In South Africa we are very privileged to live in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth.

Our diverse landscape, from the coast to the escarpment, is something quite unique in both flora and fauna. It is not surprising then that there is a move to not only preserve this amazing ecosystem, but also create the chance to live amongst it.

The rise of the eco-estate has come at a time when many South Africans are looking to embrace the natural environment around them, reduce their own carbon footprint, and ensure they have the same safety and security levels of a typical gated estate.

Security estates are commonplace these days, with many being specifically designed around hobbies such as golf or horse riding. These estates are generally large, sprawling affairs that radically change the landscape to suit their needs.

Eco-estates aim to do the complete opposite. The main aim of an eco-estate is to have as little impact on the development site as possible. This means homes are designed with that in mind, ensuring there is thoughtful architecture and minimal landscaping. This allows the area to remain as unspoilt as possible, encouraging the local flora and fauna to flourish.

For the buyer, eco-estates should appeal on several fronts:

The main aspect of eco-estates is the population density of the estate itself. Many strive for around 1 to 5 homes per hectare, as opposed to the usual 20-plus homes per hectare you would expect in your usual estate. This also means that future development on the estate is limited, keeping construction, and the inconveniences that go with it, to a minimum.

By design, eco-estates need a large, unspoilt area to work. These areas are often only found outside the city limits, meaning you are automatically taken out of the noise, smog and crowds of city lifestyle.This seclusion, with the added estate-style security, is one of the more attractive propositions for buyers. A rural-esque experience without the safety concerns is a major drawing card.

Eco-estates are purpose-built to be sustainable. This can come in the form of alternative power sources like solar and wind, as well as ensuring that the homes built on the estate are also very energy efficient and have a very low impact on the environment. Some might also include water recycling and collection solutions, as well as sensitive design elements that maximise natural light.

Living in an eco-estate might come with slightly higher initial costs, but the long-term savings are a massive benefit. Due to the smart home design, alternative energy sources and the sheer lack of artificial landscaping, eco-estates are generally much cheaper to own and run over a long period of time. As an investment, they are also highly appealing to buyers who want to combine the escapism of the bush with the added security of a regular estate. Returns on your investment should be very good in the long run.

Eco-estates have the added benefit of being purpose-built. This means that the homes are designed and built with sustainability in mind. Trying to turn an older home into a sustainable one is not only very expensive, but often less efficient in many ways. Eco-estates get the maximum benefit out of all the “green” solutions, keep costs down over the short-and long-term.

There is no getting away from the fact that your typical urban areas are not the healthiest places to live in – both in terms of lifestyle and health. Urban areas are over-crowded, leaving the area struggling to deal with an overabundance of smog, dust, chemicals, and various forms of pollution. This can only have a negative effect on the general health and well-being of the residents.

Eco-estates aim to eliminate these factors, while also allowing the natural ecosystems, so often lost in urban areas, a chance to thrive.

There is something truly unique about the South African landscape, and eco-estates not only preserve that uniqueness, but also give buyer the chance to own a piece of this precious heritage.