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Image credit: Brettenwood Estate
One of the most lavish indulgences of living on a lifestyle estate is the low-density living that often comes with the added perk of beautiful scenery. From rolling hills, dense forests, magnificent wine valleys and untouched coastal splendour, South African residential estates offer some of the most exquisite views and walking trails the world has to offer.
Below we look at which estates are worth their weight in walking trail gold. (While each listed estate deserves a spot on this list, they are by no means the only estates that have incredible trails to ramble down, but they come high on our list of recommendations).
Aspen Nature Estate- Rietfontein, Gauteng
Aspen Nature Estate is a secure premier estate located just south of Johannesburg. In fact, it has been recognised as the “jewel of the South” for its lush, tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
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The estate is adjoining the Klipriversberg Nature Reserve, and residents have the added advantage of enjoying all the majestic scenery of the reserve. It has a 6,5km walking trail that has a decent incline earning it a “medium” rating on the difficulty scale if you are a sporadic weekend rambler.
Brettenwood Estate – Salt Rock, Kwa-Zulu Natal
With its incomparable views of the ocean and stunning canopies of coastal trees, Brettenwood Estate is one of the most spectacular coastal estates South Africa has to offer. There are wooden decks snaking their way through the vegetation and wetlands where you can escape from everyday life among the birds and small wildlife that inhabit the area.
There are kilometres of walking trails that wind their way around the estate, which has a perfect “zero-breach status” as far as safety and security are concerned. Additionally, there is a seemingly endless expanse of beautiful coastline to explore, making it one of the most spectacular estates for traipsing through.
Belvidere Estate- Knysna, Western Cape
Belvidere Estate is situated next to one of the best trail spots in the country, and many weekend trailers often find themselves enjoying the hills just above the estate. With expansive indigenous parkland and the lagoon’s edge gently lapping at its feet, Belvidere Estate has everything you would need to enjoy a little time outdoors.
The Rutherford Walk is a 4km trail from the jetty, in and out of mostly indigenous trees and shrubs with intermittent vistas of Knysna across the lagoon. The trail was designed with dog owners in mind, as there are several stations where you can find doggie waste bags for your convenience.
Pinnacle Point Estate- Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Pinnacle Point Estate is not only an award-winning golf course, but they also have several scenic trails winding their way in and around the estate and have just been awarded Heritage Site status thanks to its beautiful caves that revealed the presence of Middle Stone Age civilization.
Let us not forget the arresting beaches that Pinnacle Point Estate boasts that are located at Oyster Bay and Eden Bay. Additionally, Pinnacle Point also caters to our mountain biker friends who like to hit the trails for a relaxing bike ride.
Zevenwacht Country Estate- Kuils Rivier, Western Cape
Set among the noble vineyards of the Western Cape, Zevenwacht Country Estate sits next to Zevenwacht Wine Estate, which allows you to enjoy all the splendour the wine regions have to offer.
With access to Zevenwacht’s 84 hectares of undeveloped farmland available for horse riding, biking and hiking, Zevenwacht Country Estate residents are spoilt for space to ramble. There are three different trails of varying difficulty and length. You can rest assured that they are some of the most beautiful trails in the country.
In Conclusion
Lifestyle estates have become so much more than gated communities with pretty gardens, and the number of developments that have incorporated nature and outdoor activities into their aesthetic is one of the unique characteristics that makes South African estate living so luxurious.
From rolling hills adorned with stunning vineyards and large expanses of pristine beachfront to lush forests and the African bush, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy all the comforts of luxury living nestled in the majesty of nature’s bosom.
