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Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Royalston – Exclusive Residential Estate and Private Game Reserve

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The Royalston development in Port Elizabeth is truly one of a kind, and once you have set foot on this awe-inspiring property, your heart and imagination will be captured by its shear beauty and natural surrounds. Whether you’d prefer to sit around a fire at your home as the sun sets over the deep blue Indian Ocean, admiring herds of zebra, wildebeest and eland grazing near your back porch, or whether you prefer relaxing at the reserves Royalston Hotel, sharing a sundowner with your fellow homeowners, each passing moment living here will be a blissful memory to add to a blessed and privileged life at Royalston.

The Royalston development is a property measuring close on 1000Ha in size, characterised by pristine coastal forest consisting of ancient Milkwoods, Yellowoods and the like, with open grasslands stretching over rolling hills and natural freshwater streams feeding the largest lake in Port Elizabeth, also found on the property. The development is located on the Southern boundary of Kragga Kamma Road and Lakefarm Road, east of Colleen Glen, extending south towards the ocean. The development is a mere 18km from the CBD of Port Elizabeth and just 15km from the airport. The closest major shopping centre, Walmer Park, is just 12km down the road with another major retail park, the N2 Gateway Development, only 8km north of Royalston, earmarked for commencement in 2011. The Royalston development is thus in a position to offer an opportunity of living in a fully fledged game reserve with the conveniences of everyday city living. No longer will the residents of Royalston need a vacation home, the best of both worlds are found in this opportune development.

Royalston is composed of 310 residential properties, Boutique Hotel, Frail Care Centre, Wildlife and Education Centre, 4.5 Hectare Dog Park, the existing and the well renowned Lake de la Vie Wedding and Conference Facility and the remaining 90% of the property being designated as the Royalston Private Nature Reserve.

The layout of Royalston is set out in such a way that neither of these components are to the detriment or downfall of one another, with meticulous and strategic positioning implemented during the design phase. The residential properties have been laid out in such a way to ensure that each individual home has at least one boundary looking onto open space, so to provide homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the countryside and various game frequenting the residential open spaces. Furthermore, the major facilities have been positioned in such a way that that for the most, none of the components are visible to each other at any point. Service roads to and from the Hotel and Conference Facility, although using the same main Gatehouse, run separately from the Residential properties to keep traffic to a minimum. The Reserve is available to the residents and guests of the hosting facilities.

The Reserve carries a diverse array of flora and fauna, boasting many critically endangered species; the Honey Badger, Knysna Woodpecker, Secretary Bird, Blue Duiker, Fish Eagle, Cape Eagle Owl, Milkwood, Yellowwood, to name but a few. Large game include herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Impala, Waterbuck, Lechwe, Reebuck, Blesbuck, Springbuck, Bushpig, Aardvark, Eland, Bushbuck, Nyala and the Sable Antelope, Royalston’s ambassador and emblem inspiration. Predators include the Black Backed Jackal whose mesmerising cries can be heard as the sun sets, the Lynx, Gennet Cat and Cape Fox. The sound management and preservation of this reserve forms the basis upon which the Royalston lifestyle is derived, where the development ensures the sustainability and longevity of this pristine area. The intimate relationship between the natural ecosystems and the residents will be woven into every aspect of day to day life at Royalston, allowing for a wholesome and nourishing life for both young and old.

Royalston will carry an architectural guideline that will allow for homes to carry an essence of the grand Colonial and Victorian homes of yesteryear. Sandstone and/or natural earth paint finished walls will be encouraged, with roof finishes to suit, be it thatch or tile. Large colonial sash windows, wooden concertina doors onto entertainment areas, sandstone patios, open wooden beams, grand pillars and high ceilings..The theme is set to tie in with the natural surrounds, with a relatively low visual impact and a timeless classic look.

The architectural guideline provides an opportunity for the homeowner to have their own interpretation and design of their home.

Residents and their guests will have access to the designated walking trails through the reserve for the passionate game or bird lover. These trails will be further complimented by game hides and picnic areas throughout the reserve. They will be able to make use of the VIP section at the hotel reserved for homeowners, be it for a Saturday rugby game or homeowners meeting. Residents will also have the opportunity to book a game drive, or forest walk with one of the Game Rangers at a reduced rate through the Royalston Hotel, another advantage only available to residents. Access to the lake will be kept to a minimum for the sake of the birds and animals frequenting the shores, however fishing and picnic events will be held privately for homeowners. Exciting opportunities will arise from the annual capture of surplus game in the reserve and the arrival of enchanting new animals at the Wildlife and Education Centre. The 4.5 Ha dog park will not only provide a safe zone for supervised walking of dogs but will also facilitate an area for children to play safe and sound at Royalston.

Nonetheless – and this is the beauty of Royalston – residents may choose to simply relax and park-off at home and enjoy the surrounds without having to step off their property at all.

Full construction commenced in 2011 at Royalston with the services scheduled for completion 12 months from commencement. Residents will be encouraged to make use of solar panels, grey water systems, rain harvesting and other more eco-sensitive systems in the development. Royalston does however have full services, Municipal water supply, electrical supply, full internal sewer reticulation and sewer plant, Telkom supply, stormwater control and paved roads. All services will be underground to avoid non-aesthetic overhead services. The sewer plant allows for all grey water to be re-used for irrigation on site, further avoiding the repercussions of soak-away systems and water wastage. The main gatehouse carries a two lane resident entrance both into and out of the estate, with a service entrance for larger vehicles. The gatehouse will have 24hr security control with response teams available to the development. All external electrified game fences are patrolled on rotational shifts of 3 hours and further monitored by break alarms. Homeowners may install private alarms supplied by the developments appointed security company. All other general household and maintenance services will be covered by the levies and managed by the on site Royalston operations management team at the control offices.

Individual plot prices will be available post-launch 2011. Individual plots will be available from R 590 000 upwards all inclusive. These plots are freehold and vary in size from 850m2 to 1600m2, with an average plot property size of 1300m2. Plot and plan purchase options will also be made available post launch. Plots are zoned Res1 and fully serviced. Plot prices are scaled according to key factors such as, size, view, traffic impact, wildlife activity etc.

Author: Stacey Howcroft
Website: http://youtu.be/jfvJ8u8k0f0

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Port Elizabethan

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