Kathleen Southey is eagerly awaiting the completion of her home at the Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate.
Southey and her husband David, who live on a farm near Colesberg in the Northern Cape, decided a few months ago to build a home in Port Elizabeth.
Their son-in-law, Glen Steward, who is one of the developers of the estate, showed them around and they immediately felt it was a perfect fit, says Southey.
“We liked the plot we chose because it is the only one in the first phase that faces indigenous bush on the northwest side.
“On the other side there are two fairways between our plot and the next couple of houses. Being farmers, we like the idea of having as much space as we can get.
“We were actually surprised that it had not been taken sooner. We were lucky; I think it’s perfect for us.”
Southey feels the surrounding area and community feel of the estate set it apart from other residential options.
“It is in a lovely area. I love the indigenous and wildlife aspect of the estate, as well as the golf course.
“It ticked all the boxes for us. It is also on a great side of PE; next to the sea, but not far away from town.
“One can walk around the estate and watch the wildlife in a safe environment. It is really tranquil.”
Because they are still living and working on their horse-breeding farm in the Karoo, they have had to deal with the building process remotely.
However, RE/MAX Bay Properties agents Leon Erasmus and Alan Moore have made it much easier for them, says Southey.
“They have been fantastic. They are closely monitoring the work and they and the builders have been in constant contact with us; keeping us updated.
“They tell us how far everything has come along and send us photos. We know exactly what is going on and we’re confident that they have everything in hand.”
Southey has not been on the site since it was just a plot but she and her husband will go there later this month to look at the progress.
“It will be at roof-height and we will then decide on the finishes. We are looking forward to seeing it.”
The newly built recreation centre, Southey says, will add great value to the estate.
“We are thrilled about it, because I am a keen swimmer. It is a lot of work to maintain one’s own pool so it’s a big benefit to be able to use the one at the centre. Our grandchildren can also use it when they visit us.”
The house, which they regard as their retirement home, is expected to be completed in November and they plan to move in by December.