Golf, sunshine and luxury living
Published in Focus on Property April 2019
Up high on the hillside surrounded by a wealth of mood-enriching views, you will find the gated community of Vipingo Ridge – one of Kenya’s most sought-after addresses on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The brainchild of a team of adventurous Kenyan entrepreneurs, the idea for this luxury development was conceived in 2004 and designed to offer the best in family living. The vision of a warm enclave, complete with beautiful grounds, likeminded residents and a healthy lifestyle, is now very much a reality and growing in popularity among Kenya’s elite.
It was in 2005 that two and half thousand acres of land were purchased in Vipingo, Kilifi County, 30km north of Mombasa, and building began one year later. The first priority was the completion of a 19km wall to secure the perimeter and mark the developers’ dedication to providing the highest levels of safety within the grounds. This dedication has since escalated to the appointment of world-renowned security company, Saladin, for their specialist security services. As a result, Vipingo Ridge’s residents are granted the freedom to leave their doors wide open, take long evening walks or go out for a run with nothing but their peace of mind for company.
With golf at the heart of the original concept, it was deemed fitting for David Jones, one of the world’s most imaginative golf course architects and winner of the 1989 Kenya Open, to design the development’s 18-hole course and this was opened in 2009. Now a multiple award-winning and the continent’s only PGA-accredited course, it has been named the best course in the country by top100golfcourses.com and shaping up to host the Ladies European Tour in November 2019.
Between 2007 and 2016, the first phase included the sale of 246 plots on the “footprints” of the championship golf course and further afield. Exquisite homes were soon built to overlook the Indian Ocean or out west over the Chodari Hills and families from all over the world settled among the landscape and into this unique way of life. Now, firmly in its second phase, with plots already selling out rapidly, Vipingo Ridge celebrates its tenth-year anniversary with property prices over four times what they were at the start.
It’s easy to see the attraction -an expertly manicured golf course, world-class Clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming pools, Beach Club, horse stables, outdoor cinema, gym and so much more- there is not much that Vipingo Ridge’s investors have failed to provide for the residents here. One local explained, “Little compares with Vipingo - the clean air and better social life. There is golf, swimming and walking around without fear, unlike Nairobi where a lady like me can hardly go out when it is dark.” In fact, it was recently confirmed that this area had some of the cleanest air in the country. Coupled with an outdoor lifestyle, plenty of sunshine and the space to breathe, it would seem that living at Vipingo Ridge was not only a luxury but truly beneficial to one’s health too.
As part of the successful first phase, 22 luxury golf villas comprised of off-plan 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments, some sporting rooftop plunge pools, were released in late 2008 and sold out by 2012. These villas are extraordinary properties that look out to sea and collectively create their own village surrounding a family-sized pool, the perfect real estate for short-term rental and popular with holidaymakers.
Next to be unveiled by the developers in 2014 was The Links, a quaint cul-de-sac of 14 off-plan houses nestled by the Clubhouse on the edge of the 11th tee. Again, quickly selling out, this project was testament to the gaining popularity of Vipingo Ridge among Kenyans and expatriates alike.
The Conference Centre was opened later that same year and brought a fresh offering to the area, region and nation as a whole -stunning conferencing facilities with all the necessary features and modcons to accommodate up to 400 delegates and “wow” with its impressive views. Not only serviced by the Clubhouse, participants can take full advantage of all Vipingo Ridge facilities including its renowned Beach Club –“the best beach bar in Kenya”.
Positioned right on the water’s edge, the Beach Club was launched in 2016 and has since risen the ranks to be a serious contender in the coastal competition for weekend custom. From here, delicious plates of seafood are paraded across the sand and served to happy punters during lazy lunches or special occasions under the stars. With beach volleyball, boules, snorkelling and swimming, there is so much on offer to entertain the most discerning of guests.
To date, over 275 homeowners from varied backgrounds and demographics make up the Ridge’s vibrant community and now, with more plots set to be released later this year, there is the opportunity to take your place among its charm. Amid the spoils of Kenya’s coastline, each day spent here will be yours to craft and enjoy. Whether you want to take on the challenge of the PGA Baobab Course or set sail on a Swahili dhow, indulge in fine dining or a game of tennis with the kids, Vipingo Ridge invites you to live, laugh and play in the company of friends.
Book a viewing of the estate by calling +254 734 611 009 or email the sales team on sales@vipingoridge.com.