Amanda Shiel looks at some stunning developments that not only boast tranquil surroundings but offer some top notch golfing facilities too
Pezula Resort, South Africa
Located on the eastern head of Knysna on South Africa's famous Garden Route, Pezula is surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the 18-hole Pezula Championship Golf Course.
The golf course is set against the gentle background of the Outeniqua Mountains and encompasses a protected nature reserve and forest. Ronald Fream and David Dale of GolfPlan USA designed the course in a combination of the Scottish links style and the parkland style.
Plots still available at the resort; residents can choose their own architect and contractor but must submit plans to the Pezula Group for approval prior to any work being undertaken. This is to ensure that buildings maintain the high design standards of the resort and uphold the regard given to the environment.
Prices range from ZAR 1,300,000 to ZAR 4,300,000 (approx £91,950 to £304,150). The cost of homes built on these plots is then dependent upon the type and size of structure the owner wishes to build and will vary accordingly.
For more information contact the Pezula Group on +27 44 302 5332 or visit pezula.com
Parque da Floresta, Western Algarve, Portugal
Parque da Floresta, on the borders of the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve, has its own golf academy, spa and full range of sporting facilities. This includes the two latest phases that make up Quinta da Encosta Velha and overlook the front nine holes of the golf course.
The golf course was designed by distinguished Spanish architect Pepe Gonzalez and opened in 1987 and features a demanding layout. With no two holes the same, the 9th hole (525m par 5) is the course’s most challenging with the approach shot to the pin being over a creek to a highly- elevated green.
Two-, three- and four-bedroom golf village houses are available with access to five communal swimming pools, each with a private garden, starting from €397,500 (approx. £261,000). Three-, four- and five-bedroom villas each with a private pool and garden start from €650,000 (approx. £450,000).
Contact Vigia Property Sales UK on 01223 316820 or visit parquedafloresta.com.
Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club, New Brunswick, Canada
The first exclusive residential golf community in New Brunswick, Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club is an award-winning golf development situated just outside Moncton which combines all the attributes of luxurious living with the beautiful surroundings of a championship golf course.
Designed by renowned golf course architect, Rees Jones, Royal Oaks Golf Club is an 18-hole par 72, links-style layout championship golf course measuring 7,103 yards in length. The course features tees and greens, strategic bunkering, demanding approaches and has an award- winning practice and teaching facility – all complemented by turf conditions which rival the best in the world.
Plots start from £25,000 and an apart-hotel unit is available from CAD$214,200 (approx £94,260).
For more information on Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club, contact Chesterton International on 0207 201 2078 and visit chesterton.co.uk.
Three Sisters Mountain Village, Alberta, Canada
Three Sisters Mountain Village is a four-season alpine resort community covering approximately 2,000 acres of land within the town of Canmore. It is located in the Bow River Valley at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, five minutes east of Banff National Park and an hour’s drive west of Calgary.
The developers creating this community are offering a wide range of properties, including detached family homes, townhouses, apartments and mountain chalets.
The Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, designed by Gary Browning, features an 18-hole course that plays to a par-72 and provides mountain views every step of the way. Measuring some 7,195 yards from the back tees, the course provides vistas of the Rocky Mountains and offers 18 expertly-designed holes that wind through some of the world’s most spectacular terrain, creating a unique golfing experience. Featuring exposed bedrock formations, rock outcrops, rolling creeks, towering firs and lakes, it provides an engrossing round for every level of golfer.
Prices start at CAD $580,000 (approx £253,126).
Contact Newfound Property International on +44 (0) 20 8605 or see newfoundproperty.com.
Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club, Costa del Sol, Spain
The 900-acre La Heredia de Monte Mayor, Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club development is spread over two valleys in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja on the cosmopolitan Costa del Sol. La Heredia will comprise of 135 two-, three- and four-bedroom luxury townhouses, each of which will have a unique design. Property features will include fireplaces, double-glazing, underfloor heating with climate control, garage space and storage space.
Created in 1989 by Jose Gancedo, the course is maintained in immaculate condition and is quite unlike any other course anywhere in the country. Monte Mayor’s tricky layout over mountainous terrain rewards the bold and the accurate. The course runs through a mountain valley, with ravines and gullies, winding streams, raised tees and fairways set on a broad plateau all part of the course.
Among the tests at Monte Mayor is the 385 yard, par-4 seventh.
Prices at Monte Mayor start at €695,000 (approx. £472,223).
Call La Perla International Living on 00 31 20 589 40 70 or visit laperlainternationalliving.com.
San Donato, Abruzzo, Italy
San Donato is located 850 metres above sea level and is surrounded by a residential village just 10 minutes from the historic city of l’Aquilay. Positioned in a valley in the Italian Apennine Mountains with a backdrop of trees and mountains, the location of San Donato golf course is certainly striking. The rolling terrain, tight tricky greens, as well as placed hazards and trees, mean that the course is challenging to the experienced golfer and playable to the novice.
Residences at San Donato comprise 100 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants, bars, a golf pro-shop and clubhouse. Owners are offered a discounted fee for golf course membership and green fees. Owners also have access to all on-site facilities. Prices at San Donato Golf start at £76,000 going up to £239,900. Completion is expected in March 2009.
For more information contact Overseas Homesearch on +44 (0) 800 652 0769 or visit
overseashomesearch.co.uk.
Royal Mougins, France
This two double bedroom fully furnished villa on the Royal Mougins golf course includes a couple’s membership to the exclusive course.
Established in 1993, the privately owned club boasts a par 71 championship course over 6556 yards and is consistently ranked amoungst the world's best courses. The course and its facilities are located in the Medieval village of Mougins, just 10 minutes from Cannes and 20 from Nice's airport. The Provencal landscape is dominated by olive trees on ancient stone wall terraces and as such creates a playing field of spectacular natural beauty.
Besides the golf, members will benefit from the additional club facilities including a swimming pool, tennis courts, fine dining restaurants and the soon to be completed spa.
Priced at €651,000. Contact 01959 561737 or visit TotallyRiviera.com.