WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN
Buzzing with bars and restaurants, parks and schools, businesses and even equestrian facilities, Fourways has something for people of all stages of life.
As a result of all these options, whatever it is you’re looking for in terms of residential space is guaranteed to be provided. The area is an enormous district created from a clutch of suburbs – including Lonehill, Magalies View, Fourways the suburb, Norscot, Norscot Slopes, Beverley, Broadacres, Bryanston Ext 34, and Craigavon, among other smaller subsections.
Property
Originally a 245ha game and residential farm, the area is now one of the fastest developing spaces in the northern parts of Joburg.
To cater to this growing demand, you’ll find all kinds of housing here. Apartments and duplexes are popular, especially as the lock-up-and-go culture continues to flourish and larger standalone houses for older families are also popular. Most of the buildings in Fourways are either new developments, boasting modern finishes and convenient facilities, or structures from the 70s and 80s. These gems pose DIYers a wonderful challenge to renovate and realise their dream homes in a reasonably affordable manner.
Schools
If Fourways had to be marked down on anything, it would be traffic, says resident Kira. “The traffic is a killer. We leave extra early and gym close to work to avoid the chaos. Not ideal to drop kids at school I wouldn’t think.”
That said, there are options in Fourways for schooling, as well as on route to the larger Sandton area. Fourways Academy Pre-School and Primary cater to little ones right on your doorstep, as does Fourways High School. A little further afield in Bryanston you’ll find the reputable Bryandale and Bryneven Primary Schools, as well as Bryanston High and private school St Stithians which caters to both day scholars and boarders.
Explore
One thing you’ll never be in Fourways is bored. Given its size and rate of expansion, there’s a new spot to eat, drink or be entertained on virtually every corner. Monte Casino is the obvious go-to for live shows and window-shopping and offers a great escape for kids (and parents!) during the holidays with various activities and performances.
The Bird Gardens at Monte are said to be one of Joburg’s best kept secrets and the only initiative of its kind in Africa. Here you and the kids can discover a world of exotic birds, small animals and reptiles just a hop skip and a jump from the mall. If an organic experience is what you’re after, Fourways Farmers’ Market is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning with delicious treats and often live music – but get there early to get parking.
The Lindt Chocolate Studio can be found in the Design Quarter, just up the road from the casino. Learn to work with chocolate and create your own divine masterpiece in just an afternoon here – it’s a great holiday treat for kids or an unusual birthday gift for someone with a sweet tooth.
Pineslopes Boulevard is the place to be for a festive Saturday afternoon. Choose between Beerhouse, Salsa Mexican Restaurant, Doppio Zero or Nicoz Coalgrill Greek for a wide variety of food offerings. Should you want a later evening distraction, Pineslopes is also home to the famous Stones Pool Bar and Billy The Bum’s.
The newly renovated Fourways Mall is conveniently situated in the centre of the area and has virtually every retail category covered here – from Apple Store to Burger King and everything in between.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Norscot Koppies Nature Reserve in nearby Douglasdale where twice a month the public can walk the trail and bird-watch. Northern Farm Reserve also caters to hikers and walkers, and the more adventurous can take in the bush from the saddle. Aspiring golfers of any age can be taught in the exciting and convenient Adventure Golf which also provides package lessons and fun days for birthdays and team building.
Fourways is the ideal place to bring your full, energetic and adventurous lifestyle to reality – if you can put up with the traffic but couldn’t bear a boring suburb, this one is for you.
Fourways is always busy, traffic jams on a Saturday are real! But along with all the business are loads of cool people. I’ve made some awesome friends in my street, at the gym and even at the dog park. KIRA, RESIDENT
EXPERIENCE
- Monte Casino: a wealth of entertainment – from live shows to restaurants and gambling
- Life Day Spa: excellent spot for an afternoon’s indulgence
- Kingfisher Dog Park: intimate dog park where dogs can be exercised on or off the leash (if well socialised)
EAT
- Tiger’s Milk: buy-one-get-one-free drinks specials every day between 17:00 and 19:00
- Papa Pronto: excellent takeaway spot, even the salads are top class!
- Copper Lake: great Saturday spot for craft beers and catch-ups
CONVENIENCE
- Exec Nails: reasonable prices and efficient gel manicures
- Pineslopes Centre: a great mix of retail stores, bars and restaurants all in one space
- Life Fourways Hospital: full service medical centre well situated for easy access
