BOSCHENMEER: A DREAM GOLF ESTATE IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Developed by Syfin Properties, the vision for Boschenmeer was to design a residential area on a golf course that is essentially 'part’ of the golf course, and which enables residents to experience the tranquil openness, quiet and relaxation of the golf course on an everyday basis – whether they are golfers or not. The concept is based on the fact that the golf course forms an integral part of this development. Virtually 90% of the residential properties are directly facing a part of the golf course, which offers breathtaking views across perfectly manicured lawns, and yet no fairway has houses on both sides. Homes are positioned to offer privacy and to best utilise the magnificent views of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek mountains. Boschenmeer is an eco-sensitive development and the developers have made a serious commitment to preserve the natural environment whilst creating a suitable environment for human residence and activity. The estate has many water features including a large lake with two islands and a bird sanctuary which is home to an abundance of bird life. Aquatic life is vibrant with Carp and tadpoles providing welcome morsels to the growing bird population, which include more than 20 species of birds such as the Pied Kingfisher, Sacred Ibis and the White Cattle Egret. The estate is the proud custodian of many old and well established trees, and a thousand indigenous trees and shrubs were furthermore planted at Boschenmeer, many bearing berries and seeds to attract even more bird species to the area. The Cape Vernacular architecture is based on the deeply rooted history of the region’s Cape Dutch and Victorian architectural heritage, together with the Tuscan influences inherited from the Italian World War 1 Prisoners Of War who built Du Toitskloof Pass, and then settled in the Paarl/Franschhoek valley. The combination of elements taken from these three styles has created a subtle, refreshing and timeless architecture that reflects the history and culture of this valley. In the design of the buildings, the challenge was to accommodate individual taste, yet preserve the overall architectural theme. The architect and developers have formulated architectural guidelines that apply to all homes to ensure that Boschenmeer retains its unique style or “look”.