We all dream different dreams, so it is inspiring to discover the wide range of choice when it comes to lifestyle living options in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape.
Further inspiration comes from discovering what direction successful South Africans take when it comes to choosing their particular lifestyle living dreams. With 2010 World Cup Soccer looming, it is interesting to look at what some lifestyle living options in this great rainbow nation are, 16 years after the celebrated Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country.
There is absolutely no doubt that some of the more popular lifestyle estates in South Africa appeal to golfers, especially those from Europe who happily escape their winter in favour of teeing up in the South African sunshine. There are also local golfers including Ernie Els and international golfing legend Gary Player, who have both been involved in designing golf courses for lifestyle estates in South Africa, the southern-most country in Africa. This adds instant appeal to many of those who see South Africa as a potential investment country for property options.
Considered by many to be the most successful professional South African golfer of all time – and a highly acclaimed designer of golf courses worldwide – in a recent quote, Gary Player said that people like him, whether South Africans or internationals, were increasingly choosing to live their dreams of a safe, healthy, gracious lifestyle. His own track-record is proof, as he has invested in property throughout South Africa, including, reportedly, the Founder Estates at world-famous Boschendal Wine Estate in the Western Cape.
This demonstrates that active-production wine lifestyle estates are also incredibly popular in South Africa, such as Benguela Cove in the Overberg. Most estates allocate annual wine-quotas to residents whereas others offer some kind of investment shareholding.
Considering an investment in a country retreat whether it offers great golf, superb wine, or simply pristine nature depends entirely on your own lifestyle choices which tend, however, to be largely emotional. For a busy executive, surviving a demanding week in the city is eased by comforting thoughts of relaxing on your private country patio on Friday evening with a glass of wine, enjoying a stunning sunset as the braai crackles nearby.
Turning a lifelong dream into a reality is a frequent retirement goal – moving to the quiet countryside for fishing, golfing, hiking or simply having the solitude and surroundings to capture the beautiful vistas on canvas or write that great novel. Technology and the Internet have opened new opportunities for “knowledge workers” to relocate their families out of the faceless city to small rural towns where schools, friendships and life provide deeper personal satisfaction and the cost of living is significantly lower.
Whether your rural home is intended to be full-time or part-time, as a discerning property buyer with an eye on the value of your investment you would be smart to heed the old advice of “location, location, location” as the three most important things to consider when buying into country lifestyle living. You want to look for reasonable accessibility to life-supporting services like medical care, internet access, shopping and security. Next are the lifestyle choices: privacy, seclusion, gorgeous views, pristine nature and possibility for outdoor activities like golf, hiking, ocean sports and more.
Once you have identified your own personal choice, you will be ready to start your search for a property that offers you lifestyle living at its very best. That is exactly what I did!