Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe | Images: Rene Walker
The township of Lyttelton was already marked out on the original farm south of Pretoria in 1904. In the early 1940s, Lyttelton Manor extension, bordering Air Force Base Waterkloof in the east, followed. To this neighbourhood’s west lies a cluster of agricultural smallholdings known as Die Hoewes.
Today these three suburbs form the far north-eastern corner of the sprawling metropolis of Centurion boasting a desirable location between Gauteng’s N14 and N1 highways, as well as comfortable access to the R21 and OR Tambo International Airport.
The area is completely self-sustained. There’s a wealth of educational and medical facilities, the neighbourhood has its own library, clinic, police station, post office and churches and is also known for its eateries, coffee shops, pubs and clubs.
Despite being home to modern developments like the Gautrain Centurion station, super-regional Centurion Mall, the Netcare Unitas Hospital, SuperSport Park and contemporary office blocks, the area’s tranquil countryside look and feel have been marvellously preserved.
Property
The residential segments in Lyttelton and Lyttelton Manor are known for their traditional full title homes on large stands with leafy gardens. A number of these older properties have recently made way for compact modern homes, with some stands and plots being subdivided for smaller units.
Neighbouring Die Hoewes has since transformed into a vibrant upscale neighbourhood primarily consisting of sectional title developments such as apartments and townhouse complexes. The convenient lock-up-and-go character of this well-located neighbourhood attracts a large number of younger residents and investors.
People looking to retire here have a choice of several retirement villages and old age homes that meet the needs of active senior citizens as well as those in need of frail care.
Schooling
With approximately half of the stable owners under the age of 49 and roughly 70% of recent buyers in the same age group, the area boasts a variety of childcare and educational facilities.
Fleur Primary School and Lyttelton Primary School are well-established English medium schools in Lyttelton Manor. This suburb is also home to Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, which has a long history of education in the community. Laerskool Doringkloof Primary, established in
1997 in the neighbouring suburb of Doringkloof, offers parallel medium education within easy access of Die Hoewes and Lyttelton Manor.
Secondary school pupils are welcomed by Hoërskool Centurion and Lyttelton Manor High School, founded in 1957 and 1963 respectively. Both schools are centrally situated on a main route in Lyttelton Manor. The prestigious Hoërskool Waterkloof to the east of Lyttelton Manor is only a few kilometres from the suburb. Hoërskool Zwartkop is just west of Die Hoewes.
The greater Centurion region has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and is fast becoming the new higher education hub. Further education institutions in close proximity include Centurion Academy, Tshwane South TVET College, Technicol SA College, Open Window Institute for Arts and Digital Sciences, Prue Leith Chefs Academy and SA Chefs Training and Innovation Academy.
Explore
As much as these developed suburbs support a busy urban lifestyle, some fresh countryside air is never too far away.
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve situated near Irene on the south-eastern outskirts of Centurion is a 15-minute drive away from Lyttelton Manor and Die Hoewes. This historical reserve with its beautiful grasslands and open plains offers fishing, hiking, cycling, bird-watching and game drives. The original farmhouse still stands and houses a coffee shop where refreshments and light meals can be enjoyed under beautiful shady trees.
The Irene Dairy Farm is even closer and offers a great outdoor experience for the whole family. The kids can watch the cows being milked and run or play in the play area to their heart’s delight.
The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is situated just north of the area and offers several activities for nature-loving groups or families, including a 4×4 trail, hiking, mountain biking and picnicking. The reserve is rich in birdlife and boasts a variety of small game and antelope.
“We live a block away from the Gautrain station, the mall, SuperSport Park and Makro. We’re surrounded by at least 20 of the best restaurants in the area. I love living in this neighbourhood and rate Die Hoewes 9,5 out of 10 as a place to call home.”
Phillip van der Merwe, resident
Shop:
- Centurion Mall
- Highlands Shopping Centre
- Jean Crossing
- Jean Village
- Lyttelton Shopping Centre
Eat:
- Crawdaddy’s Good Food, Die Hoewes: for a variety of seafood and meat dishes
- Turn ‘n Tender, Die Hoewes: for the best steak in town
- Ridgeback Village Restaurant, Die Hoewes: for true South African hospitality
- Nobler Cafe, Die Hoewes: for delicious panini and tramezzini
- Passi Decor and Deli, Lyttelton: for coffee and cake
- Rebels Pizza, Lyttelton Manor: for pizza, pasta, hero rolls and salads
- Sunset Lounge, Lyttelton Manor: for afternoon drinks with friends
- Hemingway’s Restaurant and Wine Cellar, Clubview: for elegant fine dining
- Whisk Wine Bar, Irene: for quality food and drinks
- Burger Bistro, Clubview: for delicious burgers and craft beer
See:
- A variety of movies at Ster-Kinekor Centurion Mall
- Artworks at Centurion Art Gallery
- Your favourite cricket stars at SuperSport Park
- Live music at Centurion Theatre
- Spectacular racing at Zwartkops Raceway
