Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe Images: Supplied & Google Maps
Roodeplaat Dam, about 25km to the north-east of Pretoria central, was constructed in the mid-1950s to supply surrounding rural land owners of water. Today, this dam is the main source of potable water to numerous surrounding townships, suburbs and industries.
This development led to the proclamation of a beautiful nature reserve and the establishment of a well-known recreational resort. It also triggered development of many sought-after residential estates on its banks and in the pristine surrounding African bushveld.
Although located on the quiet far-flung outskirts of the city, Roodeplaat is within easy access of Sefako Makgato Drive (previously Zambesi) connecting Roodeplaat to the town of Cullinan in the east, Mamelodi to its south and the N1 and well-established, north-eastern suburbs like Montana and Wonderboom to its west.
The Roodeplaat region with its many game farms, tree-filled smallholdings, charming wedding venues, beautiful lodges and friendly bush pubs also boasts an established infrastructure in terms of basic amenities. These include excellent primary schools, a high school, churches, a police station and several local shopping complexes. With its wealth of tourism attractions, magnificent scenery and welcoming community, Roodeplaat attracts weekend visitors, holiday homeowners and permanent residents from all over Gauteng.
Property
The real estate mix in the Roodeplaat region is diverse and wide-ranging. Properties on the market include vacant land, developed small holdings, farms, commercial properties like wedding venues, and guesthouses, as well as residential properties.
Currently trending is a relaxed lifestyle in an eco-, wildlife or golf estate of which the prestigious Sable Hills Waterfront Estate on the banks of the Roodeplaat Dam is probably the most prominent. The estate comprises high-end luxury properties with exquisite views over the dam and natural surroundings, a restaurant, pool, tennis courts, gym and water sport facilities.
Adjacent to this estate is the Pebble Rock Golf Village with its beautiful 18-hole golf course and elegant homes offering a lifestyle of note in the countryside. Living in Leeuwfontein Estate, also fronting on the dam, is like living on a 1ha game farm of your own. Game roaming freely in the estate include impala, zebra, kudu and blue wildebeest.
Roodepark Eco Estate and Zambezi Manor Lifestyle Estate are both security estates situated a little bit further away from the dam, but still tucked away from the big city stresses. “Roodeplaat is a lovely area to live in. It feels like living on a farm but still close to everything one needs,” says resident Lizelle Coetzer. Gerald John McMaster agrees and says one of the aspects he loves most is the close-knit community and goodwill of the people of the area.
Schools
Curro Roodeplaat Independent School is located in the heart of Roodeplaat near most of the estates and farms in the area. The school offers co-educational, parallel-medium education from Grade R to Grade 12.
Curro Roodeplaat prides itself in maintaining small classes which allow better control and individual attention. Pre-school as well as aftercare facilities are also available, and a bus service is offered.
Laerskool Kameelfontein boasts a proud history of 106 years of quality education in this area. The school achieves excellent results on all levels – academic, sports and culture.
Laerskool Die Poort is situated in the western parts of Roodeplaat and is well-known for its serene, farm-like atmosphere even though the school currently has close to 1,000 learners. Secondary schools close to Roodeplaat include Hoërskool Montana and Hoërskool Overkruin while many learners are also shuttled to various other schools in the neighbouring suburbs.
Play
With the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve as the main recreational attraction, water sports enthusiasts and anglers flock to the shores of the dam on weekends. This recreational area caters for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking.
Roodeplaat is also home to the well-known Roodeplaat Rowing Club. Golfing opportunities are rife with the Pebble Rock golf course as well as Cullinan Golf Club in the vicinity.
The nature reserve and game farms are ideal for birding and game viewing, while several health spas in the area can assist in rejuvenating body, soul and mind. Visit an animal play farm with the kids or take a stroll through one of the many green nurseries in the area.
We have found peace here, we found our souls. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city where our children can still be children. Our hearts are here, and we’ll never move to another area. This is where we can just enjoy being ourselves.
Marthie Rossouw, resident
Shop
- Spar Roodeplaat
- Derdepark Shopping Complex
- Tshwane China Mall
- Zambezi Retail Park
- Kolonnade Shopping Centre
Eat
- Gabatta Lodge Restaurant: fine dining in a bushveld setting
- Granita Restaurant: great food and wine at the posh Kievits Kroon Estate
- Die Weskus Mossel Zambesi: Al fresco seafood restaurant, open Friday to Sunday
- Otterlake German Restaurant: casual countryside setting, live shows
- Bushman’s Rock: perfect for the whole family
See:
- Works of art by Eduan Joubert and other selected artists at Roodeplaat Art Gallery
- The nearby historic mining town of Cullinan
- Antiques and collectables at Provance Antiques
- The lion camp at Mahala View
- Game and various species of birds at the many game lodges in Roodeplaat
