Learn more about the small, neighbourly feel of Atholl and why people love this area.
About Atholl
With its large, stately properties and elegant tree-lined streets, Atholl is a prestigious Johannesburg suburb in anyone’s books. But despite its premium pricing, the suburb somehow retains an unassuming air.
For starters, it’s relatively small with a neighbourly feel – in the early evenings you’ll see residents walking their dogs, or taking the kids for a bike ride around its quiet, leafy streets. The beautifully lush trees and large gardens attract a wide range of birds, ducks and even owls. But this feeling of being close to nature belies how close Atholl is to Sandton, as well as to some of Joburg’s major arterial roads. “Even though you’re centrally situated, Atholl has an atmosphere of peace and tranquility,” says resident Isabel Madelung. Along with a close-knit community, security is tight here, with most properties protected by high walls and CCTV cameras.
At the top end of the property scale, you can expect to pay between R10m and R15m for exclusive luxury houses on large stands of around 2,000m2. Architectural styles vary, from the very traditional to the ultra modern, which widens the suburb’s appeal. “The contrasting mix of modern and older stately homes represent the blend of families and older residents,” says resident Gary Keizan.
Aside from the larger properties, there are also plenty of luxury cluster houses on offer from around R6m and upwards, that are situated on stands of a more manageable size and that have excellent security systems in place. On the lower end of the price range, Atholl apartments offer great value for money and are an excellent investment option for a slightly more limited budget.
Atholl also features plenty of shops and restaurants nearby in centres such as Atholl Square, the Thrupps shopping centre and Illovo Square. Together with several top schools in close proximity, Atholl is a desirable suburb for its location, its amenities, and its beautiful homes.
Over the 13 years we’ve lived in the area, we've become increasingly attached to the suburb and now can't imagine living anywhere else in Gauteng
Kim Meredith, resident
Best attractions in the area
- Take your kids horse riding at the Inanda Club
- Swim, run, play tennis, hockey or watch cricket at the Wanderers’ Club
- Pack a picnic and head to James and Ethel Gray Park
- Take a stroll or take advantage of the outdoor gym in Mushroom Farm Park
Best in food
- Visit the wholefood market at BluBird Shopping Centre every Sunday morning
- Meet a friend for coffee at Naked Coffee in Melrose Arch
- Buy premium groceries and imported food brands at Thrupps
- Spoil yourself with decadent pastries at Patisserie and share tapas at Escondido Tapas and Wine in Illovo’s Post Office Centre
- Enjoy Italian bistro fare at Cornuti in Illovo Square
Top schools
- St David’s Marist Inanda
- Grayston Preparatory School
- Crawford College Sandton
- Sandown High School
- St Mary’s School for Girls
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a journey through neighbouring Sandton here:
