The best of both worlds is a well-worn phrase. But that is just what you enjoy in Lynnwood Park.
The neighbourhood is close to essential amenities, in a tranquil setting and adjacent to Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, so you have protected flora and fauna complementing the concrete jungle, all in the space of about 5km².
“Menlyn Maine, the mixed-use development, is nearby. It has a casino at Time Square, exclusive upmarket office blocks and stylish apartments. Close to that is Menlyn Park Shopping Centre,” says Vanessa Zwarts, a property consultant for Seeff Pretoria East.
It is, therefore, apparent why it’s not easy to find a home to buy here. For one, security is at a premium - it is a boomed suburb - and such exclusivity extends to size and numbers: Lynnwood Park is a small neighbourhood consisting of a handful of households and a tiny population.
Young families are coming in and the older residents are beginning to move out. - Vanessa Zwarts, property consultant, Seeff Pretoria East
Picture: Supplied
Only four properties were sold last year, according to Lightstone data, and most estate agents agree that the paltry sales are due to the contentment of homeowners.
There’s a great lifestyle on offer, whether you want to take the dog for a walk, shop till you drop or eat to your heart’s content at any of the fabulous restaurants within a short drive of home.
Zwarts also says families with children like to settle here to be close to good schools and educational institutions such as St Alban’s College and Varsity College.
Residents also have easy access to January Masilela Drive as well as Lynnwood and Atterbury roads and can easily get to the Pick * Pay Hypermarket in Faerie Glen, Life Faerie Glen Hospital, Atterbury Boulevard Shopping Centre, Glen Gables Shopping Centre and Glenwood Shopping Centre, to name a few.
There are also three service stations and three reputable private schools within a 1km radius.
“Young families are coming in and the older residents are beginning to move out,” says Zwarts, who links the demographic shift to the fact that homes in the well-established suburb were built between 25 and 30 years ago, with some still occupied by the original owners.
Many properties have been renovated although you can still find homes with their original features. These are understandably more affordable.
Pricewise, property seekers can expect to pay at least R1.9million for a home, with most of the luxurious, larger properties with big, well-tended gardens listed around the mid-R3m.
These prices are often determined by whether a home has been renovated or not, says Zwarts.
“Because there is a number of older properties, it would be essential to carry out a property inspection with a professional inspector,” says Zwarts.
Lynnwood Manor is a more affordable option.
Alan Cameron’s favourite places and things to do
We’ve lived in the Lynnnwood area for the past 18 years. It’s well-situated with good security.
Our children went to Pretoria High School for Girls and Pretoria Boys High. A number of houses in the area are being improved, including some through subdivision. - Alan Cameron, Minister Of Trinity Presbyterian Church Lynnwood
Picture: Supplied
1 Brooklyn Theatre
They host classical concerts, organised by So Long Music. I go about once a month. Shop 21, Greenlyn Village Centre, Thomas Edison Street, Menlo Park. 012 460 6033
Enjoy regular classical concerts at Brooklyn Theatre. Picture: Supplied
2 Lynnwood Bridge
There are some good restaurants and the Atterbury Theatre. Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor. 087 845 1150
3 Pretoria High School Old Boys Club (PHSOB Club)
They host a car boot sale once a month and a night market with delicious food stalls on Friday evenings. 378 Queen’s Crescent, Lynnwood. 012 348 1292
4 Trinity Presbyterian Church Lynnwood
417 Mimosa Avenue, Lynwood. 012 348 9326
5 Casa Toscana
Fine dining and a romantic setting. 5 Darlington Road, Lynnwood Manor. 012 348 8820
6 Hillside Tavern
Great steaks and seafood. 320 The Hillside Street, Lynnwood. 012 348 5505