On 27 October 2006, my husband and I moved into our Woodland Hills home.  It has been quite the journey - dreaming, designing, building and living in our dream home - and every year we add something new to make it even more "us".  Our house, like most in our beautiful estate, is a labour of love.

Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate offers a safe haven for its residents, with many more dreaming of calling this Estate home.  Unfortunately, some misconceptions about estate living, deter many from making the move from traditional neighborhoods to Woodland Hills.  I make it my mission to debunk these misconceptions:

 

Some of the most commonly heard misconceptions are:

1.  Living expenses are high compared to other neighborhoods...

Residents of Woodland Hills enjoy living in a clean, well managed estate that offers a variety of recreational amenities; wildlife on site; and exceptional security.  Maintenance, management and security of the estate is paid for from the monthly levy payable by each household. Individual property owners are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their own property.  As is the case in all other neighborhoods, residents pay monthly rates and taxes to Mangaung Municipality. Water and electricity are purchased on a pre-paid basis via the Woodland Hills app; thus ensuring that households pay for their personal usage.  The monthly levy is an additional fee that must be considered when the decision is made to move to the Estate.  In my opinion, the monthly levy is worth every cent.

2.   I might not fit in...

Woodland Hills residents are friendly and come from all walks of life - many moved from traditional Bloemfontein neighbourhoods; while others moved from larger cities to enjoy the tranquility and security offered by the Estate. It is a place where anyone can feel at home, regardless of one's occupation or status.   I have no doubt that you will fit right in!

3.   There are so many rules...

My husband is a very good example of someone who has never read the rules; and who has never transgressed these rules.  Of course he has me to keep him on the straight and narrow!  Jokes aside, the rules provide a framework to ensure consistency in aesthetic appearance of the Estate, good security, and a lifestyle envied by many.  The rules are simply good manners written down - most people find that they live by these principles anyway.

4.   It is a pain to go through the gate...

Access for residents only takes a few seconds per vehicle. Visitors have to be screened before entry, and this takes longer.  For convenience, gates are specifically allocated to "Residents only",  "Contractors and Visitors with access codes" and those "Without access codes".  Strict access control enhances the safety of residents. I find it a great compliment when impromptu visitors complain that they were not allowed access - we pride ourselves in the quality of our Security Systems.

5.   What if my large family want to visit...

As South Africans, we love to entertain; and in Woodland Hills, it is no different.  Residents enjoy social gatherings with friends and family and there is no restriction to the number of people one may receive as guests.  As long as we do not cause undue disturbance to our neighbours and refrain from playing loud music after 23:00, we are allowed to have fun!

6.  I hear that they do not allow this, that or the other...

We, the owners of properties in Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate, are indeed "they".  The Estate is managed by a Board of Directors, supported by Committees and the Personnel employed by the Estate.  The Board and Committees are elected at the Annual General meeting by Members of the Hillandale Homeowners Association.  The Homeowners Association consists of the owners of properties in Woodland Hills.  It is in fact, "us" who take decisions about our Estate and the way we live; and not some unknown entity called "they".

 

Why not join me on a tour of our beautiful Estate? Having lived here for more than 18 years, with almost as much time spent as Estate Agent/Property Practitioner; and having had the priviledge to serve as a member of the Board and various Committees; I have first hand knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate.  

 

I LOVE this Estate - and it would be great if you join us!  

Call me on 083 451 0511 or e-mail retha@rethavanzyl.co.za