The San Lameer Estate and Golf Resort is one of the most sought-after establishments on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and in South Africa. It was the very first golfing estate developed in South Africa and is just as highly regarded now as it was at its inception.
Relaxation, leisure and entertainment are at the core of what San Lameer has to offer.
The expansive estate houses a golf course, a self-catering villa rentals company, Camelot Spa, a residential component and a hotel. The South Coast climate and subtropical vegetation is the backdrop for the San Lameer lifestyle, and these attributes are a big drawing card. The land on which San Lameer has been developed has a rich history, dating back to 1938 when the state granted the land to Colonel GH Langeler. It was then developed into a private estate. The colonel was a keen environmentalist and introduced indigenous flora into the grounds, always keeping the sensitive balance of the ecosystem in mind.
At the time of his death in the 1970s, his trust stipulated that any new owner had to continue the conservation effort.
Today, San Lameer has a strong focus on the sustainability of its surrounding environment. In 1974, insurance giant Sanlam purchased the land, and San Lameer was established as a private precinct with its own unique San Lameer Town Planning Scheme. Following numerous conservation studies, the scheme stipulated that any development on the property must take place on only 40 percent of the estate, with 60 percent dedicated to maintaining its natural state. In 1990, additional land was purchased to accommodate the championship golf course and clubhouse on the estate—a strong feature that makes the estate so appealing today.
The San Lameer Estate is unique in character, in that it is made up of both seasonal and permanent residents. Not only is it a perfect holiday location, it is also a secure and viable investment option for those living on the estate permanently. Derek Thomson, head of Villa Sales at the estate, explains that speculators do not really invest in San Lameer. Instead, investors are mostly families looking for homes for years to come. The estate also has a retirement and holiday home option. The investment growth figures are favourable. In 1996, a one-bedroom flat would have cost around R250,000, while the price now would be approximately R1 million.
San Lameer is located on a 169-hectare nature conservancy surrounded by tropical vegetation along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It comprises 620 privately owned luxury villas, which surround the 18-hole golf course and hotel. The mocha-coloured villas range in size, from studio flats to four-bedroom townhouses. The wide range of properties for sale and rent provides a myriad of options for investment. All villas follow a set of aesthetic guidelines set by the Master Homeowners’ Association, ensuring visual consistency. Most villas boast panoramic views of the ocean, surrounding conservancy or golf course. Not many estates come close to the variety of facilities offered by San Lameer.
Central to the amenities is the championship golf course, which is surrounded by an oasis of wildlife, including 195 different bird species, impala, red, grey and blue duiker, reedbuck and bushbuck, as well as an abundance of tropical flora. The 18-hole golf course was designed by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes, and it provides golfers with a challenge through clearings, forests and wetlands. The clubhouse is currently being upgraded and it has much to offer. One of the most prominent challenges of the golf course, aside from its varying gradients and difficult lies, is to avoid getting distracted by the striking views. For a more relaxed and casual golfing experience, San Lameer also boasts nine holes on the Pitch and Putt course.Golfers who want to improve their swing and learn more from the pros can consult either of the two highly qualified PGA professionals at the estate. The country club hosts competitions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These are open to the public. Other competitions include business and local women’s competitions, as well as a monthly medal competition, which is followed by a prize giving and braai.
San Lameer is also popular for corporate golf days. The club can easily accommodate up to 100 guests. One of the most acclaimed and exciting tournaments to be held at the San Lameer golf course is the Cell C SA Women’s Open 2014. Teeing off on 16 October and running until 19 October, top women golfers from Europe will battle it out for the EURO320,000 prize. In terms of dining, you have two options—the Halfway House Restaurant and the Bar Lounge and Terrace. Both offer superb views of the golf course and are excellent vantage points to view sporting tournaments or relax after a round of golf. The Camelot Spa is owned by Bonny Richardson (of Bonny’s Best Buys fame) and provides the only Rasul Chamber of its kind in the country. This is a luxurious treatment to de-stress, revitalise and rejuvenate. This luxurious five-star facility has won numerous accolades for excellence and is the only true spa facility on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
The estate boasts two scenic Blue Flag beaches stretching across more than two kilometres. These are protected by shark nets and have lifeguards on duty. A tidal pool provides hours of fun for children. The exclusive Peermont Mondazur Hotel is another popular feature. Located on the banks of the Umhlangamkulu Lagoon, the hotel has 40 rooms. Surrounded by the spectacular natural environment, this hotel has become not only a popular wedding venue, but also a viable conferencing location with its selection of function rooms with high-tech presentation equipment.
The Lagoon Bar and Grill at the hotel is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dishes are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Active residents who enjoy the outdoors can make use of the tennis and squash courts, two swimming pools, cricket nets, a volleyball court, paddle boats and canoes, a bowling green, a catch-and-release dam and various walking and hiking trails. The estate is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Security is all important at San Lameer. It has an advanced security system, cameras that cover the entire estate boundary and security guards who patrol the grounds day and night, all year round. Equally suitable for both permanent and seasonal living, San Lameer’s location and surrounding environment are unrivalled and as an investment option it is equally attractive.
