Barbara grew up in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, and because of her deep love for the area, she wanted to come back home. Their search for a home took them on a winding journey from Robertson towards Cape Town, but the moment she and Stanley came over Sir Lowry’s Pass and saw Somerset West stretched out before them, everything just clicked. Back then, the area was still mostly farmland. They settled in one of the first developments, Fernwood, when the nearest shop was a small Spar a few kilometres down the road. Over the years, they’ve watched with amazement as the neighbourhood blossomed, even witnessing the very first clod of earth being turned for The Somerset.

Stanley, a dedicated veterinarian, began his career working for the government in Venda (then part of the Northern Transvaal) before moving into private practice – first in Highlands North, Johannesburg, and later in Sandton, where he eventually took over the business. As fate would have it, Stanley was Barbara’s vet, and that’s how their story together began. Barbara, meanwhile, built a successful career managing the office of the CEO at Gold Fields in Johannesburg.

Both Barbara and Stanley have always lived life to the fullest. Barbara, an avid runner, has completed an impressive 13 Two Oceans Marathons, earning her coveted Blue Number, as well as two Comrades Marathons and several ultra-distance events. She has even joined Stanley, an enthusiastic cyclist, on the trails. While Johannesburg’s Northern Farms were his training ground, where he fondly recalls “getting air” over the humps, Stanley also took on the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly The Argus) multiple times. Never content with just the official race, he and a friend would extend the adventure, cycling all the way to Tsitsikamma and back to George, before flying home to Johannesburg.

In recent years, life has brought a few health challenges, particularly for Stanley, who has lost an eye, but their love of an active lifestyle remains undimmed. They treasure the vibrant social life at The Somerset and enjoy the friendships they’ve built with neighbours on their street. They also make the most of the estate’s cultural groups and always look forward to Sunday lunches at the Clubhouse. Having lived in the area for so long, they remain inspired by the ever-evolving surroundings, from the flourishing Vergelegen Shopping Centre to the excellent medical facilities just minutes away.

And as they look to the future, e-bikes have entered the conversation – a wonderful way for older cyclists to keep enjoying the sport they both love.

Pictured below is the beautiful cottage handed over to Stanley and Barbara by our MD: Dion Potgieter, and Sales Consultant Margi Hoffe, in 2024.

We warmly invite you to visit, tour our village, and experience for yourself the secure, welcoming lifestyle that so many have already chosen to call home. To contact us, please click here.