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It’s been almost 26 years since Dainfern Golf and Country Estate became one of the first residential estates to wow Johannesburg dwellers with a new way of living. And, although the grande dame faces increasing competition as more and more estates open their doors, it remains one of the city’s best known and most sought after addresses.
One of the reasons for this, according to Dainfern’s General Manager, David Weyers, is because the estate offers what many of its newer counterparts still in their earliest phases can’t: an established environment, complete with full grown trees, and a peaceful atmosphere unblemished by construction works.
More than that, the estate has developed an enviable sense of community. Many factors have played a role in forging this: there’s the fact that a portion of residents are expatriates and are therefore sharing similar experiences as they make their adopted city home. There’s also the fact that the estate has worked hard to bring these people together through several social initiatives and shared amenities, such as the nature association, tennis and soccer clubs among other activities. But even these don’t explain the eagerness with which residents support campaigns like Dainfern’s blood donation drive. This kind of spirit can only be fostered through an ethos that encourages participation and caring from the entire community – and that’s exactly what Dainfern does. The estate is a prominent and highly active member of the Dainfern Community Association, a body that has played a critical role in eradicating crime in the Dainfern Precinct through its focus on upliftment and security around Broadacres Drive and surrounding communities and amenities.
An achievement of this nature is commendable, indeed, and contributes significantly to the perception of Dainfern as one of Johannesburg’s most secure nodes. But, says David, this status inspires them to keep going. ‘It’s vital that the estate keeps pace with current market demands, so that we are able to match the offerings of newer developments,’ he points out.
With this in mind, Dainfern has introduced several upgrades. The most noteworthy of these is the R16 million makeover of the clubhouse currently under construction, which includes the entire upgrade of the clubhouse, restaurants and golfing facilities. Residents can now dine at a restaurant overlooking what David proudly describes as ‘one of the most beautiful views in Johannesburg’ – a sweeping vista over the estate’s golf course and the valley beyond – while kids make their own pizzas or occupy themselves at a purpose-built playground. The facilities to
be upgraded include a new members’ lounge with a generously proportioned deck to lure guests outside. Those wishing to host their own events at this facility may do so, with three fire pits created especially for this purpose.
The estate’s management has recognised that, while this refurbishment is a major draw card, residents also want to be able to update the architecture that may have set Dainfern apart at inception but has since become somewhat dated. The rules guiding aesthetics and architecture have therefore been reviewed. Importantly, this will allow for the use of environmentally friendly materials and makes it possible for residents to retro-fit technologies for solar heating and water harvesting in keeping with today’s environmental concerns. In line with this, the estate is fitting solar panels to a new covered parking area. Dainfern’s infrastructure has also come under the spotlight. Roads are being upgraded, and specific focus has been given to all the security aspects of the estate, which include LPR cameras, CCTV on the perimeter fences and new speed monitoring cameras.
Finally, visitors to the estate may notice its lush appearance. This is thanks to an investment in a new irrigation system, ensuring that Dainfern retains its beauty year-round.
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Some aspects of the estate have remained unchanged, David says. These include its emphasis on convenience: Dainfern still strives to provide everything residents could possibly require, including high-speed Wi-Fi in the clubhouse, restaurant, meeting rooms and conference facilities – a major boon for those international CEOs who need to do business while they’re here.
What Dainfern isn’t able to offer on site is available within close proximity. There are several hospitals just a short drive away, for example, while Dainfern Square takes care of shopping needs. Many residents choose to take advantage of buses that provide transport directly from their homes to schools such as the American International School.
This, together with the choice of properties on offer (starting at two and three-bedroom homes priced at R4.5 million to more substantial houses with a R20 million price tag), ensures that Dainfern Golf and Country Estate will remain on the buyer’s radar for many more years to come.
