Retire with a view

If you’re thinking of retirement, why not move to an estate with a view? Even if you continue working part-time, which is what many modern retirees do, you’ll probably have a lot more leisure time – all the more reason to have scenic landscapes to immerse yourself in and enjoy. We found seven estates around the country with spectacular views in a range of price brackets. All of them offer healthcare and excellent leisure facilities.

Western Cape

Evergreen Lifestyle Noordhoek, located at the intersection of the Glencairn Expressway and Kommetjie Road, covers 16 hectares of gently sloping, north-facing land, with sweeping views of the mountains and the sea. This estate offers a choice of 150 three-bedroom homes, all with double garages, set among landscaped gardens on a life-right basis. It will also get a state-of-the-art lifestyle centre and an apartment block.

‘Residents here can look forward to enjoying the freedom of a relaxed retirement lifestyle near the mountains and the sea, in the vicinity of charming seaside villages, an arty community, and numerous outdoor activities,’ says manager Kim Whitworth. Prices start at R2.9 million.

Even getting to Evergreen Noordhoek is beautiful. You can choose between the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive from Hout Bay, and Ou Kaapse Weg, which runs through the beautiful Silvermine Nature Reserve that forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate is located within the award-winning Zevenwacht Wine Estate on the Stellenbosch Wine Route. With panoramic views of False Bay and Table Mountain, and numerous award-winning wine farms and Blue Flag beaches all but a short drive away, the estate offers superb lifestyle options for the over-50s. Freestanding homes are priced from R3 million, and apartments from about R1.1 million.

‘Residents here can revel in a Cape country lifestyle with beautiful walks, sights and fishing right on their doorstep,’ says Riaan Roos, CEO of Multi-Spectrum Property Group (MSP), developers of the property.

Zevenwacht features a 24-hour care centre with assisted living suites, and a clubhouse replete with a library, lounge and bar area.

Harbour Bay Village is perfectly situated just outside Simon’s Town with spectacular views over False Bay towards Hangklip – and in season you can watch whales from your balcony. This mixed-use development combines luxury residences with world-class amenities such as retail, restaurants and a medical facility.

The 44 residential suites range from studio apartments starting at about R1.5 million to lavish penthouse suites. All healthcare services are provided by Medwell SA, the leading provider of healthcare focused on independent living.

Eastern Cape

The 1,000-hectare secured reserve Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate in Port Elizabeth is set in rolling hills and open fields overlooking Seaview and Sardinia Bay. Free-roaming antelope and other small game drift through the estate as they meander from the lake and watering holes. And the bush feel continues with leisure bomas and bush campsites interspersed around the reserve for picnics.

Royalston comprises 185 residential properties, encompassing three villages – Canterbury, Livingstone and Winchester – and also Royalston Lifestage Village, which caters specifically for retirees, and features medical facilities with 24-hour nursing, a life-stage clubhouse, snooker room and entertainment facilities.

A variety of shopping centres, schools, medical facilities, golf courses and leisure options are within a 10-minute drive.

Plots are selling from R765,000, and full plot, plan and build options upwards of R2.4 million.

KwaZulu-Natal

Palm Lakes Retirement Village in Ballito offers views of the lush, rolling green hills of the KZN North Coast, with its tropical vegetation, tranquil lakes, and indigenous bird and plant life.

The estate has been landscaped with environmental preservation top of mind, so animal lovers are likely to see a range of birds and animals, including Natal robins, bee-eaters, red-fronted tinker barbets, fish eagles, blue duiker, bushbuck, impala and vervet monkeys.

Retirement home packages are tailor-made to suit individual needs and personal taste, ranging from spacious full title homes to sectional title, and property options range from townhouses to apartments. The retirement village has a fully functional on-site healthcare facility.

Prices here start at about R1.4 million.

Located in Port Zimbali on the North Coast, Lazuli Lifestyle & Retirement Estate lies adjacent to the Zimbali Coastal Resort, an area renowned for its secure coastal living, relaxed ambience and pristine beaches. The Lazuli clubhouse, which overlooks a picturesque dam, also offers magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.

Residents can choose between garden villas, hilltop villas or apartments, most of which have sea views. Prices start from R1.5 million. The estate is pet-friendly, and residents can take their dogs on dedicated trails in the scenic wetland areas within the confines of the estate. There is a daily shuttle to the shops, restaurants and other facilities in Ballito.

Located near Scottburgh within the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development, Renishaw Hills is one of the KZN South Coast’s loveliest properties, offering 350 stand-alone homes with sea views, and 170 apartments overlooking the village square. Prices start at R1.5 million.

Mpambanyoni is made up of several interconnected residential and commercial villages, and residents of Renishaw Hills have access to walking trails through the coastal forests and across the rolling grasslands, which are home to a variety of animals, plants and birds.

The estate offers shuttles to nearby shops, medical facilities and other service providers.