Retro Mid-Century apartment, Lakeside

Looking for secure apartment living but aren’t a fan of the large cookie-cutter apartment complexes? Want the convenience of an apartment, but also want the privacy of a stand-alone home? Then look no further than this renovated ground-floor retro-style unit in the highly sought-after Quartets, located in the heart of Lakeside Village, Modderfontein.

Built in South Africa’s 1950s post-war boom, the Quartets’ name comes from the fact that each building has just four apartments: two upstairs units and two downstairs units, each with its own private exclusive-use garden. The Quartets has gained a dedicated insider cult following over the decades, so it’s no surprise that its apartments rarely come onto the market – and that they tend to move quickly when they do. This home is ideal for investors, both younger and older couples (it could swing either way as a great starter-home or a ground-floor downscale), work-from-home singles, part-time residents (SA coastal commuters or northern hemisphere swallows), Mid-Century design aficionados, and nature lovers.

This understated Mid-Century architectural gem mixes the best of old and new. You’ll find a two-bedroom sun-splashed apartment with its original parquet flooring, a new kitchen and recently renovated bathroom. The apartment provides integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces to take advantage of Johannesburg’s famous 8-month summer, with French doors opening onto a generously-sized private garden framed by towering jacaranda trees. The home also offers an on-site storage unit tucked into the corner of the property.

A combo living-dining room forms the heart of the home – the central area from which the kitchen, outdoor living spaces, two bedrooms and bathroom pivot. Both bedrooms also feature easy-care parquet flooring and generous cupboard space.

The renovated kitchen has room for a large fridge and two under-counter appliances and offers ample storage and counter space with 3cm granite countertops. The easy-care bathroom has a classic black-and-white design treatment with Hansgrohe fittings and old-school subway tiles on its key walls.

Living in Lakeside Village means never worrying about security again. It’s a neighbourhood of open doors and gates, low picket fences, well-tended public parks and gardens – a place where children play on the streets and residents take after-dinner strolls. The neighbourhood is perfectly positioned in the heart of historical Modderfontein, an area that’s quickly becoming known as ‘the Irene of Johannesburg,’ combining the best of relaxed country living and the convenience of city-smart living. The Flamingo shopping centre (Checkers, Starbucks, Dis-Chem, and Woolies Food) is within easy walking distance, located across the street from Lakeside’s entrance; the Modderfontein Reserve, a golf course, padel courts, gyms and mountain bike trails are all within five minutes’ drive. Laidback Modderfontein is mentally detached from the mad frenzy of Joburg yet remains physically integrated to it – with easy access to Gauteng’s extensive freeway system – offering the best of country living in the big city.