September is an important month for South Africa as we take the opportunity to celebrate Heritage Day on the 24th. In the build-up to this national holiday, we thought we’d reflect on our own heritage and how it’s come to shape the Renishaw Hills offering and its community. We sat down with of Renishaw Property Developments, developers of Renishaw Hills, to see how things have changed since we first welcomed our “pioneers” three years ago…
Q: Phil, how would you describe the Renishaw Hills heritage and what makes it unique?
A: “As we had always envisioned, Renishaw Hills has seamlessly enveloped itself within the KZN mid-South Coast heritage of a laid-back lifestyle, carefree living, large verandahs, lush gardens, stunning vistas, warm winters, beautiful beaches, large tracts of unspoiled coastal forest, rolling green hills of sugar cane and virtually no traffic. It’s unique because it epitomises mid-South Coast living, taking the best of the past and adding the modern conveniences to make us more comfortable.”
Q: Over the last three years, what are you most proud of?
A: “Definitely our talented and dynamic team that has always been inspired by the likes of Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, who exemplified the belief that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. We took this one step further by adding “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” We also spent a lot of time researching how the newly-retired baby boomers want to live. What I’m most proud of the fact that our dream has become reality and we see it being lived by others every single day. There’s nothing as rewarding as that.
Q: What has surprised you and has anything emerged over the last three years that you might not have been expecting?
A: “We always focussed on the community aspect of our mature lifestyle village, so perhaps I should not be surprised at how our community of 200-odd people have gelled. But I am. We are delighted at how residents care for one another, really enjoy each other’s company, socialise, share hobbies and spend many hours in various group activities, from hiking to sewing. I’m absolutely delighted… and just a little surprised how well it has all turned out.”
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the future?
A: “Our village is just three year’s old, so we still have a long way to go and many more lucky people to welcome here. I think that many of us have taken a great interest in the indigenous gardens, so beautifully designed by Elsa Pooley. We’re really looking forward to them maturing over the years and integrating our village even more into the surrounding conservation areas of coastal forests, grasslands and wetlands.
Q: Do you believe that the Renishaw Hills vision has been achieved?
A: “Because we don’t believe in complacency, our dreams are always evolving. This means a long road ahead as we strive for that perfect blend of active ageing and relaxed living. We are delighted with what has been achieved but there is still so much more that can be done that we are driven to do.”
Be part of our heritage
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Renishaw Hills story, why not get in touch with us today? Book your private tour complete with social distancing when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or take our virtual tours here.