpit, soccer nets, netball poles and a mini bike track.
The hiking routes offer exquisite views from the mountain and guided walks can also be booked. No fires (braais) are allowed, but residents can pack their picnic baskets and enjoy this beautiful natural environment in their midst.
The nearby Grove Mall offers an ice rink, The Fun Company, restaurants and movie theatres. The area is closely situated to Woodhill Golf Course, Silver Lakes Golf Course as well as Six Fountains Golf Course and Driving Range.
Explore
BLOS CAFE
I love the fact that security is a priority in our area. This gives me the peace of mind to relax and enjoy our lovely environment.
SHOP:
NINA HILTON, RESIDENT
EAT:
• • • • •
Glen Village Olympus Village Hazeldean Square Woodlands Boulevard The Grove Mall
• Koffietijd Coffee Shop & Restaurant: a tea garden and kids’ play area outside • Rensie se Spensie: gluten-free restaurant • Bronberg Restaurant: telling the story of good food and fine wine • Blos Cafe: popular for its great variety and quality food • Square Time Cafe: local meet-andeat with a friendly ambience • Mooi Tapas & Wine Bar: South African inspired tapas and wine • Vovo Telo: freshly baked bread and pastries • Gust’Oh: family-orientated restaurant with a unique kiddies menu
SEE: • Art exhibitions at the regular Boardwalk Art Market • Movies at Woodlands Boulevard • A musical or show at Rockwood Theatre • Wildlife during a game drive at The Farm Inn • The famous Bronberg Castle high on the hills of the Bronberg visible from Solomon Mahlangu Drive GUST’OH
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
5 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood A
Seed to Sow doesn’t only deliver the most beautiful floral designs, but they also try to help the bride and groom to focus on what marriage is all about and to enjoy the journey that leads to their special day. Owner Juané Scheepers tells us more. Q: How did your business start? A: I was working full time for a magazine at Media 24. As I was travelling from Pretoria to Joburg daily, I just wanted to start something that allowed me more time and freedom for me and my family. A Seed to Sow officially started in April 2015 and my first job was a wedding at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: I didn’t need a specific location because I do most of my work on site – at wedding venues, conference centres etc. It made sense to me to have my office at home as it relieves the overheads of renting a space and paying extra for water and electricity. Wonderboom is the area I grew up in, I love the surroundings so much, and it inspires me. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I grew up in this area, but after my husband and I got married, we moved
A Seed to Sow, located in Wonderboom, provides floral designs for weddings and functions WORDS: ZENA LE ROUX
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
to Rietondale for a short while. My parents bought an old townhouse that was built in the 1970s with a lot of space and many windows with light pouring in. They asked if we’d like to rent it from them and we immediately took them up on the offer. It was a blessing at the time as a month later, we were expecting our first child. Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: It’s located relatively in the middle of my area of operations. The location is good for me as it’s not that far from the flower market or the venues. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: We are mostly surrounded by residential owners. You&Me decor is a few blocks down the road. We work well together providing decor and flowers to our clients. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: I believe the market is rather crowded in the area which means that the prices are quite high. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: It’s difficult to say, as I don’t currently offer a day-to-day service, but I would
definitely like to change that. I want to do weekly flower arrangements for restaurants, hotels or spas, too. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Yes, I would love to have my own space where I can be creative and let my thoughts go into my designs. I would also love to expand into workshops and educate people on how to do simple, beautiful creations for a dinner party, Christmas dinner, Valentine’s Day etc. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes. I have a company called Huntsman Media handling all my social media. You can find us on Facebook (@ASeed2Sow) and Instagram (@a.seed.to.sow). We’re also working on a website. Q: What’s your most popular service? A: At this stage, it’s definitely floral design and styling for weddings.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: A Seed to Sow 082 956 5748 facebook.com/ASeed2Sow
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
5 AUGUST 2018
City of Cape Town goes water-smart
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limate change, accelerating urbanisation, and water scarcity are some of the many global challenges that water utilities are being forced to address in costeffective ways. At the same time, a technological revolution is underway.
management app that allows technicians to manage and configure water-management devices in the field, and utiliRead, the mobile app that facilitates walk- or drive-by meter reading and the capturing and navigation of meter-reading routes.
The intersection of water challenges and related technological developments suggests that the water sector has taken responsibility for changing the game. This is certainly the case in the City of Cape Town, which is en route to smart water, defined as the practice of combining intelligent water infrastructure with data analytics to yield actionable information and proactive water management.
This month both apps will be rolled out to approximately 500 terminals, constituting the first step in moving from automatic meter reading (AMR) to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). This shift will, in future, allow for the remote management, control and reading of all meters under the city’s management.
The city has evaluated two gamechanging apps from Utility Systems. These are utiliPro, the in-field
In practice, the city will be better able to control its water assets and execute strategic water planning, by leveraging a fully configurable smart-metering device in a manageable and auditable way.
Emigrating is a bold step to take. If you are planning on purchasing property when you reach your destination, then you need to avoid the trap of converting to rands when doing your research. Remember, you will be earning in that country’s currency when you get there, so unless you plan on purchasing from your South African savings, converting is a rather frivolous exercise. ADRIAN GOSLETT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND CEO, RE/MAX OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
New partnership for Shoreline Sibaya
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horeline Sibaya has officially announced its new partnership with Lombard Insurance Company Limited. This partnership will assist in providing a viable financial solution for retired buyers who have their equity tied up in their family home. “This is a first for the retirement industry and we are incredibly thrilled that we can now present this opportunity to help retirees secure their dream retirement within Shoreline Sibaya. By utilising this service, investors will only have to sell their current home just before
transfer of their new unit,” explains Alan Beesley, director, Carmel Properties. It has been a year since launching Shoreline Sibaya, and through the engagement with interested buyers, the developers at Shoreline Sibaya have been made aware of the challenges facing buyers over 55 years of age, especially when it comes to getting bank funding. “It has been our mission to listen to the retirement market, and this partnership that we have entered into will definitely make it less stressful for retirees to make the transition into their retirement,” concludes Beesley.
Eastern Cape’s housing market looking upbeat
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ccording to Pam Golding Properties senior research analyst Sandra Gordon, both Port Elizabeth and East London are attracting younger buyers, with the majority of new homeowners either between 36 and 49 or young adults under 35. “The relative affordability of homes in these metros, combined with the coastal lifestyle offering, may well explain the appeal of these housing markets for young families and first-time buyers,” says Gordon. “In 2017, while median prices for freehold properties in East London marginally exceeded prices in Port Elizabeth, activity in Port Elizabeth’s larger housing market has recovered quicker in the wake of the 2008 recession. Port Elizabeth has also experienced a near-doubling in vacant plot sales during the past five years,
suggesting continued growth in the local housing market in the years ahead. Development around Coega remains a positive factor impacting the demand for homes to buy and rent, while the Beijing Automotive Group from China recently made an R11bn investment in a vehicle manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, which is expected to become operational this year.” A further fillip for the Eastern Cape is the recent announcement that Mercedes Benz is investing some R10bn in expanding its East London plant for production of the next generation C-Class. Notably, the exodus of residents leaving the Nelson Bay area for another region has reversed. Former PE residents are returning to stay, major factors being lifestyle and schooling.
Neighbourhood
Energise your space When decorating your home or home office, you’re bound to think about your ease of movement, but what about the flow of energy? WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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laine Hosiassohn is a master of feng shui. Her practice, Feng Shui Dynamics, focusses on creating environments which maximise the flow of positive energy. She says, “It dates back thousands of years to the Chinese Agrarian Age. Camps were set up according to the landform – this was to ensure they had protection in the form of mountains at the back, and water in the front for their wealth, livelihood and survival. Feng shui means ‘wind’ and ‘water’, and together the words represent harmony and balance. It’s an ancient Chinese art, based on the flow of energy or ‘chi’ through the universe, and its influence on our daily lives.” It’s very much about creating a balance – yin and yang, the opposites – and the principles are strongly aligned with nature. Elaine says, “The compatibility with nature is accomplished by the placement of furniture and other objects in the home or office. Placed correctly, it retains auspicious energy – if the energy in our environment is compromised or not flowing correctly, it can cause disharmony.” For Elaine, it’s of no importance that we’re living in different times. “When it comes to interior design and architecture, the basic feng shui
principles prove to be extremely beneficial when included in the design.”
with your back against a solid wall – the “power position”.
She says by adding these principles, people increase their compatibility with their surroundings in their own private space, impacting on everything from health to relationships. “The best way to maintain auspicious energy in your home,” says Elaine, “is to follow the basic principles.” She suggests these changes to start your journey:
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Avoid sleeping against a shared bathroom wall that has a toilet or water pipes. The water pipes create too much movement, and this can carry an illness energy. A bed placed against a shared toilet wall can carry extremely inauspicious energy, as it carries waste products on the wall where you are sleeping.
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Remove any clutter as it hogs auspicious energy.
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Pay attention to where you place bulky objects – they restrict or interrupt the flow of energy. For example, objects or beds placed against windows, plants or trees, which restrict light (energy) coming into the house; blockages by the front door; or overgrown trees or branches that overlap onto the roof.
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Place beds in the “power position”, so you can never be caught off guard. To achieve this, position your bed against a solid wall in the furthest corner of the room where you can still see the door and windows when lying down. This gives you a feeling of stability, which enables you to have a good night’s rest.
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In an office, a desk should face the door from the opposite corner,
Allow fresh air to enter your home; it’s essential for the energy flow. Keep your home well maintained; anything broken has an inauspicious effect on the space.
Carla James of CJ Interiors is a quiet exponent of feng shui principles and feels particularly strong about the effects which different colours have on us. “Pastel tones allow for more peaceful sleep – you may think an all-white bedroom (yin) would induce calm, but it doesn’t. It unsettles your nervous system. Add a few earth tones and square shapes to balance the white.” She suggests that active areas (yang) need some bold colours and even patterns to match the correct energy.
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2018