Ballito’s own Miss World Penny Rey plans new home at Coral Cove
Today, the United Kingdom-born beauty recalls the past with fondness - "a time with no television and no stress, when people dressed for the occasion and felt safe walking alone. Those were beautiful, care-free times."
When ambitious 18-year-old Penny Anne Coelen Rey was crowned the first South African to win the Miss World pageant in 1958, little did she know that 2 years later she would trade the glitz and glamour for a farm in the middle of nowhere.
From trying to make it as an international model after a number of lucrative offers – and even managing her own line of clothing and endorsing beauty products – Penny experienced interesting times moving in celeb circles.
But her dreams of seeing the world changed when she met Michel Rey, a North Coast sugarcane farmer who stole her heart.
While the lack of electricity and hot water on the farm in Tinley Manor paled in comparison to her life in high society, she quickly realised life was about choices.
Fifteen years and 5 children later, Penny decided it was time to focus on a career, and after training as a beauty therapist she launched her own salon.
Fourteen years later she launched into public speaking and the arts before starting her own guest house.
Today, the United Kingdom-born beauty recalls the past with fondness – “a time with no televisions and no stress, when people dressed for the occasion and felt safe walking alone. Those were beautiful, care-free times,” she said.
But retirement comes calling eventually, even for a lady such as Penny who will celebrate her 82nd birthday on April 15.
“I always wanted to retire somewhere with a sea view,” she said, noting how fast the North Coast has grown.
Back in the 60s, she recalls Umhlali village being the centre of life and business.
The years may have changed a few things, but Penny still loves it here. She loves to socialise and said her soon-to-be fourth home at the senior living development at Sheffield, Coral Cove, promises to offer many more fond memories.
Coral Cove is a retirement development by Auria Senior Living and aims to offer a “gold standard” of living options for seniors within Zululami Coastal Estate at Sheffield Beach.
“At Coral Cove I will be able to continue living the good life, but with an added layer of support and care should I ever need it. I love the fact that the day-to-day responsibilities are taken care of and that I will be able to spend my time doing the things I enjoy, like having coffee or drinks with friends and taking art lessons. I even plan to take up dance classes,” she said.
It is with these considerations in mind that Penny opted for Coral Cove.
“I am not going to let the old lady in. Sure, there is great peace of mind in knowing so much assistance is available if one needs it,” she said, referencing Coral Cove’s care facilities, “but one is never too old to have a good time.”
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