Call Pecanwood Estate home

There are approximately 460 permanent residents who call Pecanwood Estate home.

Nestled at the foothills of the picturesque Magaliesburg Mountains, on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam, Pecanwood Estate is perfectly situated just outside the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The Estate is the perfect location for rest and relaxation, close enough to corporate South Africa, but far enough to feel as if you are on a permanent holiday. The Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, secure environment and superbly managed estate are the main attractions to this estate. Furthermore, the Hartbeespoort area offers an abundance of attractions including Hot Air balloon safaris, the Monkey and Elephant Sanctuaries, Harties Cable Way, Lesedi Cultural Villages and De Wildt Cheetah Farm to name but a few.

The Pecanwood way of life is based on community living within an esteemed, secure environment. There are approximately 460 permanent residents who call Pecanwood Estate home, and not surprisingly a large percentage of weekenders, all who enjoy the boating and golfing lifestyle Pecanwood Estate has to offer. Whether a family just starting out, a retired couple wanting serenity or a corporate captain of industry looking for a place to unwind, all can rest assured in the offerings of this prestigious estate.The lifestyle aspect at Pecanwood Estate is one of the Home Owners Association main objectives, where they look to create a secure & tranquil family environment.

Prior to its purchase the only thing occupying the 255 hectares of Hartbeespoort dam frontage, was a tomato farm and a plethora of plant and bird life. In 1993, the developer, Rodney Clair bought the farm with a view to create South Africa’s first golf estate. With this premise in mind, he toured the US to gain an understanding of their golf estates and returned not only with inspiration, but a plan.

In 1995, Maccon, the development company, received outline planning approval for a golf course, club house, marina, 650 homes, a 150 bedroom hotel, apartments and tennis centre. At the time, the area of Hartbeespoort was not viewed as an upmarket destination, thus it was deemed necessary to create a draw card to entice buyers, thereby uplifting the community and tourism to the area. Today the Hartbeespoort Dam is the principal water recreation area of northern Gauteng and many types of water sports are enjoyed on the dam. The Transvaal Yacht Club has been operating at the dam since its inception in 1923.

At the time, 60 hectares of the proposed Pecanwood Estate land was still under water. A master development plan was established by the Jack Nicklaus Organisation in the USA which included the construction of the peninsulas, which although the subject of some controversy over the years, successfully transformed the submerged land into 2,5km of viable water frontage.

In late 1995, construction of the golf course commenced. Golf Data was awarded the contract to build the course utilising the Jack Nicklaus design. Approximately 1,5 million m³ of earth was excavated to shape the course. The surplus earth was used to construct the peninsulas.

By May 1996, Pecanwood Estate was set to launch to the public. At the time, the estate consisted of three furnished show houses, a dirt road leading from the entrance to the show houses, one peninsula and a few dusty golf holes.

By all accounts the launch weekend was a huge success. Nearly 80 stands were collectively reserved along the peninsula and the 12th fairway facing Fish Eagle Drive. Prices for peninsula stands ranged between R350 000 and R750 000; plots along the 12th fairway were sold for R200 000. As time went by, the plan to develop the hotel, apartments and tennis courts were abandoned as it was felt that the interests of the residents would conflict with the hotel and apartments. The building plans were modified to total 880 houses. By 2002 the majority of Pecanwood Estate was sold out.

In July 1997, the first official game of golf was played on Pecanwood’s fledgling golf course. It was played across the back nine from the 10th to the 18th hole. Jack Nicklaus officially opened the course in August 1998. While playing the course by himself he addressed the 2000 strong crowd and media via a microphone attached to his lapel. Since its launch, Pecanwood Golf and Country Club has established itself as a benchmark for golf courses in South Africa. Moreover, the development of the course has served as a major catalyst for growth in the area, opening Hartbeespoort up to both local and international tourism and exposure.

The golf course has been carefully crafted to test your skills to the full. The fairways are generous and inviting and the greens are immaculate all year round. Pecanwood Golf & Country Club has earned numerous accolades with the most recent being eighth position in Complete Golfer’s Top 10, as well as a 5 star “golf experience” award. The clubhouse is one of the largest and most sophisticated facilities of its kind and offers more than just a means to relax after a game of golf. The health spa, gymnasium, large swimming pool and tennis courts add to the Pecanwood experience.

The Pecanwood Home Owners Association took over the operations from the developer in 2004 and manages 90% of the utilities and maintenance around various areas of the Estate.

The HOA is divided up in various departments including; Security, Technical Services, Architectural & Aesthetics, and Environmental & SHEQ and ensures the maintenance, protection, preservation and enhancement of the owner’s assets.

The Utility Plant (Sewer & Water Purification Plant), Security, Road Maintenance, Garden Maintenance and Common Area Maintenance are all managed by the Pecanwood Home Owners Association and is covered by the monthly levy. The potable water on the Estate is pumped from seven boreholes throughout the Estate and filtered and supplied to the owners by the Pecanwood Estate HOA.

The main gate security, contractor’s gate security, school gate security, perimeter electrical fence and infra-red cameras which monitor the perimeter, is managed by Bidvest Protea Coin Security contracted by the Pecanwood HOA.

To add to the security of loved ones and peace of mind, the ‘on location’ Pecanwood College has an internal access point from the Estate. The Pecanwood College has celebrated their 10th anniversary this year.

The College provides outstanding facilities, a luxurious boarding school with 73 rooms for boys and 69 rooms for girls, qualified and dedicated teachers with passion and enthusiasm which fulfil the needs of each pupil with a balanced programme of academic, cultural, sporting and adventure pursuits.

Pecanwood Estate truly offers a balanced lifestyle, where family, security and the outdoor environment meet harmoniously to offer a premium address. On your next trip, why not take the time to stop in for a round of golf, massage at the spa or lunch at the Club house – it’s certain to be a memorable experience for the entire family.