Words: Georgina Guedes | Images: Ter Hollmann
Waterfall offers residents a work-life-play balance surrounded by nature, but with everything they might need right on their doorsteps.
Waterfall is a massive growth node to the north of Joburg, which has been established both as a lifestyle estate and as a new economic hub for Gauteng. The grounds incorporate Waterfall City, the new CBD where the Mall of Africa and various blue-chip companies including the new landmark PwC building are located, and a number of different residential estates and developments in lush, green surroundings, where work-life balance is paramount. These include Waterfall Country Estate, Waterfall Equestrian Estate, Kikuyu and The Polofields.
Servest, the largest, majority black-owned facilities-management company in Africa, also has its head office in Waterfall Park. “We chose Waterfall Park for its strategic position, as it is situated between Pretoria and Joburg and spans land on both sides of the N1 highway from Woodmead to the Allandale interchanges.
It therefore enjoys easy access from Pretoria, Sandton and Joburg,” says Steve Wallbanks, CEO, Servest. He adds that the Mall of Africa and the ever-expanding infrastructure, as well as the community of leading blue-chip and multinational businesses, all add to Waterfall’s appeal.
Property
Anna Vaulina, Showmax’s head of retention, customer experience and engagement, and her husband, Mike Stopforth, CEO, Cerebra, live in a house in one of the estates, which they share with their toddler, three dogs and a cat. Anna’s step-children also join them over the holidays.
She describes her family as “fresh off the boat”, having moved in only in October last year. “We had a beautiful house in a central suburb in Joburg which was very special to us, we even had our wedding in the garden. But the idea of the lifestyle that Waterfall could afford our family surpassed the sentimental attachments we had to our home.”
She says that Waterfall’s biggest lifestyle drawcard was that all the children play safely within the estate. “They’re free to ride to friends or to the play areas, to explore the nature trails on their own and not have a parent hovering over them all the time.”
She and her family often walk the dogs by the river and have picnics by the dam, without having to get into their cars. “Nature is literally on our doorstep and I love that we can hear jackals, owls and a wide range of other birdlife from our patio.”
Schooling
Waterfall is a self-contained community and within its borders are Curro Waterfall and Reddam Waterfall, which many children from the estate attend. Reddam House takes children from age one all the way to matric, and Curro offers Grade R to Grade 7. Anna points out that being situated between Sunninghill, Woodmead and Midrand, residents have access to a number of great schools.
“We have St Peter’s down the road, as well as other great schools in the Joburg Northern Suburbs. Our toddler loves her school and it’s a massive convenience for us, being just over a kilometre away from our home.”
Explore
Waterfall incorporates an equestrian estate for those who want to ride and stable their horses, but the outdoor lifestyle can just as easily be enjoyed by those on foot instead of hoof. Anna says she does a quick 7km morning loop along the river – which could easily be made longer without doubling up.
The area offers residents great shopping at the Mall of Africa, Waterfall Corner and Kyalami Corner, with Sandton City and other major shopping areas only 15 to 20 minutes away.
The Mall of Africa offers “retailtainment” – delivering add-on activities and special events to attract shoppers both from Waterfall and further afield. “By adding entertainment and event experiences to the retail mix, we’re attracting visitors from far and wide who want to see and be seen at Africa’s most impressive mall,” says events manager Nicola van Kan. “We hope to continue to be the chosen venue for some of Gauteng’s most important cultural, art and entertainment events.”
Anna and her family were drawn to the lifestyle that Waterfall offers its residents, and it certainly seems that they are making the most of the beautiful place in which they live.
“Having lived in many different areas in Joburg and the world, we love the proximity to nature, the safety for kids to run the streets without speeding cars and everything an estate lifestyle has to offer”
Anna Vaulina, resident
Eat:
- Remo’s Maximilliano: great breakfasts and hearty Italian meals
- Life Grand Cafe Mall of Africa: an extensive menu with options from all over the world
- Mythos Restaurant: delicious Greek cuisine
- Wasabi Restaurant: sushi and a range of other Japanese culinary delights
- Aurelie’s Cafe: ideal for vegetarians and wellness fanatics
- Kream: fine dining for dates and business meetings
- The Raj: delicious Indian food with a laid-back ambience
Hospitals:
- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital
- Netcare Waterfall City Hospital
- Life Carstenhof Hospital
- Midrand Medical Centre
Do:
- Enjoy some high-octane cardio fun at Bounce Waterfall.
- Check out the leading brands and fine dining at the Mall of Africa.
- Play a round of golf at the Leeuwkop Golf Club.
- Take the kids to the Lory Park Zoo in Midrand for some close encounters with wildlife.
- Visit Riversands, and indulge in the chicken pie that made the area famous.
Why should investors consider buying in Waterfall?
There really is no other estate like it – this has been confirmed at the last CNBC International Property Awards where Waterfall Estate was named the Best International Multipurpose Development. Located a mere 15km from the Sandton CBD, it has access to two major arterial highways as well as a Gautrain station, two private schools, and a top-notch commercial district. It also contains one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere. The Waterfall Estate is the only development where vacant land has been approved for 100% bonds, which illustrates the banks’ confidence in this investment.
Jessica Hofmeyr
Century Property Developments
011 300 8700
jessica@century.co.za
century.co.za
