Timeline
1994
The group’s Founder, Maree Brink, conceptualised and initiated the Village Hospitality Concept with the launch of Harbour View Cottages, also known as Cape Town’s First Guest Street, in a historical area which is now known as De Waterkant Village launched Private Special Purpose Funds with a long-term vision to invest in tourism related assets and financed by South African banks. The first investment was 7 houses in De Waterkant.
1996
Village n Life Limited was incorporated as a specialist hospitality and tourism management company. Founding Directors, Maree Brink and Johannes Lategan launched the Tourism Participation Property Model, affording private residential property owners the opportunity to buy property and participate in the dynamics of the tourism industry. Benefits include enhanced rental returns, hassle-free ownership and private occupation when required. The model is unique and its income is not pooled; each property is managed individually and Village n Life fees are incentive driven. Notice periods are 6 – 12 months. In 2018, 178 owners with residential property to the value of R1,5 billion were participating. A further 133 properties to the value of R500 million, owned by Village n Life’s Private Special Purpose Fund and directors, also participate.
2000
Private Special Purpose Fund purchased, after which Village n Life launched De Waterkant House, a guest house, situated in the popular area of De Waterkant. (Sold in 2020)
Conceptualised and launched Camps Bay Village, a fun and vibrant seaside resort, located across from Camps Bay beach. The vision was to offer a resort experience, with centralised reception and services. Private Special Purpose Funds commenced buying up properties for this purpose in Camps Bay (Curren – own over 34 title deeds).
2001
Conceptualised and launched Waterfront Village at the Marina Residential in the V & A Waterfront. The venture consists of over 100 participating residential properties in what is known as the most expensive residential development in Africa. (Sold in 2022)
Launched our Private Property Banking Service, an unique investment service offering private individuals an advisory service, financial structuring and administration services.
2002
Private Special Purpose Fund purchased Earl’s Dyke and bordering properties and redeveloped as Camps Bay Retreat, a boutique hotel set on 19,932m² of private nature reserve (5 title deeds, 25 keys).
2003
Private Special Purpose Fund purchased 24 properties in Mouille Point. Village n Life launched Mouille Point Village. (Sold in 2024)
2006
Private Special Purpose Fund purchased and Village n Life conceptualised, developed and launched The Charles Guest House in De Waterkant. (Sold in 2024)
2007
Launched The Glen Apartments, luxury serviced apartments in Camps Bay. (Sold in 2022)
Private Special Purpose Fund bought The Farmhouse Hotel in Langebaan on the West Coast(19 key). The Farmhouse Hotel offers splendid lagoon views, delicious hearty meals and an Afrikana inspired Museum.
Launched a wellness company, Mint Wellness, which operates spas and salons.
2010
Launched The Crystal, luxury serviced apartments in Camps Bay, with 24 participating sea-facing apartments. (Sold in 2022)
Launched Adventure Pads as a unique concept offering local and international travellers an opportunity to stay in creative spaces, in the best locations at affordable prices.
Launched Sandy B, a private beach club in Camps Bay.
2011
Private Special Purpose Fund commenced the purchase of Village n Life’s Hermanus Collection consisting of New Wing Harbour House, the Manor House and Le Paradis and later went on to purchase Quarters Hotel for a total 36 residential title deeds (46 keys, 2,789m²) and 7 commercial deeds (460m²)
2014
Private Special Purpose Fund purchased and renovated the historical Stone Cottages in Camps Bay.
2016
Village n Life reached sales revenue of over R350 million, staff complement of 600 and properties under exclusive management, valued over R3 billion (Private Special Purpose Funds of R1,3 billion and tourism participating properties of R1,7 billion).
Village n Life is restructured into the following specialised ventures and support services:
TPF Wealth (Closed in 2022)
VNL Sales (Closed in 2022)
Appointed Frank Kilbourn as Non-Executive Director.
2017
Appointed Jo-Ann Strauss as Non-Executive Director. (Resigned in 2020)
Launched an affordable housing venture and staff village in Maitland, Cape Town, together with Club Resco.
2018
Kobus van der Westhuyzen appointed as Chief Financial Officer. (Resigned in 2022)
Riaan Veldtmann appointed as COO.
Village n Life group fund purchased Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa.
Launched exciting new backpackers in Hermanus, zzzone.
2019
Appointed Arnold Cloete as an Independent, Non-Executive Director.
Incorporated Village n Life Events – Custodian of a dynamic operating platform that that offers exceptional service providers an opportunity to deliver world class events. Today our partners in this venture is Play Sport4Life.
TSEC security – Dedicated to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
2020
Global pandemic halted international tourism when South African went into level 5 lockdown on 26 March 2020.
Launched Village n Life Housing Venture – “Long-term community hospitality”, in order to let self-catering properties to the South African market on long-term rentals
Re-energized our business platform model in order to give talented restauranters and entrepreneurs an opportunity to operate in partnership at our hotels.
Strategic decision made to focus on owned properties and hotel, and to exit management of third-party self-catering properties.
Restructured our managed self-catering properties in order to be operated as a focused business entity.
2023
Acquired a strategic investment in Pezula Private Residence Club.
Completed the room renovations at The Bay Hotel.
Acquired bordering properties (5, 7 and 9 Sedgemoor Road) to Camps Bay Retreat.
Launched padel business venture with brands Net Set Padel.
Formed a strategic partnership with Play Sport4Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting community development through sports. Play Sport4Life also became a strategic shareholder in Village N Life Events.
Commenced renovating Camps Bay Village apartments.
Launched Village N Life as a retail travel brand with slogan “Bucket List Destinations and Experiences”, with focus on building a travel community with a members club (VNL Leisure Club).
Took over the management of Pezula Spa.
Purchased Langaro Wellness Centre in Camps Bay.
Branded and relaunched Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa as Pezula Nature Retreat.
