In a world that often moves too fast, more and more South Africans are looking for ways to embrace slow living – a lifestyle that prioritises quality over quantity, presence over busyness and connection over distraction. According to my recent SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast interview with Shoni Makhari – director at Pecanwood Estate in Hartbeespoort – estate living seems to make this possible.

Why Estate Living Encourages a Slower Pace

Shoni believes that lifestyle estates like Pecanwood Estate offer something unique: a built-in invitation to live a more intentional, balanced life. At Pecanwood, the pace of life naturally shifts thanks to its tranquil surroundings – with mountain views, a beautiful golf course with wide-open green spaces and the serene Hartbeespoort Dam. Instead of rushing through traffic and crowded city streets, residents are able to find balance and calm in an environment designed for wellbeing.

This connection to nature is one of the most powerful aspects of estate living in South Africa. Walking trails, golf courses and water activities offer not just recreation, but also mindful ways to recharge. For Shoni, it’s a quality of life that creates balance. “Most people get woken up by cars. We get woken up by birds!” he says.

LISTEN TO THE FULL SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE

A Community That Supports Intentional Living

Beyond the natural setting, lifestyle estates like Pecanwood also foster a strong sense of community. Neighbours are not just people who live next door – they often become friends, collaborators and supporters. This sense of belonging creates an environment where families feel safe, children grow up freely and daily interactions are more meaningful.

For professionals who live fast-paced lives, estate living is particularly valuable as it provides a chance to unplug, reconnect with loved ones and cultivate a lifestyle that is more aligned with personal values.

Estate Living as a Lifestyle Investment

While the property value aspect of Hartbeespoort estates cannot be ignored, Shoni highlights that estate living is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s an investment in lifestyle – in wellbeing, safety and intentional choices. A home in a place like Pecanwood Estate becomes not just a residence, but an escape from the demands of modern living.

With more South Africans looking to escape the noise of the city without compromising on convenience, estate living near Johannesburg and Pretoria has become an attractive option. Hartbeespoort is perfectly located to offer both accessibility and a sense of retreat. According to Shoni, people working in Joburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg commute from the estate, prioritising the slower lifestyle over a fast-paced life in the city.

Living with Balance and Meaning

Ultimately, throughout our conversation on the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY podcast, Shoni’s message is clear: estate living helps create a lifestyle where slowing down is not only accessible, but natural. At Pecanwood Estate, residents are encouraged to savour the small moments, whether it’s enjoying coffee with a view at the beautiful Boathouse Restaurant, walking along landscaped paths or watching the sun set over the dam with a glass of wine in hand.

VIEW THE VIDEO PODCAST EPISODE ON YOUTUBE:

Let this serve as a reminder that life is richer when we take the time to live it – intentionally, meaningfully and at a pace that allows us to appreciate what matters most.

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