The Illustrious Waterfall Equestrian Estate - featuring Vivienne Holmes & Sakhile Shandu

Located in the picturesque setting of Waterfall City, a new exciting hub in Northern Johannesburg situated between Sunninghill and Kyalami is the Illustrious Waterfall Equestrian Estate. Home to some of South Africa's most affluent residences, this luxury lifestyle estate is most renowned for its wide stretches of green landscape and extensive manicured gardens. 

Among these are paddocks and a world-class riding arena specifically catered to its signature horse-riding culture shared among some homeowners. As such, this lush and luxurious terrain forms part of the estate's sustainable and integrated biodiversity and ecology. 

Waterfall Equestrian Estate is the centrepiece and benchmark for this unique form of green development which is quickly setting the trend for lifestyle estates throughout the country.

Water Equestrian Estate at a glance

Located at the entrance to this luxury estate sits the 16 suite Riboville Hotel which boasts a truly boutique experience. Known for its barn-like structure with a warm wooden and brushed steel interior design, the hotel carries a distinct equine theme and has received international accolades.

Beyond the hotel and towards the interior, this secure lifestyle estate hosts 120 immaculate properties with stands reaching 8,500 - 10,000 square meters each. Facilities and open spaces play host to over 63 horses and an abundance of bridle paths for scenic afternoon strolls throughout the estate. Beyond this, 12km dirt trails and routes provide ample adventure for horse riders, cyclists, runners and walkers and alike.

A total list of the estate communal facilities includes a fully kitted gymnasium, squash court, stables, horse jumping arenas, paddocks, and of course the boutique hotel with a day spa located on the property.

Agent Q&A - Vivienne Holmes and Sakhile Shandu

In order to achieve a true understanding of the lifestyle which details the luxury that  Waterfall Equestrian Estate has to offer, one needs to speak to an expert. Luckily, Hamilton's very own Sakhile Shandu is here to provide first-hand knowledge of the estate's most attractive and well-kept secrets.

Q: When touring this luxury lifestyle estate, what are the sort of homes one would expect to encounter?

A: You can expect to find some of the finest properties in Johannesburg on the market ranging from R23 million all the way up to our most recent listing asking R89 million. These vary in size with the average property size being between 8500m2 and 10 000m2. 

Most properties have an average of 1400m2 under roof with various architectural styles from Farmhouse, French classic to ultra-modern - mostly designed by renowned architects. The owners of these homes have, in most cases, spared no expense in ensuring quality, attention to detail, privacy, and most importantly, security. 

You can also expect to see ample space between each property - this is one of the core factors that set the Equestrian apart from other similar estates - your neighbours are miles away in every direction!

Q: Let's explore prices, what are the trends? 

A: House price trends within the estate have remained buoyant, although we have noticed prices offer significant value compared to prior years. Resales have been unprecedented with a 12% average return in the past 5 years. 

On our books, we have the bottom entry-level property asking R23 000 000 set on 8500m2 square meters of land and 1180m2 square meters under the roof to our most exclusive top-end listing asking R89 million set on 10323 square meters of land with an extraordinary 2734m2 square meters under roof. All of these homes are located strategically on stands that offer unparalleled views. They are also ideally positioned away from the boundary walls to limit the potential street noise.

Q: What features set Waterfall Equestrian Estate apart from other similar estates around the greater Johannesburg area?

A: First and foremost - security! People buy in the Equestrian because of the superior active security that the estate enjoys. You have a 24-hour armed response, access control, perimeter control, and separate internal security gates within the estate. 

The facilities are world-class, luxurious, and offer exclusivity like no other estate in the province. A boutique hotel and restaurant, a pool, gym, squash court, stables for 63 horses, a polo field, horse jumping arenas; 10 paddocks, scenic bridle paths along the Jukskei River, 12km of walking/biking trails and much more! 

What more can you ask for? - it's exactly what sets this estate apart from the rest! It also does not feature any smaller apartment blocks within the estate like others do - which can be perceived as a security risk in itself. World Class!

Q: What makes this estate great for young families? Are there any good schools in the nearby vicinity?

A: The estate is perfect for young families. Within and around the estate various family-orientated activities include the Waterfall Market; World of Golf; Putt-Putt; Dancing Shongololo; Indoor karting, Jungle Playpark, all located within a 5 - 10 km radius of the estate. 

Various options for schools include Reddam House Waterfall; Curro Waterfall and HeronBridge College together with a number of smaller nursery schools are nearby!

Q: In terms of lifestyle, what does Waterfall Equestrian Estate and surroundings offer residents?

A: Residents have access to a number of lifestyle activities including the Park Run which takes place every Saturday morning at 8 am, in addition to the 1.2 hectare Waterfall Park that features a choreographed musical fountain and the ability to have a picnic under a shady tree or book the park for your own private event. 

World of Golf is also situated nearby - designed by Gary Player, it features 12 different practice areas and 190 hitting bays! It even features a Gary Player Golf experience teaching academy.

Q: What are the nearby healthcare facilities like?

A: World Class! Just up the road, you have the 200 bed Netcare private hospital which has amongst other amazing features an international accredited bariatric surgery centre and a Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. 

Bodytech at Waterfall Wilds is also available and is specifically designed for those with tight schedules but still want to maintain that summer body. In addition to all these already amazing facilities, you have the 33 bed specialist Waterfall Frail Care Centre with specialist medical equipment and dedicated full time or part-time caregivers for residents who need assisted living services.

Q: What are some of the highlights of living here?

A: Large properties in a secure estate is a unique feature of living in Waterfall Equestrian Estate. Most estate living properties have small stands where one lives on top of your neighbours. This is not the case here, a large 2,5-acre garden gives one space, privacy, and sophistication all within a secure estate.

Q: What advice would you give to people looking to purchase property in Waterfall Equestrian Estate and its surroundings?

A: My first piece of advice would be to contact an agency that specialises in high-end properties such as Hamilton's Property Portfolio. We are able to provide you with honest and professional input and advice to ensure you purchase the home that is just right for you. 

I would also suggest people familiarise themselves with the technical aspects of owning a home within the Estate such as the 99-year leasehold agreement amongst other things to ensure that they are comfortable with the decision they are making at the end of the day. 

Lastly, take your time. Only Waterfall offers such exclusivity and as such - choose a property that matches the exact requirements your family needs and deserves! It's worth it!

Q: What effect has Covid had on people living and buying property here?

A: There hasn't been much of an impact primarily due to the large open spaces the estate offers. In fact, living within the estate presents a benefit in that your home is specifically designed to accommodate your every need. 

Be it a serene home office space environment or a large private garden allowing for fresh air and comfort even through the strictest of lockdowns. If that isn't enough, there is sufficient space around the estate to allow for long walks and runs to clear any COVID anxiety.

Q: What are your favourite aspects of Waterval Estate, personally?

A: The network of residents is my favourite. As a resident of the Estate, you have truly amazing neighbours who you may get to meet from time to time at various functions hosted within the estate. You get to connect with people from all walks of life! 

Another favourite is how central the estate is to everything. Whether you need to get to Sandton, Pretoria, or Clearwater, you are right in the centre of all these locations and you are able to access major routes fairly easily and quickly when required!

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/five-trending-comedy-specials-you-can-stream-right-now/

Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:

Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155

Cape Town: 021 418-0328 

Garden Route: 044 050 3295

Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787

Or email to reception@hamiltons.co.za