To help meet the increasing demand for senior citizen accommodation in Nelspruit, three retirement projects are currently under way for retirees in search of secure and affordable accommodation.
The relevance of Nelspruit as a major commercial hub has in recent years resulted in an increasing demand for homes in this, Mpumalanga’s capital city – a trend which has spilled over into a growing need for retirement accommodation, says Dirk van Rooyen, Nelspruit area principal for Pam Golding Properties.
“With good infrastructure which includes two brand new hospitals, to help meet this increasing demand for accommodation from a rising senior generation, three retirement projects are currently under way in different locations in the city.
“These are Bataleur Lifestyle Retirement Village on the outskirts of Nelspruit, Mataffin Macadamia Lifestyle and Assisted Living Village which is on the periphery, close to a shopping centre and residential area, and Rubicon Retirement Village, situated in a slightly elevated location on the slopes of the town.
Bataleur Lifestyle Retirement Village
“All three projects have already been developed, providing a range of full title and sectional title units priced from R775 500.”
Situated on 200h with some 60ha left unspoilt, Bataleur Lifestyle Retirement Village is located in typical scenic Lowveld surrounds, incorporating walking trails, hiking routes and dams ideal for fishing. Of the total of 900 units 381 have already been built and sold, with full title, two bedroom, two bathroom 173sqm homes priced between R1.837 million and R2.7 million and 68 sectional title units of 110sqm with two bedrooms selling from R1.36 million. A further number of full title units priced between R2 million and R2.8 million are now being built in the second phase consisting of 80 new stands. Garaging is included. The developer is also in the process of building a further 41 two bedroom sectional title units which are priced from R1.36 million.
The estate is surrounded by a 1.8m wall with electric fencing and every unit is linked to a hi-tech security system with 24 hour armed patrols. It includes a frail care centre which will be completed in early 2017, consisting of 20 assisted living rooms plus a further seven rooms for high care patients.
Says van Rooyen: “With 50-60 units being sold in a year, Bataleur Estate is seen as a preferable place to retire, and has a threshold age of 40 years for residents, which is younger than the usual 50 years of age. Most buyers are investing in a unit where their parents can live.”
This estate offers residents a feeling of space and serenity with regular sightings of duiker, fish eagles and water leguaan. Various social activities include a bridge club, environmental committee, library, pottery and pilates among others.
The Bataleur Care Centre provides fully fitted and partially furnished en-suite assisted living apartments for singles or couples which can be purchased or rented, a clinic with 24/7 care and full fail care facilities, emergency life support rapid response and ambulance service and home care services as well as spacious community living areas and dining room.
At the 17ha Mataffin Macadamia Lifestyle and Assisted Living Village, set among avenues of mature trees, fragrant orchards and existing green belts and gardens, a mix of 250 sectional title and freehold homes including a number of existing houses for purchase are selling between R1.575 million for two bedroom units and from R2.187 million for three bedrooms.
Says van Rooyen: “This development is unusual in that it caters for a twin-community providing relaxed and secure country living both for the 50 plus generation, or young families seeking an appealing lifestyle close to but outside the city.”
In this integrated village a variety of floor plans range from studio apartments to three bedroom homes, while 24 hour care facilities and a community centre are incorporated. With its abundance of trees and vegetation, the estate attracts various birds including kingfishers, loeries and barbets.
“This will be the fourth Macademia Village established in South Africa, geared to bring quality, affordable and independent living to the more mature community. The Care Centre will service up to 75 apartments with food, laundry and cleaning, while the frail care facility, which is open to anyone, gives priority to village residents,” adds van Rooyen. In addition, a community centre is planned in the second phase of the development.
In Rubicon Retirement Village, which comprises approximately 180 units and all the facilities associated with an upmarket retirement village, sectional title apartments are selling from R775 500 to R1.1 million and full title one to three bedroom homes from R845 500 to R1.5605 million with garage or carport included.
The lifestyle centre hosts 61 apartments with one to two bedrooms and with assisted living options, where the specialised design can accommodate any level of frail person. Facilities include 24 hour frail care, dining room kitchen, lounge, library, laundry, tea garden, pool and gymnasium.
