About Us
Overview
Located in the heart of Bedfordview, the village is ideally situated. It comprises of 119 cottages, a Care Centre, Offices, a Service Centre, and a Restaurant. The Care Centre itself includes 20 Frail Care Rooms, a Sickbay unit, 18 Mid Care Rooms, and a respite room.
The operational management is overseen by the St George’s Village Management Association NPC. The development is complete and the property is free from any bonds. Ownership is held by the Johannesburg Diocesan Trustees in trust for St George’s Home for Boys (COACH). Grace Village Management (Pty) Ltd is responsible for managing the sale and reversion of life rights, as well as maintaining the property.
History of the Village
St George’s Home for Boys, situated on 50 acres of land on top of a hill overlooking Bedfordview, was founded in 1915 to cater for boys whose families were impacted by the first World War.
During the early 1980’s changes in the political landscape coupled with the economic downturn in the country had a huge impact on the Home. In the first published report on the Village, Douglas Green mentioned that the problem of balancing the budget of the Home became more and more problematical and the concept of building a retirement village was born.
The idea was conceived by St George’s Home Executive, the late Nick Pretorius and his Bedfordview Rotarians. The objective of the scheme was to provide St George’s Home for boys with a sustainable source of income.
Douglas Green, a well-known businessman, was the chairman of the committee that was formed to develop the concept. The Committee were involved in setting suitable agreements for the sale of Life Rights and setting up a Section 21 Company under the Companies Act, the St George’s Village Management Association totally controlled by St George’s Home.
The attractive Village was built in Cape Dutch Style and in 1986 the first Villagers moved in. These pioneering Villagers worked hard as a team to get the Village established. They were encouraged to plant trees which have a history of their own, allowing the birds to move in!
By the end of the 80’s, boys were no longer being placed in St George’s Home by the court. Government changes in laws required the organisation to make changes in respect of how the children were accommodated and how the business of childcare needed to operate. The Home closed in 1990 with the premises being taken over by the then newly established Bishop Bavin School, which operated from the premises up until its closure in 2021.
In 2007 a decision was taken by the Anglican Diocese to form COACH – the Coalition of Anglican Children’s Homes: a consolidation of St George’s, St Nicholas and St Joseph’s Homes into a single administrative entity.
Grace Village Management (Pty) Ltd was formed in 2004 as a normal company with no concessions.
It took over management of the sale of life rights from St George’s Home and further ensures that the Village is maintained to an excellent standard. St George’s Village Management Association NPC comprising village residents as members, continues to manage the Village similar to a ‘Body Corporate.’
The special relationship which existed between St George’s Home for Boys and the Villagers continues through the engagement between COACH and the Villagers, with COACH recently relocating their administrative offices into one of the units in the Village.
From a quote in Douglas Green’s first report on the Village in 1987, we can still say: “the Village can settle down to their day-to-day enjoyment of retirement.”
Meet Our Team
With extensive experience in managing senior living facilities, our team is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and vibrant environment for all residents.
Security
The Village security includes high perimeter walls, electrified fences with armed response, walled yards, security lights, burglar proofing, emergency call buttons, and an emergency telephone.
There is a 24-hour security guard system in place at the two controlled entrance gates, with regular patrols ensuring the safety and peace of mind of all residents.
