eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Harare is fast becoming a gated community with the emergence of new estates focusing on hi-tech security and exclusivity, giving occupants a sense of pride and belonging.
Gated communities have controlled entrances and closed perimeters walls or fences to enhance the community security and pride. Most of the gated communities have constitutions that guide how each family should behave and how much levies should be paid towards the maintenance of amenities that service the community.
One of the top property development companies, WestProp Holdings, is leading the way with the provision of mixed use luxury gated communities that speak to the needs and aspirations of residents buying into the exclusive estates.
A US$500 000 gatehouse was recently commissioned at Millennium Heights, an exclusive development by WestProp Holdings.
Company chairman, Dr Michael Louis, who gave the keynote address spoke on the importance of gated and walled communities drawing parallels with South Africa where he lives.
He said gated communities provide security and confidence to occupants adding that WestProp was working tirelessly to safeguard the safety of residents investing into its developments. WestProp chief, Ken Sharpe, said the difference with the company’s gated communities are its additives that include shopping malls, office space, club houses, play and recreational facilities and restaurants among other critical amenities. The WestProp gated communities comprise of the Hills Luxury Golf Estate whose ground breaking is slated for the first week of May, Pokugara Residential Estate and Pomona City. A gated community is a residential area that is restricted by a physical barrier and has limited access. Residents have access to the amenities inside the community.
Sharpe said WestProp continues to be guided by the culture of doing things in excellence as symbolised by the Millennium Gatehouse, which also presents the latest technology.
“We have invested in for the security in 24/7 CCTV surveillance and in that system, we have facial recognition and number plate recognition systems. So, all vehicles will be recognised before they get to the gate. When they get to the boom, the face reader will recognise their faces and say Welcome Mr So and So.
“You do not even need to interact with the security guards or even fill a form because the system is automated and digitalised through an AI system at the head office,” he said.
Modern Gated Communities — some of the exciting features
According to www.bellacollina.com , gated communities became popular in the 70s as sanctuaries for retirees and seniors. They were developed as residential communities safeguarding against unwanted traffic and safety threats. They also boasted low-maintenance home ownership with, in most cases, landscaping, lawn care, trash removal, and more, maintained by homeowners’ associations.
Though gated communities come from humble beginnings, today, luxury communities with custom-built homes that provide magnificent aesthetics, exceptional amenities, and exquisite homes are more common than not. New communities pop up around the country each year. Modern gated communities, a far cry from those of the 70s, have elevated lifestyle standards tenfold.
Top-Notch Security Features
One of the biggest draws of living in a gated community is its inherent security features. Keeping a community gated helps to fend off unwanted traffic and visitors, well-meaning or otherwise. Both car traffic and foot traffic are significantly reduced in private residential neighbourhoods. Unwanted guests, solicitors and through traffic cannot gain access to these neighbourhoods without permission or resident access. The reduced car traffic also makes the streets of a gated community safer for walking and children at play.
Likewise, gated communities typically have security features such as guards, surveillance cameras, and perimeter monitoring. These features serve as a deterrent to potential unwanted visitors and thieves. As advancements in security technology develop, luxury gated communities add them to their arsenal of elevated lifestyle standards to help keep residents safe.
Magnificent Landscaping
Luxury gated communities are known for their low-maintenance, visually appealing exterior aesthetic. Common areas may boast beautiful landscaping, incredible hardscaping, picturesque lakes, eco-friendly attributes, and water features. Homeowners’ associations (HOA) or community management teams maintain and manage these aspects.
Further, the HOA typically cares for road maintenance, lawn care, snow removal (in some countries), and other exterior maintenance.
Ultimately, as a homeowner in a luxury gated community, you have very few responsibilities in terms of exterior upkeep. For this reason, gated living has historically appealed to retirees and seniors. Today, however, this low-maintenance lifestyle is a luxury standard that’s also embraced by busy young families who prefer to focus on family and career instead of yard work.
Community Living
Of the many enticing characteristics of living in a gated community, the sense of community forged with your neighbours is among the nicest. Within the confines of these neighbourhoods, you see the same friendly faces every day. These are people who will look out for you, your home, and your property.
They are the same people with whom you will spend mornings in the gym, afternoons at the pool and evenings in the clubhouse.
Fun event calendars, recreational facilities, and active living environments with sports facilities bolster this sense of community. As you become a part of your community, you will undoubtedly make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Leisure Amenities
The leisure amenities in luxury gated communities are unparalleled. Be on the lookout for on-site spas where you are just a hop, skip, and jump away from routine massages, facials and other relaxing services. You may also find gyms that feature saunas for winding down after a challenging workout.
If you love to relax poolside, resort-style pools, whirlpools and sundecks outfitted with comfortable loungers, these should be must-haves in your selected community. Whether you are settling into retirement or need a second home to escape the hubbub of a hectic work schedule, find a gated community with top-notch leisure amenities.
Active Living Elements
As luxury gated communities up the ante with lifestyle standards <https://www.bellacollina.com/the-club>, we are seeing an emphasis on active living facilities. Consider a gated community if you enjoy maintaining an active lifestyle, playing recreational sports, and socialising with other active people. Be on the lookout for communities with facilities such as:
- Golf courses
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Lap lanes (pool)
- Full fitness center
- Group exercise or activities
Not only do such facilities keep you moving, but they also bring you together with your neighbours. Imagine the fun of waking up each morning and having all of these options at your fingertips.
Even if you are not someone who is currently into these active pursuits yet, knowing they are available to you is encouraging and enticing. Maybe you will pick up a new sport like pickleball or perfect your golf game. Either way, active living is one of the many elevated lifestyle standards you can expect in upscale gated communities.
On-Site Event Venues
Whether planting roots near a metropolitan area or far from the hubbub of the big city, having on-site event options is a big bonus. Many new luxury gated communities feature world-class restaurants, lounges, and inviting clubhouses. Imagine getting home from a long day of work, golf, or other pursuits and having the option to dine on-premises instead of having to heat up your kitchen stove.
Some luxury communities even offer accommodations for out-of-town guests. How nice would it be to have family in town but not have to host them in your own home? With on-site accommodations such as short-term vacation rentals, that is an appealing reality. Welcome friends and family to your community with lovely accommodations that provide them privacy and access to the amenities you regularly enjoy.
