Historic properties to be auctioned
2009-11-26
AN auction of some of the luxury properties at Boschendal will be held at the estate on 7 December by the Alliance Group, in co-operation with Pam Golding Properties. Among the properties which are for sale, are the old Bethlehem farm (429 hectares) with subdivision rights, historic Rhodes Cottage, the 1821 Goede Hoop manor-house (previously marketed at R37 million) and two of the 20 Founder’s Estates. The Founder’s Estates are located in the vineyards and orchards west of the Helshoogte road and vary from 21 ha to 44 ha in size. CEO Clive Venning and Gary Player were amongst the first to take over an estate each. They were previously marketed at prices between R16 million to R37 million, while the installation of infrastructure was to cost an estimated R70 million. The farming operation remains under the control of Boschendal. The development has been long delayed after five years of negotiation, re-negotiation and planning revisions to satisfy objectors who were concerned about the retention of the heritage of the farm after subdivision. Objections were related primarily to the site, scale and number of subdivisions, the visual impact of certain proposed homes on higher ground and the size, siting and design of certain others. As a result of the objectors’ input, the number of plots was reduced and the design criteria altered. The Herbert Baker designed Rhodes Cottage was planned to be the clubhouse of the development, but is now in the market as a separate unit. Other plans for later phases include development of the land north of the Boschendal manor-house for a retirement village, residential and commercial uses. Venning said last year, “Getting approvals of this kind is always a long and painstaking business, but I have to say that the objectors’ involvement has very definitely resulted in major improvements to our development.” Venning added that, to date, donations of R226 million had been made to the development of the Dwars River community.
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