KINGSWOOD HOA

Kingswood Golf Estate officially opened its new community centre and clubhouse on 1 September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by then George mayor Jackie von Brandis, Nedbank Group Managing Executive Ciko Thomas, and key members of the estate’s management.

A trio of opening events was also attended by invited guests and residents — a most apt way to inaugurate the clubhouse while celebrating the first day of spring. According to verbal feedback and pics shot on the occasion, everyone in attendance was elated to be a part of this major milestone in the estate’s development.

Here’s how the new clubhouse serves the KGE community.

When The BUZZard visited this fabulous addition to KGE offerings exactly three months later, one lovely Kingswood local and one of the resident eatery’s able restaurateurs shared their impressions of the past three months. These chats confirmed that the clubhouse precinct is fulfilling its role of bringing together residents, golf members, and their guests, creating a community feel that was sorely lacking before its establishment.

Kingswood homeowner for the past two years, Angelique Pieterse hardly needed prompting to provide a raving testimonial on her enjoyment of the space. Hailing from Frankfort in the Free State, Angelique and her family – husband Bartel and their children aged three and eight – relocated to George from Pretoria in 2023.

Lawyers both, the Pieterses share a history in all things property related and together have been developing Kingswood Cross, so Angelique is intimately au fait with the estate’s layout and design. Kingswood Cross comprises 12 full-title properties where services have recently been installed, making it ready to go to market.

‘I’m enamoured with the estate’s architecture, and the clubhouse has been built on the most scenic spot in George. Before its construction, we would drive a golfcart here and park it in this exact spot to marvel at the view. ‘When first moving into our home close to the 16th tee, I would wake up in amazement at the view of fairways speckled with “bokkies” and that breathtaking mountain backdrop. Two years down the line, I must still be the most grateful incomer in town! The only thing lacking was a proper clubhouse.’ With their toddler and pre-teen, Angelique says the clubhouse play area is one of its biggest boons. ‘You can sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a bite – or both – while the children are running around in full view. When done with dinner, you simply get in a golf cart or walk home, so no one has to risk driving home over the limit.

‘The staff are simply incredible, and the clubhouse interior offers the perfect balance between spaces where families can order an elegant meal, and golfers can enjoy drinks after their round.

The glass partition means everyone is catered for, with private functions not impacting the rest of the guests. ‘Kingswood is all about community spirit – everyone is keen to meet fellow residents, and this is made so much easier when striking up a conversation at the clubhouse with like-minded locals.

‘Now, with this great new addition, you can give me an open cheque book to buy into any estate, but I’ll choose Kingswood every time!’

BE IT THE FAM, GOLF MATES OR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS: LA FAMIGLIA CATERS FOR ALL

One issue that stands out when chatting to those having made full use of the new clubhouse and restaurant is the user-friendly layout and welcoming staff, making guests feel as if they’re truly part of the Kingswood family – and that’s just the way Chef Werner Pons likes it. ‘It’s always tough to open a new business, but we were fortunate to be involved from the outset and could provide input on the layout, while being afforded a month of staff training to precede the 1 September launch,’ says the co-owner of La Famiglia. His partner in crime – or rather, kitchen confidante – is Claudio Nespola of Pomodoro fame.

The duo is also responsible for one of the Garden Route’s most popular seaside dining options, having opened Salinas on Wilderness Beach back in 2011. ‘The launch of La Famiglia was a seamless affair that saw three sectors of Kingswood residents from different areas invited to sample a variety of our platters.

We had the opportunity to welcome them and explain our menu and the ethos behind our eatery. We enjoyed a busy weekend and were inundated with positive feedback.’With a staff contingent that totals 70 on busy days, Werner & Co. have their hands full indeed. Waitrons and kitchen staff are typically slotted in during two daily shifts, clocking in at 6.30am until the kitchen closes at 10pm. Consider that they don’t only service the main restaurant, but also the halfway house and golfers’ lounge. Says Werner:

‘As a golfer myself, I know the mentality and understand what players want in terms of culinary needs. It may just be a quick breakfast roll on the go, or a group of 20-plus wanting drinks and snacks after a round. League players often require a more substantial meal. The clubhouse design allows us to cater for all these requirements.’

La Famiglia’s private dining area seats up to 20, while the space reserved for functions seats up to 45; the main restaurant accommodates 160 guests. Comfortable loungers are spread throughout the golfers’ lounge section at the centre of the clubhouse.

‘Players enjoy preference, so there will always be a designated spot for golfers,’ explains Werner. He concurs with long-time residents that the restaurant at the gatehouse was not designed to serve such a variety of guests, being inaccessible to families when filled with post-play partiers, or when functions were being hosted.

‘At the new centre we can welcome everyone at the same time – children, ladies, singles or groups. This guided us in choosing our name: La Famiglia, where everyone can be a part of the estate’s community.

’ Werner says the fortnight leading up to Festive Season ’25 has been exceptionally busy with the very successful Estate Livings estate management event, year-end functions and family gatherings, even including an intimate wedding party.

And although he’s bound to divide his time between Kingswood and Salinas, he’s had time to train two chefs to hold the fort in his absence. ‘All our kitchen staff understand the basic concept of our Italian fusion offerings, and we’ve been spending weeks in the run-up to season finessing front-of-house staff. Of all the restaurants I’ve been involved with, this has been the quickest to settle in.