Spotlight on Sedgefield
[gallery ids="173572,173573,173574,173575,173576,173577"] The sleepy Garden Route town of Sedgefield was a well-kept secret for many years. City slickers would move or retire here and remain tjoepstil about their little piece of paradise, keeping its attractions and laid-back lifestyle all to themselves. Though the secret is largely out, leading to growing numbers of people buying here, this town between Knysna and George, just off the N2 highway, remains a tranquil one. In fact, it’s Africa’s only “slow town” – a brand that locals promote with pride. And, while prices have gone up in recent years, property here is still more affordable than in some of the other Garden Route towns like Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay. Sedgefield is mainly located alongside the Sedgefield lagoon, forming part of the Swartvlei lake system. These lakes along with the beautiful, unspoilt beaches nearby, make the town a watersports mecca. You will see residents and visitors fishing, swimming and having a fun time on windsurfers and boats year round. The lagoon is picturesque and rich in bird, animal and plant life, making it a haven for nature lovers. The town also has interesting shops, markets and restaurants, including the excellent Benguela Brasserie and Restaurant at five-star Lakeside Lodge and Spa, which also offers wine tastings. Centrally positioned on the Garden Route and under 40 minutes’ drive from George Airport, Sedgefield and the surrounding towns have become a popular destination for golfers. Another huge attraction in Sedgefield itself is the long-running Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market held every Saturday. Stallholders selling good quality, home-made produce come from all along the Garden Route, and buyers come from as far as PE. If you’re looking for a more peaceful lifestyle and fancy a move to the Garden Route, then Sedgefield will tick all the boxes.
“Moving to Sedgefield was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Our children live carefree, outdoor lives. People wave at each other in the street and when things go wrong, the whole community rallies around them. People participate in life here. We feel safe and cherished,” Athane Scholtz, resident.