Rewilding
The land has undergone a unique re-wilding process. For over 20 years, there has been no destructive tilling, and no chemical fertilisers & sprays have been used. The property now boasts over 35 butterfly species and approximately 250 bird species.
Location
Located in the scenic Eastern Free State highlands with views of the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho, this 164-hectare development property has National & Provincial approval for change of land use from agriculture to resort, along with a detailed architectural design proposal.
Access
The gorgeous country property nestles between the quiet villages of Ficksburg & Clocolan and is easily accessible from Johannesburg (3:48hrs, 369kms), from Bloemfontein (2:00hrs, 183kms), and Bethlehem (1:30hrs, 124kms)
Regenerative Farming
A development approval includes agricultural zoning of tracts of arable land, and following 20 years of re-wilding, this creates a unique opportunity for regenerative farming.
Development Approval
Following an intensive four-year-long application process with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development, this exceptional property provides opportunities for the Tourism Sector in the development of a resort comprising:
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10 housing units with options for two, three, and four bedrooms
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A reception & restaurant / clubhouse
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A lodge and wellness centre with eight free-standing luxury bedrooms
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A wedding & conference centre
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5 Freehold stands
Change Of Use Submission
The comprehensive 'change-of-use' submission includes:
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Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
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Heritage Report
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Engineering soils report
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Flood-line report
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Report on roads, water & electricity reticulations
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Solid waste disposal report
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Geological, pedochemical, and mineralogical reports, and
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A record of decision (ROD) for the submission and subsequent approval
Reports are fully CoGTA, SPLUMA & DALRRD compliant and adhere to SABS 1162, 2010 responsible tourism requirements, the Setsoto land use scheme of 2020, and resort tourism guidelines of 2015
Agriculture
The central portion of the property has been developed for Tourism – This is surrounded by agricultural/arable land & good quality grazing – thus taken as 81.66Ha Agriculture & 81.66Ha Tourism.
81.66Ha Agricultural Sector Breakdown
33.9Ha Arable land – farmed before 2002 – wilded and restored for 20 years
No chemical fertilizers, poisonous sprays or rodenticides no destructive tilling – the carbon is sequestered beneath the soil. Made up as follows:
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4.9Ha arable ( previously planted to cereal crops) wilded restored rested ground- well drained – adjacent good water supply – perfect for shade netting/ organic vegetables/berries/ fruit/own use asparagus/sweet corn – barn to be constructed, storage, packing.
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Establish a Wild Flower and Indigenous healing Plants Nursery – production of infused and essential oils for the organic healing market.
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6Ha arable ( previously planted to cereal crops) Well drained sloping soil – pumpkins - cabbages – ideal for large-scale production of Sutherlandia Frutescens/Artemisia Afra.
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5Ha arable (previously planted lucerne) The warm northern slopes have traditionally been used for the planting of Cherry Orchards which have been grown for over 100 years in the Eastern Free State.
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18Ha arable sandy well-drained soil previously planted to erograstis. Investigate the production of organically produced soya - garlic- which is frost tolerant – sweet corn – there is a strong borehole adjacent and also dams and quarries – good run off of rainwater which could be dammed for use of irrigation.
46.75Ha fenced grazing – made up of various paddocks
Indigenous grass seeds left to fall and bring the overgrazed invaded land back to quality grazing thus lends itself to the introduction of a small flock of organic sheep – there is ample space for the production of free range organically produced chickens and eggs.
66Ha Green Nature Reserve
Here the Tourism sector and Agricultural sector will slot in together for use of the introduction of a small herd of game – Blesbuck, Ribbok – would enhance the tourism sector hugely and especially for overseas guests who look to SA for wildlife /game experiences – production of organic venison.
16.60Ha Quality Grazing around self-catering cottages
Once again the two streams/sectors will slot in for combined use of – tourism guests are entranced by wild animals grazing around cottages and even on the lawns of cottages – and will return again and again to experience this lovely natural environment.
Design concept
Architectural design inspired by the historical style of the region will allow for a free-flowing and harmonious atmosphere throughout the Estate. Each property has breathtaking views across the valley to the majestic Maluti Mountains, painted pink in summer and stunningly snow-covered in winter.
The historical country house style will blend with a farmhouse vernacular, and the use of local sandstone transforms the buildings into extensions of the natural surroundings, sophisticated and modern, yet at one with nature.
Existing infrastructure
Since 2003, the property has operated successfully as a tourism business offering a range of self-catering cottages & guest houses along with a wonderful selection of tourism activities. This establishes a solid foundation for resort development.
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The property, 164 hectares of grassland & the "koppie"
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3 x Family self-catering cottages (164sq meters & 175sq meters)
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2 x luxury open-plan self-catering cottages (64sq meters)
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1 x Sandstone Guest House (375sq meters) + 2 x freestanding sandstone bedrooms (34sq meters each)
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Garage for two cars — Electrified with two bedrooms & a bathroom at the rear.
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Seven staff rooms — Electrified.
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Steel framed Farm Store — Electrified (130sq meters)
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One borehole — 3.75kw submersible with extensive water pipe network and 5 x 5000-liter water tanks
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One borehole with lister pump
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One borehole lined
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Roads and hiking trails
The property is a registered conservancy with number DTEEA/4/4/3/C4.
Landscape
The Eastern Free State is well known for its scenic beauty, characterised by golden sandstone cliffs and spectacular views that stretch to the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho in the southeast.
The estate lies in a valley of breathtaking beauty, the most compelling feature being a 230 million-year-old signature mountain that falls entirely within the property. The mountain is part of an 80-hectare green space and proclaimed nature reserve in which grows an abundance of healing plants and indigenous flowers. The native plants draw wild pollinators such as bees and butterflies in great numbers to the fields and gardens within the estate.
The land adjacent to the nature reserve is grassland, suitable for recreational activities such as developing a golf driving range. Deepwater quarries and dams offer ideal locations for fly-fishing as an activity. Guests and residents would have unhindered access to roam the estate, walking, climbing, cycling and picnicking in privacy.
Lifestyle & Security
As a destination for leisure tourists, the estate will be unequalled in its maturity within the spectrum of responsible & sustainable tourism both within itself and the Eastern Free State.
Investors could explore the hugely lucrative timeshare industry within the allowed zoning. Five freehold stands (2000m²), along with plans, are available for development. Sales would fund the ongoing development, and levies would provide annuity income.
No chemical fertilisers and sprays have been used, and no destructive tilling has taken place for 20 years, creating an opportunity for 'regenerative' farm-to-table farming.
Our current intensive agricultural methods are unsustainable; they destroy ecosystems and diminish biodiversity. The development could become a place to learn and teach the skills and methods required to reverse climate change and strengthen food security.
Organic production of vegetables allows for superb quality fresh produce in onsite restaurants, and meat products such as venison and lamb, grown organically on the estate, could be sold to residents and the public.
Beehives could be installed for honey production, and with the addition of free-range chickens, the estate could be practically self-sufficient in its production of healthy organic food.
The development includes plans for a nursery for indigenous wildflowers and healing plants. Plants, seeds and healing products sold as creams, tinctures and oils would be available for sale.
As a gated community, the development will provide all the associated advantages and security. Access would be for residents and verified guests in the residential and wilderness areas.
The landscape is ideal for laying out scenic mountain biking, hiking and walking trails, and the ~6km boundary perimeter is perfect for establishing circular routes.
Picnic and quiet spots are laid out in the mountain, where common duiker, rhebuck and serval make their homes. Night creatures such as porcupine, springhare and aardvark can be viewed on night drives and organised walks within the estate and mountain reserve.
The property will be self-sufficient with its supply of clean water from multiple strong boreholes; maintenance of internal roads, perimeter fences and security gates; collection and recycling of refuse; and onsite management of sanitation and water recycling.
With the abundance of sunshine, solar energy would be a natural progression.