More South African families choose homes for all generations

Grandparents near grandchildren, parents with a trusted adult close at hand, retirees spared social isolation: multi-generational living is gaining ground in South Africa, and the shift says something about what families now expect from their homes, their communities and their daily lives. As households look for greater security and mutual support, estates designed to accommodate grandparents, parents and children together are emerging as an increasingly attractive option, offering diverse housing types and shared facilities for all ages.

One of the clearest examples is unfolding on the KZN Mid-South Coast, where the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct has launched its residential offering, Restilridge Farm Estate, near Scottburgh. The development is built around a simple premise with wide public relevance: that people at different stages of life should be able to live close to one another without giving up independence.

Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, says the growing interest reflects a broader change in expectations. “Families increasingly want grandparents to be close to their grandchildren, while older residents also want to remain connected to family rather than moving into communities that separate them from younger generations,” he says. “The estate model is particularly well suited to this because it can provide different types of homes within one secure environment, alongside shared recreational facilities that encourage generations to interact naturally.”

For ordinary families, the practical benefits are tangible. Living within the same estate allows grandparents, parents and children to spend regular time together without necessarily sharing one home. Everyday interactions, from afternoon visits to shared meals, walks and community activities, can strengthen family bonds. For parents balancing work and family responsibilities, having grandparents nearby offers an additional support network, whether that means help with school runs, childcare, family meals or simply having another trusted adult close at hand.

Older residents stand to gain as well. Living close to younger family members can provide a greater sense of purpose, turning retirement into an opportunity to remain actively involved in family life rather than a period of social isolation. Importantly, this model does not require generations to live under one roof. Different home types allow family members to keep their own space and independence while remaining close enough to share everyday life.

Meanwhile, the modern estate is increasingly designed around more than the individual home. Walking and cycling trails, clubhouses, sports facilities, playgrounds, community gardens and social spaces provide activities that appeal across generations, encouraging the kind of natural contact between age groups that conventional housing often fails to support.

Restilridge Farm Estate is designed to accommodate different generations within a family-focused coastal farm setting. It complements the existing Renishaw Hills within the precinct, a mature lifestyle estate that has become a popular retirement destination since its establishment in 2016. Residents of the precinct enjoy secure estate living, community facilities, recreational amenities and extensive natural spaces, with the wider development accommodating different stages of life.

Planned additions are set to strengthen this multi-generational appeal further. A private school catering from primary through high school is planned, together with a high-end shopping centre and additional commercial, healthcare and lifestyle amenities. “What’s exciting about the Renishaw Coastal Precinct is that we’re not looking at residential development in isolation,” says van der Merwe. “We’re creating an environment where different generations can live, work, learn, shop, socialise and enjoy the outdoors within the same broader community.”

Restilridge itself will comprise 67 freehold sites and 30 sectional-title homes, organised into three residential collections for different approaches to farm-style living. The Pioneer Homes restore the original farm residences while updating them for modern living, the Homestead Collection features contemporary farm-style homes on generous freehold sites, and The Paddocks offers a more compact sectional-title option.

Beyond the homes, residents will have access to more than 40km of walking, running and mountain-biking trails, a fully equipped equestrian yard, The Anvil clubhouse, a swimming pool, pickleball courts, an open-air yoga and Pilates studio, a children’s play area, braai facilities, community markets, a restaurant and venue facilities. The estate will also incorporate sustainable water infrastructure, solar capability and extensive conservation areas, set within a rural, nature-rich environment with convenient access to the beaches, amenities and attractions of the KZN South Coast.

“We believe Restilridge offers something increasingly valuable, a place where families can grow together, where children have space to explore, parents have room to build a life, and older generations can remain an active part of the family story,” concludes van der Merwe.

The trend is being tracked more widely in coverage of how multi-generational living is reshaping South Africa’s estate market, including this reference: https://www.glamour.co.za/lifestyle/why-multi-generational-living-is-reshaping-south-africas-estate-market-df5dadc7-e74e-495a-85ab-e8fb61367b14

For more information, Barto van der Merwe can be contacted on 087 135 5555, or via www.renishaw.co.za or www.restilridge.co.za.