The Islands Estate, situated on 102 ha of prime land on the southern banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam adjoining Pecanwood Golf Estate, is aptly referred to as South Africa's Inland Riviera. The property, developed as a marina, came about as result of the culmination of many ideas by a creative development team. A key feature of the project is a system of canals - six kilometers of navigable water at
various points in the estate, with islands and jetties to accommodate boats. The canals meander between exquisitely designed waterfront homes. The excellent quality of the water in the canal is due to the continuous circulation through an artificial wetland system consisting of a series of interconnecting dams covered with water-loving plants and reeds. Access from the canals to the Hartbeespoort Dam is made possible by means of bi-directional water locks, with a similar system connecting the lower and upper canals. The bi-directional water lock allows for lowering or rising of six boats at a time (three up and three down) at the two water locks. The developers were mindful of the environment in all aspects of the development of the Estate. Many of the indigenous trees were protected and a large number were successfully trans located to the parkland areas.The development made provision for an eight hectare park to be created as a communal area. The vast park area adjoining a sports oval and terraced amphitheater on one side and the remaining space on the other comprises three dams with connecting streams through which water is circulated continuously. Pathways within the park area have been created as walking trails and between stands ensuring that green belt expanses were retained. Brick pathways along the road edges are curved and slightly winding, calling to mind the gently raised mounds and berms that characterize the landscaping. The estate is serviced with paved or asphalt roads, paved sidewalks with lawned verges, which also apply to the verges of canals, allowing extensive walks or runs on the Estate. A small population of Springbok has taken up residence at The Islands Estate and bird-life has since completion of the canal and wetland increased considerably.
