WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN & GOOGLE MAPS
Over 1,200 homes strong, Dainfern is its very own municipality and offers a comprehensive lifestyle solution to residents. A mix of design styles, the estate is made up of clustered homes or villages with their own identities, allowing a wide variety of choice dependant on your specific living needs.
Mainly favoured by families, residents can choose between large homes with pools, garden space and multiple bedrooms. If a maintenance-heavy house sounds like a nightmare to you, there are also townhouse options to lock up and leave – all within the leafy, quiet oasis that’s this secure suburb.
There are 11 playgrounds scattered throughout the estate which makes entertaining energetic kids a real pleasure. Riding their bikes or walking the dogs to these open lungs is a worry-free experience, and allow for healthy socialising between neighbouring kids and parents.
World-class security was top of mind in the creation of this estate. Dainfern has 24/7 security and paramedic presence and a sophisticated access, camera and electric fencing system that ensures the privacy and safety of its residents.
Of course one of the biggest drawcards to the estate is the golf course. Designed by Gary Player, the course allows golf-lovers easy access to their passion, but also creates a sense of serenity in the estate – enhanced by the nature trails and club activities that take place in and around it.
Schools
The obvious choice for ultimate convenience in schooling would be Dainfern College, which caters to children from Grade 0 all the way through to matric and is located just outside the estate. Kids often walk, cycle or even golf-cart (from 16 years old) to the campus.
Another option is Heron Bridge College which is a Christian school that focusses on individual talents as well as life skills for children throughout their educational journey.
The American International School of Johannesburg is close by, and offers a co-ed environment for kids from grade 0 to 12, following the international teaching method.
Up the road, Reddam House Helderfontein offers a boarding facility for those who want to experience the hostel life and for greater convenience to parents.
Explore
The clubhouse in Dainfern offers all residents and their guests a plethora of options with which to be entertained. Boasting a fabulous restaurant (Six33 and Grill Room) for Sunday lunches and easy dinner fixes, bar and members lounge for a pre-meal drink, you can also use the various venues here for business lunches, meetings and personal celebrations.
A weekend is well spent with a cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over the course on a Friday night, followed by some easy, family-friendly chow.
Kick off Saturday morning with impromptu soccer on the oval with the kids, followed by your own “me-time” at the yoga or running club. Afternoons can include tennis, volleyball, squash or swimming in either of the two communal pools on hot afternoons. Send your partner off (or go together) to play 18 holes while you relax in your own tranquil garden or get together with neighbours for coffee on the clubhouse deck.
Community-centred events are a big part of the Dainfern lifestyle and there’s always something happening down at the Pavilion. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Days, Easter or Christmas and even Halloween, there’s something to see, experience, enjoy and even buy.
While a lot of people might argue that living in a gated community like Dainfern is a little Pleasantville, residents will vehemently disagree. It’s the security and insular living that allows for a sense of freedom and an escape from the bustle of Joburg. The opportunity to make real friends with neighbours, sleep with open windows, watch your kids enjoy the outdoors and never have to look over your shoulder, they assure me is enough to make them want to stay forever.
“The best thing about Dainfern is that you know your children are safe – or certainly safer than in an open suburb. There are plenty of parks and a great clubhouse with activities and a stunning restaurant. The lifestyle really allows kids to be kids.” TRACEY, RESIDENT
EXPERIENCE
- Montecasino: live shows, iceskating, restaurants and shopping, all under one star-studded roof
- Fourways Farmers’ Market: fun for the whole family during the day or an unusual date night for couples in the evening
- Estate activities: join the yoga, running or dance club, or choose between tennis, squash and bridge as a new hobby
EAT
- 011 By the Baron: the cosy pub setting serves as an excellent gathering spot for sports fans
- Col’Cacchio: a great spot for midweek dinner with the kids
- Nikos Pineslopes: heavenly Greek fare in a warm setting
CONVENIENCE
- Chartwell Stables: a riding school well situated close by to most schools and the estate
- Mediwell Dainfern Square Medical and Dental Centre: take a child-focussed CPR and first aid course here
- Dainfern Square: premium shopping centre offering pet shops, jewellery stores, a Woolies and more
