Retire to the coast of the glorious Garden Route

After spending decades participating in the daily workplace grind, you may be dreaming of the day when you can kick back and relax, enjoy the well-earned break and finally buy that coastal home you’ve always aspired to. With the prospect of gorgeous weather, breathtaking sunsets and daily walks on the beach, what’s not to love about the idea of coastal retirement? However, sun, sea and great golf are not the only factors you should consider.

The idea of retiring to the coast and actually planning for it are two completely different processes. Remember key factors such as the cost of living, access to healthcare and other facilities, not to mention proximity to transport routes. Retirees with grown children may still have a strong desire to spend holiday seasons with family and friends. Not all retirees are quite ready to stop working altogether either. With years of expertise and experience on offer, many retirees still wish to continue working at least on a part-time basis.

With some of the world’s most desirable retirement destinations right here on our doorstep, one should consider each destination quite carefully before making that final decision, ensuring that your chosen retirement destination meets the demands of the lifestyle you’re looking for.

We love the Garden Route as a retirement destination. With its abundance of picturesque towns and splendid natural scenery, it is often described as one of South Africa’s most beautiful hidden gems. For thousands of festive season visitors, the 200km stretch between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and Storms River in the Eastern Cape is an unmissable annual highlight. The wonder of natural beauty, ancient forests, eclectic communities, secluded artists’ villages, luxurious estates, and holiday destinations – all come together to create an unrivaled experience.

The seaside towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay offer a beautiful retreat from city life in the form of large family homes, stylish apartments and lavish beachfront properties. Popularity has also risen in Sedgefield, Wilderness and George, which are ideal retirement destinations, for a relaxed living environment that also provides f0r fun social engagements.

While artists, businessmen and famous chefs from the big cities have all found their niche here, does the Garden Route offer significant value for retirees?

With a diverse range of small towns, including Knysna, Sedgefield, and Plettenberg Bay, all earmarked for continuous estate development, some may say the Garden Route is packed with potential for retirement.

The view from the Knysna Lifestyle Estate

Property Potential

Rapid development combined with its tourist hotspot reputation has sparked a significant spike in the value of property to purchase. However, what that means is that property also offers buyers a potentially higher long-term return on investment.

Access to Amenities

Instant access to major metros is fairly limited along the Garden Route, with Cape Town and Port Elizabeth book-ending the route to the west and east respectively by hundreds of kilometers. The not-so-immediate access to healthcare facilities, major shopping malls and other modern conveniences in a place that marches to the beat of its own laid-back drum, might be potentially frustrating to former city slickers. However, with the development of key areas such as Knysna and airport facilities in George and Plettenberg Bay, access to transport, healthcare and shopping is now easier than ever.

Looking to Work

The Garden Route is also the ideal destination for savvy retirees with an entrepreneurial spirit. Many argue that while the Garden Route offers limited job opportunities, it also offers an abundance of potential for those willing to establish their own business, either full-time or on a consulting basis.

Lakeside homes at the Plettenberg Manor Estate

Retirement estates to keep an eye on in:

George at the Monte Christo Retirement Village – situated on a 54 hectare eco-estate, Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa – which is not specific to retirement but a great option for golf and ocean lovers and the Blue Mountain Retirement Village where you can experience glorious sunsets and the Outeniqua Mountains daily.

Knysna at The Knysna Lifestyle Estate – with only 250 homes, the emphasis is on privacy, security and luxury and Amble Ridge Retirement Village which has breathtaking views over the famous Knysna Lagoon.

Plettenberg Bay at The Plettenberg Manor Retirement Resort – 111 luxury homes situated in a place where one can really enjoy nature.

Mossel Bay at the Mossel Bay Retirement and Lifestyle Villages  where on a good day you can watch whales and dolphins frolic at close range.

So much to offer, and such little time to explore all the options. If you need any additional assistance in your choice retirement estate in the Garden Route, feel free to give Estate Living a call.