R4,420,000
This is a very rare and unique property stretching over 120 hectares. The locals know it as “Mooi Draai” while others call it the Jewel of Laingsburg. It is a stunningly beautiful Karoo location with its own perennial stream, two small poplar forests on streams, delightful pools in the stream and further up, waterfalls to swim in. It has fabulously clean, ion-filled air, and because of the mountains that surround it, there are no fertilizers or pesticides that can drift over from neighbouring farms. It has been farmed without poisons or artificial fertilizers since 2008. The night skies are also a feast for astronomers and stargazers alike. There are sitting tenants in both cottages on the farm. They are on annual leases. The current annual income from both is in the region of R106, 000 with 8% annual increases. What’s included? The land offered for sale has a large 5 bedroomed (approx. 203 square meters in extent) farm house – built circa 1960 – also four outside work or storerooms, an 8×4 m shade-cloth greenhouse and a 6×3 m wendy-house. Elsewhere on the property is a recently re-built, two roomed cottage (approx. 55 square meters in extent). Also a four roomed labourers cottage – (approx. 50 square meters in extent) completely refurbished in 2016. There are also two semi-detached and unrestored labourers cottages (approx. 27 square meters each). The farm has an Eskom Power Point that was disconnected in 2015. The dwellings now each have basic solar power systems installed (except for the two unrestored labourers cottages). All the dwellings have Eskom power connections, plugs and light fittings in place in the event that Eskom power is ever reintroduced in the future.The Farmhouse The farmhouse has four 5×3 m bedrooms – one en-suite and with an office. There is a large 3×6 m room off the stoep (porch), which could be an additional bedroom, studio or living room. There is a large galley kitchen with pantry and two additional bathrooms; a large living room with stone fireplace; and a dining or sitting room of 5×5 m. There is an outside braai area under cool 100-year-old fig trees and four outside storerooms or workrooms with power points. Hot water provided by gas. Cooking with either gas or wood fired pizza/bread oven.Cottage 1This cottage is situated in the middle of the apricot orchards. It has one large bedroom with en suite bathroom (with both a shower and a bath). There are double doors out on to the stoep from the living room, the bedroom and from the bathroom. There is a huge fireplace in the living room. The kitchen has views over the orchards and the Swartberg Mountains. There is a cool Wisteria-covered stoep, a small plunge pool in the stone walled garden, and an additional large vegetable garden area. There are fig trees, pomegranates, and an assortment of other young trees. Included in the sale are the fridge and stove (purchased new in 2016, as well as brass light fittings.) Cottage 2Renovated in 2016, it has one en-suite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet. There is a small living room, a kitchen with both Dover Stove and gas cooking hob. There is a low-energy fridge, and a gas geyser. There is a separate entrance stone addition, which could be used as a studio/office or a second bedroom. New reed ceilings fitted throughout the cottage. The cottage is situated above the farm dam between the apricot orchards – a perfect location for keeping ducks and chickens etc. There is a basic solar system for the fridge, lighting, and for charging laptops etc. There is a large pergola with a newly planted grape vine as well as a small orchard of lemon, peach apple, quince and loquat trees.Semi-detached, Unrestored cottage These were the farm labourer’s cottages until 2016 when the labourers moved to Laingsburg. There is an Eskom pay-as-you-go box in each if one wants to return to the grid. Both have large fireplaces for cooking, cement floors, one light fitting in each room, and a broad stoep in front cottage.There are approximately 2.2 Ha of apricot trees – 1400 in total. They are all of the Soldonne variety planted between 2000 and 2003. There are four discrete apricot orchards, each with its own irrigation system. The apricots have been farmed organically (not certified) since 2008. There are seven fenced camps for livestock or for growing crops. The farmer who leases the apricot orchards also leases these camps annually to grow winter oats. The arable land currently in use, including the apricot orchards is 9.2Ha.The Karoo with Water This area is known as “The Karoo with Water” and we have a higher annual rainfall than most of the Karoo – namely 300mm p/a. 2016/17 was a very dry year by comparison. The farm is the ONLY farm in the Vleiland Valley with a perennial stream running through it. It also has the most fantastic sweet water directly off the perennial waterfall above the farm. Farmers from the valley come on Sundays after church to fill their water tanks and drums with water from the river as their farm boreholes provide brackish water only – not fit for drinking. Throughout winter one can sit on the stoep and listen to the water flowing down the stream. Legend has it that the stream has never stopped flowing. Two farms down, the stream only flows in the winter months. In terms of long-term sustainability and access to fresh water, this is a huge bonus. The farm has water rights on the river once every week. One week allows for six hours, the next allows for 24 hours usage. There are three additional boreholes – two have not been in use since 2008 or longer. One, fitted with a new (2010) 7.5 kW pump, was used regularly until 2014. There is also the farm dam with a 7.5 kW (2010) pump fitted below the dam. A variety of bird species are also found on the farm. Security This is one of the very few rural locations in South Africa where there is no crime. One can safely go away for a week and not lock our houses or even take the keys out of the cars. Not often does such a farm of such spectacular beauty come onto the market at this low price, with only but to name a few reasons why to make this your prime investment;- It is an uncommonly beautiful mountain property – It is remarkable peaceful and tranquil- It is one of the safest rural locations in South Africa – It has an abundance of sweet water off the Swartberg mountains – It has unlimited development potential – If living a sustainable, safe, environmentally friendly and wholesome life is important to you, you will not find a better property.For sale at a going of only R4,420,000.00, you can be this your new pride and joy!
