Why thoughtful design still matters in modern estate living
By Mione van der Walt | Head of Development, Langebaan Country Estate
Having worked in Langebaan for many years, I’ve watched the town evolve from a quiet coastal destination into one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after places to call home.
We often say that it’s “a Weskus thing”, but there really is something different about life here. It has its own rhythm. People value open spaces, unhurried afternoons, time with family, being outdoors and the simple joy of living close to the lagoon. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s easy to understand why so many people choose not to leave.
With that lifestyle in mind, it stands to reason that the homes people are looking for have changed too. Increasingly, buyers aren’t simply searching for a holiday property. Many are choosing to relocate permanently, work remotely, retire here or make a lifestyle change through semigration. They’re looking for homes that are comfortable enough to live in every day, not just visit for a weekend.
As Head of Development at Langebaan Country Estate, I’ve had a front-row seat to this evolution. It’s been a pleasure to watch the Estate grow into one of the West Coast’s most established lifestyle communities, attracting everyone from young families and professionals to those embracing a slower pace of life. More than anything, it’s reinforced a simple belief: homes designed around the people who live in them will always stand the test of time.
Chardon Village – Putting design into practice
That philosophy is reflected in Chardon Village, one of the Estate’s residential neighbourhoods.
The interest in Chardon Village has been enormously encouraging. The first two phases of apartments sold out quickly, while the third, due for completion in October this year, has already been fully sold. Construction of the fourth is scheduled to commence during the second half of 2026, with a waiting list already in place.
To me, that says a great deal about what today’s buyers value. They want residences that are beautifully finished, practical and, above all, comfortable and somewhere that truly feels like home.
One thing we felt strongly about from the outset was resisting the temptation to squeeze in as many rooms as possible. We’ve all walked through new homes where the third bedroom barely accommodates a double bed, let alone bedside tables. On paper, the room count looks impressive, but in reality, those spaces often end up as storage rooms because they’re simply too small to function properly.
At Langebaan Country Estate, we’ve always believed that good design isn’t necessarily about adding more rooms. It’s about creating homes that feel light and airy. Chardon Village is a reflection of that philosophy.
Rather than chasing numbers, we focused on creating generous two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranging from approximately 120 m² to 140 m². The bedrooms are beautifully proportioned, the living areas flow effortlessly and there’s an immediate sense of volume that buyers notice the moment they walk through the door. Many comment on how spacious the apartments feel, and I think that’s because the proportions are simply right. These are apartments designed for real life, where comfort has never been sacrificed in the pursuit of fitting in another room.
That feeling isn’t accidental. Africa Consulting Architects, under the guidance of architect Liesl Laubscher, understood from the beginning that these homes needed to be lived in, not approached as a numbers exercise. Every decision – from the north-facing orientation to the generous layouts and abundant natural light – reflects that philosophy.
The finishes embody the same commitment to quality. Every element has been chosen with longevity and liveability in mind, from the Bosch appliances and separate scullery to the premium flooring, built-in fireplace and covered stoep with its own braai. Like the layout itself, the specification prioritises the experience of living in the apartment rather than simply ticking boxes.
As Head of Development at Langebaan Country Estate, I’ve had a front-row seat to this evolution. It’s been a pleasure to watch the Estate grow into one of the West Coast’s most established lifestyle communities, attracting everyone from young families and professionals to those embracing a slower pace of life. More than anything, it’s reinforced a simple belief: homes designed around the people who live in them will always stand the test of time.
The setting is equally special
Positioned towards the quieter end of Langebaan Country Estate, Chardon Village overlooks a tranquil water feature where buck are regular visitors. It’s a peaceful corner of the Estate that perfectly captures the lifestyle so many people move here to enjoy.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect has been seeing the community that has developed. Around 90% of Chardon Village apartments are occupied permanently.
That creates a very different atmosphere to developments dominated by holiday homes. People know their neighbours, become part of the community and embrace everything the Estate and the town have to offer.
Chardon Village also benefits from being part of an Estate that is now fully established. Beautiful landscaping, completed infrastructure and a settled residential community mean buyers move into a neighbourhood rather than a construction site.
As someone who calls Langebaan home, it’s immensely satisfying to see developments that contribute positively to the town rather than simply adding more houses. Growth is inevitable, but I believe it comes with a responsibility to respect and protect its surroundings and enhance the lives of the people who choose to live here.
One of the things I love most about Langebaan is that people who move here tend to stay. They settle into the community, embrace the lifestyle and quickly understand why so many of us are proud to call this place home. If what we’ve created at Chardon Village can play even a small part in helping people make Langebaan their home, then I believe we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.