Pyramid is settled, quiet and peaceful. As some would say, this is the place you come to when you’re ready to shake off the hurry and bustle of city life and settle into the country.
This largely farming area 30km to the north-west of Pretoria Central has not seen any sales transactions in a long time. “This is a well-established area,” says Elize Brink, a specialist agent for Century 21 Montana.
“Records show there’s been no sales activity in the past year in this area. The people here are happy. “Now and again a property will be put on the market for sale, but the owners can change their mind at any time.”
Indeed, peace and content is all you see, sense and breathe on a visit here. Activity is mostly reduced to the traffic on the R101 that links Pyramid to the city and places such as Hammanskraal and BelaBela (formerly Warmbaths) further north.
It is for people who want to get out of the busy city, but not live too far from it. This is a farming area so anyone who can farm commercially, but not on a grand scale, will find Pyramid a desirable place to live. - Elize Brink, estate agent, Century 21 Montana Picture: Supplied
The cliche: “You can listen to the grass grow” finds resonance here. Brink says: “There are no new developments taking place in the area at the moment. Sales have been stagnant for years.”
This means Pyramid is suited to people who love nature or are fond of living off the earth, literally, as most shops, utilities and services are quite some drive away.
“Pyramid is for people who want to get out of the busy city but not live too far away from it. It is a farming area so anybody who can farm commercially but not on a grand scale, will find Pyramid desirable.”
Brink says the area is established in its own way, as you can find amenities such as restaurants and a veterinary clinic, among others. “These business properties can always be turned into something else if sold.”
At Good Luck Centre off the main road, there’s an animal feed store, grocery and a few other shops. Pyramid has two main sections: Pyramid Estate A/H and Pyramid proper.
One finds farms, plots and houses to sell; in addition to houses for rent. There are older farmhouses, with big rooms and big bathrooms. By normal standards most of them should not be renovated as that could lead to overpricing, given how affordable some of the sprawling properties are.
Where else could one find a solid four-bedroom house, with granite pillars, on a pristine 1.3ha, looking on to a pool, at R1.45 million? Quite a steal. “Around R2m is the most that can be paid for a property here, depending on the size of the plot and the state of the house on the property,” says Brink.
David Moema’s favourite places and things to do
I’m not a resident of Pyramid but live close enough and frequent the area for my work so know it well. It’s suitable for people who like a relaxed lifestyle and who wish to be close to nature. You have to be mobile to live comfortably. The properties offer good value for money. You can
establish your own enterprise, such as a lodge.-
David Moema Picture: Supplied
1 Rooiwal Resort
One can take the kids for a picnic there, have a great family gathering or even host a wedding. 5th Street, Rooiwal Power Station, Rooiwal. 082 590 6706
Rooiwal Resort is great for weddings or family gatherings. Picture: John Makoni
2 Casbah Roadhouse
It’s a top venue where one can choose a quick and easy takeaway or hang around the place if not in a hurry. 762 Lavender Road, Annlin. 012 567 7519
3 Good Luck Centre
It’s a country-style shopping centre where one can stock up on groceries and look for oddities. R101, Pyramid.
4 Tshwane China Shopping Mall
Sefako Makgato Drive and Moloto Road, Derdepoort. 012 819 1011
5 Deo Gloria
Renowned and lively steakhouse. 4 Jonie Street, Annlin. 012 543 9495
6 Zambibush Resort
Good family hangout with lots of water fun. 37 Cecil Ave, Sinoville, Pretoria. 084 504 3481