International property trends suggest that high-end buyers around the world are looking beyond the designer homes offered in luxury estates. Instead, there’s a growing demand among these buyers for estates where they can live their lives to the fullest. They want to greet their neighbours by name and socialise at upmarket restaurants, within walking distance of their front door. They want to train in world-class facilities, such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, play on a designer golf course or unwind during a yoga class. This shift towards wellness as a measure of luxury is gaining momentum in South Africa as well, says Pam Golding Properties.
“Personal wellness has long been the focus at Val de Vie Estate, which has been recognised for five consecutive years as South Africa’s leading residential estate because of its premium lifestyle offering,” says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Property group. “It is also known for being the most secure, luxury lifestyle estate in Africa.”
“Not only does Val de Vie Estate boast the traditional luxury estate offering of equestrian and golf – including world-class polo fields and the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course – it affords a plethora of wellness amenities to fulfill residents’ physical, mental and social needs,” says Gia Fouché, Pam Golding Properties agent for Val de Vie Estate.
Set on 1 000 hectares, Val de Vie Estate has 42km of mountain biking routes and 21km of jogging tracks that wind through the vineyards. The Yard Wellness Centre, in the heart of the estate, has a state-of-the-art gym, Olympic-size outdoor pool, a Padel tennis court and a multi-purpose sports court. Unlike many conventional estates which were designed around the golf course, Val de Vie Estate was planned with people top of mind, and ample provision was made for green spaces where families can gather and children can play.
According to the SA Wealth report, more than 40% of the country’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) already live on residential estates. A report released in March by Luxury Portfolio International, suggests that wellness is the “new luxury” and that HNWIs will pay a premium for lifestyle facilities. With its holistic wellness offering, Val de Vie Estate leads the way when it comes to combining luxury and quality of life, says Surina du Toit, Pam Golding Properties area manager for Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Grabouw. Val de Vie Estate is well placed to meet the changing needs of these buyers at the upper end of the market, as well as those of families and other buyers looking to live on a lifestyle estate.
Pam Golding Properties has a longstanding association with Val de Vie Estate, and its agents have been marketing properties on the estate since its inception in 2004. For the past two years, a team of experienced sales and rental agents has worked onsite, providing expertise and guidance to sellers and buyers alike. “We have seen over the years how Val de Vie Estate has responded to the growing need for amenities that allow residents to thrive within a secure environment, by diversifying its offering,” says Jordan Greenhalgh, Pam Golding Properties agent for Val de Vie Estate.
Val de Vie Estate has remained a perennial investment option, and the median property price on the estate is R7.9 million, says Sandra Gordon, senior research analyst for Pam Golding Properties. As expected, home ownership is stable, with families holding onto their properties while their children move from primary to high school at one of the excellent schools in Paarl. Val de Vie Estate’s family appeal is reflected in the 43% of homeowners who are aged between 36 and 49. “However, what is interesting is that recent buyers are spread across all age groups, suggesting the broadening appeal of Val de Vie Estate because of its extensive lifestyle offering,” says Gordon.
Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to delicious food and wine, and there is artisanal coffee at the Fleet Coffee Roastery. Next door to this is The Deli, which is stocked with a selection of sustainably farmed food, free-range meat and other produce. The estate also boasts a 61-hectare boutique farm that will soon supply fresh produce. One of the three restaurants on the estate is the café of esteemed chef, Reuben Riffel. The L’Huguenot wine cellar offers a variety of function venues. There are three lifestyle centres on the estate, with one housing the Ryk Neethling Swim School. This centre also has a fully equipped gym, two squash courts and two tennis courts. “But the real magic of Val de Vie Estate extends far beyond its topnotch wellness and recreational amenities. It’s the strong sense of community that pervades every neighbourhood and development on the estate,” says du Toit.
With the completion of Val de Vie Evergreen, South Africa’s safest and most luxurious retirement village, Val de Vie Estate has evolved into a multigenerational lifestyle estate, ideal for those looking for a long-term investment that meets their changing needs. While security is paramount and access is strictly controlled, there are no high walls between properties. Knowing your neighbour by name is not only possible, it is encouraged. Children cycle safely through the streets, and it’s safe to go for a run or walk the dog at any time of the day.
More people are now working remotely, so there’s also been a greater need for self-care at home, says Hayley Van der Merwe, Pam Golding Properties agent for the estate. “Buyers want to be able to work when needed, but they also want to know that they can pop into the Camelot Spa Val de Vie during the day if they need some downtime.” There are also offices available at The Yard for those wanting a more formal workspace. “The integration between work and recreation at Val de Vie Estate is seamless,” she says.
“Offering a diverse, active and social lifestyle, Val de Vie Estate is the estate of choice for buyers wanting to combine luxury and quality of life, without losing the strong sense of community that makes Val de Vie Estate a place where families choose to settle, and thrive,” adds du Toit. “At Val de Vie Estate, where you live can truly change your life.”
