Meyersdal – we’re for horse lovers!

It’s always such a treat when you find yourself working on a project that you find close to your heart. On rare occasions such as these, being on the clock hardly feels like work at all!

One the newest staff members at V&L Landscape Architects was lucky enough to discover this when she worked on the Master Planning of the Meyersdal Equestrian and Country Estate in the early months of 2010. Having grown up on a smallholding, Roxanne has always been a horse lover, and was thrilled to be a part of this exciting planning exercise. What better way to live than with your horse nearby, especially with all the conveniences of modern living thrown in to the mix?

At present, the site, Meyer’s Farm in Alberton is a known equestrian destination offering dressage, recreational and show jumping as well as a riding school. However, growing concerns about safety in this rural setting, as well as the ecological and historical integrity of the site, prompted the client to start looking at long term development and management options. The final solution would need to preserve the important aspects, solve the problems, and maximise the potential of the site. This was the brief received by V&L.

The central idea at Meyersdal Equestrian and Country Estate was for horse lovers to live within a 5 minute walk of their equine best friends and to be able to enjoy the benefits of owning a horse, all within a safe, beautiful and diverse environment.

Within this historical setting characterized by grasslands and a small trickling stream, V&L set out to combine conservation, environmental management and sensitive design and plan a quiet retreat tailored for horse enthusiasts. The master planners wrestled with the layout, which grew and evolved until it finally fit the site and its character. The master plan, once complete, included the following activities:

• A low density residential Country Estate bordering the beautiful Klipriviersberg in the south.

• A complex consisting on an Equestrian Centre, a Hotel, an Outdoor Museum and some higher density residential accommodation, situated in the area of current activity.

• An Office Park and additional higher density residential accommodation, situated in the north east section of the site.

Integrated planning allowed the ecology of the site to be protected, and even enhanced. It was proposed that the stream be rehabilitated and that the existing storm water from the highways (which currently represents a problem on the site) be dealt with through landscaped retention ponds. It was also proposed that disturbed sections of the veld be rehabilitated to their natural state, and that the ridge be protected in its pristine and untouched state.

Careful attention was paid to the farm’s historical significance and aesthetic value. It was proposed that all new buildings be built in the Old Transvaal Style, to compliment the existing historical buildings and to enhance the sense of place within the estate.

It was also recommended that new life be breathed into the existing historical buildings, and that they be adapted for new uses. These buildings, which include a number of historical cottages, an Old Transvaal Style Hotel and an open air Agricultural Museum, are vital to the development, as they will lend authenticity to the historic character and charm of the estate.

Once this development is complete, bridle trails will wind their way past the homes and through the landscape at Meyersdal, allowing both resident and visiting equestrians to enjoy not only their sporting activities, but also the beautiful highveld environment set against the backdrop of the Klipriviersberg.

With such peace, convenience and leisure on the cards, Roxanne is considering a return to country life…