These are the two top lifestyle estates in Gauteng

Estate homes have continued to grow in popularity in recent years, largely due to the additional security they offer but lifestyle developments have become especially sought-after as they offer residents peace of mind both within their homes and also in their immediate surroundings.

So says Grahame Diedericks, Manager Principal in Midrand for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, adding that they also fulfil the needs of those looking to balance work and city-living with a healthier, more tranquil lifestyle.

“Security has been foremost in people’s minds for a number of years now but, since lockdown, many more have come to appreciate the value of having on-site amenities and enquiries for such properties have risen during the past 18 months.”

Diedericks says that two estates which have been attracting particular interest are Copperleaf Golf Estate and Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate which both offer first-class facilities as well as the quintessential sense of country living that more and more people are seeking.

“Whilst both are well-situated with easy access to the major hubs and everything cities like Johannesburg and Tshwane offer, they also enable residents feel as if they are a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life whilst they’re at home.”

Copperleaf Golf and Country Estate

“This estate offers exceptional value because not only is the entry level very accessibly priced with a broad range of properties available, the facilities and security are 5-star,” says Diedericks.

“The scenic, beautifully laid out development boasts an Ernie Else designed golf course and includes multiple parks, dams and numerous plots of green spaces and, with conservation being an important factor, the Giant Bullfrog, African Grass Owl and 2700 indigenous trees are protected within the estate.

“State-of-the-art security includes closed circuit surveillance cameras, access control, a patrolled 8km-long electric perimeter fence and alarm system as well as security guards with all the houses on the estate are linked to the control room.”

Additional facilities on the estate include; wellness centre, health centre, tennis courts, squash courts, spa, gym, children’s centre, driving range, swimming pools, cricket pavilion, walking and jogging trails, Ernie Vermaak Heritage club, Copperleaf restaurant, bar, Golf performance centre, and a pro shop.

Conveniently situated at the edge of Centurion, Copperleaf is within easy driving distance of several malls, schools and a medical centre as well as being only 28km from Lanseria International Airport and 38km from the Sandton CBD.

Properties range between just under R3m for a three-bedroomed house to around R10m for an expansive designer home with all the bells and whistles. Vacant land is generally priced between R1.8m and R3m.

“According to Lightstone, 83 houses changed hands at Copperleaf during the past 12 months at an average selling price of R3.53m, however, homes priced between R3.5m and R5m will always find willing buyers and those with easy access to clubhouse and golf course are quickly snapped up,” says Diedericks.

More properties for sale in Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate

Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate

“Those in the market for the ultimate luxury country lifestyle will find everything they need at Blair Atholl and, being a low-density estate with plot sizes averaging 3700m², maximum privacy is guaranteed,” says Andre Coetzee, Owner Principal of the group’s Roodepoort, Krugersdorp and Lanseria offices,

Originally Gary Player’s farm, the estate now affords residents thousands of acres of common open ground to explore, nature parks with small game, mountain biking, bridle paths, fishing on the Crocodile River, an equestrian centre and, of course, a signature golf course designed by the world-renowned golfer.

Other amenities include: a clubhouse and restaurant, conference facilities, a family lifestyle centre with tennis, cricket and a swimming pool and a wellness centre with squash, gym and a spa.

Home prices range from R3.5m to R60m, but according to Coetzee, the most active price band currently is R9m to R15m with houses offering good elevation, greenbelt frontage and golf course access being the most sought-after.

“According to Lightstone, the median sale price of vacant land reached a record this year when it increased by 79% to R3.85m from R2.15m in 2021 with the previous high being R2.7m in 2012.  And the median house price is R15m, the highest it’s been since 2016 when it was R17.5m.”

Situated only 3km from Lanseria International Airport, Blair Atholl is perfectly located for Midrand, Tshwane and Sandton and there are a number of excellent private schools within easy driving distance.