Over the years, residential estates have sprung up throughout South Africa. Born originally in response to demand for secure living, these estates have evolved to become luxurious semi self- sufficient cities within cities. Silverlakes Estate is one of these estates.
Located in Pretoria East, Silverlakes was established in 1993 and was one of the first estates in South Africa to combine an impressive 18-hole, Peter Matkovich-designed golf course with upmarket residential living.
According to Maritha Janse van Rensburg of Fairways Realty which services the estate, Silverlakes offers a variety of homes ranging from townhouses and “mature” properties constructed during the first phase, to palatial mansions.
The silver touch
Townhouses at the estate’s Silver Fountains node typically comprise two or three bedrooms, measure 19m² and are priced at between R1.9-million and R2.-million. Petite, two-bedroom units are also available at an “over 50s” semi-retirement node at prices ranging from R1-million to R1.2-million.
Prices tend to escalate significantly outside the retirement and townhouse quarters, explains Van Rensburg. Older, phase-one freehold properties featuring two and three bedrooms, a pool and gardens range in price from approximately R3-million to R4-million.
According to Van Rensburg, a number of large properties at the estate range in price from R5-million to R16-million. Unsurprisingly, these properties occupy prime positions in the estate, feature numerous rooms and are equipped with all the mod cons.
Not much space left …
Given the established nature of the estate, there are few open stands. Those that are available are priced at between R1.1-million and R5-million and measure between 820 and 3 000m², says Van Rensburg. In total, the estate features 1 644 properties, some of which are being rented by foreign companies for as much as R55 000 per month.
Besides a signature golf course, lakes and parks, Silverlakes offers a bevy of amenities including a clubhouse, restaurant and bar (which are currently being renovated), squash and tennis courts, a pool, golf pro shop, hiking trails, fishing and a game reserve stocked with small wildlife. The estate also regularly hosts events such as youth days and walks.
Schools
According to Van Rensburg, external amenities are also plentiful, courtesy largely of nearby Hazeldean, an eco-friendly, mixed-use, self-sufficient suburban precinct. This precinct broke ground in 2006 and offers “full circle living”. Existing developments include a number of residential and retirement nodes, office parks, shops such as Hazeldean Square, medical facilities, a petrol station and schools including Curro Primary and Curro College. Upon completion it is envisaged that Hazeldean will measure approximately 980 hectares and feature approximately 18 000 residential properties.
Overall, Silverlakes is faring well and offers an exceptional, tranquil lifestyle says Van Rensburg. Notably, it was recently named the most secure gated estate in South Africa by an independent financial magazine and is increasingly attracting not only families but foreign executives seeking a slice of the good life.