With an 18-hole Ernie Els Championship Golf Course recently completed and 50 percent of the 450 residential stands sold – with close to 25 homes constructed, Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate in Dullstroom is back on track, reports Pam Golding Properties. With its appealing country village atmosphere and popular as a weekend getaway destination from Gauteng, en route to the lowveld, scenic Dullstroom is recognised as the premier trout fishing destination in South Africa.
Now owned by Century Property Developments and situated on the edge of the Steenkampsberg plateau approximately 14km east of Dullstroom and 2.5 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, this 700 hectare lifestyle estate will also include a lodge, wellness centre and equestrian centre.
With high altitude fresh air and an invigorating, misty climate reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Gate offers an ideal weekend retreat or permanent residence with an extensive range of leisure activities for outdoor enthusiasts and the entire family. Apart from golf, these include fly fishing, hiking, horse riding, swimming, bird-watching and wildlife reserves. Nature lovers can revel in the sights of wild flowers – including the rare graminicola orchids which bloom in April, rare species of mammals such as the golden mole, aardwolf, aardvark and side striped jackal and three species of cranes – the blue, crowned and wattled crane. There is also a breeding colony of bald ibis at the waterfall in Highland Gate.
For the fisherman at heart, long hours of relaxation are provided via the abundance of trout fishing opportunities in natural weirs, streams and dams. The estate will soon have its own clubhouse featuring a fine dining restaurant, bar, children’s play area, change rooms, pro shop and a luxurious boutique with spa planned for future expansion.
Pam Golding Properties is marketing stands – including re-sales, priced from just R435 000 up to approximately R1.2 million, ranging in size from 750-1500sqm. Anton Greeff, area principal for Pam Golding Properties, says the development is already considered Africa’s most exclusive golf and fly fishing resort.
“Interest in the estate is definitely picking up and we recently sold six stands well priced between R270 000 and R535 000 as well as a completed house for R2.5 million. Of note is that the levies of R1580 per month are very competitive when compared to other estates in the vicinity. This levy includes costs of security, general maintenance of the estate and golf course, clubhouse use, operational aspects of the estate and estate manager. Residents are entitled to a reduced membership and green fee as well as per round playing fee.
“Buyers are mainly city-based, purchasing to establish an accessible leisure home where they can de-stress and unwind while enjoying all their favourite activities right on their doorstep. Purchasers range in age, from the younger to mature buyers, and golfers show a keen appetite for Highland Gate as the golf course is set in exceptionally beautiful surrounds and very well designed – you can literally drive a golf ball from one koppie to the next.
“While the gatehouse and perimeter fencing is completed and construction of the clubhouse already under way, the Kruisfontein access road to the estate is currently being tarred with completion in December this year (2014).”
Only 30 percent of the estate will be developed, with the remainder of the property left in its natural state. The Kareekraal and Valleispruit rivers converge on the estate before flowing dramatically over a 100 metre waterfall into the Crocodile River.
Positioned among rolling natural grasslands and flowing streams, homes are built in harmony with nature with the use of natural materials and according to architectural guidelines.
