WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER
Raslouw is a pretty scenic suburb of Pretoria, located on the outer western countryside reaches of Centurion. The Rietspruit meanders through this tree-filled suburb with its panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
Raslouw mainly comprises small farms, plots and stylish fashionable residential security estates catering to a modern and relaxed style of life within convenient commuting distance between Gauteng’s cities. These include Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Sandton, Joburg as well as Krugersdorp and Hartbeespoort Dam in North West Province.
The suburb is bordered by Wierda Road (M10) to the north, Philirene Road (Heuwelsig Estate) in the west, Gouws Avenue (Wierdapark) to its east, and Ruimte Avenue (R114) as its southern border.
It’s well-located within quick access of all amenities – shopping centres, hospitals like Netcare Unitas Hospital, schools, churches, the Gautrain network, Lanseria and Wonderboom airports, as well as the Sunderland Ridge industrial area.
Property
Raslouw’s scenic central location in Gauteng has become a sought-after area for both homeowners and developers. Some farmland and smallholdings have in recent years made way for quite a few beautiful residential estate developments, but care had been taken in preserving the open countryside look and feel of the suburb. There are still a significant portion of agricultural holdings, plots and small farms in the area – some of which are on the market.
Housing in this middle to upper-middle income neighbourhood includes several newly built upmarket townhouses of varying sizes in secured estates.
Most of these offer quite a lot of living space and the convenience of shared amenities, security features and the comfort of a lock-up-and-go lifestyle. The average entry-level asking price is approximately R1,8m to R2,5m.
For a price tag of between around R2,8m to in the order of R4m, buyers would be able to find a lovely contemporary family home in one of the luxury estates. These usually comprise three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage, private garden and extra facilities like staff quarters, private pool and the like. Sectional title as well as freehold title properties are available in most of these estates.
Buyers and developers who wish to make a larger investment, may consider buying a small holding with extended, often multiple, homes on it. Some of these are suited to residential or commercial development, guesthouses and more.
Schools
Laerskool and Hoërskool Raslouw is an independently owned school tutoring pre-primary, primary and high school learners. The school follows an indicato curriculum for Grade 0 to Grade 7, while secondary school education is offered through the Cambridge International Exams. The school also boasts afterschool and holiday-care facilities.
PLG Raslouw College opened its doors in January 2017. This school upholds the principle of bringing quality private education within easy access of the whole community. It also offers both primary and secondary school education.
Raslouw Academy is a remedial school based in the suburb. It was founded in 2004 after a need for specialised education had been identified.
Located close to Raslouw in the well-established neighbouring suburb of Wierdapark are public primary schools of distinction, namely Laerskool Bakenkop and Springvale Primary School. Both the neighbouring public high schools Sutherland High School and Hoërskool Eldoraigne, take pride in offering secondary phase education of a high standard and are located within easy access from Raslouw. Empro Academy and Spark Centurion are also within easy reach.
Explore
Situated on the western, less built-up belt of the greater Centurion area, the suburb of Raslouw offers a tranquil and relaxing environment fostering the opportunity to spend quality downtime at home, by yourself or with friends and family.
Equally so, the neighbourhood is conveniently located within easy access of entertainment hubs like Centurion central with its many clubs, restaurants and modern shopping centres offering a diversity of amusement and entertainment.
Attractions that will delight the energetic include a thrilling wave pool and an exciting ice rink at Forest Hill City. Both Mall@Reds and Forest Hill City have movie theatres as well. Raslouw is also the home of the highly praised Sense Day Spa. This health and wellness haven prides itself in spoiling its patrons in overabundance.
Golf-playing residents have an extraordinary choice of great golf courses in the vicinity. Book a round at either Copperleaf Golf Club, Centurion Golf Course, Thatchfield Par 3 Golf Course, Irene Country Club, or Zwartkop Golf Course near Zwartkops Raceway.
Make a point of treating the kids to a Sunday picnic at Centurion Society Of Model Engineers where they will absolutely love the little train rides.
We live in a quiet complex in Raslouw with security and communal areas where we and our kids feel safe and have peace of mind LETTY MALAUDZI, RESIDENT
EAT
- Thunder Ridge Spur Steak Ranch, Eldo Square
- Debonairs Pizza, Celtis Ridge: counter-serve pizza
- Moo Moo, Mall@Reds: trendy hangout
- News Café: upmarket at Mall@55
- Hogshead Centurion: popular pub at Mall@Reds
STAY
- Guesthouse@LemonJack: upmarket, comes highly recommended
- De Zoete Rust Guesthouse: stylish home away from home
- Nyamba Guest House: centrally located, attention to detail
- Grey Pilgrim: comfortable bed and breakfast
- Chipembere Executive Suite: luxury self-catering
SHOP
- Mall@Reds: retail therapy galore
- Raslouw Lifestyle Centre: easily accessible community centre
- Celtis Ridge Centre: neighbourhood convenience centre
- Forest Hill City: comprehensive shops, restaurant and entertainment
- Mall@55: the new kid on the block
