Growing emphasis on wellness in real estate

With the importance of health sharply brought into focus by Covid, many home buyers continue to place a greater emphasis on wellness in terms of lifestyle, location and the natural environment, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

Says Dr Golding: “While a desire for wellness, health and fitness is not a new trend but one which is rapidly gaining momentum, it is increasingly, widely recognised that connecting with our natural environment is an instinctive human imperative, as it positively contributes to our mental and physical wellbeing.”

According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 80-90% of our health outcomes are ultimately connected to the built environment in which we live ( source ).

Says Dr Golding: “Bringing nature into the indoors, maximising our exposure to natural light and optimising views of nature, and the use of natural materials and greenery in our homes all not only create visual appeal but also provide relief and balance from the ongoing stresses of modern life – creating a tranquil haven where one can relax and unwind.”

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness real estate was the fastest growing sector in the wellness economy in 2020, when it experienced explosive growth reaching USD275 billion – 6.25% of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy in that year.

Positively, South Africa, according to the GWI, ranked 28 ^th out of 150 countries in the 2020 Global Wellness Economy Country Rankings (source ). The GWI defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health, so the wellness economy includes industries which enable consumers to incorporate wellness activities and lifestyles into their daily lives.

According to GWI, wellness-centric residential real estate has been powered by the pandemic and is experiencing robust growth. The market was valued at $148bn in 2017 and, according to GWI, is expected to jump to $460bn in 2023 and to reach $580bn in 2025. The GWI also estimates that the sales price premiums for wellness residential developments average 10-25% over conventional residential developments. Apart from incorporating biophilic design into the architecture, such as in new-builds, wellness features may include fitness and spa centres, indoor and outdoor meditation areas, ‘living’ walls and soothing water features, among others.

Adds Dr Golding: “With yoga long associated with wellness, global real estate services provider, Savills, has even created a Yoga Index for those looking for the ultimate retreat, identifying locations which may be most desirable for property buyers looking to prioritise wellness.” Pam Golding Properties is Savills’ exclusive residential real estate partner in Africa.

Growing interest in wellness trends is not only supported by Millennials and Generation X, it is also being embraced by the world’s ultra-wealthy. The GWI also identifies personal wellness as the top priority for 90% of luxury homeowners – who indicated that homes which include amenities for personal wellness (home spas, gyms and meditation spaces) are extremely attractive. However, the GWI point outs that the appeal extends across all income ranges, with nearly 30% of consumers indicating that they would be willing to pay a premium for real estate that prioritises wellness.

Pam Golding Properties is currently marketing some exceptional properties which are highly appealing in terms of wellness.

Peace in abundance 

An idyllic off the grid eco-hideaway in The Crags – an area located just outside Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route – is the perfect secluded getaway to escape to for total tranquillity and relaxation – all you need is your yoga mat. Priced at R12.9 million through Pam Golding Properties and set on 22.71ha, with an indigenous forest as your back yard, this property is ideal for creating your own peace-filled private sanctuary or yoga/wellness retreat.

Dubbed “The Barefoot Palace” by its current owners, it offers a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle without sacrificing any modern comforts. The luxury Bali inspired design is further enhanced by the soothing Knysna forest backdrop , a floating yoga and meditation temple, an organic permaculture vegetable and fruit garden, as well as a swimming pool, koi ponds and dam. Added features of this two -bedroom country retreat include a water reservoir, two boreholes, irrigation system, solar system and battery room, cellular coverage, large art studio, outdoor shower, stables and paddocks, automatic gates and electric fence, staff quarters and workshop.

Country retreat & conservancy

Known as Amohela Ho Spitskop, another exceptional wellness property marketed by Pam Golding Properties at R14.995 million, is an expansive 164ha rural country retreat and conservancy near Clocolan and Clarens in the Eastern Highlands of the Free State.

With an abundance of scenic beauty and serenity and its own charming little mountain, this is a special place to take deep breaths and slow the hectic pace of life. Or you can remain digitally connected if you so wish, with a work-pod with desks and private garden making this an ideal remote place to work. With an abundance of birdlife comprising some 250 species, breathtaking star-gazing, privacy and seclusion, there are several spacious, well-appointed self-catering cottages – three ‘EarthStone Cottages’, two SkyWind Cottages, and Dassie guest house, which is the original sandstone farmhouse.

Remote yet accessible, with magnificent 360-degree views across the valley to the Maluti Mountains beyond, guests have unhindered access to roam a privately owned mountain while walks are laid out on the flatland. Great care has been taken to retain the authenticity of a farm reservoir, while still creating a refreshing swimming experience in cold borehole water, filtered and cleaned daily.

A special feature is that every year there is a migration of millions of brown-veined, white butterflies that travel through the property because of the specific butterfly-friendly plants. At the farm’s own wilded estate, there has been 20 years of wilding – no use of chemical fertilizers, poisons or pesticides and no destructive tilling – which means it is filled with wild and native plants and wild flowers and bees, while a range of healing and soothing medicinal products have recently become available to purchase, both locally and online.

Locally there are day drives of much beauty, San Rock art to view, small and quaint villages to visit and good eateries, and in the village a golf course where plains game wander. Local events include a Cherry Festival, 3 Mountains Cycle Race and Vintage Tractor Fair.

For further information visit www.pamgolding.co.za or contact erik.booysen@pamgolding.co.za (078 222 2024) re The Barefoot Palace, or ingrid.fourie@pamgolding.co.za (072 116 2802) re Amohela Ho Spitskop.

Posted by The Know - Pam Golding Properties