Neighbourhood 22 MARCH 2020
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Here’s to the future With a plethora of award-winning lifestyle estates to choose from, retiring has never been more appealing, page 6
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SUBURB FOCUS: EQUESTRIA
yourneighbourhood.co.za
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BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
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RETIREMENT FOCUS: DOWNSCALING
Connecting homeowners with great communities
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PROPERTY NEWS
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Safe and secure Equestria meets all the requirements of a modern, convenient lifestyle in Pretoria East WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
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he sought-after, wellestablished, and leafy area of Equestria is located between the main roads of Simon Vermooten and Solomon Mahlangu and is flanked by the N4-highway in the north and Lynnwood Road to its south. “Equestria is a modern neighbourhood comprising many different residential estates and complexes of which most have monitored entrance control and security measures in place,” says resident Winnie Rabie. The suburb boasts a diverse population varying from young people in rental units and first-time buyers to well-established families as well as senior citizens living in several retirement estates in Equestria.
What I love most about living in Equestria is to be able to return to our home in this lovely, serene neighbourhood after a working day in the busy city centre of Pretoria WINNIE RABIE, RESIDENT
“Rental prices are not too high and asking prices for properties are quite reasonable and offer good value for money,” says Winnie.
Convenience
Winnie, who has been living in Equestria with her husband and kids
since 2006, says this neighbourhood meets all their requirements in terms of convenience, location, look and feel. “Even though the tree-filled suburb has shown significant development over the past 14 years, Equestria has retained its peaceful character,” she says. “The residential developments are all of superb quality, and the estates and sidewalks are properly maintained and visually appealing.” The suburb is perfectly located within a few minutes’ drive from the N4 highway taking motorists either to the central business district of the city, the N1 highway, neighbouring suburbs, or in an eastern direction to Mpumalanga. “Developments like The Grove is only 3km from our home, while we have huge Checkers, Chamberlains and Makro stores located within 2km from us. We never have to drive far for anything we need,” says Winnie. She emphasises that people living in Equestria are friendly and kind. “Residents of the estate we live in always greet and frequently start a conversation when walking by.
Even the employees of Woolworths in Equestria Shopping Centre know their regular clients and always make residents feel welcome in the shop.”
Weekends
Over weekends the Rabies usually visit The Grove Mall that’s located on the corner of the main roads of Simon Vermooten Road and the wellknown Lynnwood Road in Pretoria East. This comprehensive centre in Equestria is a shoppers’ mecca and offers a wealth of department stores and interesting privately-owned specialty shops to browse through. Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to movie offerings at Ster-Kinekor in The Grove. The cinemas include 2D and Imax as well as Prestige theatres. “There are a huge variety of restaurants and eateries in the centre,” says Winnie. “An ice rink and a games arcade (The Fun Company) offer loads of fun activities for kids, and the whole family can compete in a round of ten-pin bowling.”
MEDICAL FACILITIES NEARBY
• • • • •
Life Wilgers Hospital Netcare Pretoria East Hospital Intercare Hazeldean Faerie Glen Hospital Denmar Psychiatric Hospital
GREEN SPACES • • • • •
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve Fairy Park Skuilkrans Kopje Pretoria National Botanical Gardens Hedianga Farm
STOFFELBERG BILTONG & COFFEE
EDITORIAL TEAM:
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING
Group Editor: Carla Redelinghuys carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za
ADVERTISING SALES: Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production: Lucea Goosen pretoria@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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SHOP BUSINESS INSIDER • • • • •
EAT • Afro-Boer: unique baker’s cafe and coffee shop • Ocean Basket The Grove: well-known seafood chain • Padstal: pub, live entertainment, popular get-together • Pizza Perfect Equestria: conveniently located in Equestria Gateway • The Hussar Grill The Grove: highly recommended steakhouse
Equestria Gateway Centre Equestria Shopping Centre The Grove Mall Wapadrand Shopping Centre Willows Crossing
SCHOOLS • Willowridge High School • Hoërskool Die Wilgers • Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria • Star College Pretoria • La Montagne Primary School • Laerskool Skuilkrans
Ronel van Niekerk, owner of Equestria Cleaning Services and Equestria Epoxy Pools and Floors enjoys this neighbourhood’s tranquil atmosphere, its community and superb location close to amenities. Equestria Cleaning Services was established almost four years ago and cleans residences and offices. Equestria Epoxy Pools and Floors celebrated its fifth year of existence and offers swimming pool maintenance and repair services, as well as the installation of pumps and filters. Ronel describes her clientele as people who generally work long hours who require domestic services for a few hours as well as clients with swimming pools in need of attention or a new look. “Most of our clients are really pleasant and very friendly.”
CONVENIENCE • BP, corner of Furrow and Simon Vermooten roads • Caltex Wapadrand • Engen Rossouw Street
She says even though the area has developed, and many more estates and complexes have been established, it’s still a great neighbourhood to live in. “The area is lovely and clean, and residents still enjoys jogging or walking in the quieter streets.”
THE MAGIC COMPANY
THE HUSSAR GRILL
You’ll pay
R13,279 per month
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R1,295m In a complex
Median asking price
R12,000
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
8%
R10,000 R5,000 In a complex
For a garden cottage
61% COMPLEX
R1,4m
For rent
APARTMENT
For a typical property in this area
Median asking price
COMPLEX
Monthly bond repayments
APARTMENT
For sale
70%
24%
Based on
R7,000
For an apartment
R1,965m For a house
For an apartment
22%
R13,500 For a house
HOUSE
over a period of 20 years at 9.75% prime
R780,000 HOUSE
R1,4m median asking price
15%
The data reflected herein represents data that is voluntarily obtained from subscribers of the Private Property South Africa website and is based solely on data collected by Private Property South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Further, the data reflected herein is accurate as per the Private Property South Africa database dated 31 October 2019. Reliance on such data is at the sole discretion of subscribers and Private Property South Africa hereby indemnifies itself of any consequence of such reliance.
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PROPERTY NEWS
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
Worry no more There’s a new homeowners insurance solution that is embracing the internet of things to connect home devices to its insurance offering WORDS: EDITORIAL TEAM
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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afeHomes allows for seamless, real-time customer transactions, policy and claims administration and broker engagement via an online customer portal, as well as personalised underwriting based on the needs, behaviour and risk profile of each customer. This not only makes homeowners insurance more flexible and accessible, but there are also significant financial savings to be realised by embracing the IoT and its mitigating impact on risk and the cost of insurance. “SafeHomes creates an environment where consumers get to engage with their brokers and insurance products through a seamless suite of multiple digital service channels, providing quick and easy access to their product portfolio, policy documents, endorsements, claims and so on. “Policyholders get to actively manage not only their insurance portfolio, but all the related home technology services in their own time, from any connected device,” explains Cornel Schoeman, chief operating officer, GENRIC Insurance.
How does it work?
The introduction of utility, security and emergency management tools, interfaced to a self-service portal is at the core of the SafeHomes promise. • SafeHomes Smart Geyser Energy Management: A “Geasy” is a smart device that curbs usage by allowing you to optimally schedule and remotely switch your geyser on and off via a web app. • SafeHomes Burst Geyser Detection: The Geasy drip tray sensor helps reduce the risk of geyser bursts or leaks—and the resultant losses associated with such events – by detecting water in the geyser’s drip tray and generating early warning notifications before further damage or loss occurs. • SafeHomes Water Metering: This provides early detection of excessive water usage. The technology interfaces with existing water meters and can detect high waterflow rates or events that otherwise could easily go undetected, such as pipe bursts, underground leaks, taps left running, and so on. • SafeHomes Emergency Services: With the app installed on your
cellphone, the emergency panic button will automatically dial up the closest contracted security provider when activated, sending your location details to the security provider. The call can also be routed to receive emergency medical attention. Future enhancements
will allow for CCTV integration and enhanced home security and emergency options.
The big picture
“With SafeHomes leveraging the internet of things, we’re able to use advanced analytics to deliver more
granular individual risk profiles, and that’s good news for consumers looking to streamline their costs and take ownership of their risks. We believe in leveraging transformative tech that matters to customers and adds value to their lifestyle and puts savings back in their pocket,” concludes Schoeman.
Peace of Mind
home OR AWAY Y
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Control4. It’s better living—automatically. ©2019, Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, and the 4-ball logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. All specifications subject to change without notice.
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
5
Decorating goes Boho The word Bohemian is for some synonymous with left-of-centre, slightly hippy… but, today, it has a range of other connotations WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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one are the days when Bohemian decor meant a few wildly coloured, embroidered cushions from India and an old hand-dyed candlewick bedspread covering the tired couch. Today, it encompasses different looks, while also feeding into other contemporary movements such as handcraft and more. According to Olivia Post, owner of Wild Minds, the current trend is very much inspired by Moroccan and Balinese culture – dusty Saharan and fresh coastal tones. For Olivia, “Bohemian is a whimsical, wild and dreamy state of mind. It captures a sense of freedom and artistic expression through all aspects of life. It’s a philosophy that’s always existed in some way, shape or form wherever creativity and free-thinking have been the predominant driving force.” She acknowledges its revival today in a slightly more commercialised way. “Trendfocussed fans are flocking to adopt this new style in a contemporary way. I don’t believe this detracts from the true, original essence of Bohemia, but rather, it’s encouraging people to be more creative and open-minded when designing their living space.”
Colours and textures
There’s no particular colour palette or texture that encompasses the spirit of Bohemian style, believes Olivia. “It manifests itself in so many different ways, constantly evolving to complement current trends. Take the eclectic, vibrant colours and patterns of India and South America with their heavily embellished fabrics, jewel tones, spiritual symbols (dreamcatchers in particular!) and bold prints – all of which have been widely coveted over the years to achieve the Bohemian look at home.
succulents and ferns have enjoyed huge popularity recently) to your space can really elevate the Bohemian mood.”
White on white
The white-on-white theme is also having a moment for a fresher, more minimalistic take on this trend. Here, texture becomes the key element to add depth and interest to your space. Distressed wood, fringed or tufted throws and scatter cushions, draped chiffons and heavier woven fabrics all combine to create a beautifully Bohemian feeling. Plant life moves toward dried pampas grasses and palms to complement the colour palette. This is also a much more maintainable way of keeping plants in the home.”
Texture
Sticking to a tonal colour palette and concentrating on texture is an ideal first step to achieving a more effortless Bohemian interior. “Add a piece of statement cane furniture – be it a Peacock or Malawi chair, a rattan coffee table or even a decorative item such as a sunburst mirror, to elevate your space. Juxtapose this with a softer texture such as a shaggy Berber rug or fringed, woven wall hanging, and you will be well on your way to achieving your Bohemian oasis. Plant life and wall art or wall decor can really influence the mood of a space, so look for a combination of natural fabrics,
tonal colours and soft textures to instantly update your home in a Bohemian way.”
Handcraft
There’s been a real move towards handcrafted decor. “This isn’t exclusive to the Bohemian trend, but rather a response to the world becoming more environmentally aware and supportive of small, local business. “However, the artistic nature of handcrafted pieces lends itself beautifully to the Bohemian philosophy in terms of creative expression and individuality. One-of-a-kind finds are a great way to put your own personal stamp on the Bohemian trend, ensuring you can retain a unique approach to your home decor.”
The last word
“Bohemian can encompass anything from a minimalistic coastal home filled with natural fabrics, muted tones and raw materials (which is currently the trend), to a more luxe, grand approach to your living space, combining rich velvets, heavily embroidered and embellished fabrics, vibrant colours and ornate, decorative accents,” says Olivia. “The latter may seem more like a mish-mash ‘hippy’ approach, especially as it’s inspired by the beautiful chaos of India which became so popular with the hippy-set in the ’60s and ’70s, but keeping everything true to those details is what ties everything together.”
Cornice & crack sealant
the Den Braven difference! Elastic seal Paintable
“The clashing prints and woven crochet and macramé textures of the ’70s have also made their mark on modern Bohemian culture,” she says.
Fill gaps & cracks
The current feel is strongly for a neutral, pared down palette. “Nude tones and natural fabrics (linens, cottons, bamboo, rattan and raw wood) against white or blush backdrops. It’s a much softer take on the Bohemian trend, accented here and there with a splash of rust or mustard for warmth. An injection of nature with the introduction of green plant life (delicious monsters,
Stick with it Do you know the difference between the various acrylic sealants available on the hardware store shelf?
N
o? Well, a good acrylic sealant is smooth and should not crack, turn hard or discolour, once cured.
Den Braven Acryl-W is a top-quality grade paintable sealant designed for sealing and filling fine cracks in walls and for sealing cornices to ceilings and walls. It does expand and contract, meaning that Acryl-W has about 12% movement capability. In other words, it doesn’t contract when it cures or “dries” (in layman’s terms), and will not crack and break off, leaving gaps between the walls and cornices, over time. There’s generally slight movement in new buildings, called “settling”. By using the correct sealant, the chances of fine cracks between joins is less probable.
Den Braven Acryl-W has good adhesion to many materials. It’s paintable with emulsion paints, freeze resistant and not corrosive towards metals. After curing, Acryl-W is very durable. Acryl-W is perfect for use on polystyrene cornices, ceiling tiles and interior finishes where a moderate amount of movement can occur.
Available from hardware stores. Contact us for further product and technical assistance.
Tel: 011 792 3830
sales@denbraven.co.za www.denbraven.co.za SEE FOR YOURSELF Den Braven Acryl-W denbraven.co.za Coolead 18512 Coolead 18514
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PROPERTY NEWS
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
Retirement focus
Where less is more Modern retirees are looking to declutter and downscale – and these developments will help them do exactly that WORDS: KIM MAXWELL & CARLA REDELINGHUYS IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK WATERFALL VALLEY MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATE, MIDRAND
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n increasing number of South Africans are opting to move into smaller properties earlier in life. Contributing factors include convenience, lifestyle changes, and a desire for security. Urban areas remain popular for staying in contact with friends or extended families, but plenty of retirees are also opting for new locations and a change of environment. Where are they going?
Smaller, earlier KwaZulu-Natal has seen a surge in retirement developments designed to attract over-55s. Evergreen will bring its successful life rights retirement estate model to this province when construction on three luxury developments starts towards the end of this year. Two Evergreen villages in Umhlanga Ridge and Zimbali Lakes near Ballito will house residents in coastal, subtropical upmarket accommodation, whereas Evergreen Hilton will provide a charming countryside alternative in the Midlands.
A simpler life Unsurprisingly, the Garden Route remains a top retirement destination. Devmark Property Group’s The Plettenberg Manor retirement village in Plettenberg Bay is 80% sold out. When completed by mid-2021, this sectional title development will offer 102 luxury homes and 24 luxury apartments. The trend towards downscaling echoes a philosophical need for a simplified lifestyle. “Generally, once couples retire, they’ve been empty-nesters for some time and are looking to clear out their homes and live an easier, simpler life,” says Jawitz Properties Midrand property consultant Sue de Klerk. But smaller homes don’t have to mean a smaller life.
THE PLETTENBERG MANOR, PLETTENBERG BAY
“Scaling down is never easy,” says Laurie Wener, senior executive: Cape developments, Pam Golding Properties. “The challenges come in making the
decision to find a suitable property and adjusting to what you really require when the children have moved out. “You may also need to accept the fact that smaller is not necessarily cheaper. There may be a premium on newer, more secure, higher-demand property, but the saving will come in the reduced maintenance and upkeep.” Many developments put the focus on minimalist homes that have multiple amenities within reach. What makes these so attractive to investors? Devmark's CEO Hein Ehlers says offering retirees an opportunity to scale down and modernise is one benefit. “Our luxury homes and apartments at Langebaan Manor are spacious enough for retirees to keep those items that are close to their hearts,” says Ehlers. With estimated completion by the end of the year, this Langebaan development features West Coast architecture in five house types and two apartment options.
Different perspective Evergreen Lifestyle brand ambassador Arthur Case’s take is that more mature residents now welcome the opportunity to downscale. “There’s a generational changing of the guard with regard to retirees,” he says. “The oldest baby boomers are now in their early 70s and their perspective on retirement is very different.” Many modern boomers remain active, generate an income, and travel in their spare time, according to Case. “Yesterday’s retirees were known to hold onto stuff, furniture, memories of yesterday, and tended to clutter their smaller retirement homes. Baby boomers are different: they believe less is more and want to downscale their homes while upscaling their lifestyles. Lifestyle retirement villages tick this box.” These seniors want new and fresh, not institutional and dated. Slightly smaller modern spaces with state-
22 MARCH 2020
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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PARC, GOLD COAST ESTATE, KZN
of-the-art appliances and design such as the luxury homes at Val de Vie Evergreen in the Winelands are a good example, says Case. Phase 1 is operational, with 81 of 640 units now occupied. Here retirees can use the Evergreen communal facilities, including a clubhouse and bowling greens, and access facilities on the greater Val de Vie estate. All Evergreen homes are purchased on a life rights model.
offers resort-style luxury living with state-of-the art amenities, medical care and security. Prospective retirees can pick and choose between lockup-and-go luxury apartments or exclusive garden cottages or villas.
Ehlers says demand for homes in Devmark’s The Retirement Collection developments has proven time and again that retirees can live happy, fulfilling lives. “Our residents are social and enjoy life to the fullest, and our garden and house-cleaning services give them the opportunity to lead a lock-up-and-go lifestyle and travel. Furthermore, they have the time and space to practise their hobbies and pursue their interests.”
Downscaling can be a mechanism towards increased financial stability. Ehlers recommends buying now to retire later. “Our estates offer full ownership. You purchase the property in your name and own it outright under a sectional title or freehold scheme, which means you can reap the benefits of capital growth and be able to bequeath it in your will.”
New generation Identifying Cape Town’s undersupply of quality offerings, Rabie Property Group developed its Oasis Life retirement lifestyle residential offering for a “new-generation retiree”. Current Northern Suburbs developments include the family estate Clara Anna Fontein in Durbanville and Burgundy Estate between Durbanville Hills and Milnerton. “We take the utmost care to design practical, contemporary homes with beautiful landscaping and surrounds for an older resident,” says Rabie director Miguel Rodrigues.
With a limited supply of full-ownership retirement villages and a high demand for this type of accommodation, it makes an investment in any well-run development an attractive option HEIN EHLERS, CEO, DEVMARK PROPERTY GROUP
Financial stability
Full-ownership property can be purchased at any age but is only let to tenants older than 50. “This will give you an immediate income while you plan your future retirement, but at today’s prices,” says Ehlers. “With a limited supply of full-ownership retirement villages and a high demand for this type of accommodation, it makes an investment in any well-run development an attractive option.”
MICHELLE, NOORDHOEK VAL DE VIE LAKE EVERGREEN
At Clara Anna Fontein Oasis Life, freestanding homes combine comfort and style on a secure lifestyle estate, where mature residents have views of the Durbanville hills. Rabie’s life rights model ensures quality facilities, gardens and common areas, allowing mature residents to “submerse themselves fully into a great retirement lifestyle”. Of the 60 homes in the first phase, only 25 are still available. According to Anton Malherbe, sales and marketing director, Harbour Bay Village in Hout Bay, their development
EVERGREEN BROADACRES, JOBURG