The Islands Estate is an upmarket estate on the banks of the stunning Hartbeespoort Dam. Spread over 102 hectares, the property that was originally developed as a marina is also referred to as South Africa’s Inland Riviera.
About the Hartbeespoort Dam area
Many urbanites are now choosing to make the area their permanent home and commute to the city, and it’s easy to see why.
The dam built in a gorge cutting through the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains, 35km west of Pretoria has become the main water recreation area for Gauteng residents. The area has plenty to offer, from a host of outdoor activities to the most incredible views. On weekends, the road over the dam which still boasts the beautiful original gatehouse, old bridge and a 56,6m tunnel carries masses of bikers and motorists flocking to their weekend paradise in the countryside.
Rerceational activities on offer include hot-air ballooning, river rafting, abseiling, zip-lining, quad biking, 4x4s, mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. You can also enjoy kayaking, water-skiing, jet-skiing, fishing, golfing, windsurfing and visiting the cheese, strawberry and olive farms. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Farm, the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkey Sanctuary, Snake and Reptile Park, Owl Rescue Centre, or explore the many pubs, restaurants, spas, art galleries and food and craft markets.
Hartbeespoort was always seen as a weekend getaway, but recently it has attracted a lot more permanent residents. People wanting to get out of the city, avoid crime and traffic congestion have moved out to the peaceful surroundings of Hartbeespoort. As there are schools, medical facilities and practioners, retail outlets, restaurants and a large variety of recreational activities to pursue, the area has become even more attractive to property buyers.
About The Islands Estate
The estate consists of beautifully designed homes set amongst a system of canals which stretches for kilometres. With islands and jetties to accommodate boats the estate is a water lover’s dream. Built with keeping the environment in mind, an effort was made to protect the indigenous trees and many were successfully transferred to nearby parkland. There is an incredible amount of space for residents with a massive 8 hectare park set aside as a communal area for them to socialise in.
Adjoining a huge park is a sports oval and terraced amphitheatre and on the other side there are three beautiful dams with connecting streams through which water is circulated continuously. Walking trails have been created through the park and between stands ensuring that green belt expanses were retained. Beautiful landscaping and Brick pathways give the area a lot of character.
The estate is perfect for those that love walking or running with numerous roads, paved sidewalks with lawned verges around the estate for them to enjoy. A small population of Springbok has taken up residence at The Islands Estate Hartbeespoort and birdlife has since completion of the canal and wetland increased considerably. The estate provides and maintains its own water needs and purifies its waste water that ultimately gets re-used for irrigation.
The Island Estate in Hartbeespoort has numerous facilities that the residents can enjoy. There is a clubhouse with two tennis courts, the mashie golf course and the chess garden. Also available is a swimming pool and juice bar. There is a sports oval which will serve as a venue for cricket, soccer, rugby and softball and an adjoining terrace which can be used for social events and shows.
With 6 kilometers of navigable water on the estate, boating is obviously a big drawcard for residents. Kids are well-catered for with many gazebos and children’s play centres sprees across the estate. The estate also hosts the Extra Mile Canal event which has been included in the South African swimming calendar and forms part of the elite swimming events held annually by Swimming South Africa.
Types of properties and different price ranges on this Estate
There are 2 separate developments, Baybridge Canal and I'Bali, that form part of the larger Islands Estate and they consist of 168 full title stands and 54 section title stands respectively.
There is a good selection of property that ranges in price from around R700 000 for a vacant plot to R13 million for a 5 bedroom house. Flats and apartments can be purchased for an average sales price of R2 950 000, and the average price for townhouses is R1 900 000
The Islands Estate is hugely popular with both the second home market and permanent residents. The awesome quality of life on offer is hugely appealing to buyers and there is an abundance of amenities in the area. The fact that it is just 30 minutes or so by car from a major city is the cherry on top for many.