Estate Living Magazine Retirement & Healthcare - Issue 31 | Page 21

Ryk Neethling, group marketing director for Val de Vie , says the resident demographics at Val de Vie are evenly split between working aged people, who work from home or commute within the greater Cape Town area or even to Gauteng, and retired people, some of whom are ‘swallows’ – intercontinental migrants who spend the summer months in South Africa. Offerings range from lock-up-and-go premium apartments to nice-sized residential plot and plans for a young families or downsizers. The freestanding plots appeal to those wanting to create their dream home, and rounding off the offering is the expansive gentlemen’s estates – small farms measuring up to 3.5 hectares where you can keep horses and some other livestock. Homeowners can choose from customisable house designs from established architects like iCON Architects, who have a clear appreciation for the estate's architectural guidelines. This consistency of style contributes immeasurably to Val de Vie’s aesthetic appeal and property values, and the quality of design makes the homes attractive to a range of buyers, from first-time home owners to empty-nest retirees. ‘The buyers are discerning and come to us because they want the best an estate has to offer, says Neethling, ‘and they want homes that perform the best and that will be excellent investments in the long term.’ Helen Grange Val de Vie www.estate-living.co.za | 19