Tenth Lane Estate (Irene Country Club) – Centurion

Tenth Lane Estate was developed in 2004 on the tenth Fairway of the Irene Country Club. The Estate consists of only 23 houses, which are very popular due to its exclusivity and the fact that it offers a relaxed lifestyle where family values are encouraged. All the houses are situated on the fairway overlooking panoramic views of the golf course, treed rivers edge and fountains. Facilities include the 18 hole golf course, pro shop, tennis, bowls, squash and cricket. Functions and conferences are also catered for up to a maximum of 170 guests. The Country club covers approximately 100 ha, and a number of the fairways are alongside the ses myl spruit. A variety of mature trees and shrubs abound and much of the natural foliage is incorporated in the design of the holes. The Irene Country Club is approximately 100ha in extent.

The suburb of Irene is a village that is steeped in history and has become one of the most sought after areas in which to live in Centurion. One of the earlier Voortrekkers, Daniel Elardus Erasmus established a farm in the area which he named Doornkloof. Alois Hugo Nellmapius purchased two thirds of the farm Doornkloof in 1889, and named his land “Irene”, after his daughter. Within a year he had trebled the size of his land and named it “Irene Estates”. Johannes Albertus “Bertie” van der Byl bought “Irene Estates” in 1896, and had it proclaimed a township in 1902.

The idea of a Golf Course in Irene was conceived by Bertie van der Byl in 1910. The first committee meeting was held in 1911 and it was resolved to build a golf course of nine holes costing 500 pounds. The first nine holes that were built were first used in 1912. In 1922, the course was extended to 18 holes. The new clubhouse was opened on 7 October 1969. The ses myl spruit (six mile stream) which joins up with the Hennops River runs through the grounds of the Country Club. The most recent changes to the golf course were undertaken by Phil Jacobs.

The historical and cultural attractions include the General Smuts House, Irene Dairy Farm, Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery, The Bi Monthly Village Market and the Holy Cross Chapel.

Security on the Estate includes electrical fencing surrounding the Estate and a security boom manned by security guards as well as security guards patrolling the area. All visitors are required to sign in on entering the Estate. The entrance to the estate is monitored by CCTV cameras. The freehold stands range in size from 800 sm to 1,000 sm whilst the price of houses ranges from R2,500,000 to R3,500,000(2012). Due to the fact that Tenth Lane Estate is a new Estate, the majority of residents are still the original purchasers of the stands.

The Estate is bordered approximately by Southdown’s Estate to the West and the South, Nellmapius Drive (M31) to the North and Glen Avenue (M18) to the East.

Shopping Centres in the immediate vicinity include the Irene Village Mall, Southdown’s Mall, Centurion Mall, Irene Shopping Centre and the Doringkloof Mall. The nearest post Offices are in Highveld and the Centurion Mall. Sports facilities in the neighbouring suburbs in addition to those offered by the Irene Country Club include ballet, dance, yachting, angling, running, hockey and drama etc.

Tenth Lane Estate is central to a number of private schools including Cornwall Hill College, Midstream College and Southdown’s College. A number of government schools are situated nearby including Lyttelton Manor High, Zwartkop High, Doringkloof Primary and Irene Primary.

The Unitas hospital is about 5km from the Estate, whilst the Medicross Doringkloof, Highveld Medical Centre and Southdown’s Medical Centre are all close by. The nearest police station is the Lyttelton Police station in Lyttelton. The nearest library is in Irene.