New estate takes off on its launch day

Features of the 110-plot Sardinia Bay Golf and Wildlife Estate, south-west of Port Elizabeth, include a game reserve with zebra and other small game, and a nine-hole golf course with clubhouse.

Although the nine-hole course has been around for some time, it has until now been one of the less-used courses in the area.

It comprises a nine-hole short golf course with a clubhouse. Residents will automatically enjoy membership status.

There is also a site for a community centre and sports club.

Plans to transform the course into a swanky golf and wildlife estate kicked off in 2009.

But construction had to be halted when developer Versatex Trading ran into major financial trouble just months later.

One investor, from Durban, allegedly tried to kill himself after he lost close to R40-million in the deal.

Versatex was liquidated.

In May 2011, Aleco 509, formed specifically for the purpose, bought the land on auction. And now, despite the hiccups, the site is finally ready for viewing.

Local company Genesis Civils entered into a new agreement with Aleco as the developer.

The estate runs along 20km of coastline and is within walking distance of the popular Sardinia Bay beach, with a pedestrian access gate.

There are also horse trails to the beach, running about 9km to either side of the estate.

Plots measure between 905m² and 1418m² and cost between R545000 and R795000. Alan Moore, who is broker manager at Re/Max Bay Properties, which is the marketing partner for the estate, said the development would make a "perfect base" for professionals wishing to relocate their families from big cities while continuing to commute to major centres.

Moore said seven plots had been sold yesterday and five plots had been reserved. One buyer is Stephen Robb, of Ben Kamma, who enjoys golf. "As soon as the transfer is complete, we will start to build," Robb said.

Jerrie and Glynis Sauerman, who manage the Sardinia Bay pub and restaurant, said they had already referred people interested in buying to the agents.

An architect who worked on the project, Erik Voigt, said: "The architectural style at Sardinia Bay is not unduly prescriptive and investors will have a range of choices of modern and eco-friendly exteriors and building materials that will perfectly complement the estate's natural setting and outdoor lifestyle."

The idyllic setting also makes this an ideal place to scuba dive, kite surf or simply stroll along the beach. – Additional reporting by Shaanaaz de Jager