Even though it's so close to Sandton, and just down the N1 from Pretoria, Kyalami is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Gauteng. Green paddocks enclosed by neat white fences are home to peacefully grazing ponies, shiny show jumpers, lovely Lipizzaners, wonderful warmbloods, and even a rescue donkey or two. For Kyalami is horse country. And Saddlebrook Estate is its Secretariat.
Founded in 1998, the estate is moving into its second life cycle. With all the stands sold, and 114 homes developed, the focus of the new board of trustees is on improving infrastructure. The modernisation of the easy access control system will improve Saddlebrook's security to make it one of the safest estates in the country. Upgrading the horse paths, shared areas and jogging tracks will offer residentsmore space to play and explore, whether it's on horseback or on their own two feet. The clubhouse, too, is being revamped so homeowners can enjoy socialising in a full of life modern space.

Part of The Greater Kyalami Conservancy, the estate is committed to preserving the open space, rural nature and unique flora and fauna of the area. With the large size of residential stands, and some of the undeveloped ridges and wetlands traversing Kyalami, there are sufficient corridors to allow free movement to the surprisingly many indigenous animals that have managed to survive in these peri-city-based surrounding conditions.
The Highveld grassland is such a beautiful natural community. With a floral biodiversity second only to fynbos, it is home to many interesting, beautiful and useful plants.
And, while it's not possible to recreate the historical conditions under which large groups of antelope moved across the grasslands, it is possible to preserve enough land to secure the continued existence of a range of plants, birds, insects and mammals. So estates like Saddlebrook, with large properties and hallways of undeveloped land, can add to maintaining the integrity of our sadly neglected Highveld grassland.
The integration of the natural surroundings, contemporary architectural style and equestrian facilities gives you a definite country feel. The architectural guidelines give homeowners stylistic freedom without jeopardising the overall look of the estate or the Saddlebrook brand. The ethos of Saddlebrook Estate, says trustee Edwin Roberts, is "courteous, respectful and harmonious living".
With further plans to renovate the main gates, so that they are not only impressive but functional as well, homeowners, residents and visitors can rest easy in the knowledge that they and their assets are protected.
Although you don't need to own a horse, or even ride, to live in Saddlebrook Estate, you will have to like horses, because you will probably be living next door to one. Starting at one hectare, the residential stands are big enough to include a few four-hoofed family members, so most residents keep their horses "in their backyards". The estate has extensive bridle paths, and it's conveniently close to Inanda Country Base, so you don't even need to box your horse to events. The board of trustees are the driving force behind the evolution of the estate and the continual development of the equestrian facilities.
What makes this idyllic enclave so special is that it is just a short commute to Sandon's business and shopping hub. The Midrand Gautrain station makes getting to OR Tambo a breeze, and Lanseria is less than half an hour's drive. And, with some great schools close by, Saddlebrook Estate is a world apart - but so close to everything.