Opportunity for lifestyle farmer
2010-05-27
ONE of the Boland’s earliest farms has come onto the market in Paarl, offering lifestyle farmers the opportunity to acquire a piece of South African history. The farm Rheebokshoogte is situated at the head of a secluded valley on the northern side of Paarl Mountain (west of Rhebokskloof), in a scenic location bordering a nature reserve. The 97ha farm has a tranquil rural ambience and boasts several dwellings, including a national monument. The historic property is on the market exclusively through Pam Golding Properties, priced at R37 million. PGP’s area manager for Paarl, Surina du Toit, says the demand for lifestyle farms in this area remains consistently high. “As many as 90 percent of our farm buyers are looking for properties like this,” she says. “For them, the agricultural viability of the land is less important than its ambience and setting. “A sense of place and history is key, and properties with old Cape Dutch or Victorian homesteads, mature oak trees and historic outbuildings, are particularly in demand. “These buyers are often relocating from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, and are seeking a slower way of life in a more tranquil setting – they regard these farms primarily as a place of residence, as opposed to an agricultural business. “Access to good schools and a secure environment are also leading priorities, but the unique ambience of the property is usually the key criterion. “Historic properties such as Rheebokshoogte are in high demand and short supply, so they frequently fetch top prices.” Rheebokshoogte was granted by Cape governor Simon van der Stel in 1692, to one Thinus Dirksz van Schalkwyk. Historic records indicate that he was a prosperous farmer and an active hunter. Records show that by 1826 the farm was owned by Petrus Johannes Retief, and that it had been planted to 40 000 grape vines. It is also noted that the property was one of the most productive and progressive farms in the area. Today the property offers an ideal blend of old and new. The original Cape Dutch homestead dating back to the late 17th century is still standing, and has been declared a national monument. Its late holbol-type gable boasts simple mouldings, and is etched with the initials of the builder and his wife, as well as the plasterer and carpenter. Several original features have been maintained, including the front door, the yellowwood ceiling in the voorhuis, and two wall cupboards. The H-shaped home covers a total of 316sqm. An original outbuilding has also been incorporated into the more modern, luxurious 1610sqm Cape Dutch homestead which is the main residence on the property, boasting eight bedrooms and six entertainment rooms. Other buildings include a six-bedroomed home which is currently in use as an administrative office, as well as a small mountain cottage located in a secluded spot on the edge of a dam. Phone 082-578-2161.
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