SCHONENBERG ESTATE DESIGNED FOR THE PROPERTY INVESTOR
When conceptualising and developing a residential estate, the team behind the creative project should always have the investor and homeowner in mind. The end-goal being to satisfy all the residents’ needs and desires.
The conceptualisation of a sought-after residential address in South Africa should revolve around many factors, including the lifestyle aspirations of the purchasers who would wish to live there. For example, an estate fashioned for those who seek a certain quality of life; a sound property investment; and one which will yield capital growth in the future. This approach necessitates a proper business and teamwork approach to create the estate’s future.
It is evident that when it comes to delivering an excellent return on investment as well as a quality lifestyle, superior to many other residential estates in the country, Schonenberg Estate ticks all the boxes. The developers may congratulate themselves on their well-conceived project judging by the satisfaction and enjoyment of those who are fortunate enough to live there now.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
One of the Western Cape’s prime property developments, Schonenberg Estate is located in Somerset West between the False Bay ocean and the Hottentots-Holland and Helderberg mountain ranges. The Helderberg Basin offers a combination of nature and urban life. It provides a desirable residential gateway to the Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula, with its world-renowned Table Mountain.
Located a stone’s throw from the coastline with its sandy beaches and surrounded by orchards, farmlands and vineyards, this popular address has from the onset attracted many high-end, local and foreign investors. Lying close enough to Cape Town to experience the hustle and bustle of life but slightly away in a more tranquil environment, the Schonenberg Estate is perfectly positioned for an exceptional property promise.
VALUED PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Set in an award-winning landscaped environment, this lifestyle estate has been developed to be safe, well run and feature all the conveniences of modern living, without compromising on its historical rural location in the Helderberg. Offering many unique opportunities including plots, group residential sites, large single residential homes, and a sophisticated retirement village, the Schonenberg Estate caters for anyone seeking valued property investment and a superior lifestyle.
SCHONENBERG’S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
This access-controlled estate was designed for investors who not only expect the best in security but who also enjoy embracing every aspect of their surroundings. The design philosophy of Schonenberg Estate is based on the creation of a residential complex where you can live, relax and walk safely out of your home in a secure landscaped environment surrounded by natural beauty.
It was the unique, well-planned layout and seamless incorporation of the building structures into the surrounding historical agricultural landscape that gained this estate an award for landscape design. All homes are constructed according to strict architectural guidelines. Although neighbouring properties are close, they are juxtapositioned for privacy, and the neutral colour palette reflects the beauty of the Cape.
The main design elements relate to the subdivision of farmland through tree lines and werf walls and the need to define boundaries between public and private spaces within the estate. This regional landscaping concept responds to the climate, topography, human scale and street plan. It creates a unique character that promotes a physically and socially-positive living environment.
MAINTENANCE OF COMMON PROPERTY
The Common Property, meaning the 60 hectares of landscaped areas – the entrances, parks, street gardens and 5 km of walking paths around the perimeter – is maintained by a landscaping contractor. Estate management is committed to enhance and sustain the landscaped areas and natural ecosystems to achieve environmental sustainability. The wetland areas consist of two holding dams and the Seep, which was awarded conservation status in 2005. An on-site nursery supports the upkeep of the landscaped areas with the propagation and cultivation of indigenous and water-wise endemic species, and there is a composting facility.
SAFE PLAYGROUND AND ECO-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
All these public open spaces and conservation areas make the Schonenberg Estate a perfectly safe playground for children to run around and explore, as well as ideal for senior residents to enjoy daily exercise by stretching their legs outdoors. The eco-friendly environment attracts the most varied and beautiful insect and birdlife, which can be spotted while taking in the fresh air on a morning or afternoon walk around the estate.
CONVENIENT LIFESTYLE FOR PROPERTY INVESTORS
Property investors seek residential establishments which create convenience: meaning they are located where amenities are within easy reach. Where leisure and fun activities don’t require driving long distances and their basic needs are satisfied within minutes of getting into their car.
Within a short distance, residents can take advantage of a plethora of upmarket restaurants and shopping centres. The estate is situated right next to Waterstone Village shopping centre, boasting a flagship Woolworths that has won awards for its retail concept.
Nearby is Somerset Mall, a large, modern centre which has everything a shopper could need. Some of the best private schools in the country can be found in the vicinity; as well as churches of all denominations and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Residents can access Somerset West’s centre or the university town of Stellenbosch easily, and they can reach Cape Town International Airport in 20 minutes or Cape Town’s city centre in 30 minutes driving via the N2 freeway.
Furthermore, investors can take pleasure in the panoramic views of the Helderberg mountains and the sweeping coastline of False Bay.
SECURITY FOR PEACE OF MIND
The developers designed Schonenberg Estate for investors who expect the highest level of security for their peace of mind. Each security measure, from perimeter surveillance devices which are controlled on-site, to visible on-the-ground operated security, plays its role. In combination, they are so efficient that no wonder Schonenberg Estate has been named “the best-selling security development in Somerset West”.
Furthermore, in 2017 there was a significant infrastructure upgrade on Schonenberg Estate with a comprehensive Fibre To The Home (FTTH) installation providing broadband services to the private properties and administration offices within the estate. The fibre optic communications path enables several services to residents, such as data, voice, video and intercom. An internal telephone system provides free intercommunication between individual residences, the HOA office, and the security offices at the Main Gate and the Waterstone Gate.
A DIVERSE MIX OF INVESTORS
The lifestyle estate has attracted a diverse mix of investors: either the investor seeking a plot of land to build their own dream house from scratch; or the investor looking for a completed home to accommodate their young family for many years to come. There are also opportunities for the investor looking to buy-to-let. This type of property offers a good rental return with long-term tenants (there is no lease of property for periods of less than six months).
Schonenberg offers vacant plots and homes with many bedrooms, spacious lounges, large kitchens and family-orientated design elements. The property buyer can choose from a selection of upmarket houses offered by the estate’s preferred real estate agents.
All of these investor-driven creations, designs and amenities truly make for quality family living, which validates Schonenberg Estate’s motto: “The way family living was intended to be…”
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The foundation of a sought-after estate is laid with the initial conceptualisation. However, in a competitive environment, serious investors want to see evidence of a practical business-like approach to managing the estate.
Beyond strategic and sound financial planning, the following requisites are integral to the management of the Schonenberg Estate:
- The recognition and application of agreed values, i.e., teamwork, relationships, communication, transparency and respect;
- The forming of special interest committees, including a Community Development Committee, to assist in the running of the estate and support the elected trustees and the HOA management team achieve targets;
- Preventative asset management, maintenance and information system is the cornerstone for a long-term asset replacement and financial reserve strategy;
- A teamwork approach – mandatory for HOA staff and service providers – is supported by visual management, formalised problem-solving, continuous improvement and best practices;
- Security and landscaping service providers take ownership for the provision of cost-effective, value-adding services;
- Regular communication with residents keeps them informed and motivated to contribute to the building of the Schonenberg community.
Finally, a well-thought-through Constitution (2016) forms the baseline for all decision-making on the estate.