WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN
Terri Zar has been living in Linksfield for four years and attributes her choice to the convenience the suburb offers, as well as the space it affords her family. “There are quite a few complexes in the area but the majority of homes are stand-alone. It’s an oldish area but many young people are moving in and renovating their homes as the stands are big,” says Terri, who has two small children.
Linksfield gets its name from the golf-related word “links” as a result of its proximity to the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, a 36-hole lush course which offers more than just a round for the avid golfer. The club also caters to children, fitness enthusiasts, fine diners and even boasts a performance centre which focusses on multiple services – from correcting your swing, through to Pilates and even laser hair removal.
Property
From the sweeping greens of the golf course to the generously roomy gardens of many homes in Linksfield, space is a priority here and many young families are opting for the area because of it.
Given its established nature and proximity to good schools as well as recreational areas, Linksfield is proudly known as “an old family neighbourhood” and you’ll often find neighbours who have grown up in the area and bought their properties from their own parents in which to raise their children.
Now that options in the Sandton surrounds are often limited for the average budget, savvy young parents are looking to suburbs like Linksfield to put down roots, but in their own distinctive aesthetic style.
This flood of renovation and rejuvenation has, as Terri has noted, injected a real hum of new life into this well-structured area.
Schools
Linksfield offers the Jewish community a really specialised offering for education in the form of the wellknown and respected King David Schools, which look after Jewish pupils from nursery all the way through to matric. King David Linksfield focusses on excellence across sport, culture and academia, all set in the context of religious study and lifestyle.
The Saheti School in Linksfield is another private option that’s rooted in the Greek tradition and culture. Here, studies are based on the ethos and values of Hellenism while integrating and including South African tradition, and is open to children of all denominations.
For those looking for a public school option, Linksfield Primary School is an excellent one for little learners and further afield is Edenvale High School for older kids.
Parents looking for an Anglican private school option in the area for their daughters are in luck. Both St Andrew’s and St Mary’s are close enough to be conveniently on route to Sandton.
Explore
Linksfield is well equipped to handle the high energy of both a growing family and its sporty parents. “The area has beautiful parks, including Huddle Park which is a favourite.” Terri makes use of this space for her family for trail walks to mashie golf, Acrobranch adventure courses, Crossfit and even a car wash and restaurant. “We are also five minutes from Norwood which has incredible restaurants to visit with friends and family.”
If you don’t want to travel even the short distance to a neighbouring suburb, you have a number of options for casual and celebratory dining in Linksfield itself.
When the thought of cooking is too much for you midweek, take the family to Er Buco Italian for a pizza or pasta or meet up with friends on a Friday night at Mo-Zam-Bik for a laidback but festive evening. Date night is covered thanks to Sushimi where delicious fresh fish is imported from Europe to create scrumptious sushi dishes.
Top-up your shopping at the Woolworths at Terrace Shopping Centre, have a quick manipedi at Rene’s Beauty Clinic, or sweat it out after work at Durandt’s Boxing and Fitness.
Fresh air at the weekend is delivered in spades at Gillooly’s Farm – a huge 44ha open space with a large man-made lake filled with fish. Gillooly’s is a great way to spend a full day; entrance is free, dogs are welcome, bird life abounds for those who enjoy spotting the different species, and if you haven’t packed a picnic, Mrs Sippy Blues is a restaurant that caters for most palates.
If you’re looking for a fresh start somewhere with lots of space, is family friendly and convenient, keep Linksfield on your list.
The combination of great schools, easy access to nature and big houses just waiting for a new look make the area a promising option for the new generation.
Linksfield is an established suburb with lots of new blood and energy filtering in TERRI ZAR, RESIDENT
EXPERIENCE
- L. Ron Hubbard House: visit the well-preserved home of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
- Gillooly’s Farm: walking trails, braai and picnic facilities as well as a great restaurant
- Huddle Park Golf and Recreation: 18-hole course, dog walking, putt-putt and fishing
EAT
- Sushimi: delicious fresh sushi on your doorstep
- Mo-Zam-Bik Restaurant: authentic Mozambican cuisine with a festive atmosphere
- Er Buco Italian Restaurant: a great spot for mid-week pizza
CONVENIENCE
- Netcare Linksfield Hospital: peace of mind just around the corner
- Linksfield Terrace Shopping Centre: convenient pit-stop including a handy Woolies
- OR Tambo International Airport: a comfortable distance for frequent fliers
