Two South African estates ranked in the global top 10
New World Wealth has released its ranking of the top 10 lifestyle estates in the world - and two of South Africa's most exclusive estates appear on the list.
In line with global trends, estate living is on the rise in South Africa. New World Wealth (NWW) estimates that by 2050 over 50% of the world’s centi-millionaire population will either live or have second homes on lifestyle estates.
Valued for their quality lifestyle offerings, security, and privacy makes lifestyle estates the top choice for jet-setting wealthy individuals.
NWW looked at various factors to compile their list including:
- Location, views, and scenery.
- Environmental awareness - their ratings favoured ecologically friendly lifestyle estates with natural indigenous wilderness areas, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Safety & security.
- Maintenance of estate.
- Communal gardens and parks.
- Popularity among centi-millionaires and other high net-worth individuals.
- Privacy – very important for high-profile individuals.
- Activities and facilities available on the estate.
- Design and architecture.
They added that environmental benefits could become increasingly more important, especially as sustainability, species loss, and deforestation come into sharper focus.
Environmental benefits that played a role include:
- They protect river systems that flow through the property.
- They favour indigenous plants and trees.
- They promote environmentally friendly solutions such as sustainable energy and water recycling.
- They preserve old big trees with cavities, which are very important to nesting birds, especially birds of prey.
- They have bio-corridors and wilderness zones that preserve dead and dying trees. Many of the world’s rarest birds including woodpeckers, barbets, and kingfishers depend primarily on dead trees to nest. This is because the wood is softer and therefore easier to dig holes into than live trees.
- They promote organic forms of pest control, most notably through the installation of owl boxes which encourage owls to live on the estates. Notably, one owl can kill up to 10 rodents a night, and this reduces the need for dangerous pesticides. Owl boxes are especially common on estates in South Africa.
The top South African Estates
It comes as no surprise that Steyn City and Val de Vie made the list as each of these estates offers quality lifestyles, incredible properties, and more.
Steyn City is designed to provide a high-quality lifestyle for its residents, with world-class amenities such as a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center, a parkland, a cycling track, equestrian facilities, and more. There are also commercial spaces, including a shopping center, office buildings, and restaurants.
The estate offers a range of residential options, including apartments, cluster homes, townhouses, and freestanding homes. The homes are designed to provide a modern and luxurious living experience, with features such as open-plan living areas, high-quality finishes, and smart home technology.
The development is known for its focus on sustainability, with green spaces and eco-friendly features integrated throughout the community. The development also offers 24-hour security and access control, ensuring that residents can enjoy a safe and secure living environment.
Find your dream Steyn City home
Val de Vie in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, one of the most picturesque regions in the country, is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and mountain views.
The development offers a range of residential options, including apartments, townhouses, and freestanding homes. The homes are designed to offer a luxurious and contemporary living experience, with high-quality finishes and modern amenities such as smart home technology and integrated entertainment systems.
Val de Vie is also known for its world-class equestrian facilities, including stables, arenas, and training facilities. The development is home to the Val de Vie Polo Club, which hosts several international polo tournaments each year, and offers residents the opportunity to participate in horse riding and polo lessons.
In addition to its residential and equestrian offerings, Val de Vie features a range of amenities such as a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center, tennis and squash courts, a spa, and a restaurant. The development also has a wine farm, producing a range of award-winning wines that are available for purchase by residents. It has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with features such as solar power, water conservation, and indigenous landscaping integrated throughout the development.
