Estate Living Magazine Retirement Living - Issue 40 April 2019 | Page 36

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
CHOOSING A
RETIREMENT VILLAGE
Retirement villages – or lifestyle estates, as they are now being called – are popping up
like (Barberton) daisies throughout South Africa, all with promises of enjoying the best
years of your life in surroundings brimming with all the bells and whistles. But just what is
a lifestyle estate supposed to have? Is there a benchmark? Craig Scott, developer of The
Village at Langebaan Country Estate, says he asked himself these very questions during
the planning and designing phase of the development.
What facilities should be included in a retirement village?
Typically, when embarking on the task of finding a retirement village, many people
find themselves a tad disappointed at not only the limited options available but also at
the disparity between the offerings at the various estates. Scott says: ‘Sure, if you are
looking for something basic and inexpensive, then your expectations are not going
to be too high and you will find what you are looking for, but if it is a certain lifestyle
you are seeking, then the property should deliver, and especially at the prices being
asked.’
Facilities and services
Over and above the basics – a house or an apartment, standard healthcare, a
community centre and catering – you can and should expect more from a retirement
village that markets itself as a lifestyle estate. You have saved long and hard for your
retirement, so you should be able to choose the lifestyle you want. So make a shopping
list, and, before committing to an estate, ensure that all the things you need or want
are on offer. Here’s a selection.
Active ageing
Every opportunity should be made for you to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that keeps you
active, including facilities like a fitness centre, pool, golf course, tennis court, bowling
green and hiking, walking and biking, trails to keep old age at bay.
Lifestyle social
Vibrant community living and involvement are essential to the enjoyment of life – the
clubhouse should be a place to entertain friends and family, watch the big match,
enjoy a meal in the restaurant, arrange a game of cards, participate in a quiz night, host