Featherbrooke Estate in the West Rand is arguably one of Johannesburg’s more ‘mature’ residential estates and was one of the first to integrate environmentally friendly and lifestyle elements. So says Jason Parker, a seasoned real estate agent with Rivigan Property Group which specialises in the area. Established in 1992, Featherbrooke Estate borders the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. Given the fragile nature of the surrounding eco-system, Parker says 26 hectares of green belts and parks were set aside within the estate with a view to conserving the indigenous fauna and flora. Indigenous trees have also been planted throughout and a small herd of springbok was recently introduced to the estate. Lifestyle-wise, Featherbrooke features a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing residential life. These include a Montessori pre-school, a clubhouse, tennis and squash courts, conference facilities and function boma which has become a popular wedding venue. Residents can also access the neighbouring botanical gardens free of charge if they feel so inclined. Security is high on Featherbrooke’s agenda. Protocols include biometric scanning, electric fences and 24 hour guard patrols. The fact that access to the estate can only be gained via one entrance further bolsters Featherbrooke’s security ‘cred’. Notes Parker: “From the outset, Featherbrooke has been a forward looking development. The developers, Fairoaks Investments, recognised that lifestyle estates were going to take off in a big way in South Africa and catered accordingly. The result is an estate which has been in high demand from inception and continues to command some of the highest property prices in the area.”Today Featherbrooke comprises approximately one thousand properties, all of which are full title. Seven cluster nodes have been incorporated thereby making the estate more accessible to a broader demographic. These include La Maison, Sandpiper, La Aquila, Eagle Ridge, Falcon Crest, Toscana and Avignon. The estate is all but fully developed bar a handful of open stands. No set architectural style dominates which, remarks Parker, appeals to those avoiding a ‘Lego-land’ look. Typically, according to the latest Lightstone report, Featherbrooke buyers are not first time home owners. Plot sizes measure approximately 900sqm’s on average and prices range from R1, 7m for ‘entry level’ Featherbrooke homes to R12m for the uber luxurious mansions which typically occupy the sloping incline of the Roodekrans Ridge which acts as Featherbrooke’s dramatic backdrop. Many of the Roodekrans Ridge homes enjoy panoramic views over the West Rand. One such property recently came onto the market for R8, 5m. The house in question covers an area measuring 875sqm’s and features five en suite bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, gym, pyjama lounge, four garages and stunning 180° views. Such a property would no doubt appeal to those seeking an upmarket family residence. In terms of surrounding developments and amenities, the West Rand has experienced a growth spurt in recent years and a number of residential developments have mushroomed in response to demand. Residents also need not go far afield for upmarket retail and entertainment establishments with Clearwater Mall, Featherbrooke Village and Silverstar Casino just around the corner. “Add to this equation a low crime rate, top notch educational and medical facilities and easy access to most major nodes and it’s no wonder Featherbrooke has become one of the West Rand’s most sought after residential gems,” concludes Parker. Lighstone statistics cite 78 transfers as having taken place over the past 12 months totalling in excess of R193m. Over the past three months, 15 bonds were registered and 2011’s average sales price currently stands at R2, 5m.
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