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.
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) & Bethlehem (1:30hrs, 124kms)
Development
Approvals
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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20 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 caravan site.
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
All 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
*All documentation is available for prospective buyers
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.
The property is a registered conservancy with number DTEEA/4/4/3/C4.
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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
Landscape
The landscape surrounding the estate is striking, the most compelling feature being a 230 million-year-old 'signature' mountain which falls entirely within the estate.
The mountain is part of an 80 hectare 'green' space and proclaimed nature reserve in which grows an abundance of healing plants & indigenous flowers. The native plants draw wild pollinators such as bees and butterflies in great numbers to the fields and gardens of the estate.
The adjacent portion of the “green” space is made up of grassland, suitable for plains game and recreational activities such as a golf driving range, and equestrian activities with stables. There are also deep water quarries and dams ideal for fly fishing.
The introduction of endemic antelope would significantly enhance the property value and the enjoyment of both permanent residents and leisure visitors.
Lifestyle
The development would create 'premium' country living and a welcome respite from fast-paced, big-city life. The landscape is ideal for the laying out of scenic mountain biking, hiking and walking trails, and the ~6km boundary perimeter is perfect for the establishment of circular routes. For naturalists, the property has a bird check-list of over 250 species and the 'green space' is filled with indigenous wildflowers and native plants.
Development Approvals provide for inter alia: Agricultural purposes, Leisure Residential -- Conferencing, Dwelling house, Guesthouse, Lodge, Nature Conservation Area, Restaurant, Backpacker & hosteling, Bed & Breakfast, Nursery, Resort, Spa Hydro & Wellness Centre.
The property will also appeal to those looking for a “Lifestyle Estate” where a gentleman farmer can live in a comfortable homestead and live a gracious life – the property is ideally suited to the production of both cherries and asparagus – and soil is perfect for the production of organic heritage vegetables.
Many “lifestyle” farms have a guest accommodation component, and may also have a barn or small shop for selling the produce, and providing a venue for conferences and weddings. It is the ideal set-up for horsey people to keep a few animals and offer outrides or mountain bike trails, game rides, birdwatching and hiking.
The property will be self-sufficient with its supply of clean water from multiple strong boreholes, maintenance of internal roads and infrastructure, perimeter fences and security gates, collection and recycling of refuse, onsite management of sanitation and water recycling with septic tanks and French drains. With the abundance of sunshine solar energy would be a natural progression.
Security
Mpetsane Conservation Estate is proposed as a gated community that will provide all the associated advantages and security. Access would be for residents and verified guests only with control over both the residential and wilderness area with its hiking, walking, MTB Trails. Residents can experience a quality lifestyle where children can play safely outdoors, and life is enjoyed, not just lived.
