Gauteng’s gentleman suburb – Melville
Many properties in Gauteng Province have a great deal of history and many also combine this graceful aging with a great deal of class. Replete with pine floors and wrap-around verandas the suburb is greatly loved by its inhabitants and adored from passers-by as well. We take a look at how this graceful gentleman has aged.
Melville happens to be one of the first districts established within Gauteng Province, formally appearing only ten years after Johannesburg. In its early days it was considered a middle-class stronghold which left it to evolve with a certain degree of freedom and comfort. It evolved into the cultural hub and business centre which it is today and enjoys a great deal of prestige, although few would consider it middle-class any longer.
Chris Hajec, Seeff’s MD for Randburg, and a resident of Melville himself says the suburb has a particular attraction to the fiercely loyal residents who jealousy look out for the preservation of the character and village like atmosphere of this historic suburb.
“Property in Melville comes in a wide range of price points dependant on size and condition, from R1.4 Million for a semi to R3.2 Million for a fully renovated golden oldie with all the patina, and like all areas which have achieved this level of gentrification, there are excellent profit margins for bargain hunters willing to roll up their sleeves for those renovation opportunities that still exist. Properties have also received a boost from the unique development of a shopping centre made entirely out of shipping containers which fits Melville’s reputation for creative expression.”
Melville also houses the famed 7th street, the inspiration behind the popular show “7de Laan”. Overall the suburb is known for its famous residents who rub shoulders in passing with artists and musicians and the great natural beauty of the area.
