Situated on Ernie Els Boulevard west of Centurion, Copperleaf was originally launched in mid- 2004. In 2010 Investec Property took over the development and repositioned it as a family friendly estate.
The estate covers an area measuring approximately 312 hectares. Just over 1100 freehold stands were originally made available to buyers; today, 509 stands measuring between 500sqm’s and 1500sqm’s are up for sale at prices ranging from R325 000 to R1, 4m.
Buyers can design their homes along either traditional farm style lines or more contemporary architectural guidelines. Both styles feature generous proportions, top quality fittings and are designed to blend with their surrounding environment.
Given the new family friendly orientation, the estate has been redesigned to incorporate state-of-the-art leisure and activity facilities such as a pool, gym, tennis courts, mini cricket oval and accompanying pavilion. Residents can also make use of the many acres set aside for walking and biking. The estate now also offers a spa, café and magnificent new clubhouse which recently became the home of The Els Club - the first of its kind in South Africa.
Investec Property’s Sam Hackner commented on the re-launch of the estate: “We took over the development with a view to offering a unique concept in family living. We feel the estate now represents this ideal. Further bolstering this family orientation is the fact that Copperleaf lies within close proximity of Centurion, Sandton, Fourways and Midrand; is close to shops and schools and offers a variety of outdoor activities as well as top notch security.”
The estate overlooks the Magaliesburg Mountains and has been designed to provide a sense of space. The majority of the estate is dedicated to parkland and the estate’s signature Ernie Els 18 hole championship golf course which has witnessed a number of flagship golf events, the most recent of which was the Sunshine Tour Media Challenge.
The course features its fair share of clear fairways, demanding bunkers and water hazards and has been described as “challenging for golfers of all standards”. A golf performance centre complete with all the latest technology is currently being constructed to assist players of all levels and ages with their skills.
In a bid to become more eco-friendly, water treatment works have been established to recycle the estate’s grey water and sewerage water which is used to irrigate the golf course. Approximately 2, 700 trees are being planted to add to the existing parklands and wetlands which should go far in helping protect a number of rare species the estate plays host to including the Giant Bullfrog and African Grass Owl.
The estate holds special meaning for Ernie Els whose grandfather, Ernie Vermaak, grew up on a farm in the area. ‘Oupa Vermaak’ is also credited with fostering Ernie and his father’s passion for golf.
Said Els: “Right from the start we recognised the area as a fantastic site for a golf course. It’s a beautiful part of the world and once Investec Property came on board we knew that with the right partners we could create something unique and that it would be the best place to open the first Els Club in South Africa. This has been a very special golf course design project for me personally. I would go so far as to say that the Els Club Copperleaf encapsulates in one destination everything that I love about family living in a country club environment.”
