Luxury Private Estate near Maritzburg's top schools appeals to families

More and more home buyers are placing emphasis on accessibility to good schools when considering where to purchase, and the 281 ha Intaba Ridge private game estate just off the N3 outside Pietermaritzburg has high appeal, says Barbara Becker, area principal for Pam Golding Properties (PGP).

“This development is ideal for families in the area as well as those relocating from other regions such as Gauteng,” she says.

There are nine schools in the area – three of which are private schools and the rest excellent government schools including Pietermaritzburg Girls High and Maritzburg College. The estate borders the Bisley Valley Nature Reserve and has easy access to the business centre and retail outlets.

“Intaba Ridge is only 10 minutes from Pietermartizburg city centre and near the airport. It offers the wide open spaces of the outdoors but with convenient access to all amenities and excellent security. Being just off the Market Road turnoff from the N3 towards Durban, it is also ideal for those commuting to work nearer the coast,” says Becker.

In the first phase of the project PGP is marketing 100 stands of 2 500 m2 each priced from R490 000, as well as plot and plan homes priced from R1.7 million (no transfer duty payable) and ranging from 200 m2 in size. 38 of these stands have already been sold with the first houses being completed during 2011.Tthere are currently 6 completed homes with  a further 4 under construction.

The estate includes a gazebo area, a swimming pool, a sports field,15km of hiking and mountain bike trails, three dams – with controlled fishing on a tag and release basis, stables, and a jungle gym. Tennis courts, a trampoline and a clubhouse with a heated swimming pool, a sauna, a mini gym,and  meeting areas are also planned.

The game reserve is stocked with an environmentally sustainable selection of game, including buck such as reedbuck, duiker, wildebeest, blesbok,oribi and impala. With Oribi numbers decreasing at a rate of about 100 a year, farmers have been urged to join this year’s census to help conserve the species. In aid of this project the Intaba Ridge homeowners’ association will be able to give feedback to the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Threatened Grassland Species Programme to ensure that the Oribi already resident on the estate are protected. In South Africa the bulk of Oribi occur on privately owned land, with only a few animals living in formally protected areas. Its numbers have declined sharply in recent years, primarily due to habitat destruction, poaching and inappropriate management.

“The architectural design style of homes at Intaba Ridge is distinctly Natal Colonial Verandah, inspired by luxury game lodges, which is suited to the climate. With this open and free flowing design style with large verandahs and outside living areas, the homes encourage an indoor-outdoor lifestyle while being in harmony with the natural surroundings,” says Becker.

Call Barbara Becker of on 082 551 3185 or 033 3428108 or email barbara.becker@pamgolding.co.za