Estate Living Magazine Alfresco Living - Issue 36 December 2018 | Page 35

kilometres of track that can be used for cycling, jogging
or hiking, as well as a leisure centre with swimming
pool, gym, social and kids’ play areas. The Lighthouse
Restaurant prides itself on offering a warm, family-
oriented environment, while businesspeople are
catered for with a well-equipped conference centre
accommodating up to 120 delegates. Then there’s the
spa, located within the clubhouse.
The clubhouse itself has become entrenched as the
nerve centre of the estate: a hub where families are able
to spend quality time with their neighbours. This, says
Clause, is perhaps one of the reasons why St Francis Links
is finding a growing appeal among young home owners.
‘We’ve seen a definite shift in dynamics,’ he comments,
noting that 60% of new purchasers are using the estate as
their primary home, rather than a holiday getaway.
In this, St Francis Links is following a trend that is seen
throughout the Garden Route – and the Eastern Cape
– as a growing number of young families elect to set
up a base in a secure, scenic area, believing that their
surroundings more than compensate for the commute.
This is certainly the case with St Francis Links: ‘St Francis
still enjoys the special atmosphere unique to small
communities, but there is definite growth. To put this in
perspective, St Francis College was set up as a facility for
small children several years ago. Its numbers have grown
from just two learners 10 years ago to 170 kids.’ Clause
adds that the estate is experiencing its own growth, with
several former village residents relocating here to take
advantage of the security and lifestyle.
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