Picturesque St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate is drawing a diverse array of residents seeking a gentler pace of life. This estate has become a haven for retirees, returnees, young families and creative professionals, all united by a desire for a more self-sufficient and fulfilling lifestyle.
The community is a tapestry of rich histories and engaging personalities. Many of the residents, third or fourth-generation farmers from the Midlands, delight in regaling the community with captivating tales (and a touch of nostalgia) from St John’s heritage, including the Hyslop family who first arrived in Howick in the 1880s.
The Hyslop family’s farm, St John’s Farm, is the source of the estate’s name, and the original farmhouse, once a mission station, still stands today. One of Howick’s oldest lifelong residents, William Hyslop rode everywhere on horseback in the early small town with just one garage, a grocery store, a chemist, a doctor’s office, a police station, and a magistrate’s court to serve the community.
Resident Mary Carlisle and her late husband, Avison, arrived in the Midlands in the early 1980s, drawn by their desire for a carefree country life for their four young children. Today, she is the current Chairperson of the much-loved Midlands Forum.
Founded in 1981 with the aim of bringing a wide range of interesting and unusual speakers to address the members, Mary not only continues to inspire, educate and entertain members by inviting speakers such as master storyteller Rob Caskie, but she has also expanded the membership by gently transitioning members from monthly in-person meetings to “at-home drinks at 6:00 p.m.” meetings on Zoom. These sessions enrich the lives of Forum members, and their subscriptions fund an annual bursary for one very deserving Howick High matric pupil who has excelled in their field.
Also drawn to the rich soils, good climate and warmth of the community is Naomi Hailstones, a landscaper whose vibrant, impressionistic landscapes have delighted and inspired many. She now dedicates her life to cultivating lush gardens on the estate and preserving the delicate ecosystems that thrive within them. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the local flora and fauna and contagious love for the natural world has inspired many others to appreciate and enjoy gardening.
Returnees Adam and Jean Langbridge, after many years in New Zealand, have been warmly welcomed to St John’s Village. Their charming new home, coupled with Jean’s creative culinary skills and Adam’s gardening enthusiasm, is a happy hub where family and new friends gather to enjoy delicious meals and entertaining company.
Irene Nichols, a retired industrial chemist, now delights in growing vegetables and crafting delicious cheeses on the estate. Harold, Irene’s husband and an avid model train enthusiast, has designed and set up an intricate, computer-driven model train set, the envy of any tech-savvy enthusiast.
The diversity of residents within St John’s Village is truly remarkable. Whether they’re pursuing their passions, sharing their expertise, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, they exemplify what it means to live a life of purpose, creativity and connection.
Words by: St John’s Village
Photography: Paul Hamberger Photography https://www.instagram.com/paulhamberger_photography/