WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN, SUPPLIED
The country feel of Waterfall is one of the first things that drew resident Anique Broskie and her family to buy a stand in Waterfall years ago, followed by the safety and convenience of estate living.
“It’s an excellent place to raise children,” says the mother of three, and over the last few years many have agreed, adding to the incredible growth rate of this “mini city”.
Waterfall is seen as one of the largest property developments in South African history and is made up of mixed-use zones – residential, business, schooling, healthcare and lifestyle.
What’s really interesting about Waterfall, however, is the incredible variety of housing options it allows –secure residential estates, lifestyle estates, single-person housing, townhouses and duplexes, as well as retirement options for the elderly.
Modern, but without the restrictions of city life, the area and architecture is attractive and efficient, and while many of the homes can be seen as high-end, there are also opportunities for young singles to buy their first property.
Situated in what would have previously been referred to as Midrand, Waterfall is also quite central, both from the city centre and business areas, as well as destinations further afield such as Centurion. It’s peppered with safe housing, its own hospital and many schooling options as well as shopping centres and convenience services, which make it self-sufficient, despite its accessibility.
Schools
Since many young families choose Waterfall as their base, it’s little wonder the area boasts many great schooling options. An obvious choice for convenience would be Curro Waterfall Independent School, which caters to primary school learners and favours innovation as one of its core principles. Entrepreneurial skills and robotics are just some of the features of everyday school life.
Reddam House Waterfall Estate is another private option and is ideally situated in the heart of the original suburb. For those seeking a balance between quality and affordability, Pinnacle College strikes a happy medium – providing “mid-fee” private education while maintaining excellent tuition and extramural options.
Explore
A wealth of entertainment is not limited to Parkhurst and its surrounds. The fast developing area around Waterfall ensures new bars, restaurants and venues are popping up every month. For an easy Friday evening drink and nibble, pop into La Parada for Spanish tapas – the croquettes are particularly good.
If it’s a more significant occasion, however, Riboville at the Waterfall Equestrian Estate creates a feeling of luxury, matched with delicious food at the boutique hotel’s restaurant.
The churn of every day’s busy routine can make getting out and about for some fresh air difficult during the week. Luckily, the Waterfall estates afford their communities the security of early evening bike rides around the neighbourhood, dog walking in parks and even a night-time run for mom or dad.
If you’re not in an estate though, you aren’t denied easy access to the great outdoors. The Cradle of Humankind is closer than you think and avid cyclists and trail runners take to it in their droves on a weekend morning. Kids will be fascinated by the caves and fossils at Maropeng and thrill-seekers can enjoy whizzing through this special place on the Ama Zwing Zwing Zipline Tour.
Many Waterfall residents are real homebodies. This could have to do with a lot of beautiful house design and layout but it’s also as a result of the strong community ties that exist between neighbours – especially on the estates. Anique speaks with enthusiasm bout home entertaining, especially braaiing with her neighbours. With kids the same age and the safety
and convenience of just having to trot over the road to fetch a jacket or a toy, raising children and socialising in this community seems a real breeze for her family.
Safety, convenience, schools, new restaurants, the outdoors and a tight-knit community – there’s a lot to love in the family-oriented, warm and friendly space that is Waterfall!
We were looking for a safe, spacious estate-type development close to Sandton to raise our kids in. Waterfall was very new and exciting when we bought our first stand over 10 years ago. We’ll have been in this safe community for nine years this year! ANIQUE BROSKIE, RESIDENT
DEVELOPMENTS
- Waterfall Country Estate, The Precinct, The Sheds @ Waterfall, The Villas, Waterfall Crescent (Century Property Developments)
- Kikuyu and Polofields (Balwin)
- Ellipse Waterfall
- Waterfall Ridge (Craft Homes)
EXPERIENCE
- Bounce Waterfall: new-age trampoline playground, great for kids’ parties
- Waterfall Equestrian Estate: learn to ride or visit the magnificent Riboville Boutique Hotel
- Cradle of Humankind: Start Saturday off right with a cycle through this ancient and beautiful space
Ellipse Waterfall
EAT
- The Hussar Grill: excellent grill house for cold winter nights – try the ribs
- The Raj: The home of butter chicken curry!
- La Parada: nationwide, trendy Spanish tapas and cocktail bar
CONVENIENCE
- Virgin Active Waterfall: your workout covered, right on your doorstep
- Waterfall Corner: hand-selected stores and eateries, catering to general and specific must-haves
- Mall of Africa: everything Waterfall Corner doesn’t have, Mall of Africa Has
Kikuyu Waterfall
