Secure and peaceful bushveld living in Hoedspruit

Proximity to the country’s largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park, along with the serene lifestyle on offer, has made properties in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, highly sought after.

Nestled in Raptors View Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit, this thatch home has three bedrooms, an undercover patio with views into the bush, a sparkling pool and boma. It is selling for R2.15 million - click here to view.

This is according to Annie van den Berg, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Wildlife Properties, who says while property in Hoedspruit caters to buyers from all walks of life, there seems to be a common thread that runs through the reasoning as to why people choose to buy property in the area - "a love of nature and the outdoors".

Van den Berg says the picturesque environment and rustic qualities of the region have boosted the demand for property, which has continued to grow from strength to strength over the past few years.

There is particularly high demand for homes within security estates. Combined with the lifestyle offering that the area provides, many buyers are also looking for security, especially buyers who are moving to Hoedspruit from larger metropolitan areas.

“Security has become a top priority and plays a significant role in where people choose to buy their home,” she says.

Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says the trend is not a localised one. Properties that offer both security features and a lifestyle offering are highly sought after throughout the country, and as a result, offer investors favourable returns.

This three bedroom house in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is on the market for R1.9 million - click here to view.

“Security is one of the most common reasons why South African buyers choose the homes they buy. It is a driving force behind both property buying decisions, as well as the appreciation potential of property,” says Goslett.

Van den Berg says one of the security estates that has been popular among property buyers in the region is Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate, which is nestled between the outskirts of Hoedspruit and the foothills of the Klein Drakensberg Mountains.

“The estate is about 45 minutes’ drive from the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa and the Panorama route, Pilgrims Rest, God's Window and Sabie,” says Van den Berg.

One of the first of its kind in the world, she says Raptor’s View offers secure living in a well-maintained wildlife estate, which is situated on some of the finest bushveld that South Africa has to offer.

“Not only is Raptor’s View a good investment, but also offers privacy and exclusivity with all the benefits of living on a secure wildlife estate,” she says.

This 10 000sqm vacant land in Raptors View Wildlife Estate is selling for R380 000 - click here to view.

The 1 100ha estate has only 305 stands, and is surrounded by game farms that are home to big game species. The estate is fully fenced in by electrified game fencing, and is patrolled 24-hours a day.

To ensure minimum distraction from the natural beauty of the farm, she says all services to the sites such as Eskom, Telkom and municipal water are run underground.

Van den Berg says selling for between R2.5 million and R3 million, homes within the estate feature outside showers along with views of the mountains and unspoiled wilderness.

A 1ha stand in the estate sells from around R330 000, making the dream of owning a home in the African bush accessible to many buyers.

“Many of us dream of being able to escape to our own paradise in the bush, be it for a weekend retreat or on a more permanent basis, but up until now, it has been only a small minority who have been able to afford this luxury,” says Van den Berg.

This property in Blyde Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit has four bedrooms and bathrooms. It is priced at R3 million - click here to view.

“Those who have bought in Raptor’s View estate have seen an appreciation in value of between 10% and 20% over a 24-month period. However, even though they have seen such good returns, most people don’t want to sell,” she says.

Apart from the game farms, Van den Berg says the Drakensig Club, which is situated less than 2km from the entrance of the estate, offers over 30 different sporting facilities, such as tennis, squash, bowls and horse riding.

“For golf lovers, the club also offers a 9-hole golf course and a floodlit driving range for those who feel less intimidated by being able to practice their swing late at night. A round of golf brings on new meaning when played at Drakensig, dwarfed by the Drakensberg Mountains and met by inquisitive wildlife,” says Van den Berg.

“The Clubhouse also has a restaurant and bar.”