A new generation of lifestyle estates is combining the wide-open spaces of farm living with the water-based opportunities of life by the sea. This creates a compelling new lifestyle option for families that’s actually shifting how families live.
“Farm-style living has become an increasingly popular residential trend, particularly for families who want more space and a healthier, more outdoor-oriented lifestyle,” says Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, which includes the newly launched Restilridge Farm Estate.
“In KwaZulu-Natal, we’re seeing this trend merge with coastal living on farm-style estates, meaning families don’t have to choose between these two environments. The benefits of combining these two natural settings into one home are significant, and we’re seeing this on the KZN Mid-South Coast.”
The Benefits of Coastal Farm Living for Families
Research increasingly highlights the importance of spending time outdoors and engaging in regular physical activity for overall wellbeing. Coastal farm living offers families all of this by helping them shift their daily lives into healthier routines.
1. You’re buying more than the house
One of the biggest differences with coastal farm living is that the property extends beyond the walls of the home. Homes at Restilridge Farm Estate, for example, are surrounded by established trees, farmland and coastal forest, creating a setting where being outdoors doesn’t require a special trip.
There is space to walk, explore, ride, play, and enjoy being outdoors. For families, this can mean replacing some of the time normally spent indoors with more natural movement outside. A cycle after school, a family walk before dinner, or an afternoon spent exploring the estate become part of the everyday routine rather than a planned excursion.
2. A lifestyle that gets the family moving
In a coastal farm estate setting such as Restilridge, there are walking, running and cycling trails to encourage exercise close to home. Equestrian activities, too, bring another dimension to the farm lifestyle. With an estate located near the coast, weekends can easily include swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and time on the beach. The benefit is that physical activity isn’t a chore, but something the family naturally does together. Having space to explore can encourage an active childhood, while also giving adults more opportunities to move throughout the day.
3. A modern version of farm living
Farm estates have the appeal of a more traditional farm lifestyle without requiring families to give up the conveniences of contemporary living. Estates such as Restilridge combine spacious, modern homes with security and self-reliant infrastructure, allowing residents to enjoy nature while accessing the services expected from a modern residential development.
4. More nature, less screen time
Perhaps one of the biggest lifestyle changes comes from simply having somewhere to go when the screens are switched off. With farmland, coastal forest, trails, and the ocean all forming part of the wider environment, there are plenty of alternatives to indoor entertainment. This regular connection with natural surroundings creates a sense of calm, helping families establish a healthier rhythm between work, school, technology, and downtime.
5. Growing a connection to food and nature
Farm living can also change the way families think about food. Space for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit gives children a practical understanding of where food comes from, while encouraging families to incorporate fresh produce into everyday meals.
6. Space for families to connect
Perhaps the most valuable part of coastal farm living is the opportunity to spend more meaningful time together.
Shared outdoor experiences create opportunities for families to connect without the distractions of everyday urban life. And because these experiences are close to home, they don’t need to wait for a holiday.
The KZN Mid-South Coast Advantage
Restilridge Farm Estate on the KZN Mid-South Coast ticks all these boxes for healthy family lifestyles. Launched within 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct earlier this year, there is already significant demand for the quality homes, and coastal farm living.
Compared with the more extensively developed KZN North Coast, the region retains a more relaxed, lower-density character while offering a wealth of natural assets. It also offers comparatively accessible property prices, making the area attractive to families looking for more lifestyle value without the premium.
Designed around the concept of contemporary farm living, sustainability, and self-reliance, the estate will include 67 freehold sites and 30 sectional-title homes across three residential collections. Residents will have access to more than 40km of walking, running and mountain-biking trails, as well as an extensive equestrian facility.
“Restilridge is about creating a new interpretation of estate living,” concludes van der Merwe. “We have the opportunity to give families access to natural space and recreational facilities in a secure estate – adding something that very few farm estates can offer: the ocean. We believe this cohesive coastal farm environment is going to resonate strongly with families looking for a different way to live.”
FAQs: Coastal Farm Living at Restilridge
1. Where is Restilridge Farm Estate located?
Restilridge Farm Estate is located near Scottburgh on the KZN Mid-South Coast, within the 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct. Its location combines a rural, nature-rich setting with convenient access to the beaches, amenities, and attractions of the KZN South Coast.
2. What homes are available at Restilridge Farm Estate?
Restilridge offers three home-style options: the Pioneer Homes, which restore the original farm residences while updating them for modern living; the Homestead Collection, featuring contemporary farm-style homes on generous freehold sites; and The Paddocks, offering a more compact sectional-title option.
3. What facilities and amenities will Restilridge Farm Estate offer?
Residents will have access to more than 40km of walking, running and mountain-biking trails, a fully equipped equestrian yard, The Anvil clubhouse, swimming pool, pickleball courts, yoga and Pilates studio, children’s play area, braai facilities, community markets, a restaurant and venue facilities. The estate will also incorporate sustainable water infrastructure, solar capability and extensive conservation areas.
Get in Touch
With its blend of coastal charm, farming heritage, conservation-led planning, and modern estate amenities, Restilridge Farm Estate is poised to become one of the South Coast’s most distinctive residential launches.
For more information, contact Barto van der Merwe on 087 135 5555 | Visit www.renishaw.co.za or www.restilridge.co.za
