PROPERTY FOCUS: GOLF ESTATES

Neighbourhood 15 FEBRUARY 2020

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

In the swing of things

Life on contemporary golf estates is about so much more than playing a signature course, page 2

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PROPERTY FOCUS: GOLF ESTATES

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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MARKETPLACE

Golf estate focus

Neighbourhood

Par for the course

The very best of South Africa's golf estates

WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK IMAGES: SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

ST FRANCIS LINKS

SILVER LAKES GOLF AND WILDLIFE ESTATE

South Africa has some of the most varied and scenic golf estates in the world with world-class golf courses designed by some of the biggest names in international golf.

The consistent demand for secure gated estates and the luxury lifestyle afforded by them continues to be good news for golf estates but, as a recent New York Times article pointed out, long-term investors are looking at more than just the golf facilities when they buy into an estate, important as those are.

The best investments are those that have a wider appeal and a wider pool of buyers when it comes to selling again, like estates that have lifestyle aspects attractive to non-golfers either within the estate itself or in the adjacent community. So nearby schools, healthcare facilities, and other leisure activities on the estate strengthen the investment value. Besides, of course, the attraction of living within one of these exceptional lifestyle enclaves.

Port Elizabeth

St Francis Links A residential golf estate on 450ha of natural dunes just outside St Francis Bay, St Francis Links enjoys views over the Indian Ocean and a backdrop of mountains to the north. The gated community is designed on a Natal farmhouse architectural theme with plenty of privacy and quiet for homeowners.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Links course is perennially rated among South Africa’s Top 10. Gary Player, on a recent visit, said it was the best balance of residential and golf course positioning he had ever seen. With a fine clubhouse, hotel, leisure centre with gym and covered pool, it has become a popular holiday destination, both for golfers and non-golfers enjoying the beach, surf, river and nature on offer on this beautiful stretch of the Eastern Cape coast. While the area has a laidback holiday vibe year-round there are enough schools and healthcare facilities between St Francis Bay and nearby Jeffrey’s Bay for full-time family living, with Port Elizabeth just over an hour away for tertiary education and city convenience.

Visit: stfrancislinks.com

Sardinia Bay Golf and Wildlife Estate Converted from a dairy farm within the Port Elizabeth urban boundary and giving onto the coastline, Sardinia Bay Golf and Wildlife Estate is a secluded country base for families working in PE, with wildlife such as zebra, giraffe and small game roaming the greens and prolific birdlife.

The nine-hole golf course and its clubhouse with swimming pool and tennis court, are overlooked by the first two phases of contemporary African homes, while a third phase of development is in the pipeline.

Visit: sardiniabayestate.co.za

Wedgewood Golf and Country Estate In the countryside just outside Port Elizabeth, Wedgewood Golf and Country Estate has seen a massive investment in rebuilding and redesigning the historic 18-hole championship golf course by Golf Data.

Residential development was restarted in 2013 when the estate was bought by a consortium anticipating a demand for secure estates as Port Elizabeth’s suburbs expand. With a choice of building styles and erven, the estate’s position beside a nature reserve yet close to Port Elizabeth’s shopping malls and schools, make it a convenient base for those looking for an affordable and secure country lifestyle close to the city.

Visit: wedgewoodvillage.co.za