Welcome to the heart of Darling Green Country Estate, where a dedicated team works tirelessly to create a haven of tranquillity and sustainable living. At Darling Green Country Estate, we believe that our team is the backbone of our success, each member bringing a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication.
Why Being Part of the Team is Important:
Being part of the Darling Green team is more than just a job; it’s a commitment to excellence and a shared vision of creating a community where families can thrive in harmony with nature. Our team members play a crucial role in shaping the future of Darling Green Country Estate, contributing their skills and talents to make our estate a desirable place to live.
Now, let’s meet some of the incredible individuals who make up our team:
Ralph Rabie – Development Manager and Director
Ralph Rabie, our esteemed Development Manager and Director, brings over 30 years of property development experience to Darling Green Country Estate. With a deep-rooted passion for seeing projects come to life, Ralph is the driving force behind the success of our estate. His unwavering commitment to green eco-living and sustainable practices sets the tone for our development, ensuring that Darling Green Country Estate remains at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
Q&A
- In what capacity are you involved at Darling Green Country Estate, and how long have you been part of the team? I have been on the team for 5½ years as the Project/Development Manager. I ensure that the project is properly planned and executed.
- What distinguishes the town of Darling from others? Darling is no longer just a quaint little town. It is punching way above its weight. With the onset of COVID-19, towns like Darling, Riebeek-Kasteel, Wellington and Malmesbury have become desirable destinations to live in due to their proximity to all the mod-cons, yet away from it all, and in a tranquil rural setting.
- In your opinion, what sets Darling Green Country Estate apart from other property developments, and what makes it a desirable place to live for environmentally conscious individuals and families? Darling Green Country Estate promotes Green eco-living. This is the right thing to do. Darling and surrounds also have a host of activities/places to visit. For the family, it’s the old-style farm living yet with a modern angle. Darling Green Country Estate also offers one value for money.
- Can you share a specific project or initiative within Darling Green Country Estate that you are particularly proud of, and explain how it aligns with your personal values and goals? From the outset of my involvement, we have looked at how to make the development greener and environmentally friendly. This is an ongoing process, yet a very exciting part of development.
- Looking to the future, what do you hope to accomplish or contribute professionally and personally to Darling Green Country Estate’s continued growth and success? We have only started with the development and have only scratched the surface. The next phase will be managing the construction of homes and planning the retirement component of the estate. This includes the Medi-clinic and the Trading Post and all its components. A very exciting time to be involved.
Sonja van Staden – Estate Manager
Sonja van Staden, newly appointed Estate Manager, epitomises the spirit of community and dedication. With a background in education and a love for the outdoors, Sonja’s journey to Darling Green Country Estate has been nothing short of serendipitous. Her enthusiasm for empowering young minds and promoting sustainable practices aligns perfectly with our estate’s ethos, making her a valuable addition to our team.
Q&A
- In what capacity are you involved at Darling Green Country Estate, and how long have you been part of the team? My official commencement in the role of Estate Manager will commence on 2 April 2024. My responsibilities will include a wide range of crucial tasks, all aimed at guaranteeing the optimal functioning of the estate. These duties include:
– Property Maintenance
– Staff Management
– Budgeting
– Record Keeping and Documentation
– Security and Safety
– Vendor and Contractor Management
– Homeowners, Tenants, and Guest Relations
– Event Planning and Coordination
– Long-Term Planning and Improvement
– Communication with Owners or Stakeholders
– Environmental Stewardship - What distinguishes the town of Darling from others? Darling is a quaint town nestled just an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It exudes charm with its veld flowers, gravel roads, and absence of traffic lights. Like many others, I was initially drawn to its rustic countryside ambience, but I quickly discovered that beneath the simple and unpretentious lifestyle of Darling resides a reservoir of knowledge, artisanal craftsmanship, and diverse expertise across various industries. The locals embody a simple yet rich lifestyle, making Darling not just a place, but a vibrant community brimming with depth and character.
- In your opinion, what sets Darling Green Country Estate apart from other property developments, and what makes it a desirable place to live for environmentally conscious individuals and families? Location: Darling Green Country Estate is situated in a serene country community where environmentally friendly values have always been important. Regrettably, the town has faced financial challenges. Darling Green Country Estate introduces a wave of new residents, bringing with them the financial resources needed to boost local businesses. This infusion of capital is essential for the town’s prosperity, marking a partnership that seems destined to thrive. Intentions of the Developer and Investors: Darling Green Country Estate stands out as a development deeply rooted in family values, with a steadfast commitment to community integration and engagement. Rarely have I encountered a development so dedicated to understanding and supporting the interests of the local community.
- Can you share a specific project or initiative within Darling Green Country Estate that you are particularly proud of, and explain how it aligns with your personal values and goals? I am intrigued by the solar farm initiative at Darling Green Country Estate and feels an immense sense of pride being associated with such a groundbreaking project. Each day, as I delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of this initiative, I find myself continually stunned and amazed by the magnitude of this project. The potential benefits of this development, not only for the local community but also for the environment, are vast and yet to be fully understood by many. This project seamlessly aligns with my passion for environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. Being part of this development fills me with great pride and a sense of purpose.
- Looking to the future, what do you hope to accomplish or contribute professionally and personally to Darling Green Country Estate’s continued growth and success? I am dedicated to fulfilling my role as Estate Manager with pride and dignity, aiming to become a pillar of strength for Darling Green Country Estate. My priority is providing exceptional service to homeowners while fostering a sense of camaraderie among our team members. In this role, I take immense pride in cultivating a culture of excellence where each individual contributes significantly to realising the vision of Darling Green. In addition, I’m particularly passionate about revitalising the Darling Sport Club and restoring it to its former glory as a community beacon. I envision it once again becoming a hub for community gatherings and activities. Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of Darling Green Country Estate becoming a highly sought-after estate. I aim to grow my position into one that is admired and respected by many.
Sebastiaan Lewis – Site Manager
Sebastiaan Lewis embodies the core values of caring, honesty, and transparency, making him an invaluable member of the Darling Green Country Estate’s team. With a background spanning from teaching to resort management, Sebastiaan brings a wealth of experience and a nurturing spirit to his role as Site Manager. His dedication to uplifting the Darling community aligns seamlessly with our estate’s vision, ensuring that every aspect of Darling Green Country Estate reflects our commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
Q&A
- In what capacity are you involved at Darling Green Country Estate, and how long have you been part of the team? I have been involved in my capacity as the site manager for the past several months, looking after the interest of the operations on site with regard to contractors, visitors and overall housekeeping.
- What distinguishes the town of Darling from others? Darling is no longer just a quaint little town. It is punching way above its weight. I would say the calm setting of the town.
- In your opinion, what sets Darling Green Country Estate apart from other property developments, and what makes it a desirable place to live for environmentally conscious individuals and families? This development is different in that it involves public participation and involvement, socially and economically, which is a great achievement in itself. The area is free of pollution of any kind.
- Can you share a specific project or initiative within Darling Green Country Estate that you are particularly proud of, and explain how it aligns with your personal values and goals? The community trust that stems from this project is commendable! It speaks to the root cause of our social ills within our community, and this caring approach speaks volumes to my core values and principles, the care for others.
- Looking to the future, what do you hope to accomplish or contribute professionally and personally to Darling Green Country Estate’s continued growth and success? My hopes are for a successful project, where I can be allowed to contribute my skills in a meaningful way toward the upliftment of Darling as a whole.
Looking to the Future
As we look ahead, our team is excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead for Darling Green Country Estate. With a shared vision of growth and prosperity, we are committed to realising the full potential of our estate. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and create a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Join us on this journey to a brighter, greener future at Darling Green Country Estate. Together, we can make a difference.
