Coastal Farm-Style Estates are Emerging as the Next Property Trend, with the KZN South Coast on Track

Estate living has long been gaining popularity in South Africa, offering security, self-sufficiency and an enviable lifestyle. However, this has been extended with the rise of farm-style estate living, where people are swapping out suburban gardens for smallholdings while still benefiting from the estate's attributes. Although fast gaining traction, many South Africans often have to choose between coastal living and farm living - something the latest Restilridge Farm Estate on the KZN South Coast is changing.

"Farm-style living has captured the imagination of South Africans because it offers what people increasingly value - space, wellbeing, security and a genuine connection with nature," says Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments. "While we've already seen this model thrive in the KZN Midlands, the Cape Winelands and elsewhere, it's increasingly taking root closer to the KZN coastline."

The Benefits of Farm-Style Estates for Families

Unlike conventional estates built around manicured gardens and golf courses, farm-style estates are designed to encourage everyday interaction with nature. Some of the benefits include:

• Wide-open spaces replace suburban streets, with extensive walking, running and mountain biking trails that encourage active living.
• Indigenous forests and conservation areas provide opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife encounters.
• Equestrian facilities and outdoor recreation areas create a lifestyle centred on community and environmental stewardship.
• Many modern farm estates also embrace self-sufficiency through solar-ready homes, water resilience, sustainable building materials and carefully managed natural environments.
• Embrace farm life with fruit trees and vegetable gardens that promote self-sufficiency and healthy living.

"The lifestyle particularly appeals to families seeking outdoor spaces for children, professionals embracing remote work, and semigration buyers prioritising wellbeing over urban density," continues Van der Merwe. "Now, estates like Restilridge take these benefits even further by incorporating the coastal drawcard as well."

He says the health benefits of coastal living are well documented, from daily walks on the beach and ocean swimming to surfing, paddling and spending time outdoors in the fresh sea air - all of which support physical and mental wellbeing.

A Farm Estate Designed Around Community

"Restilridge is meeting the growing demand by combining farm-style living with that relaxed coastal lifestyle," notes Van der Merwe. "Residents on the KZN South Coast don't have to choose between horse riding and surfing. At Restilridge, they can enjoy equestrian facilities, scenic trails and open farmland, while being just minutes from Blue Flag beaches, world-class diving, surfing and everything the coast has to offer. It's genuinely the best of both worlds."

Located within the 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, Restilridge Farm Estate has been carefully planned to preserve the heritage of the historic Crookes Brothers farmland while creating a modern residential community.

The estate is being designed with three property types:

• 36 Restored Pioneer Homes showcasing classic Natal veranda architecture
• 38 New build homes featuring modern farm-style architecture
• 31 sectional title homes known as The Paddocks

Residents will also enjoy an extensive range of lifestyle amenities such as pickleball courts, an open-air yoga and Pilates studio, children's play areas, entertainment facilities, and 40km of nature trails. Another original asset is the fully equipped equestrian centre, with the estate located near Scottburgh's beaches so residents can also enjoy surfing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and beach walks.

As part of Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Restilridge will also be partly self-reliant. Through RenSERV, a Renishaw Property Developments company, the estate will be provided with access to borehole water, dedicated sanitation infrastructure, and integrated solar solutions (as an extra option).

"The level of interest we've seen since launching this year has far exceeded what we anticipated at this early stage. It's clear that buyers are looking for something different and Restilridge ticks the box," says Van der Merwe. "It's introducing a completely new way of living where the countryside and coastline come together to create something truly special."

Restilridge Farm Estate FAQs

What makes Restilridge Farm Estate different from other lifestyle estates?

Restilridge Farm Estate is one of the few residential estates in South Africa that combines authentic farm-style living with a coastal location. Residents enjoy equestrian facilities, more than 40km of walking and mountain biking trails, heritage-inspired homes and sustainable infrastructure while living just minutes from Blue Flag beaches, surfing, scuba diving and other coastal attractions.

Where is Restilridge Farm Estate located?

Restilridge Farm Estate is situated within the 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh on KwaZulu-Natal's Mid-South Coast. The secure estate offers convenient access to schools, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, major transport routes and some of South Africa's best beaches.

What amenities will residents have access to at Restilridge Farm Estate?

Residents will have access to The Anvil clubhouse, swimming pool, pickleball courts, yoga and Pilates facilities, children's play areas, community braai facilities, a restaurant, more than 40km of walking and mountain biking trails, and a fully equipped equestrian centre. The estate also features secure access, sustainable water infrastructure, solar-ready homes and extensive conservation areas.