LE DOMAINE: 21 YEARS OF QUIET CONFIDENCE

With the last village sold out and a thriving community now firmly established, Le Domaine stands as one of the most successful estates in the Upper Highway - and I've had the privilege of watching it grow from the ground up.

When John Bezuidenhout (one of the founding developers) first walked into our Wakefields office more than two decades ago, he asked a simple question: "Do you think it'll work?" He'd just come back from researching lifestyle estates overseas and believed South Africa was ready for something different: a secure, lifestyle-focused estate for active over-50s. We backed the idea immediately.

Together with a team of investors and developers, we got to work. From a modest park home sales office to launching one village at a time, Le Domaine took shape. Wakefields backed Le Domaine from the start: as investors, as residents, as a successful on-site sales team, and as part of the day-to-day reality on the ground.

The vision was simple: deliver what we promise. And it's been done: from top-tier amenities and green spaces to a well-run frail care centre and a full-time lifestyle team who bring the community to life. Even the marketing made its mark, with the late Ian McIntosh, South African rugby legend, front and centre as the face of this active, estate. That image of him on a Harley Davidson still comes up in conversation.

Through changing markets, Le Domaine has remained highly sought-after, thanks to strong governance, careful financial planning, and a team that cares. And so has our on-site Wakefields team - who I am incredibly proud of. Le Domaine consist of 695 units and being able to find loving owners for each of those has been very rewarding. We've had a permanent presence since day one, and we're still there, walking the same paths, attending the same events, and helping new buyers find their place in this remarkable estate.

After 21 years, Le Domaine remains what it set out to be: successful, memorable, and a trendsetter. It's reshaped the property landscape and redefined how we think about lifestyle estates for the over-50s.

Congratulations to everyone who's made it what it is. And if one day you see me on the tennis court at Le Domaine, you'll know I've finally taken my own advice.