Grand Homes has just completed their third Private Estate complex in Newlands – called Sibaya – along Walmer Drive. The first project was
Sibiti Private Estate in Greencroft which was completed in 2018 and consists of 26 three bedroom, double storey, semi-detached garden flats. The second project was Sitari Private Estate in Greendale which was completed in 2020. Sitari consist of 48 three bedroom duplex apartments, semi-detached, each with a small private garden. Within the complex is a swimming pool, a private gym and a community club house. Sibaya is the latest feather in their cap and is made up of 13 three storey, free standing, detached townhouses each with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Like Sitari the complex has a swimming pool, private gym and a clubhouse. SIbaya is positioned as a high end townhouse development, offering a standard of living comparable to a freestanding home, but with the additional privilege of lock up and go convenience.

All three Estates have outstanding security with electric perimeter fences and a single access gate which is manned and guarded 24 hours a day, as well as backup electricity and water supplies. They all have fully fitted kitchens with stoves, ovens, microwaves, fridges and washing machines. The units at Sibaya are available to rent unfurnished or partly furnished with lounge and dining room suites, beds, curtains, large screen TVs and all the essentials clients need apart from their personal linen and cutlery
and crockery. There’s also ZOL internet connectivity and DStv.

The concept is similar to modern, up-market, move-in-ready housing estates in Sandton (Johannesburg) or in cities in the USA like Miami. They’re ideal for young couples, older people looking to downsize, diplomats or corporate executives who are here in Zimbabwe for limited assignments.

The excellent security and the community feel makes for a perfect lock-up-and-go option. All three projects were developed by Troika Design Workshop alongside KS Trust. The three projects bear some similar design signatures. The exteriors are mostly lowInteriors at the three Estates are largely open plan on the ground floor with the kitchen, dining room and lounge all interleading. Kitchens have top of the range appliances for convenience, and a touch of luxury, and the open plan spaces lead out to private, secluded gardens. There’s a separate exterior door leading from the ground floor service area so domestic staff can have their own entryway without disturbing the residents.

Scullery and laundry areas are separate from the main kitchen and entertaining areas. Phillip Kudzayi, Partner at Troika Design Workshop outlined their development philosophy in connection with the various townhouse developments. Land and space within the City limits, with easy access to places of employment and shopping facilities, is becoming more restricted as our urban populations continue to swell. Fifty or sixty years ago a suburban home set on a one or two acre plot was the middle class norm when both domestic staff and up keep costs were affordable.