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Ideally positioned between Johannesburg and Pretoria and triangulated between Woodmead, Midrand and Kyalami lies a world desired by all but lived by only a few.
The Waterfall Residential Estate is fast emerging as the largest property development in South African history comprising a country estate and village as well as an equestrian estate and two mature lifestyle estates called Waterfall Hills and Waterfall Valley. The overall development was launched in 2006 by Century Property Developments who had wanted to offer clients an upmarket, secure and spacious lifestyle estate environment that sets a new standard in quality estate living and promotes an integrated live/work/play environment.
Unlike other developments, Waterfall is extraordinary in the sense that it is unaffected by the constraints of older developments and existing infrastructure. Instead the estate offers developers, planners and homeowners an opportunity to create what will eventually become a new green city, developed from a completely clean slate in accordance with contemporary urban design and approved planning principles.
Upon completion, there are expected to be more than 2 000 properties on the 640ha estate, housing more than 50 000 people in a variety of standard, greenbelt or prime riverfront stands. Convenience and comfort are at the centre of life here, and aside from the varied residential options, homeowners are spoilt for choice with the opportunity to enjoy 37km of walking and biking trails that meander through 300ha of greenbelt land along the riverside. There is a 5ha lake, a 5 000m² clubhouse with fully fitted gym and squash courts plus several training studios as well as a climbing wall. An upmarket restaurant and indoor children’s play area complete the recreational offerings.
Waterfall is intended to be an attractive, efficient, secure and accessible lifestyle option that is perfectly suited to every person – from single working professionals and young families to empty nesters and the elderly. It is for this reason that the developers have opted for the inclusion of several on-site business parks and five-star hotels as well as an already operational Netcare hospital and Reddam House and Curro private schools. Once completed, there will also be a cemetery, Gautrain stop and a petrol station as well as the already existing commercial and convenient retail centres like Waterfall Wilds, Waterfall Corner and Mall of Africa, the latter being the largest single-phase shopping mall in southern Africa.
A rider’s paradise
Forming the centre of the estate and sitting on a hilltop is the Waterfall Equestrian Estate, which houses stands that start from 8 500m². Flanked on either side by paddocks, an equestrian arena, and wide stretches of green landscaped grounds, this is most certainly a rider’s paradise and the love of horses even extends to the on-site Tintswalo Hotel, where the well-appointed suites are themed according to horse breeds.
The estate was the first of the series of residential sections to be developed and has facilities for equestrian shows, as well as stables, veterinary and tack rooms, a show jumping and lunging arena as well as a training track and dressage arenas.
A stringent set of hygiene controls has been implemented and maintained at the stable block to provide a consistent level of enjoyment for all residents. Safety is paramount, especially for an estate of this scale. A combination of thermal imaging and optical cameras with built-in analytics allows the specialist security team to monitor movements in and around the estate, while the 27m perimeter wall is enforced with concrete and electric fencing.
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‘Aside from the enviable lifestyle option, Waterfall has also become a sought-after investment opportunity, with clients seeing unprecedented returns on their property values,’ comments Brian Hickson, Principal of Jawitz Midrand. The smallest units start from a competitive R 4 million for a 150m² unit, while larger stands of approximately 8 000m² are being sold from R 22 million to as high as well over R 50 million. The Sheds is the perfect option for those wanting to be a part of this city within a city but who are unable to commit to a long-term purchase. Comprising 72 freestanding lock-up-and-go units consisting of three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom homes ranging from 195m² to 270m² with well-appointed finishes and designer fittings, The Sheds has its own clubhouse with swimming pool, and clusters are available only for rent from R 25 000 to R 28 000 a month on a long- or short-term rental basis.
In keeping with their vision to be ecologically sensitive to the local landscapes, the developers are keen to showcase their impeccable attention to detail and desire to create a green city with a contemporary urban feel and surrounded by nature. Architectural design guidelines have been expertly developed with industry specialists to provide a controlled design theme that secures the integrity of the estate and long-term property values while still retaining freedom of expression. Waterfall has quickly become the premier development in southern Africa and a preferred address for people who value a full and varied lifestyle and have a love of horses.
