The decision of long-time residents Tracy and Graham Smith to move to Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate is perfectly encapsulated in a quip by Graham.
“If I was to move house again, I would move here,” he jokes as he and his wife reflects on seven years of bliss at the scenic coastal development on the outskirts of Gqeberha.
The Smiths were among the first to be captured by the potential for a perfect lifestyle at the estate and, in 2015, were the fourth couple to sign on the dotted line and relocate there.
As with any decision regarding a future home, though, they admit they took “a leap of faith”. And yet, seven years later, they would not have it any other way.
“We were a bit nervous at first,” acknowledges Graham. “It’s probably always like that because you just can’t walk into a new estate and say it is going to work.
“And if you invest in something and it doesn’t take off, you are stuck with levies and all those sorts of things.
“So there was that leap of faith, but when you look at how close we are to town, the security, the natural environment and facilities it offers, we did feel it just had to work.”
As they look back, Tracy says they are “so happy” with their decision.
“When we first moved in we thought we might be coming to a building site but, because of the way we designed our house, we have had none of those problems – actually, it has been perfect.”
After moving from East London to Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth) in 2012, the Smiths underwent a residential journey for a few years as they tried to decide what worked best for them.
“We first rented in Lovemore Heights and then bought a free-standing house in the same suburb, which we started renovating,” says Tracy.
“But we soon realised that was not for us so we began checking other options and after hearing about the Sardinia Bay estate, we took a drive out here, were sold immediately, and chose a plot.
“We really thought it was amazing – so close to town and yet the country is on your doorstep, something that we both love.
“Funnily enough, soon after we saw friends and they said to us, ‘Believe it or not, we went to Sardinia Bay estate and bought a plot there’.
“So we said to them, ‘Believe it or not, so have we’.”
They worked with an architect on the house design, which is in a U-shape with doors opening onto a pool and garden area.
The Smiths agree that everything about living on the estate resonated with them – and still does.
“We just love the nature which we are surrounded by and really enjoy the golf course, even though we don’t play that much,” says Tracy.
“When we got here it was a bit iffy, but since [golf club manager] Steve Daly took over there have been huge improvements.
“We do a lot of walking on the trails around the estate and have seen things in this place which have been amazing.”
The security of the 100ha estate and its proximity to suburban shopping centres are other positives that convince them they have made the right decision.
“You are five minutes from the nearest mall and not much further to Walmer Park, while the security is really good. We feel very comfortable and safe here,” says Tracy.
“Coming home to this place after work, when I drive over that hill and see the sea on the left and nature all around you, and the next minute you are home, well, it’s like going on holiday every day.”
Even the growth of the estate in their time there, from four residences to around 80, has positive spinoffs for the Smiths.
“That has not affected us at all,” says Graham. “In fact, I think it’s better than having just five or six houses, because we have made lots of friends, mostly like-minded people with whom you can play golf, tennis or have a braai.”
The facilities are another plus.
“We have used the recreation centre quite a lot, which is awesome, and during Covid we played a lot of tennis,” says Tracy.
“And when we are locked down due to events such as Ironman and the Herald Cycle Tour, we get together for a golf competition and enjoy the facilities at the clubhouse afterwards.
“For both of us, this has been absolutely the best move since we came to PE.”
According to Sards specialist agent Alan Moore, available stands are sold as Complete Project homes. Contact him for options.