This classic, architect designed 2-storey house on top of a hill in the Crocodile River Reserve is full of character. Its style is Italian Chateau, timeless, calm, and stately. The house, cottage and offices are surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. The interior is terracotta tiled throughout and the living area is open plan.
Upstairs are the main bedroom with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, private lounge with fireplace, large terrace, and a viewing gallery and reading area. Downstairs are 2 more bedrooms opening onto the garden, 2 bathrooms, and a massive kitchen with pantry and scullery. The open plan lounges and dining area with a beautiful feature fireplace open onto a covered patio with wonderful views. The interior has poplar ceilings, and a stunning yellow wooden staircase. The kitchen has a granite island and counter tops, large gas stove, and 2 ovens.
The exterior is charming, with wooden windows and sliding wooden shutters, and shaded walkways. Great care has been taken to conserve water; which is collected from the roof into a 2500 litre underground tank and fed to 4 rainwater tanks. There is a strong borehole and a reservoir of 10000 litre with a water softener system.
A treed driveway leads from the electric gate, powered by solar panels, to the house and office, where there is ample parking. A large pool sits in the landscaped gardens.
The large open-plan, L-shaped office is in a separate building, across the gravel courtyard. The office has a kitchen and bathroom which could be converted into a cottage. There is also a cottage attached, with a large bedroom, a bathroom, and a large veranda.
There is a staff room with bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. There are also 3 storerooms with solar energisers.
An electric fence surrounds the 1,5 hectare dwelling area, and wireless beams surround the perimeter. Outside the fence are two large 'sheds' that could be converted into workshops, meeting/classrooms or even cottages.
This magnificent property is ideal for a family, a work-from-home, or a home with income producing cottages. It offers tranquillity, safety, and gracious living.
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About the Crocodile River Reserve
The Crocodile River Reserve (CRR) was proclaimed as a Nature Reserve in October 2019 according to the National Environment Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA). The Reserve falls within the buffer zone of the UNESCO declared Magaliesberg Biosphere and is adjacent to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies within the “green” zone in the Tshwane Regional Spatial Development Framework.
The CRR is an area of 3 500 hectares between the main arterial R522 and R512 roads. It is some 20 minutes from Fourways, 45 minutes from Sandton, 30 minutes from Pretoria and 20 minutes from Centurion, yet is spacious, largely undeveloped and peaceful. The Reserve is best described as an ‘Eco Estate’ where large properties exist but where only 5% of the land may be disturbed. Herds of impala, blesbok and other buck roam freely.
The Gauteng Conservation Plan categorises the area as a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA), important and irreplaceable. The CRR falls under the Tshwane City Council. For better interaction with landowners and to ensure that environmental diversity is properly taken into account, the CRR has 8 Management Units that geographically encompass around 15 protected properties each and the related buffer zone (adjacent properties). Each Unit has appointed a Unit Manager, all of whom own properties in the CRR, whose responsibility is to collect inputs and achieve objectives in terms of protection and conservation of biodiversity and implementation challenges. The 8 Unit Managers form the Environmental Management Committee, more often referred to as the Management Authority (MA) which ensures that all land use in the Reserve is in line with the rules and guidelines.
Properties in the Reserve enjoy virtually complete protection from land claims and there are no informal settlements in the Reserve. Weekly walks and talks are arranged to introduce both residents and visitors to the Reserve, its aims and the flora and fauna within the Reserve. Crime is low and members of active WhatsApp groups interact with each other and the Management Authority. The area is served by various security companies and SAPS are very responsive in the area. There is a double gated controlled entrance to the Lazy River Road section, which is North of the Hennops River. Over time, it is the intention of the MA that all entrances to the CRR will be similarly controlled.
Schools:
There are several good schools within a short distance of the Reserve, including:
Laerskool Hennopsrivier (6 mins)
Amberfield College (14 mins)
Laerskool Uitsig (17 mins)
Pinnacle College, Copperleaf (10 mins)
Wierda Park Christian Nursery School (18 mins)
Empro Academy (18 mins)
Centurion Secondary School (19 mins)
Heronbridge College (12 mins)
Spark Centurion Primary School (18 mins)
Abbots College (23 mins)
Curro Thatchfield High School (15 mins)
Centurion Montessori School (23 mons)
Centurion and Fourways both have extensive shopping and entertainment facilities and are just a short drive away. There are also restaurants, small shops and other facilities in the immediate area.
