New developments to meet all your needs. Whether you’re a young family, a retired couple seeking care, or an outdoor enthusiast—the Midlands has it all! From eco-estates and lifestyle centres to private healthcare and new shopping development, everything is within reach.
Multigenerational Living
St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate in Howick, KZN, embodies the concept of “community-first” living by harmonising nature with the built environment. The Estate integrates green spaces, wetland areas, parks, and expansive gardens to create a tranquil and enriched lifestyle for its residents. A defining feature is the vibrant “pocket villages” with agriculturally-themed names, such as The Meadows, The Vineyards, The Orchards, and The Arboretum, which are connected by tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets designed to foster social interaction and physical activity.
What type of potential homeowners is your development targeting?
St John’s Village is ideal for both younger and older generations, offering a multigenerational living environment where residents can enjoy modern homes with easy access to amenities. The Estate is designed to suit homeowners looking for a simplified, sustainable lifestyle with a strong sense of community and connection to nature.
What sustainable practises are integrated into the estate to ensure a positive impact on the environment and residents’ well-being?
Sustainability is at the core of St John’s Village. Residents are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practises such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardening in community allotments. These practises not only reduce the environmental footprint but also foster a deeper connection with nature, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
How does the estate anticipate and adapt to potential changes in residents’ needs over the years?
St John’s Village is designed with the future in mind. Its mixed-use approach ensures that homes are located near essential services, shops, and communal spaces, making it convenient for residents as their mobility or needs change. The Estate’s adaptable design and commitment to sustainability also ensure that it remains functional, inviting, and aligned with evolving lifestyle trends over time.
Contact: Tel: 033 032 0590
Email: info@stjohnsvillage.co.za
Website: http://www.stjohnsvillage.co.za
Gracious Country Living
The Dairy at Hilton is the second development to be undertaken on the Hilton College Estate by Gwens Stream Estates (Pty) Ltd. The company was established specifically for this purpose, to help build the Hilton College Endowment Foundation which funds bursaries to Hilton College. The first development was The Gates at Hilton which has earned a reputation as an outstanding place to live in the Midlands.
Set on a gently-sloping, north-facing site with views of the Karkloof to the north and the Drakensberg to the west, The Dairy offers residents the advantages of gracious country living in a safe, rural setting, adjacent to the Hilton College Estate, yet close to the amenities of Hilton Village, Pietermaritzburg, and the Midlands.
What type of potential homeowners is your development targeting?
It is clear that, like The Gates, The Dairy appeals to people with young families as well as older people. As a generalisation, they appreciate the natural environment and the opportunities to embrace it, like cycling, walking, birding or simply living in a beautiful and safe rural home.
What impact does this development have on the local community?
The economic advantages of this project to the area are significant. The development stage will provide considerable work opportunities as will the Estate once the homes are occupied. Hilton is booming and there is a demonstrable need for this kind of development. The Dairy will certainly contribute to the continuing growth.
Do you consider your development a community-centric environment, and if so, how will residents benefit from living in this environment?
We have seen at The Gates the advantages of living in a relatively small estate, where relationships are important and there is a sense of community. There is every reason to expect that The Dairy, which is very similar, will also deliver a wonderful lifestyle.
Contact: Tell: 033 383 3014/5
Email: office@gwenstream.co.za
Website: http://www.dairyathilton.co.za
New Urban Living
Westown is a brand-new destination in the making, one that connects people with spaces and experiences, bringing new opportunities to live, work and thrive. Since the first sod was turned in October 2022, nearly 75% of Phase 1, including Westown Square and road upgrades, has been completed. We are now entering a critical phase focusing on landscaping, parking, and installing essential infrastructure like bulk water mains and treatment works. Westown is set to become a major commercial, tourism, and retail hub with an expected R15 billion investment over the next 10 to 15 years, and we have already seen R2.5 billion committed.
What amenities and services does the estate offer that cater to residents’ needs and preferences?
Designed by MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman + Partners KZN, Westown Square will ‘prioritise the movement of people, social spaces and lifestyle as part of the shopping experience. There’s a strong focus on open spaces, with densely planted walkways, pergola-covered seating, large trees and planter boxes, celebrating the outdoors and setting the tone for Westown as a whole. Key features of Westown Square include the Town Centre and Gardens, the Amphitheatre, children’s play areas and The Barn, that will house an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food and beverage outlets, alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries. Positioned as the spatial heart of Westown, it provides a permanent niche space for local traders and reflects the high-street design approach that makes Westown unique.
What sustainable practises are integrated into the estate to ensure a positive impact on the environment and residents’ well-being?
Sustainability is at the core of Westown. Shongweni Eco Park, for example, is a 6-star Greenstar-rated lifestyle estate that incorporates sustainable features such as energy-efficient designs, green spaces, and walking/running tracks that promote outdoor activity. Furthermore, Westown Square will prioritise open and green spaces with densely planted walkways and large trees, celebrating the outdoors. These elements ensure a positive environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of residents.
What impact does this development have on the local community?
Westown is the largest infrastructure investment in the region since the 2010 Soccer World Cup, bringing significant socio-economic value to the Outer West region of eThekweni. Furthermore, the development is creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and providing long-needed services to the community, such as the upcoming West Private Hospital. To cater for the 3 000 new residential units being built and occupied in the Westown urban core over the next 5-8 years, medical services are a must and The West Private Hospital will have 100 beds available for patients.
Westown Square, The Barn, Shongweni Eco Park, Farrier Business Park, The West Private Hospital and the infrastructure upgrades and provisions in and around Westown, pave the way for the next precincts within the New City of the West. Further announcements in this regard are expected in the coming months.
Contact: 031 566 1716
Email: info@westown.co.za
Website: http://www.westown.co.za
Photography: Paul Hamberger