EMAKHAZENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

ROLLING HILLS ESTATE - BASIL READ PROJECT N4

Clr.T Ngwenya,ELM Speaker,Yusyf Patel Project Manager, Exec. Mayor Clr. X S Ngwenya

Rolling Hills Estate welcomes you home

In a world where people are constantly accessible, relentlessly driven by busy schedules and pressing deadlines – well-being and a balanced lifestyle are frequently neglected. So often those much needed getaways are reserved for holidays when crowds of people often overwhelm popular hotspots during peak season –and then sadly, the whole objective of trying to unwind is completely lost.
Recognizing the opportunity to invest in a development that would meet the needs of market that could do with a slice of tranquillity that they can call home, Basil Read is proud to present Rolling Hills Estate.
Rolling Hills Estate is a haven for those seeking refuge from city life. Conveniently located just two hours from Johannesburg, this estate is a luxurious, yet accessible and tranquil establishment, nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga, just outside of Dullstroom.

The History
Surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty and its breathtaking landscape, the story of Rolling Hills Estate dates back to 2000, when the original developers stumbled on this most idyllic setting in the heart of Mpumalanga, and the idea for a unique lifestyle estate was born. Basil Read became involved in the design and construction of this landmark project in 2007. By 2008; construction began on an exquisite lifestyle estate which was originally named St Micheill’s.
In 2009, Basil Read took full ownership of the development and has to date invested and built all the core infrastructure necessary to support and kick-start a world-class estate.

The Progress
Over the years this beautiful lifestyle estate has undergone many a transformation. Although the estate was originally intended to offer guests, residents and investors a slice of Scottish life in the heart of South Africa, it soon became clear that a new concept was essential.
Located on 800 hectares of rolling hills, the vast majority of the land on the estate will be left untouched, allowing for abundant space and privacy. This lifestyle estate offers something new, something inspiring and exclusive, yet still attainable.
The new name, Rolling Hills Estate is reflective of the development’s natural beauty. It’s a place that people can call home, where they can own a piece of heaven that they can access whenever they want; a place that is calm, beautiful, safe and spacious. It offers residents and visitors a quick escape that allows time to unwind and reconnect whatever your need is.

The Future

Basil Read as developer of this estate, is preparing to launch Rolling Hills to the market towards the end of February 2012. In developing this brand, the aim is to present a lifestyle which is exclusive and inspiring, but also welcoming and reflective of the peaceful, clean and unmarked natural beauty of an area that is set to become the perfect retreat in the country.

Eco-living
In realizing its vision to create an ecologically friendly estate in the unspoiled splendor of Mpumalanga, the Rolling Hills Estate will demonstrate Basil Read’s commitment to finding green solutions. All buildings will follow estate and architectural guidelines aimed at promoting energy efficiency and a hybrid energy solution that will incorporate state-of-the-art energy management technology and use of alternative energy sources.
On a design level, various passive building strategies will be incorporated into the units, substantially reducing the requirement for heating and cooling. This effectively increases occupant comfort levels inside the units.
The entire estate will be managed in terms of the Environmental Management Plan emanating from the approval of the development and which is aimed at utilising water resources in the area efficiently, protecting wetlands and sensitive rocky outcrops, accentuating the natural grasslands and maintaining a low carbon footprint which includes amongst others, proper waste management, appropriate construction and renewable energy.

Natural Beauty
The estate boasts unparalleled natural beauty – both pleasing to the eye and the environment. Besides the splendid grasslands, plants and flowers, the site is also an unspoilt sanctuary for numerous species of wild animals. The Grey Rhebok, Aardwolf and African Wild Cat and Blesbok - all call the area home.
If you can imagine a place where every kind of natural beauty, attraction and outdoor activity is only ever 30 minutes away, you could picture the area surrounding Rolling Hills. The charming village of Dullstroom, well-loved for its fine dining, trout fishing and outdoor trails, is just a short drive away from the estate. The historic and picturesque, Pilgrim’s Rest is also just a half hour away in the opposite direction

World-class features
Rolling Hills Estate offers an active family country lifestyle, second to none. Surrounded by indigenous bush and a contemporary country setting, Rolling Hills offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and facilities including trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching.
Future development plans include an exclusive golf course on the estate, as well as a hotel, conference and wedding venue and a wide variety of sectional title and freehold property stands. Once completed, Rolling Hills Estate will be a completely self-contained estate with every comfort and necessity provided for.

Construction
Having received approval for construction from SANRAL and TRAC, Basil Read has begun work on an underpass on the N4 highway that will allow future residents and guests easy and safe access to the estate from the popular N4 highway.

Construction on the main gatehouse, a key focal point and the main access area to Rolling Hills is almost complete. The greatest care has been taken to ensure that the architecture and design perfectly captures the mood and quality of the estate.
In future, the gatehouse will facilitate a smoother and more controlled access route. Once the main gatehouse is erected and operational, the existing temporary gatehouse, with access from Winnaarspoort Road will be utilised as the service and delivery entrance.
It has also been important that both residents and guests feel completely safe and secure during their stay at Rolling Hills, therefore a state-of-the-art access control system, being implemented at the gatehouse, will form a critical part of the security system.
A show unit has also been built and the finishes are currently being installed. This will demonstrate the chic design and innovative energy efficiency of the estate.

For more information visit our website www.rollinghillsestate.co.za which will be live from 15 December 2011.