PROPERTY | Spotlight on Sardinia Bay

Sardinia Bay is one of PE’s most appealing and peaceful areas, and has become increasingly sought-after by those who seek a less frenetic lifestyle in stunning natural surroundings but still within reach of the city.

It is is perhaps best known for its magnificent, seemingly endless beach characterised by a huge sand dune.

However, according to resident Veronique Naidoo, there’s a lot more to this sought-after area than just its impressive beach.Veronique has lived in Sardinia Bay for nearly four years and says what first drew her here was how connected to nature it was.

“I loved the feeling of being surrounded by nature and animals and the feeling of tranquillity that it brings.”

Her home is within a luxury estate, the Sardinia Bay Golf and Wildlife Estate, which brings the added reassurance of excellent security.

Property

According to Veronique, Sardinia Bay as a whole is peaceful and quiet.

“You definitely get a country or farm-like feeling as you go around the neighbourhood, with horses and cows grazing on some properties,” she says.

She says more homes have gone up in the area and within her estate since she first moved here.

“Perhaps it’s an indication of growth and the city expanding outwards or maybe just a migration to a quieter country setting. Around town I’ve picked up a noticeable interest in and newfound awareness of the area when people learn that I live here,” she says.

Veronique and her husband were closely involved in the building of their home and took their cue from the natural setting.

“We aimed to encourage a more active and outdoor lifestyle with all rooms leading onto the patio and pool areas, as well as the backyard which flows out onto the golf course. This design allows me to prepare meals in the late afternoon while the eland, springbok, impala and zebra graze along my lawn,” she chuckles.

“Living on the estate has also offered us a real sense of community living. We now know who our neighbours are and there are regular social gatherings where we get to interact with other homeowners. It’s lovely to hear children playing outside as the estate provides the freedom and safety for them to do so,” she says.

Apart from the estate, Sardinia Bay typically consists of smallholdings on which residents might keep horses and other animals, or grow their own produce.

The average price for a four-bedroomed house, or typical property in this suburb is R3,99-million. Most properties are free-standing houses, with only one in five in a complex.

You can expect to pay slightly less for a home in a complex, around R3,5-million.

As a foil to pastoral pursuits a large chunk of the area is also a Nelson Mandela Bay local authority nature reserve with an important marine protected area.

Schools

There are only two schools in the area – Lovemore Park Primary School and Elukholweni Primary School, which are both public schools. Many residents send their children to schools in town.

Explore

The Grass Roof cafe and farm stall was fairly new in the area when the couple moved in, but it has grown tremendously in popularity, especially among patrons looking for a child-friendly venue.

The country setting and being so close to suburbs in town add to its popularity.

Grass Roof has also added a weekly parkrun to its schedule and there has been a big increase in cyclists who congregate at the venue on weekends, using it as a base to start their rides.

Most recently there has been the addition of a nursery on Heron Road, which provides a wide selection of indigenous plants and trees – perfect if you fancy a spot of weekend gardening.

Sardinia Bay is largely a conservation area, so homeowners are encouraged to plant indigenous.

The Sardinia Bay Kennels have opened up a dog park and they now also host a monthly market.

The added benefit of Sardinia Bay is that while you get the peace and quiet, it’s only about 7km drive from Walmer Park Shopping Centre as well as medical suites, supermarkets and filling stations.

There are no places to shop in the area except for the farm shop at Grass Roof, which is well stocked with super-fresh farm produce, handmade homeware and other artisan products. Their breads are also popular.

“I believe Sardinia Bay is the most beautiful part of the city with the best untouched, non-commercial beach. If tranquillity is what you’re seeking, then I would definitely recommend it,” says Vernonique.

EAT

• The Grass Roof: the most popular spot in the area with a wide selection of dishes on offer. The pizzas are great, too, and they’re now also open on Friday nights.
• Frosty Guv’nor: on the Sardinia Bay Golf Course. They cater for golfers but are also open to the general public and have a good selection of burgers. You can sit on the deck with a sundowner and watch the animals graze on the fairways.

DO

• For avid golfers, there’s the nine-hole Sardinia Bay Golf Course. 
• Sardinia Bay Beach is popular with bathers but you do have to climb the dune to get to the water – a good workout followed by a day of sun and sea. 
• Sardinia Bay Dog Park provides a place where pooches can run around off their leashes and socialise with other dogs.
• The Sacramento Trail is a popular 8km round trip coastal walk through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve.
• The area offers attractive seascapes, and landscapes.