Extended families are great but you don’t need to live under the same roof

Sixty years ago, it was not uncommon for kids to ride their bikes to their grandparents’ house. Children played outside, on the street and in parks.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were present  for every milestone, weekly family dinners and nearly everything in between. Families stayed close to each other and multiple generations grew up together.

Three generations living under the same roof is not uncommon in South Africa; the multigenerational household is on the rise. According to Statistics SA, 32.2% of South African households are multigenerational.

Local estate agents have noted that there has, over recent years, been an increasing demand for homes with multiple granny flats or separate cottages to accommodate retired parents, newlyweds or working singles. At the same time, many retirees who already own large properties are now building themselves a retirement cottage on the same stand while one or more of their adult children move into the original family home.

However, if you are not quite ready to live under the same roof or on the same property, why not consider estate living – living in close proximity to each other can still bring many of the multigenerational benefits, the most important being quality family time. Practically, the benefits also include shared childcare, especially for working parents, and – yes – your children can hop on their bikes and ride to Granny’s house. The reverse is also a key factor, as people want to be close to their ageing parents so they can pop in regularly to help out with chores and generally take care of Mom and Dad while still staying close to their own Lifestyle estates are extremely popular across South Africa as home buyers are attracted to residential developments that offer both security and lifestyle amenities, such as leisure, schooling and sporting activities.

Demand for property in Cape Town is out of reach for most, thus making the greater metropolitan area more attractive. Somerset West is rapidly becoming a very sought-after alternative to living in the city.

The exclusive Somerset Lakes is situated in one of the last remaining sections of a residential zone in close proximity to the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the coast, and the Western Cape’s wonderful wine country. The estate conveniently affords residents the opportunity to experience an array of outdoor activities, including fishing and paddling on the estate’s six-hectare lake.

A community clubhouse on the shores of the lake enhances the appeal of these recreational activities, and provides residents with play areas, boat sheds, a beach, swimming pool and deck area with views of False Bay and the mountain range.

The estate also meets  the  growing  demand  from  families in the area who are increasingly looking to live in c

Added to this, the town of Somerset West has experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years. The recently opened R400 million retail centre, The Sanctuary, is the latest in a string of new shopping complexes. Medical facilities, including the 100-bed Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital, are world-class.

Homes are contemporary and feel spacious with well-lit interiors, unspoiled views of the mountains, private garden areas, security, and secure parking

At Somerset Lakes families have a range of options when it comes to choosing the perfect homes.

Currently, there are seven developments that offer 51 townhouses, starting from R1.65 million, and 58 lakeside properties. Homes are contemporary and feel spacious with well-lit interiors, unspoiled views of the mountains, private garden areas, security, and secure parking. Furthermore, all homes have access to the estate’s fibre-optic cable, which offers high-speed internet and voice over internet protocol (VOIP) communications.

As an ethos, Somerset Lakes offers residents the opportunity to live a life that gives back valuable time and creates space to enjoy life with family and friends. The estate management understands that, when it’s so hard to even find time for a family meal, multigenerational living feels like a foreign concept. Yet Somerset Lakes is set to make family-centred living not only achievable, but almost inevitable with its well designed family-focused layout and amenities. It is truly a community of all ages.