Attie Schultz has a long and accomplished career in the hospitality industry. After putting down roots in London for several years where he studied, qualified and worked as a chef – including as Group Executive Chef for a restaurant chain – he returned to South Africa and ventured into product development, cheffing for several major brands, including Woolworths. He later moved into the hotel industry, where he worked as an Executive Chef before gaining experience in Food and Beverage and Hotel Management. In May this year, Attie accepted the position of Village Manager at Val de Vie Evergreen – a position he is incredibly excited about. We checked in with him recently to find out how his first few months have been.

1. What does your average day look like?It starts with a beautiful drive to Val de Vie – most mornings, the mist is so low it feels like I’m driving under a blanket. Once I’m on the estate, I walk through the village, taking in the beautiful homes and gardens, and gathering my thoughts for the day ahead. At 8:30am, I brief my management team, after which I make calls and send emails. Around 9:30am, we start our operational day with the residents and our projects team. At midday, it’s time for another quick stroll through the village, chatting to the residents I pass on my way – I believe that engaging directly with residents is the best way to manage the village. My day usually finishes with the beautiful sunset behind Paarl Mountain; a wonderful reminder of just how lucky I am to be here. Finally, I make notes for the following day’s meetings and jot down a few reminders before heading home.

2. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Firstly, seeing our residents happy in the village and secondly, the fact that every day is different.

3. What are some of the things you feel make Val de Vie Evergreen unique and special?
There’s a reason that the area in which Val de Vie Evergreen is situated is called the Valley of Life, and it’s rejuvenating driving in and out of the estate and taking in the surrounding beauty, whether that’s the sunrise or sunset, the clouds over the mountains or the beautiful Paarl Mountain. When you’re standing inside Val de Vie Evergreen, you know you’re standing in a very special place.

4. What makes you feel inspired?
Seeing our village grow and watching it develop as a community.  

5. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that you live by?
If you’re stressed about something, get up and do something about it. If there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it, then why stress?

6. When you’re not managing Val de Vie Evergreen you’re …
Mountain biking, enjoying a glass of wine with my wife, or exploring the beautiful province we live in. 

7. What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learnt?
That you can’t control everything; life just happens.

8. What’s something that Evergreen residents might not know about you?
I was the Executive Chef at a London restaurant that received a Top 10 Eateries in London award. 

9. What are some of your favourite spots near the Val de Vie Estate?Pappa Grappa at Wilderer Gin, Bon Louis at Vendome, Paarl Mountain Reserve, Rhebokskloof and Under Oaks.

10. Who do you admire most and why?
There’s no one person in particular, but all those who help animals, including veterinarians and people who run animal charities, deserve a special place in heaven.