"What an amazing leap of faith": 3 Couples buy a KZN homestead together to grow their families

Three South African couples pooled their resources to jointly purchase a homestead compound on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast
The friends dubbed the property 'The Crest' and launched a 365-day challenge to transform the space into a self-sufficient communal home
The Instagram post moved many viewers who said the venture reflected the way people used to live

The group of friends are transforming a KZN South Coast property into a self-sufficient eco-homestead — Three couples bought a South Coast compound to raise their children together in a communal living experiment. Image: @jet_and_em
Source: Instagram

Three couples from South Africa made a bold decision to leave behind their individual lives and build something together. On 4 September 2026, Instagram account @jet_and_em shared the story of six friends and their children, who jointly purchased a homestead compound on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast.

The group had originally dreamed of launching a hiking business in the Drakensberg. When that plan fell through, they pivoted closer to home, pooling their finances to buy a single property where they could raise their families together and slow down the pace of their daily lives.

Life at the Crest

They named their new home "The Crest" and wasted no time getting to work. They set themselves a 365-day challenge to renovate the existing structures on the property, install solar power, and grow a self-sufficient vegetable garden. Their long-term vision includes a farm store, a café, and rustic eco-accommodation for visitors.

The project is as much about community as it is about sustainability. For these three families, the goal is to build a life centred on shared responsibility, open space for their children, and a slower, more intentional way of living.

Watch the couples share their communal living journey in the Instagram reel below:

Mzansi celebrates the move

For many viewers, the families' decision touched something deeper than admiration. It reminded them of a way of life where community came first, and neighbours were more like family. South Africans online were deeply inspired by the families' story and flooded the comments with warmth and encouragement:

@eliselovesstellaandkai said:

"Amazing! This is the way people used to live and should still live ❤️."

@katedearlove wrote:

"I'm loving it and envious! You are all amazing, incredible humans 💕❤️🤩."

@petajanewright added:

"Wow, Jett and Em, what an amazing leap of faith. I absolutely love that Jack gets to grow up in nature like this. Best of luck 🙏💕🥰."

@cath.clough shared:

"What a wonderful journey you're embarking on together!! Wishing you everything of the best!"

@stephenkeyter said:

"Amazing man! All the best. Praying everything works out perfectly 🙏."

@nompilo911 added:

"Oh man, all the feels, slow living's the best."

"What an amazing leap of faith": 3 Couples buy a KZN homestead together to grow their families

Life at the Crest

Mzansi celebrates the move

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