Convenience and exclusivity rarely combine as beautifully as they do in Colbyn. You find virtually every manner of essential amenity within a 3km radius – which makes this suburb an oddity, more so as it is within a 10km radius of Pretoria Central and just behind the historical Union Buildings, the seat of the South African government.
“Colbyn is close to everything, plus the fabulous schools,” says Jenni Carreira of Seeff Pretoria East, an agent in Colbyn who has kept abreast of trends and developments in the suburb for some years.
The comfort you find here is comparable to that of Old Waterkloof and Old Brooklyn, which are further removed from the city centre. according to Carreira.
Shady, mature trees line the pavements and upon entering this suburb, one immediately gets a feeling of tranquillity and peace. - Jenni Carreira, estate agent, Seeff Pretoria East
Picture: Supplied
“It’s people who are financially stable who want that exclusivity. “Shady, mature trees line the pavements and upon entering this suburb, one immediately gets a feeling of tranquillity and peacefulness,” notes Carreira, who points out that as of last week only 24 properties were on sale in Colbyn.
As for conveniences on offer, Colbyn’s famous centrality provides easy access to both the N1 and N4 freeways, University of Pretoria, Hatfield Gautrain and a number of prestigious schools in proximity, such as Loreto School Queenswood and Queenswood Christian School.
“An added advantage of residing in Colbyn is that there are facilities such as Queens Corner and the recently opened shopping centre opposite in Soutpansberg Road, Queenswood Quarter, that offer every amenity.
For a wider variety, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is within a 5km radius as is Brooklyn Mall,” says Carreira. She says most properties in the suburb are in excess of 2 000m², a factor that no doubt has been instrumental in attracting the embassies housed here.
“There are a number of embassies to be found nestled in beautiful gardens in the upgraded mansions. This somehow contributes to the overall sense of safety and security,” remarks Carreira.
She notes: “The homes may have been built 70 years ago but they are beautifully built and strong.” Despite the passage of time, Colbyn has not lost its charm and beauty, says Carreira.
She says properties west of Jan Shoba Avenue (formerly Duncan Avenue), where most embassies are to be found, are considered more exclusive whereas properties to the east of the same route tend to be older and more established.
An upgraded or modernised home with three or four bedrooms and two or more bathrooms, a double garage plus extra parking, would sell from R2.2million and upwards, says Carreira.
She notes that older, unaltered homes, offering three bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and on stands measuring about 1 000m², average between R1.6m and R2m.
There are few sectional title properties in Colbyn, with even fewer coming on to the market, if at all, says Carreira. Statistics from Lightstone show the market stock share of sectionals in Colbyn is under 2%. Nearby Queenswood is slightly more expensive.
Anne Keyworth’s favourite places and things to do
I lived in Colbyn for 46 years before relocating to The Willows some months ago, I can say my heart is in Colbyn. It’s like a village. It’s an intimate, convenient suburb, located close to town, close to schools and close to everything. We still go to Queens Corner and there’s also
Queens Quarter, which has increased the shopping option offering for residents in Colbyn, Queenswood and surrounds. - Anne Keyworth, resident
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1 Café Barcelona
They have music in the evening and great pizzas. 53 Thomson Street, Colbyn. 012 430 2495
2 Pure Café
It’s an eatery serving excellent breakfast and lunch and a bakery producing fresh bread and croissants. 125 Thomson Street, Colbyn Court, Colbyn. 012 342 1443
Pure Café offers great breakfasts. Picture: John Makoni
3 Real Danish Ice Cream
It’s well-loved by everyone. They have the best ice cream in town. 198 Bernard Street, Colbyn. 012 430 5719
4 Namskar Restaurant
Indian dishes in a modern setting. 29, Hatfield Corner, 1270 Stanza Bopape Street and Gordon Road, Colbyn. 012 342 9081
5 Lollipop Roadhouse
Late-night food, good for kids. 340 Stanza Bopape Road, Colbyn. 012 430 3205
6 Cafénio
This is a nice breakfast and lunch place where one can eat under the trees. It’s a family-owned restaurant in a family-owned building that was already operating when I first came to Colbyn almost 50 years ago. 121 Thomson Street, Colbyn. 012 430 3854