SOUTHDOWNS HAS WHAT IT TAKES
The best of estate living
HAVING earned a reputation for raising the bar in estate living over the years, Southdowns Estate’s final phase looks set to seal its status as an iconic trendsetter.
Situated in Irene, Centurion, Southdowns Estate occupies land that originally formed part of the neighbouring 117-year-old Irene Dairy Farm. Far from being a peripheral element however, pockets of the dairy’s land were incorporated into Southdowns, the upshot of which is that dairy cows now roam the estate. And therein lies the appeal Jack Prentice, MD of Southdowns Management Services (SMS) says.
“Arguably one of the primary reasons Southdowns originally stood out from other developments is because it offered a unique, farm-like lifestyle. Residents can also directly access the dairy that now boasts an appealing farm shop and eateries set amid the original farm buildings and beautiful old oak trees.”
The architectural style employed also appealed greatly to Southdowns’ first buyers says Prentice.
Red and grey chromadek roofs, earth tones, rectangular forms, stone walls and farm-style elements were incorporated into the estate’s “palette ” from the beginning. These elements are still being successfully carried through to new projects at the estate today.
Approximately 380 freehold plots were released via Southdowns’ first phase which was officially launched in 2005. According to Prentice the first phase met with considerable success with the majority of the plots being sold within weeks of being made available to the market.
The first freehold plots (that measured between 980 and 3000sqm) were originally sold at between R600 000 and R2m. According to Prentice, the average Southdowns freehold stand now sells for approximately R1.8m and completed houses sell for around R4m. The highest price achieved to date for a Southdowns freehold home is R8.5m.
About 50 sectional title townhouses called “The Lofts” were also launched in the first phase. These measure between 126sqm and 280sqm and typically feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gas braai and under-floor heating.
High end finishes come standard and some units offer pools. Current Lofts prices start at R1.7m.
Prentice explains that these units have proven particularly popular with buy-to-let investors who lease them out at between R9 000 and R17 000pm.
In October 2011, Southdowns launched its final phase which is being rolled out in several ‘ sub ’ phases. The first sub phase comprised 73 freehold stands which have now sold out.