ABOUT US

Beaulieu’s development took place in the early 1980s under the Kyalami Syndicate led by Mr. Verster. The land was previously owned by Mr. Papenfus, who acquired it before the Second World War. Mr. Papenfus, a prosperous cattle farmer, resided in the Cape Dutch house atop Krause Street, allowing him a vantage point to oversee his lands and observe the workers. Interestingly, there were rumors of the house being haunted.

During the construction of houses on the farm, Mr. Papenfus collected old cans and bottles from the Kyalami race track. The stone house on the property was occupied by his girlfriend, Gayle, while he and his wife resided in the adjacent old farm house. Remarkably, even when a tree fell through their home, Mr. Papenfus chose not to repair it and continued living with the tree spanning across the house.

The farm also featured an old silo used for storing feed, and a sizable flock of peacocks roamed the land, serving the purpose of keeping the cobras in check. The Beaulieu dam existed prior to development, constantly teeming with migrating and local birds, nourished by the surrounding streams and seasonal offrun. Additionally, the enchanting gum forest within the “fairy forest” already adorned the original farm.

Over the years, Mr. Papenfus sold portions of the farm, including the golf course, which was purchased by the Jewish community for the establishment of a Country Club, as they faced restrictions from accessing general clubs and facilities during that era of South Africa’s history. The limitations on its use were embedded in the title deeds.

Following Mr. Papenfus’ passing, Mr. Verster, approached by the Papenfus estate, formed the Kyalami Syndicate with individuals like Mr. Skeepers, Mr. Van Zuydam, and Martin Pols, known as the original comic book star “Martin Condor.” The inheritors of Mr. Papenfus’ estate were scattered across the globe, and it proved challenging for the executors to locate his scattered wealth hidden in various bank accounts under fictitious names due to his eccentric nature.

When Beaulieu was officially launched, it received a grand reception, complete with a photo album documenting the occasion. The organizers arranged for tours around the estate in horse-drawn carts, collaborating with the old horse and cart society. They also hosted a horse show.

Initially, the price for a hectare property was set at R75,000, but after six months, it was reduced to R65,000. The sales were staggered, and by the time the third phase was launched, many individuals who had purchased properties in the first phase also invested in the third phase due to the increasing values.

Beaulieu’s original purpose was to create a country estate that supported equestrians in the area, offering one-hectare portions with bridle paths. The area already boasted established facilities like KEP and the Lipizzaner facility. The vision for the establishment strictly allowed one house per hectare, along with ancillary outbuildings, thereby maintaining low densities.

The name “Beaulieu,” meaning “beautiful place,” was inspired by the Beaulieu region in France, and its pronunciation follows the French pronunciation rather than the English one.

Sue Delport, who has a long association with Beaulieu, purchased an undeveloped stand (313) in 1989, making her one of the longest-standing residents. Before that, she resided on the undeveloped Beaulieu since the mid-1980s when it was known as Jongintaba Stables. She enjoyed the picturesque riding country and access to facilities like KEP. Despite facing challenges during the development phase, Sue has cherished her time in Beaulieu, appreciating its beauty and the memories it holds.