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May 21, 2012:
Brooklyn in Pretoria East is a well-established area with universal Old World appeal. Beautiful villas with powder-blue shutters rub shoulders with contemporary apartments with cantilevered balconies and vast expanses of glass, all shaded by trees that have outlived many a resident. The sidewalks are impeccably manicured, smiling people walk their dogs and kids ride their bikes in safety. The expression 'Ain't life grand?' just about sums up this Pretoria neighbourhood.
HISTORY
Brooklyn was established in 1903 on what had been part of one of the original farms owned by a Voortrekker named Bronkhorst. It was sold on his death in 1848, and passed through a number of hands before the name 'Brooklyn', originating from the Brooke family, who owned land and lived in the area, was established.
For the history buffs, about 5km out of Brooklyn lies the impressive, monolithic Voortrekker Monument, which commemorates the pioneering spirit of southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. It sits imposingly, high on a hill. Gerhard Moerdyk, its architect, found his inspiration in Kranskop, an inselberg alongside the N1 east of Nylstroom, where he grew up. Today this is the most-visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng, and one of the top 10 cultural historical visitor attractions in the country. The last Sunday of every month sees music lovers flocking to Fort Schanskop for al fresco entertainment by Park Acoustics. If classical music is more your style, visit Brooklyn Theatre in Thomas Edison Street for a variety of classical music and ballet.
There are great places for shopping, such as Brooklyn Mall , which has a variety of specialist shops and banks in addition to your daily shopping needs. Its extension, Design Square, has a concentration of designer and home decor shops and a bustling piazza lined with restaurants to suit any taste. When the bell goes at 5 p.m., the place comes alive with professionals from the surrounding offices, ready to celebrate the end of a busy day with a glass of Merlot at Moo Moo or a cheeky cocktail at trendy Tribeca. Fancier nosh can be had at Brooklyn Bridge Centre at the extravagant restaurant, Kream, a hot spot for Pretoria's high-flyers and diplomats while Cynthia's Indigo Moon is a beautiful old restaurant, with mouthwatering meals and an intimate setting.
WHAT THE AGENTS SAY
Bambie Heiberg of Heiberg Estates and Estelle van Staden from Seeff discuss Brooklyn's appeal for property buyers
Q What makes Brooklyn so appealing?
BH: Brooklyn has been one of my specialist areas for the past 23 years. It is a well-established, tranquil residential area. Its centrality, lovely treed streets, proximity to tertiary institutions, such as Tuks, Unisa and the Tshwane University of Technology, as well as to well-known schools, shopping centres and hospitals, make Brooklyn a sought-after, prime area in the Old East of Pretoria. It also offers easy access to two sides of the N1. Beautiful established gardens catch the eye, and properties are continually being upgraded and modernised, increasing the area's value. Excellent security can be seen all around the Brooklyn area.
EVS: Brooklyn encompasses several upmarket retail developments. World-class restaurants, hip coffee shops, art museums and easy access to the State Theatre, Brooklyn Theatre and Atterbury Theatre add to the cosmopolitan feel.
Q How's Brooklyn's infrastructure?
EVS: The two main arteries, Duncan Street and Charles Street, have been extensively upgraded in the past year. Even with the number of businesses that have been newly established along these streets, services have been well supplied.
Q Is buying in Brooklyn a good investment?
BH: Absolutely, as any investment in this area is guaranteed to increase in value. The buy-to-rent market is also extremely popular, as there are more than a 120 diplomatic and corporate institutions within and around the Brooklyn area, and diplomats love to rent in Brooklyn.
EVS: Since 2009, average property prices in the area have shown a small but steady increase, year on year, thanks to the suburb's mix of elegant, established homes and modern, secure complexes. For many decades, diplomatic embassies were clustered in the Arcadia and Hatfield areas, but many of them are now relocating to the Brooklyn and Nieuw Muckleneuk nodes, adding to the exclusivity of the suburb and leading to ongoing property price increases. So, whether you invest in residential or commercial properties here, the returns are guaranteed.