Sunninghill is a vibrant suburb of Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, offering a unique blend of residential tranquility and commercial activity. Located in Region A of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Sunninghill is bordered to the south by the bustling N1 freeway. This area has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from open land to a thriving hub with numerous townhouses and office parks.
A panoramic view of Johannesburg, with Sunninghill located in the Sandton area.
A Look into Sunninghill's History
Rivonia and Sunninghill are often grouped together in real estate due to their close proximity and intertwined economies, both serving as outlying suburbs of Sandton. Rivonia has played diverse roles in Johannesburg’s history, evolving from a farming area to an upmarket suburban and commercial node. Sunninghill, considered both commercial and residential, is bordered by Kyalami and Woodmead, now commercial centers in their own right.
In the past the Ponsfords came to Sunninghill when the railway was built, with the men helping to build the railway. They stayed a while at 32 Lower Village Road in Sunninghill. The railway construction involved a lot of manual labor, digging by hand.
Sunninghill Park also has a rich history. Originally part of Windsor Forest, a new house was built on the estate in the early 19th century in the late Georgian period. The Crown Estate Commissioners purchased the property from Philip Hill in 1945. The main house was intended for Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after their wedding in 1947.
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in their younger years.
In 1986, the walled garden of 5 acres (20,000 m2) was purchased from the Crown Estate Commissioners on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. Construction began the following year on a two-story red brick house for the Duke and Duchess of York, who had married in July 1986. This house featured six reception rooms, 12 bedrooms, and 12 bathrooms.
Commercial and Residential Aspects
Sunninghill has many commercial and corporate business sectors and is a well-situated residential area for those working in Rivonia, Sandton, and Midrand. Many younger, skilled professionals choose this area to live and invest in apartments and townhouses, which are more affordable than individual houses.
There has been continuous development in Sunninghill, with previously open land now hosting apartments, townhouses, and cluster complexes. Today, over 3,600 sectional title properties exist in Sunninghill. Only 30% of the suburb is freehold property, typically in the form of cluster homes and homes within security compounds.
A growing residential demand coupled with inadequate road infrastructure has presented challenges, particularly with traffic congestion on Witkoppen Road and Rivonia Road. However, the new K60 has been laid out through the center of the suburb to ease traffic. Further road upgrades are underway to improve connectivity.
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Education and Medical Facilities
Sunninghill is well-served by several educational institutions:
- St Peter's College: A private high school off Maxwell Drive.
- St Peter's Prep: A feeder private preparatory school in Paulshof.
- King David Primary School: Located near Woodmead.
- Rivonia Primary: A public school in Rivonia.
Newer private schools in the Waterfall City region, such as Reddam, Curro, and Pinnacle College, are also a short drive away.
For medical needs, Sunninghill Hospital, a private Netcare hospital, offers specialized services including maternity, burns, transplants, bariatric surgeries, robotic-assisted surgeries, cardiac facilities, and cancer care services. It features 24-hour emergency departments and two trauma units, with a widely respected pediatrics department.
Shopping and Dining
There are several shopping options locally:
- Sunninghill Square
- Sunninghill Village
- Chili Lane Centre
Rivonia Crossing, Kyalami Corner, and Waterfall Corner are also conveniently located for Sunninghill residents.
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For dining, Del Forno offers Italian pasta and pizza in the Chili Lane center, while Mozambik in Sunninghill Square serves Portuguese specialties. Hussar Grill at Waterfall Corner is an excellent choice for steak lovers, and La Rossa Mexican Grill on Montecasino Boulevard provides a fun-filled fiesta with Mexican cuisine and tequila.
Things to Do in and Around Sunninghill
Looking for weekend activities? Here are some top options:
- Rivonia Recreational Club: Offers tennis, gymnastic classes, bowling greens, and a restaurant.
- The Prison Break Market: A craft market with designer stalls in Midrand, featuring various sheds for food, crafts, and events.
- Mall of Africa: The largest shopping mall in South Africa, located just 10 minutes from Sunninghill, with over 300 shops, eateries, and entertainment options.
- Monte Casino: Features a Bird Park, gaming casino, theatre, bowling alley, cinema complex, restaurants, and takeaway shops.
- Fourways Mall: Offers a Bounce trampoline studio for kids and adults.
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The Mall of Africa, one of the largest shopping centers near Sunninghill.
Location and Accessibility
Easy access to the N1 via the Rivonia Road off-ramp makes commuting from Sunninghill convenient. Lanseria Airport is the nearest airport for domestic flights and private charters, while OR Tambo International Airport is 35 kilometers away.
Situated between Sandton and Midrand, Sunninghill offers an easy commute to work. It is also considered an IT hub, with major companies like Hewlett Packard and Fujitsu South Africa having offices in the area.
Real Estate in Sunninghill
Low rentals and good value in Sunninghill have attracted several large users, resulting in ongoing refurbishment of older office parks and buildings. Demand for office space remains steady, primarily from private, medium-sized businesses and owner-occupiers.
According to Broll Research, prime-grade gross rentals are fixed at approximately R125sqm, with average rentals for A-grade offices between R85 and R100sqm gross. The demand is primarily for spaces ranging from 150 to 1000sqm, with a cap rate of 9-10% and lease escalation also at 9-10%.
Weather and Lifestyle
The weather in Sunninghill is exceptionally good, with hot summers, cool winters, and mild autumn and spring months. The sun shines 80% of the time, allowing residents to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle year-round.
In summary, Sunninghill offers a balanced lifestyle with its blend of commercial opportunities, residential comfort, and convenient access to amenities and activities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Residential Properties | Townhouses, apartments, cluster homes |
| Commercial Presence | Office parks, IT hub |
| Shopping | Sunninghill Square, Chili Lane, Rivonia Crossing |
| Medical | Netcare Sunninghill Hospital |
| Accessibility | Easy access to N1 freeway, close to Lanseria and OR Tambo airports |
| Climate | Hot summers, cool winters, sunny |
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