Borrowdale is a residential suburb located in the northern part of Harare, Zimbabwe. It is considered one of the most affluent and prestigious residential areas in the country. Traditionally, the community of Borrowdale has been a wealthy one associated with the local elite, at one point holding the title of the richest community in Zimbabwe. Today, it competes with Hogerty Hill and Borrowdale Brooke for that title.
Harare Skyline
The Origins of Borrowdale
The name "Borrowdale" comes from the Old Scandinavian term borgardalr, which means "the valley of the fort". The history of Borrowdale is closely tied to Captain John Henry Borrow, who commanded B Troop of the Salisbury Horse Volunteers. Born on 17 March 1865, he arrived in the Cape in 1882. In March 1887, along with his friends Frank Johnson and Maurice Heany, he went on a prospecting expedition to Mashonaland and ended up setting up the area as an estate that combined residential and farming areas.
The estate consisted of 22,275 hectares of land spreading out northwards and was purchased at the price of 17.5 cents per hectare. Borrow built a dam on the Borrowdale Brooke river in 1892 - the first in Rhodesia - and started to grow a variety of crops for the nascent town. In 1897, the area was acquired by United Goldfields Company which briefly ventured into livestock production but the enterprise was a failure.
Evolution into a Prestigious Suburb
During the twentieth century, Borrowdale transformed into a wealthy suburb; a then wooded, residential enclave dotted with many green spaces. It is known for its notable residents including many members of parliament, intellectuals, business people, ambassadors, and other professionals. Since the late 2000s, the area has become the leading destination for non-resident Zimbabwean and foreign buyers, driving up prices far beyond average incomes and accessible to only the wealthiest of local residents.
Read also: From Hawaiian Village to Landmark
Most of the area is residential. There are several parks within Borrowdale, including Ballantyne and Greystone Park (not to be confused with the neighbourhood of the same name). Throughout the 20th century, the concentration of wealth in Borrowdale sparked the growth of many prestigious public and private schools in and around the neighborhood.
Borrowdale Brooke: A Jewel Within Borrowdale
Borrowdale Brooke might just be the wealthiest suburb in Harare and is widely considered the most posh and one of the best places to live in Harare. Residents enjoy the security of a gated environment while maintaining easy access to Harare’s northern suburbs. The estate’s carefully planned layout, featuring wide streets lined with mature trees and well-maintained gardens, creates an atmosphere of tranquility despite being just 15 minutes from the CBD.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Family life in Borrowdale Brooke revolves around outdoor activities, community events, and the security that comes with living in a gated estate. The lifestyle here centers around outdoor living, with the golf course serving as both a recreational facility and a social hub. Its proximity to key amenities, including the Borrowdale Brooke Shopping Centre, and premier educational institutions enriches the living experience.
Borrowdale is home to many notable schools, institutions, an arena, a pool, libraries and a number of parks and the prestigious Borrowdale Race Course. Borrowdale is also home to several private schools, including, Westminster International, Borrowdale Academy, St. John's College, St. John's Preparatory School, St.
The Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate
Imagine living in an idyllic park-like setting where you feel you are permanently on holiday. Fresh air, tranquility, friendly neighbours, 24hr security and a magnificent golf course. Borrowdale Brooke, the brainchild of Lonrho Construction, was started in 1996. The Estate comprises 252 hectares of tranquil landscape sub-divided into 665 stands.
Read also: Bindura University
There are a variety of housing designs on The Estate with basic building guidelines in place to ensure an overall standard of aesthetics, and safety standards of the City of Harare are adhered to. The magnificent 18-hole golf course was designed and built by Peter Matkovich of Matkovich and Hayes, in consultation with Nick Price, to United States Golf Association standards. Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club was opened by Nick Price on 27th November 1998. The course has developed beautifully with many big trees and 209 bird species have been recorded on the course and in the gardens on The Estate. The Brooke is the ideal, safe environment to bring up a family in.
A Drive through a BEAUTIFUL, WEALTHY Neighborhood of Borrowdale Brooke. Harare. Zimbabwe.
Real Estate in Borrowdale Brooke
There are currently properties for sale and for rent in Borrowdale Brooke. This variation is influenced by factors such as property type, size, age, and condition. For a more accurate understanding of the costs, we recommend using a refined search for specific properties in Borrowdale Brooke.
Here's a summary of the property landscape in Borrowdale Brooke:
| Property Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Properties for Sale | 150,000 - 2,900,000 |
| Properties for Rent | Varies (Refined search recommended) |
The Allure of Borrowdale
Spectacular views, beautiful scenery and neighbours who are "our sort of people" provide serious attractions to those who have risen to the top of their business or profession. But no one should plan on this suburb without some serious money.
Now the bulk of the land left for development is right in the north-east of Borrowdale estate, and the extreme hilly terrain means that plots must be large. "This is an area where you get to see the who's who in the 'money business' and some of the top politicians. But some of those who own these houses are little known but they like to live in luxury. In this part of town a borehole, pump station and an electricity generator that could power a decent factory are pretty much standard.
Read also: Wild Horizons Zimbabwe
Some areas of new development are still a little garish, compared to the "old money" parts of Borrowdale. Within a decade or two the new trees, joining the surviving Msasas, will once again cover the hillsides with green; shrubs and ivy will mute the walls; and "new money" Borrowdale will become far more private and discreet, in fact as private and as discreet as "old money" Borrowdale.
Popular articles:
tags:
