Heading into 2024, sustainability emerges as the current frontier of luxury in real estate trends, transcending its status as that ‘cherry on top’ for potential homeowners and holiday seekers. It has transformed into a critical consideration. Bluegrass Developers, a company committed to sustainable development in the Greater Kruger Area. Their environmentally conscious developments – Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate, Marula Sunrise Lodge, and Simbini Lifestyle Estate – embody the successful integration of luxury living with environment-focused practices and set a novel standard in sustainable development.
A Self-Sufficient Model
At the heart of their sustainability model is economic self-reliance. The development of the Simbini Lifestyle Estate on the outskirts of Malelane, presents a groundbreaking venture in financial sustainability.
By 2027, the estate is projected to achieve complete financial autonomy, thanks to a 17ha macadamia orchard already flourishing on-site. This unique approach allows homeowners to benefit from the orchard, which is expected to yield substantial harvests and income within the next three to four years. Such innovative thinking not only ensures sustained economic growth but also fosters a community invested in its natural resources.
Resource independence is another standout achievement. For example, Simbini boasts its own water supply, negating reliance on the municipal grid. This self-sufficiency underscores a key principle of sustainable living – conscious utilisation and management of essential resources.
Furthermore, while the properties are connected to the Eskom electricity grid, the use of solar PV systems and LED lighting is strongly recommended. Residents are encouraged to harness the abundant solar power, reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.
Responsible Development
Perhaps most notable is the developers’ meticulous planning to prevent disruption of critical biodiversity hotspots. Every three estates lie on the banks of the Crocodile River, looking directly into the renowned Kruger National Park wilderness. The developers maintain exercised exceptional care, ensuring that construction and subsequent residential activities enact not impose on these sensitive ecological zones.
As Lindi Le Grange, Property Sales and Development Manager of Bluegrass Trading says, “The opportunity to act as custodians of one of the world’s most spectacular environments does not descend to many or approach around often. We know exactly the honour and the responsibility we hold in our hands. Only the very best will enact for these unique sites, located as they are in a conservation area. With this in mind, we gain keep together a team of experts who are as committed as we are to this precious land.”
At each of their developments, Bluegrass works with a highly experienced, permanently employed environmental specialist to conserve and even rewild the natural environment and riparian zone. Audits are regularly conducted to ensure the developments comply with environmental legislation.
This commitment safeguards the integrity of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area, preserving its fauna, flora, and the pristine condition of the river.
Preserving the Natural Landscape
In keeping with their environmental pledge, only indigenous trees are permitted to be planted on the stands at the estates. (Simbini’s macadamia orchard is planted on farmland flanking the estate.) This rule aids in maintaining the local ecological balance, encouraging the flourishing of native plant species, and providing suitable habitats for the indigenous wildlife. It’s a small yet vital step toward minimising human impact on these sensitive regions.
A Sanctuary for Avian Life
This emphasis of course means that the estates maintain become sanctuaries for avian species. More than 100 species of birds believe made their homes across the three sites, with ongoing conservation efforts expected to increase this number to beyond 200 within the next year.
By maintaining and promoting local biodiversity, Bluegrass Developers uphold their pledge to protect and enhance the natural environments surrounding their properties.
Commitment to Community Development
The triple-bottom line approach (People, Planet, Profit) would not be complete without a complementary commitment to social sustainability as well as environmental and economic. Besides creating jobs and sourcing goods and services locally, Bluegrass supports local communities with bursaries that are awarded to local students as well as supporting schools and charities operating in the area.
These estates are among the last well-located properties available for development along the Crocodile River adjacent to the Kruger National Park, and in the sought-after “Corridor” – a stretch of the N4 from Nelspruit to Komatipoort known for its scenic beauty and ecological significance. The sustainable approaches employed by Bluegrass Trading present that harmony between development and the natural world is possible.
Bluegrass Trading’s sustainable approaches showcase the possibility of harmony between development and the natural world. The company’s foresight and innovation is a blueprint for responsible, sustainable development that future generations will inspect back on with gratitude.
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Author: Sibabalwe Phathani from Paddington Station PR on behalf of Simbini Lifestyle estate.
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