Legacy, Lifestyle, and a Life Right: John Chapman on Retiring to the Community He Helped Build 

John Chapman didn’t just move into Oasis Life Constantia — he helped create it. As a director at Rabie Property Developers, the company behind the Oasis Life brand, John has spent nearly four decades shaping developments across Cape Town, including the pioneering Century City precinct. But when it came time to rightsize his own home, it was Oasis Life that offered the lifestyle, support, and freedom he was looking for.

“It’s beyond my expectations because life has become so simple,” says John. “Between 5 and 6:30pm it’s like rush hour — but without the stress. Everyone’s out walking their dogs and everyone is so friendly.”

Now semi-retired, John works three days a week at Rabie and spends the rest of his time enjoying life on the estate — walking the landscaped pathways, connecting with neighbours, and embracing what he calls “the perfect balance” of productivity and peace.

The Vision Behind Oasis Life — And Why It Works

John’s journey with Rabie began in the late 1980s. Over the years, he’s helped bring to life everything from residential estates to retail hubs — and eventually, Rabie’s very first retirement community, the Oasis Resort at Century City, which is a sectional title development. 

“There was an overwhelming sentiment from buyers that they should have moved to a place like this a lot sooner,” he recalls.

It was this insight — paired with a clear understanding of the pain points around traditional retirement models — that sparked something new. Together with Rabie co-founder Leon Cohen, John began researching alternatives. What emerged was a retirement model built not just for comfort, but for long-term security, professional management, and community cohesion: the Life Right model.

“The Life Right model decentralises the power into the hands of the developer — who has to deliver the lifestyle promised, in the best interest of the greater community.”

Designed for the Way You Want to Live

At Oasis Life Constantia, nothing is generic. From the indigenous-lined streets and walkways to the architect-designed Clubhouse and homes, everything was thoughtfully considered by the Rabie team to reflect the heritage and beauty of the area.

“We could have built more units, but we didn’t want to lose the sense of spaciousness. We planned the entire development around the existing trees.”

Even the Clubhouse restaurant, The Townsend, is named after the historic farm that once stood on the site. John says the emphasis on landscape design and streetscapes is one of Rabie’s signatures — spending well above the norm to create places that feel welcoming, stylish, and distinctly local.

Community That Grows With You

For John, Oasis Life Constantia is more than a home — it’s a place that grows with you. He describes retirement in three distinct phases:

The Go-Go Years (60–75): Active, independent, and travel-ready
The Go-Slow Years (75–85): More comfort, routine, and connection
The Go-Slower Years (85–95): Greater need for care, support, and proximity

With a 36-bed care centre at Oasis Life Constantia, and access to broader support services through the Oasis Care Centre at Century City, residents have peace of mind that their care can evolve as their needs change.

“For residents at Oasis Life Constantia, there’s peace of mind knowing that if something happens, their partner is close. You don’t have to face those kinds of decisions in isolation.”

Lock-Up-and-Go Freedom, Right-Sized Living

John opted for a freestanding home with a private garden — modern, manageable, and perfect for the way he lives now.

“I love my home. It’s just the right size. I’m still working, but I’m not commuting as much anymore. I can walk to the Clubhouse, have a coffee, play bridge, chat with neighbours. Everything I need is here.”

Even the everyday details — like not needing to drive or search for parking — make a big difference. 

“I told my insurer that I don’t have burglar bars or an alarm — and I never remember to lock our front door. That’s how safe I feel.”

Retirement That Doesn’t Mean Retreat

John is quick to dismiss the old cliché of retirement as winding down. “Retirement doesn’t mean retreat. It’s about deciding what you’re retiring to, not what you’re retiring from.”

Many of his long-time friends now live at Oasis Life Constantia too — including fellow semi-retirees, entrepreneurs, and creatives who are simply looking for more ease, more freedom, and more time for what matters.

“We’re all here by choice — and that makes a difference. There’s a shared spirit here. You greet each other. You look out for each other. And yet you’ve got all the privacy you need.”

Constantia as a Vision Realised

Oasis Life Constantia sold out before construction even began — and currently has a waiting list of more than 200 names. It’s no surprise, says John, given the level of thought, planning, and experience behind it.

“This place is an Empty Nester Club — on steroids!”

With more Oasis Life developments on the horizon, Rabie Property Developers continues to refine and expand its vision for retirement living in South Africa.

“With every new estate, we take what we’ve learned and do things better over time.”