R19,085,000
Own a piece of paradise. This amazing property must be at the top of the list of beautiful farms in the Eastern Free State. Situated between Ficksburg and Fouriesburg in the Witteberg mountain range, only 70km from Clarens, this registered nature reserve comprises of mountaintop and valley terrain covering an area of 1414 ha and held under three title deeds. It is seldom that a property like this is available on the market. Senior officials from the Department of Nature Conservation made a comment “you do not get more beautiful than this!” on a recent visit.Arable land is approximately 150 hectares. Much of the arable land is adjacent to two large dams which could be used for irrigation purposes. The dams are stocked with bass and carp. All the water sources originate from the reserve and are therefore unpolluted. The neighbours farm with vegetables, grain, sunflower and soya beans. This is also the perfect area for cherries, asparagus and apples to name but a few. Bottling water is another opportunity.The reserve has unlimited potential for game breeding, eco-tourism and hunting by both local and international hunters. It can also be used as a cattle and/or sheep farm or simply as a lifestyle farm. This is the perfect environment to breed disease-free buffalo as well as sable antelope, exotic wildebeest species, bontebok, etc. Eco-tourism could include 4×4 trails, abseiling, game viewing….. the potential is truly only limited by a lack of imagination.The reserve is renowned for its scenic setting and boasts numerous wildlife species. There are breathtaking views in every direction, over the reserve and beyond and including the Maluti mountains of Lesotho. Tourists may use any of the four hiking trails to explore the reserve by foot, horseback or mountain bikes.Many towering sandstone cliffs, springs and perennial and seasonal streams are found on the reserve. A seasonal waterfall drops into a deep wooded gorge. Three dams offer area shelter to an abundance of bird life. Even during the recent severe drought were we able to offer water to other farmers. During normal rainfall years, the reserve receives an above average rainfall of 800 – 1000 mm. The climate is mild during the warm months and we usually receive some snow during winter.Biologically it lies in a major ecological transitional zone resulting in a great diversity of habitats (both the Drakensberg and Free State High Veld vegetation) and rare plant and animal communities with an affinity for rocky places, water courses and mixed vegetation, e.g. baboon, caracal, serval, genet, jackal, fox, otter, mongoose, dassie, porcupine and many others. There are also many bird species associated with high mountains such as grey-wing francolin, ground woodpecker, stonechat, rock thrush, orange breasted rock jumper, rock kestrel, malachite and great double collared sunbirds, bald ibis, gymnogene and black eagle.The reserve has one of the best geological exposures of the top of the Karoo geological system. In terms of safety aspects, it is hidden in the mountain range with sheer cliffs on one side. The access road ends at the reserve entrance so it does not border any roads and is surrounded by other farms making it extremely safe and private.This is a low maintenance farm and is suitable for either a full-time farmer or a lifestyle farmer. We currently employ two male and one female worker. They are very dependable and know the farm well.Hunting is currently managed by a very experienced operator so the new owner does not have to be experienced in the hunting business if he/she wishes to continue with it.Alternatively a buyer may opt to only purchase the undeveloped portion of 887 hectares for R8 870 000.00 excluding VAT and game. Game could be negotiated separately if only the undeveloped portion is purchased.Price: R19 085 000.00 (136 Niguni cattle included in the selling price)
