A New Beginning At Nautilus Lifestyle Village

A New Beginning At Nautilus Lifestyle Village

By Ben Smit

Struisbaai is fast gaining popularity with people "semi-grating" and/or retiring to this coastal town from as far afield as Gauteng, North West and even Limpopo province, looking for the peace and tranquillity this coastal paradise offers. After analysing the demand for retirement village living between Cape Town and George, Clearlake Capital, under the brand name Peaceful Living, decided to focus on this stretch of coastline as a place to establish a retirement village as a first step towards the bigger vision of expanding the brand. To this end, Clearlake entered into a joint venture with the Dutch Reformed Church in Struisbaai whereby the church contributed land, and Clearlake the expertise required to build Nautilus Retirement Village. Building plans have been approved by council, and construction of a show house will commence shortly where potential residents will be able to view the top finishes in the one, two and three bedroomed units. 

Nautilus Village units are sold on a life right basis and tenure for life for both husband and wife (partner) in this legally endorsed village is guaranteed, where both can live without fear of ever having to leave their home due to financial constraints. Peaceful Living's vision is to ensure the stress free, safe and secure lifestyle of residents without the extra costs of transfer, VAT, bond and registration fees, as well as unwelcome special levies. These cost savings are initially passed on to residents in the sale price, as well as on an ongoing basis through various cost savings, as the developer remains responsible for operating the village as cost effectively as possible. Most well established retirement villages have substantial waiting lists which reduces the risk (time) of reselling the life right in the unfortunate event of death. This ensures timeous settlement of estates, which is not always the case with sectional or full title property in a depressed market with long sales cycles. The Life Right retirement living model is globally the preferred way to retire, and in South Africa, PSG (through Evergreen) and Old Mutual (Retirement Accommodation Fund) are both aggressively investing in Life Right retirement accommodation.     

The developers, as long-term owners of the village, have a vested interest in the good governance of the village and well-being of residents and will ensure administration, management and maintenance of the village is of the highest standard. Located in the centre of Struisbaai, a short walk from the beach, shops, restaurants, doctors and pharmacy, this development offers low, transparent levies (which includes municipal taxes and services), safety, security and a real sense of community living. All twenty-seven residences will have alternative power sources, and a resident nurse will offer personally tailored home-based care as an added service at additional cost.

A clubhouse in the centre of the village will include kitchen and braai facilities for that all important South African tradition. Free internet access will be included for all residents. As part of the development approval requirements, the developer has contributed funds towards water and sewage infrastructure upgrades that benefit Nautilus Lifestyle Village as well as surrounding properties. The residences are priced competitively from R949 000 for a one bedroom, one bathroom unit, to R2 285 000 for a three bedroom, two bathroom unit. Different options regarding garages and carports are also available. Slight variations to the interior layout are negotiable and a choice of top-quality finishes will be available. 

Peaceful Living sees Struisbaai and Nautilus Lifestyle  Village at the centre of its long term strategy of building retirement communities that offer affordable, care-free living, and plans are already afoot for the next village in Struisbaai, which will also incorporate a medical and frail care facility.