Web Ref No 5079239

An off the beaten track game farm hidden away in a remote valley in the rugged foothills of the Grootrivierberge of the south-eastern Karoo. The property is a veritable treasure trove of diverse flora with species typical of both the Great Karoo, and the Fynbos of the Cape Fold Mountains including very scarce Cycads. A variety of different game species have been introduced to the farm and the normally elusive Klipspringer is often seen on the mountain slopes. The characterful and rustic off-grid homestead has all modern amenities, and the farming infrastructure is either newly developed or in a very good state of repair. It is ideal as a private getaway with potential for income generation from eco-tourism, hunting, game and small stock farming.

LOCATION: ± 220 km from Port Elizabeth and ± 60 km from Jansenville

SIZE: ± 850.936 ha

CARRYING CAPACITY: ± 18 ha / Large Stock Unit – Govt. Assessment 2018

ANNUAL RAINFALL: ± 280 mm (predominantly summer rainfall)

TOPOGRAPHY: The property is roughly in the shape of an upside down five sided pentagon. The lowest point on the farm is the north-eastern boundary corner, at an elevation of 632 m ASL. The northern east-west running boundary is just north of Pretorius Kop se Leegte. A dominant feature of the property is a koppie at 960 m ASL which lies just within the south-eastern boundary. The highest point on the farm is the south-western boundary corner, at an elevation of 1.197 m ASL. Between these two peaks a kloof runs diagonally from the south-eastern boundary corner towards the north-western boundary corner. The dominant geology is made up of Fort Brown, Ripon, and Waterford sediments. Dominant on the mountains are impossibly twisted and folded white to gray metamorphic quartzite rock strata typical of the Cape Fold Mountains.

VEGETATION: In the valley floor it is typical of the eastern Karoo vegetation dominated by dwarf and succulent Karoo shrubs, riverine thicket along the water courses, and other larger shrubs and trees with a good grass cover in season. The lower and north facing slopes of the mountains contain a mixture of Valley Bushveld giving way to Fynbos vegetation higher up and on south facing slopes.

Common grass species include Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus) Quick Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Carrot-seed Grass (Tragus berteronianus), with palatable broad bladed grasses along the water courses and under larger shrubs and trees. A species of Restio, some Suurpol (Merxmuellera disticha), Turpentine Grass (Cymbopogon pospischilii), and the valuable Red Grass (Themeda triandra) are to be found at higher altitudes in the mountains. Common smaller shrubs in the valley include Anchor Karoo Bush (Pentzia incana), and Kapokbos (Eriocephalus africanus), with Thorn Vygie (Ruschia spinose), and Koggelmandervoetkaroo (Limeum aethiopicum). In the mountains Fine-leafed Felecia (Felicia filifolia), Mini Diamond Eyes (Staavia radiata), and a wide variety of small succulents of the Cotyledon and Crassula family are to be found including the Concertina Plant (Crassula rupestris). Larger shrubs include Crossberry (Grewia occidentalis), Spekboom (Portulacaria afra), and Wild Pomegranate (Rhigozum obovatum).

Common trees include Wolwedoring (Lycium oxycarpum), Karoo Kuni Bush (Searsia burchellii), Guarri (Euclea undulata), Spike Thorn (Gymnosporia buxifolia), Jacket Plum (Pappea capensis), Karoo Num Num (Carissa haematocarpa), and Sweet Thorn, (Vachellia karroo). In the mountains a number of the incredibly rare Eastern Cape Blue Cycad or Karoo Cycad are found at higher elevations. Aloe species include Coral Aloe (Aloe striata), and the Bitter Aloe (Aloe ferox) which is abundant in places and provides a magnificent splash of colour in season.

FARM INFRASTRUCTURE: Two thirds of the property boundary consists of a high game fence. The remainder of the farm is fenced with 1.4-metre high jackal proof fencing. Rudimentary small-stock handling facilities are situated near to the homestead. The farm is divided into 6 internal camps. All the fencing and gates etc. are in a very good state of repair. Extensive road building, road maintenance, and anti-erosion work has recently been completed by earth-moving machinery.

WATER SUPPLY: There are five boreholes on the property which are fitted with windmills and supply adequate water for domestic, livestock, and game purposes. In addition the property has 2 large and 10 smaller earth dams. One borehole produces 12,000 litres per hour and could provide for additional irrigation. Both the house and the new shed have ample large water storage tanks.

IRRIGATION: Currently ± 0.5 ha is irrigated with an additional 6 ha with irrigation potential.

HOMESTEAD: An old rustic shed of ± 220 m2 has been tastefully converted into a homestead ideal for entertaining and with all modern conveniences. ‘The Shed’ boasts with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and has a wonderfully spacious open-plan kitchen, dining room, and lounge with additional facilities including a bar, an indoor braai, and a vintage Falkirk wood-burning stove for colder nights. The Shed has been attractively tiled throughout in repurposed slate which originally served as the roof of the Dutch Reformed Church in a nearby town. The characterful old wooden shed doors have been retained, and open onto an indigenous garden with a protected lapa and fire-pit, where family and friends can relax in the evenings under the enchanting Karoo sky. A short walk-way to a wooden deck over an earth dam provides the ideal spot for early morning bird-watching or stargazing of the southern skies.

OUTBUILDINGS: Adjoining the house is a toolshed, a single garage, and a meat processing room. A few metres away is a modern walk-in cold-room, and a room for the back-up generator. The farm has a new solidly built and secure steel and concrete shed with adjoining undercover parking. A well-constructed staff cottage 250 m away from the house is in the process of complete refurbishment.

POWER: Off-grid solar energy with a capable electric-start 13 kW Deutz back-up generator.

LIVESTOCK & GAME: Currently carrying ± 40 sheep, 6 Burchell’s Zebra, 5 Blesbok, 15 Impala, ± 50 Kalahari Springbok, and naturally occurring game including Kudu, Mountain Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Duiker and Steenbok.

MOVEABLE ASSETS: Farm tractor, trailer, implements, equipment, and other tools etc.

LIVESTOCK & MOVABLE ASSETS PRICE: by negotiation