WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER
These three Pretoria East suburbs form a beautiful green belt of neighbourhoods bordering on both sides of the N4 (Emalahleni) highway, from the N1/N4 interchange to just pass the Watermeyer off-ramp, with the Moreleta Spruit as its eastern border.
This cluster of residential areas is thus divided into a northern part which is picturesquely set on the hilly ridge left of the N4 East overlooking the lower tree-filled parts south of the N4. Being surrounded by a wealth of natural features like the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, the Moreleta Spruit, exquisite vegetation and the Skuilkrans Kopje nearby, these neighbourhoods are sought-after for their beautiful scenery, serene atmosphere and central location to the main arteries as well as all necessary amenities.
The area is served by the nearby Silverton Police Station, it’s not far from Life Wilgers Hospital, there are many good schools in the area, and the University of Pretoria is also close by – Brummeria, Lydiana and Val de Grace are the perfect suburbs to call home.
Property
The real estate market in these three suburbs is as diverse as its population and asking prices range from on average about R900,000 to R3m+.
Properties higher up on the ridge in all three suburbs are generally more expensive for their picture-perfect views, wooded terraced gardens and size. These range from a few apartment blocks, several townhouse complexes and many large family dwellings in secure estates.
There are a few colossal multi-million-rand properties on the market suitable for extended families, guesthouses or other commercial purposes. Properties on the southern side of the highway as a rule have large spacious stands and traditional homes in entrance-controlled areas.
Schools
St Paulus Pre-Primary and Primary School in Brummeria is highly respected by the community and follows a Dominican vision and education policy. Laerskool Die Krans in Val de Grace has since its establishment as an independent preparatory school in 2004 grown into a modern primary school forming an integral part of the community.
Laerskool Skuilkrans and Laerskool Meyerspark Primary in the neighbouring suburbs of Murrayfield and Meyerspark respectively, are public schools offering mainstream education to learners of all surrounding areas including Brummeria, Lydiana and Val de Grace. Lynnwood Ridge Primary School is another credible public school serving these areas.
The high school located closest to these suburbs is The Christian Brothers’ College, Mount Edmund, a private Roman Catholic college, offering quality education to both boys and girls.
As far as public high schools are concerned, parents have the opportunity of enrolling their high school learners at either Willow Ridge High School or Hoërskool Die Wilgers situated in the nearby suburb of Die Wilgers.
Many residents also opt for their children to attend the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria. The school is independent, located in Die Wilgers, and offers education in both English and German streams for children from preparatory phase up to Grade 12.
PRETORIA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Explore
Brummeria borders on the magnificent Pretoria National Botanical Garden. This beautiful 76ha parkland is home to many small animal species and an abundance of birdlife. Visitors can explore the rich diversity of indigenous fauna and flora as well as the many themed, developed gardens, an arboretum, herbarium, biodiversity centre, tea garden and restaurant and a huge open-air picnic area. The garden regularly hosts live music events, parkruns and a banting market every first Saturday of the month.
Also worth visiting is the Pioneer Museum a few kilometres to the north of the botanical garden. Main attractions here are Pretoria’s oldest standing building, the 1848 House.
Another popular venue is Die Blou Hond dinner theatre – the place to be if you love music performances, good food, and a lively atmosphere with singing waiters and all.
Situated only a few blocks further south is Atterbury Theatre in the trendy Lynnwood Bridge complex with its pleasant restaurants. A little further afield is the renowned Menlyn Park Centre and the trendy Menlyn Maine development where the Sun Arena Time Square and Time Square Casino are located.
I live here because it’s close to my place of work as well as everything else that we need daily. We enjoy the peacefulness of the neighbourhood, too. AISHA SIBANDA, BRUMMERIA RESIDENT
SHOP
- Watermeyer Park Shopping Centre: local convenience
- Silverwater Crossing: daily needs and grocery shopping
- Menlyn Park: comprehensive shopping close by
- Lynnwood Bridge: lots of restaurants and specialty shops
- Lynnridge Mall: variety of clothing shops and chain retailers
EAT
- Dros Silverwater Crossing: grill restaurant
- Milkplum Café, Pretoria Botanical Gardens: tea garden and restaurant
- Le-Si Restaurant, Casa Toscana Lodge: delectable menu
- Mimmo’s Watermeyer Park: go Italian
- La Madeleine: fine dining
SLEEP
- The Bushbaby Inn: great hospitality under shady trees
- Ely’s B&B: close to CSIR
- Tamboti Lodge: stylish guesthouse
- The Falling Feather Inn: upmarket guesthouse
- Casa Toscana Lodge: well-known favourite
PLACECOL SKIN CARE CLINIC
