Unrivalled lifestyle country homes close to the city

While the country is often seen as the ideal weekend escape from the madding crowd of city living, it is also becoming a sanctuary of choice for families wanting to enjoy a laidback way of life, in a beautiful setting.

Country lifestyle estates, such as the Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate and Monaghan Farm, a mere half hour’s drive from Fourways in Lanseria, appeal to buyers who are willing to pay premium prices for a country lifestyle or farm experience.

These two estates offer homes on large stands with plenty of open spaces, as well as vacant plots that enable buyers to build their own dream homes in the country, say Brenda Gilbert, Pam Golding Properties’ Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate specialist and Sharen Byren, Pam Golding Properties specialist for Monaghan Farm.

“They attract buyers from all walks of life, and appeal mostly to business owners, entrepreneurs and top company executives looking for a secure lifestyle with a strong community culture.”

Adds Gilbert: “The country offers a soothing and refreshing environment to raise a family, and the location – just a five minute drive to Lanseria International Airport – makes for easy commuting locally and to other African countries. “Sought-after Blair Atholl was ranked as one of the top three residential estates in Gauteng, along with Steyn City and Waterfall Equestrian Estate, and was also ranked as one of the top 10 golf estates in the country according to New World Wealth.”

Over a 10 year period, both Blair Atholl and Monaghan Farm have shown considerable price growth. Blair Atholl recorded growth of 144.0%, with a median price of R9 million – the highest in 10 years. Monaghan Farm grew by 233.8% with a median price of R6.5 million, according to New World Wealth.

Gilbert says at Blair Atholl, property value is determined by the position and quality of the home, with R14.275 million being the highest price achieved in the last 18 months. Property prices range from R6.5 million to R35 million, while stand prices are priced between R1.3 million to R3.4 million.

Appealing features of Blair Atholl include an 18-hole Gary Player signature golf course, the Gary Player Fitness Centre, an equestrian centre, a 48km mountain biking trail, as well as running and walking trails, fishing and birdwatching. Amenities include restaurants, tennis and squash courts, a health spa, and a yoga and Pilates studio. In addition, there is small game such as Springbok, Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck and Nyala.

Byren describes Monaghan Farm as an eco-estate that enables residents to experience life on a modern working farm. With its superlative security, residents have peace of mind to embrace country living, ideally located on the banks of the Jukskei River. Cyclists love the fact that Monaghan Farm offers a 33km Andrew Mclean Mountain Bike Track – Mclean is founder and co-owner of Cycle Lab, and is well-known in the South African road cycling and mountain biking industries. Other amenities include running and hiking trails, an equestrian centre, The Other Side Restaurant and two private schools – Curro Monaghan and Monaghan Montessori.

“This means that children can safely walk or cycle home from school – a major drawcard for working parents living on the estate. There are also excellent schools nearby including Broadacres Academy, Dainfern College, Heron Bridge College, Lonehill International Academy, Montessori School and Steyn City School among others,” says Byren. Most of the homes within Monaghan Farm rely on renewable energy, allowing for off-the-grid living, Byren adds. Rain water tanks, heat pumps and solar panels are visible throughout the estate. Buyers make a conscience decision to buy into the estate as they want to change their lifestyle and minimise their impact on the planet.

Monaghan Farm also appeals to young buyers, with Lightstone property data showing that a third of recent buyers (September 2018 to August 2019) were aged between 18 and 35 years old. Property prices range from R4.4 million for a 440m² home with four bedrooms, and can reach up to R18 million. Vacant stands measuring from 3 000m² to 4 000m² are selling for between R1.3 million to R2.4 million. In the last 18 months, Byren sold two homes in the estate for a record price of R8.8 million each.

Posted by Denise Mhlanga