KNOW YOUR ’HOOD
In each issue, Home Weekly brings you a closer look at a South African area or town. This week our spotlight falls on the secluded and charming Pretoria suburb of Nieuw Muckleneuk
NITTY-GRITTY
• Nieuw Muckleneuk nestles in the east of Pretoria. It lies on the way to Brooklyn and Waterkloof and is easily reachable via the Gautrain. • The pretty village-like suburb offers easy access to the city centre and the more established eastern areas of Pretoria. It has the reputation of being easily accessible yet wonderfully secluded. • George Walker, a Pretoria pioneer, purchased a portion of Elandspoort farm before the turn of the century and named the area after his family estate in Scotland, Muckleneuk (colloquial Scottish for “large corner or nook”). Nieuw Muckleneuk was laid out on an eastern part of the farm. • The close proximity of the picturesque Austin Roberts nature reserve, a national monument and home to more than 170 different species of birds, makes the suburb more sought-after. • Greater Muckleneuk is also famed for its number of historic, characterful dwellings built by renowned architects such as Gerhard Moerdyk and Herbert Baker. • The area is close to heritage sites such as the Voortrekker Monument, the Union Buildings and Freedom Park, as well as to Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria Zoo and the University of Pretoria. Nearby attractions include the popular Trim Park and Magnolia Dell in Groenkloof.
PRICE POINTS
The average house in Nieuw Muckleneuk costs about R2-million and is situated on a stand of between 1 000m2 and 1 200m2.
Young couples like the area because of its close proximity to top schools such as Courtney House and Crawford College. “However, in the last year, 80% of these properties were sold to companies,” says Wendy Hoffman of Seeff Properties.
Sectional-title sales, mainly to investors for rental purposes, total 43.57% of sales and mainly consist of smaller units of between 60m2 and 150m They are popular among young professionals and embassy personnel and sell for between R11 000 and R15 000 per square metre.
“The balance is sales in newer secure estates and complexes where the units are between 200m2 and 280m2 and sell for about R10 000 per square metre,” says Hoffman.
IN THE MARKET
Nieuw Muckleneuk is home to a diverse mix of people, including academics, researchers, diplomats from the many embassies in the area and other professionals.
“The area is a popular choice, especially with regard to accessibility to other popular areas like Hatfield as well as Brooklyn and Groenkloof. The Gautrain station and Ben Schoeman highway are within easy reach,” says Corli van Heerden of Seeff Properties.
“The suburb offers the perfect blend of residential choices, office space and entertainment.”
Muckleneuk is perceived as a special area – once settled there, most residents usually stay for life.