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With plenty of commercial development in the boom town of Ballito
and land on this beautiful part of the coastline being much sought after, it
comes as little surprise that the dolphin coast has some first class estates to
offer.
The attention to detail that is being lavished on these developments falls short
of nothing. Respectfully tasteful architecture that blends harmoniously with
the natural coastal landscape, indigenous vegetation and wildlife areas combine
with many five star amenities to provide the estate dweller with a luxury
lifestyle second to none.
Escape the fast pace of life to the sumptuous haven of estate living; eco style.
Lucile Godwin and Dolphin Coast Properties
is a registered agent for two stunning estates; Dunkirk and Simbithi, which are
featured below.
Contact us
to be part of this amazing lifestyle.
Simbithi Eco Estate
Simbithi has been planned with one thing in mind: to give you the opportunity to
reconnect with nature and embrace a lifestyle in harmony with your natural
environment. Away from the chaos of the concrete jungle, in the heart of
Kwazulu Natal's northern coastline, lies Simbithi, a 430 hectare Eco-Estate.
Simbithi is a natural, coastal paradise with dense, indigenous riverine
vegetation, lush valley wetlands, undulating hills and distant, breathtaking
vistas. It is a way of preserving nature, as much as it is a way of preserving
a lifestyle, that in the hustle and bustle of today's world, you might not have
even imagined. Simbithi Eco-Estate lies 30 minutes north of Durban. It is a
tranquil hideaway nestled on the Dolphin Coast between
the towns of Ballito and Salt Rock.
Simbithi Eco-Estate is the first estate of its kind in the area setting the
footprint other eco-estates will follow. Every possible precaution has been
taken to minimise environmental impact: geology and soil assessments, water
resource and drainage appraisals, land use and vegetation studies, and
aesthetic, historical and cultural appraisals - ensuring a development
perfectly in tune with the natural surroundings, an Eco-Estate of international
acclaim.
With a climate that's mild and comfortable throughout the year, a summer
rainfall pattern and prevailing winds from the North East and South West, it's
not surprising that Simbithi's climate sways local and international tourists
alike.
"embrace a lifestyle in harmony with your natural
environment"
Simbithi Eco-Estate will eventually comprise a total of approximately 1000
units, in Phase 1, made up of clusters of villages linked by a network of
internal roads. Special care has been taken to ensure the distance between
villages accommodates the free movement of game throughout the estate.
Community facilities include a clubhouse with swimming pool, tennis courts and
restaurant, whilst children are accommodated in an adventure playground and
open green areas for free sporting activities.
Phase 2 comprises a further 350 units around a 9 hole championship short course
reserved strictly for homeowners. Situated to the north of Phase 1, this phase
will include a Boutique Hotel and/or wellness centre.
The Architecture
The architecture is a response to the splendor, climate and natural beauty of
the site and the region. It respectfully acknowledges the natural clues that
are evident whilst accommodating the lifestyle of the 22 Century. It is an
evolving architecture that encourages the creative process rather than imposing
an
The general architectural language is drawn from the ‘farm architecture’ of the
area with an emphasis on pared down simple forms that are combined in an
appropriate and poetic manner. Gratuitous decoration is discouraged in favour
of an uncluttered architecture that is true to form and function.
The roof is the primary building component and the one that is most directly
informed by the regional climate. The continuity of form and material of the
roofs is paramount in the proposed architecture for the estate as a whole. The
enclosure of the internal spaces is by means of light, transparent ‘walls’ and
the limited use of punctured solid planes. This transparent envelope is
augmented by a series of shutters and screens that give depth to the elevation
whilst providing the requisite shade/privacy.
The diversity of site conditions dictate a variety of responses in respect of
the manner in which the building should meet with the ground, ranging from a
securely anchored structure to one that floats over the site, lightly touching
down by means of stilted legs.
Objectives:
An appropriate architectural language is one that is accountable to the
following
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Climate (Sub Tropical)
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Geography (Coastal/Farmland)
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Topography (Undulating)
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Context (Farmland)
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Cost efficiency
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Technology
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Contemporary Lifestyle
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Sustainability
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Available construction skills
Examples of Simbithi's Architectural Vision
Landscaping Design
To create an eco-based estate, where residents and visitors can enjoy an
experience based on owners’ residential estates, is a new challenge. This is an
estate designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that marries all the
essential requirements. The usual requirements of an upmarket estate i.e.
security, infrastructure are well catered for. This basic requirement together
with a strong environment ethic made allowance for the conversion of an
ecological desert (canelands) into an abundant coastal climax grassland
community, interspersed with coastal forest environmental corridors, lakes and
wetlands to attract as much biotic diversity that the carrying capacity of the
site can support. Before development commenced the site was farmed, essentially
mono-culture style, under cane, for decades and will experience a significant
net environment gain in terms of the following (for Phase 1):
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±200Ha of cane has been removed.
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Hundreds of water consuming exotic gums are being felled and removed.
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All alien vegetation on the site is being removed and future growth combated by
way of an environmental management plan.
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Interference with existing indigenous vegetation is being kept to an absolute
minimum and contractors and developers are stringently controlled with hefty
fines for any environmental abuses.
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Environmental consultants strictly monitor all progress on site.
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±65Ha of the old cane areas are being converted to coastal climax grassland
communities which have a wide biotic diversity.
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The depleted soils are being augmented by the addition of thousands of tons of
organic compost.
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A cocktail of indigenous grasses and grassland type plants are being sown and
planted to hasten ecological succession to enable the incorporation of suitable
wildlife in a few years time.
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Hundreds of thousands of indigenous and endemic trees, shrubs and groundcovers
are being planted to link existing vegetation clumps, o create new areas of
vegetation and to stabilize newly created lakes and roads.
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The introduction of water together with appearance of related birdlife which
all contribute to the increased biotic diversity that the developers are
facilitating through the creation of the estate.
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The building code also reinforces the philosophy with the accent of
non-intrusive, organic type of structures which blend into the landscape-
welcome relief after the plethora of Tuscan and other exotic architectural
styles that so many developers seem to favour.
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Roads, nature trails and golf cart paths have been designed to have little
impact on the site as possible.
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Maintenance of the estate is planned to be as environmentally sensitive as
possible with only limited use non-organic components and recycling of organic
components encouraged as much as possible.
The approach of the developer together with the entire team responsible for the
creation of Simbithi is an open, transparent and inclusive one. The team
consists of experts in their field who are essentially breaking new ground in
what they are creating – no other development on the KZN coastline had done
what Simbithi is doing – thereby creating a unique lifestyle experience for
owners and visitors.
Locality Area overview
Simbithi Eco-Estate lies 30 minutes north of South Africa's third largest city,
Durban, on the Dolphin Coast. KwaZulu Natal, aptly
called South Africa's garden province, forms the east coast of South Africa,
stretching from Port Edward in the south northwards to the Mozambique boundary.
It is a province with a subtropical coastline, sweeping savanna in the east and
the magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west. The warm Indian Ocean
washing its beaches makes it one of the country's most popular holiday
destinations.
The "Kingdom of the Zulu" is a many-splendoured interaction of natural wonders,
ultra-modern facilities, fascinating cultural imprints and reminders of a
dynamic history - in the most breathtakingly beautiful and varied setting
imaginable.
Facilities and Amenities overview
Dams, Indigenous Forests and Grasslands
A network of dams create the opportunity for a range of wonderful and serene
leisure activities. Fishing is allowed and the dams will be well stocked with
selected species of tilapia and carp. Bird life is already abundant and
birdwatchers will have secluded plots to observe and appreciate. The indigenous
forest belts will be home to a number of smaller buck species such as blue and
grey duiker and the grasslands will play host to introduced species such as
impala. Simbithi has a number of open spaces that will also allow for walks,
runs and a general sense of living in an ecologically sensitive environment. A
strict garden landscaping protocol will also ensure that the wide open spaces
are maintained and preserved.
Simbithi Country Club
An exclusive 18 hole executive golf course will meander its way around the other
half of Simbithi. The course is designed to offer a thoroughly enjoyable golf
experience for the young and old, the lower and higher handicap. Par 4's and
par 3's will be constructed to take full advantage of the scenic topography and
a number of challenging water features and bunkers will ensure a complete
golfing experience.
Clubhouse and restaurants
A club house and restaurant facility will be a central gathering point for
residents on the estate. Apart from playing host to the golfers, the facility
will also have an array of subsidiary sporting facilities, with 2 tennis courts
, a large swimming pool and a squash court adding to the country club feel.
Security
24 hour manned gatehouses, linked by over 9km of palisade and electric wire
fencing will ensure that residents have complete peace of mind. Strict access
control procedures including required phone through for your guests and a
tightly controlled worker and domestic servant procedure will also re-inforce
the premium that Simbithi places on security.
Community Centres
Simbithi eco estate will have 3 community centres completed over the next few
years. Construction has already started on the Heron Island Dam centre and the
Fish Eagle dam centre. These centres are modelled on similar resident
facilities located in established estates such as Mount Edgecombe in Durban
North and will consist of change room facilities, a snacks and drinks area and
a swimming pool.
Equestrian Centre
An equestrian centre will offer residents the option of hiring a horse out for a
scenic ride through one of the designated bridal paths on the estate. There
will also be a small number of stables for owners to stable their own horses.
Beach Access
A beach access, 400m from the exclusive Thompson's Bay beach will allow for
residents to park their cars/golf carts within the estate(a small walk for the
more active!),pass through a manned security access and walk down to the beach.
Pre School
A preschool has been designated for the central public area, along with a mini
commercial zone for top up shopping etc. This facility will allow residents
nearby access to quality schooling for young kids as well as allow for
convenience goods shopping.
Simbithi Retirement Village
Simbithi will cater for both the young and old. A well designed and managed
retirement village will cater for the more frail elderly with an onsite nurses
room and links to the Netcare and frail care network. The proposed construction
of a hospital in Ballito will also serve to enhance this facility.
Boutique Hotel
A Boutique hotel is envisaged to conclude the make up of the central
public/commercial zone. The upmarket nature of the proposed hotel will further
add to the exclusive address that Simbithi promises to its residents.
Ballito
Simbithi is perfectly situated in the charming town of Ballito.
This gives residents access to a growing number of leisure and business
facilities, as the town is currently experiencing an economic and development
boom. Further South, the city of Umhlanga and the Gateway shopping complex is
20minutes away, and with the eminent construction of an international airport
at La Mercy, Ballito will offer an exclusive out of the way
lifestyle with links to the Global community and tourism market, a mere 15
minutes drive.
DUNKIRK ROOM TO BREATHE
Dunkirk is set among the gently slopping coastal grasslands and indigenous
forests at Salt Rock on the magnificent KwaZulu-Natal North Coast,
with views of the Indian Ocean and the rolling inland hills. At the heart of
Dunkirk Estate lie 42 acres of dense indigenous swamp forest - a last, precious
piece of wilderness that with our help will be preserved for generations to
come. This pristine site is a rare gem, and represents one of the last
opportunities for environmentally responsible luxury residential development in
the area. If you treasure the simple elegance of classical coastal living, you
will find your home at Dunkirk.
DUNKIRK’S MILLION RAND MANICURE
The seamless fusion between the rolling green hills, hosting the indigenous
forest and the oceans seemingly never-ending horizon, has been expertly crafted
through a R1 million landscaping programme. The investment in landscaping does
not end there! There is a highly trained landscaping team dedicated to
achieving the perfect balance of maintaining the estate's pristine coastal
environment with indigenous responsibility. In keeping with this sentiment, the
recently planted indigenous grass is flourishing and knitting the perfect,
flowing connection between the luxurious living quarters and the rustic
indigenous forest. After the recent summer showers our dams are full to
capacity and are providing a regular sanctuary to flocks of birds. The variety
of birds provide an exciting haven for avid birdwatchers as well as creating
yet another colourful embroidery on an already beautiful landscape.
BUILD TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Want to exercise? No sweat! The estate has an exclusive clubhouse for you to get
your workout or makeover! The clubhouse boasts a 25m heated swimming pool,
sauna, fully equipped gym, beauty salon, health bar, and lounge area. Having
the convenience of the clubhouse on your doorstep decreases the huge effort
required to motivate yourself and results in you achieving fitness more
rapidly. What better way to enjoy the beauty outside than feeling beautiful on
the inside?
SANDWOOD HILLS
Sandwood Hills the space and freedom of the coastal lifestyle combine with
the convenience of modern apartment living for a truly unique residential
experience. The airy open plan apartments with their wide verandahs have been
designed by award-winning Dean Jay Architects according to a simple and
timeless architectural language and enjoy tranquil views of the ancient
indigenous trees and undergrowth of a preserved swamp forest.
THE GLADES
The Glades marks a refreshing approach to contemporary luxury living. Set
in a grassy clearing between forested slopes, each spacious simplex and duplex
unit has been designed by Dean Jay Architects on an open plan with wide
verandahs and large windows in response to the unique qualities of the
magnificent site. The private courtyards and gardens allow for greater flow
between the indoors and outdoors, and the units allow for the addition of a
swimming pool.
COMING SOON TO YOUR BEACH- DON’T MISS OUT!!
We are exceptionally excited to announce that we have acquired the property of
No.1 Hotel Road, Salt Rock for the construction of our Beach clubhouse, a first
for the North Coast.
The Beach clubhouse, ideally placed on the soft white sand, will be exclusively
for the use of residents and their privileged guests. This pioneering feature
of the Dunkirk Estate, allows you to relax and entertain on the beach, like
nowhere else in the world, adding enormous value to you and your families'
lifestyle.
We are hoping to confirm approval of the re-zoning during April 2005.We will
keep you informed of the progress on this issue, with regards to clause 17 of
the sale agreement. This clause states that on completion of the suspensive
conditions, property owners will be required to pay a once-off membership levy
fee of R15 000.00.
With luck we'll catch you at the Beach clubhouse for sundowners, soon!
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