WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate, located on 338ha of untouched bushveld, has the makings of a top SA wildlife estate.
Between 1927 and 1985, seven legendary bull elephants roamed the Kruger National Park and were spotted variously along the Shingwedzi River in the remote, beautiful, vast region of the same name. A new upscale retreat envisioned by owner and developer Kushi Adamou is taking shape near the southern border of this famous conservation area, honouring the legacy of one of the Magnificent Seven, as they were known, by using his name. Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate, now open for sales, is named after Shawu (pronounced Shaa-voo), who had the longest tusks on record in the Park, weighing just over 50kg each. He moved along the flat Mopani-covered plains that stretched between the Letaba and Shingwedzi rivers and from the main road to Lebombo Hills, which the estate overlooks, until he died of old age.
INCOMPARABLE RETREAT
Taking charge of the architecture and providing valuable input to the master planning to ensure that all elements are present for a luxury estate such as this are Johan Basson and Ludwig Chambers of Boss Architects. They each have 15 years of experience realising clients’ visions for dream properties; this is their third bushveld project.
It took three tries working with a blank canvas before they were satisfied that they had the right solution for a contemporary architectural style that harmonises seamlessly with the natural beauty of the bushveld surroundings, blending its textures and shapes with the environment. The lodges and cabins feature timber ceilings and sleek screeded floors, enclosed by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass panels that lead to spacious private verandas. From here, guests can indulge in breathtaking views of the riverine landscapes while an infinity pool perfectly mirrors the captivating vistas beyond.
The interiors are “raw and robust but with a nice touch of luxury and finesse”, an effect achieved with locally sourced rock and materials, local labour and craftsmanship. Chambers says they looked at what was available locally and designed according to that, serving Bluegrass Property Developers’ passion for establishing environmentally sensitive and sustainable projects.
BEAUTIFUL NATURAL RESOURCES
They use the rock in monolithic walls 700mm in width to pull through into spaces as feature structures encapsulating the vanity spaces and housing all the utilities in the kitchen. “The roof floats seamlessly over that. The areas where you touch the building are more refined, more luxurious, more delicate. We love that juxtaposition between the two components. That perfect imbalance. The dollar’s in the details. Where you touch the building is how you engage with the building, and that’s what really sells us as the architects,” says Chambers. Furniture like outdoor seating and tables are built in as far as possible, maintaining the monolithic rock aesthetic to achieve that raw yet robust look.
CROCODILE RIVER FRONTAGE
Of the 93 full-title stands ranging from 2,500m² to 4,500m² in size, 36 are dotted along a 6.5km stretch of the Crocodile River, while 57 stands lie amidst untouched nature, offering a truly exceptional wildlife experience. “Thirty-three percent of the river properties have already been reserved, which confirms how special this development is,” says Lindi le Grange, sales and development manager at BlueGrass Property Developers.
For example, Villa 10 is a 700m² home strategically built to offer 45m of river frontage, providing the perfect vantage point for viewing the Crocodile River and its inhabitants. The structure is on a gentle slope, offering stunning views of the river and the Park beyond where you could see a diverse range of wildlife species, including hippos, buffalo, kudu and a variety of birdlife.
Villa 10 accommodates 10 guests comfortably and provides ample space and privacy, making it perfect for families or friends travelling together. The lower level houses the main living areas, with an open-plan design that enables a seamless flow between the lounge, dining room, and kitchen. Large windows provide unobstructed views of the Park.
The upper level is dedicated to the sleeping quarters, with five spacious bedrooms offering views of the Park. They are light and airy, with large windows that allow the natural light to flood the space. Each of the five bedrooms is intuitively designed, with en suite bathrooms, king-size beds, coffee and tea stations, bar fridges, block-out curtains, air conditioning and much more.
The outdoor area is equally impressive, with an expansive viewing deck, undercover swimming pool, built-in braai area, boma fire pit and an entertainment area.
FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP
Other investment opportunities include a commercial lodge on 3.5ha with 300m river frontage, 150-bed rights and a restaurant. There are also 75 timeshare units developed by Dream Hotels & Resorts, leaders in the timeshare industry.
“This is the first fractional lodge we’re launching [in response to the demand for opportunities to diversify property investment portfolios] – people have been asking to stay there already and it’s not built,” says Lindi le Grange, sales and development manager at BlueGrass Property Developers.
Listing this luxury property for shared block ownership means that prospective buyers acquire a share in the share block, granting them the privilege of using a unit of their choice at their convenience. In essence, it allows them to possess their own holiday unit, but only for the duration they wish to utilise it, all while bearing only a fraction of the costs associated with whole ownership. Fractional ownership investments offer shares starting from R1.5m for two weeks or the recommended R2.7m for four weeks, making this a compelling proposition for savvy investors seeking flexibility and luxury.
EXCLUSIVE BUSHVELD LIFESTYLE
Residents and visitors have access to a 3,000m² recreational area encompassing a coffee shop, restaurant, art gallery, farmer’s market, gym, spa, and amphitheatre that can seat up to 1,500 people.
This ownership opportunity is ideal for discerning investors seeking an exclusive lifestyle in nature that seamlessly blends sophistication with remarkable design. Moreover, for those envisioning their later years in the tranquil embrace of the bushveld, this estate also serves as a perfect retirement investment opportunity.
For more information, contact Lindi on lindi@bluegrass1028.co.za or call 074 444 0178. Follow these accounts on Instagram @Shawushillsestate or Facebook @shawus hills wildlife estate to see how the development progresses.
