Commercial space in Bethlehem Central
INVESTMENT PROPERTY CLARENS
Location & Development Potential:
Situated in the picturesque Clarens Golden Gate Valley in the Free State Province, this farm is just one kilometre from Golden Gate Highland National Park and thirteen kilometres from the village of Clarens. The R712 roadway, which runs through the property from Clarens to Golden Gate, offers an excellent opportunity for development, benefiting from the high influx of tourists visiting the area.
Agricultural Use & Infrastructure:
The arable land is currently cultivated for grass production, providing summer and winter feed for both large and small animals. Historically, the northern and southern mountain slopes have served as prime natural grazing land for livestock, with access to the Little Caledon River and walled dams for water supply.
Natural Features & Tourism Potential:
Little Caledon River:
Flows for approximately two kilometres along the northern foothills of the Rooi Berge, with scenic weeping willow trees along the banks. This setting is ideal for a caravan and tent park, which is in high demand among nature lovers.
Grass field near the river:
Located in front of the main house, this space is ideal for a golf driving range.
Rooi Berge & Swart Berg Ridges:
The northern section extends to the Rooi Berge, while the southern section reaches Swart Berg.
Water Infrastructure:
Southern Section:
- Two ground walled dams
- A fountain in the kloof
- A 30,000-liter concrete reservoir with borehole rarely used due to high rainfall
Northern Section below the R712 roadway:
- Five ground walled dams
- A 30,000-liter steel-lined reservoir with electric pump and control panel
Additional Income Generation:
An MTN telecommunications tower is installed on the mountain, generating a monthly rental income of R4,447.94 from MTN and R6,279 from Vodacom.
Water Supply & Infrastructure:
On the northern area of the farm below the R712 roadway, the farm consists of five ground walled dams, a 30,000-litre steel with liner reservoir with electric pump combination and electrical control panel.
A large high-capacity submersible pump is installed in the Little Caledon River, connected to a two-kilometre underground pipeline that supplies water to the 30,000-liter reservoir. From there, an additional two-kilometre pipeline channels water to 40,000-liter tanks on the southern section of the farm, providing water for business complex needs, such as dishwashing and toilet facilities.
Main dwelling:
Exterior:
The main dwelling was designed and constructed by the current owner approximately 30 years ago. Originally intended as a weekend retreat, the property has undergone continuous improvements. During construction, the foundation was reinforced to accommodate a third level, resulting in a high-pitched roof design.
Exterior Materials:
Roof Coverage: Corten industrial stainless steel maintenance-free
Roof Trusses: Manufactured steel trusses allows for a third level
Outer Walls: 9 Corn Gold Face Brick Corn Gold Rock Face
Windows & Doors: Wooden frames and doors
Interior:
Walls: 90 Corn Gold Rock Face pointed brickwork
Ceiling & Floors: Wood panelling and exposed beams on the lower level
Total Floor Area: Approx. 800m²
Orientation: Faces north, with upper rooms opening onto a common balcony
Lower Level: All rooms open onto the garden and swimming pool area
Lower-Level:
Atrium Garden leading to a private lounge with bedroom & en-suite bathroom built-in cupboards
Guest Toilet & Bar connected to an in-house garden
Spacious Main Lounge opening onto the pool area and thatched Lapa
Kitchen, Office & Pantry with access to:
Four Garages with covered outdoor parking
Rear Lawn
Laundry Room
Staff Flatlet with Bathroom
Hot Water Supply: Four electric geysers servicing both upper & lower levels
This well-maintained and spacious home is designed for comfort, functionality, and low maintenance, offering a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.
Upper-Level:
A flight of stairs leads to the upper section of the main dwelling, featuring:
Three bedrooms
Four en-suite bathrooms
All bedrooms open onto a common balcony, which spans the full length of the main building.
Kitchen furniture:
- 1 x round Parma fin imbuia kitchen table
- 6 x Parma fin imbuia kitchen chairs
- 1 x long Oregon table - four drawers
- 1 x combination fridge freezer - Defy.
- 1 x fixed spice rack
- 1 x 6 burner Defy gas stove
- 1 x Gold air home gas heater
- 1 x kitchen wall shelf
Office:
- 1 x imbuia chest of draws
- 1 x imbuia matching cupboard with shelves two doors
- 1 x wall length fixed desk
- 3 x wall length shelves
- 3 x wall length short shelves
- 1 x office chair on caster wheels
- 2 x office chest of drawer sets on caster wheels.
Main area of lounge:
- 1 x two seater Cori craft couch
- 2 x one seater Cori craft couch
- 1 x Esse home anthracite stove
- New carpets fitted.
Bar area:
- 2 x wing bat chairs
- 1 x small coffee table
- 1 x large imbuia glass liquor cabinet
- 1 x set of shelves
Private lounge:
- New carpets fitted
Main bedroom-Upstairs:
- 1 x King size bed with design imbuia headboard
- 2 x oak bedside cupboards with doors
- 2 x fixed overhead bed lamps
- 1 x imbuia cupboard three door with shelving
- 1 x imbuia cupboard two door with shelving
- 1 x Corri craft single seater bench
- 1 x Corri craft pouf
- 1 x two seater Sutherlands couch
- 1 x large TV cabinet
- 1 x medium size TV - Panasonicold
- 1 x imbuia wall shelf
- 1 x imbuia dressing table
- 1 x imbuia framed full length mirror
- 1 x walk in strongroom - Austen
- 1 x door size mirror
Mens-bathroom:
- Shower hand basin toilet
- Large mirrors on two walls
- 1 x three door cupboard top three doors oak
- Dressing room - 2 x three door cupboardstop three doors - oak
- 1 x shoe cupboard - oak
Ladies-bathroom:
- 2 x four door oak cupboard top three doors - oak
- Imbuia dressing table with full wall mirror - oak frame
- Bath bidet toilet hand wash basin
- Imbuia cupboard below basin for storage
- 3 x full wall length mirrors in bathroom
Bedroom Downstairs:
- New carpets fitted
- 1x king bed with slatted headboard
- 2 x bedside tables with bedside lamps
- 1 x dressing table with full wall mirror
- 2 x dressing table chairs
- 1 x large TV
Double bathroom:
- New carpets fitted
- Full wall cupboards - open design
- 15 pigeon holes - eight lower drawers
- 2 x separate chest of drawers with ten drawers each
- 1 x gas home heater
- 2 x Oregon pine benches
- 2 x wash stand basins tables back-to-back with mirrors on each side - three drawers each
- 1 x large glass covered shower
- 1 x slipper bath with wooden side table
- All curtains and mats
Upstairs:
- Stairway fitted with new carpets to upper landing.
Upstairs landing:
- 1 x double door imbuia cupboard linen
- 1 x double door cupboard - medicine
Bedroom east:
- No furniture
- Full bathroom with toilet bidet, washbasin, bath - mirrors along the length of two walls
Bedroom-middle:
- 1 x chest of drawers-six drawers
- 1 x coffee table
- 1 x glass top table
- 2 x bedside tables with lamps
- Bathroom with built in cupboards. Showertoiletbasin
- 1 x king size bed with headboard
Cottages:
Nestled in a peaceful setting, these two cottages present an exceptional opportunity for investors or those looking to create a tranquil holiday retreat. Originally built for long-term rentals, the current owner began a thoughtful renovation process, adding a second bathroom to each unit with the vision of transforming them into sought-after holiday accommodations. With the decision to sell, the cottages remain a blank canvas - ready for the next owner to complete and bring their vision to life.
Prime Location:
Situated near the renowned Sugar & Cinnamon Restaurant, an area popular with visitors from Gauteng seeking a quieter alternative to bustling Clarens.
Infrastructure in Place:
Includes a 5,000-litre water tank gravity-fed, a new submersible pump with an electric switch panel fully automated, and an independent 25kVA three-phase Eskom transformer for reliable power supply.
High Demand for Accommodation:
The growing trend of city dwellers seeking peaceful getaways has already generated significant buyer interest, with previous offers reaching R800,000 per unit as is.
Lucrative Income Potential:
Once refurbished, each cottage could accommodate up to eight guests, making it an attractive option for short-term rentals and generating a substantial annual income.
Whether youre an investor looking to capitalize on the areas booming tourism market or a buyer seeking a personal retreat, this is a rare chance to own and develop a piece of paradise.
Viable future developments:
- Tourism
- Accommodation
- Recreation
Tourism:
The picturesque Clarens and Golden Gate Valley first gained attention from tourists of all backgrounds when the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was launched years ago. As local and international experts worked on the project, the regions natural beauty was discovered, sparking a tourism boom that has only continued to grow. With visitor numbers increasing year after year, demand for accommodation remains high. Long weekends, festive seasons, and school holidays are often booked up to a year in advance, highlighting the areas enduring popularity. Located just three hours from Gauteng, Clarens has become a favourite weekend escape for travellers from Gauteng, Bloemfontein, and KwaZulu-Natal, making it a thriving hub for tourism.
Future Development:
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, some visitors seek peace and serenity, while others are drawn to outdoor recreation and adventure. As a result, there is a strong demand for the following:
- Mountain trails
- Mountain biking
- Quad biking
- Horseback riding
- Tubing on the Little Caledon River
- Braai areas at the river
- Caravan and Tent Park
- Wedding venue and Chapel
Caravan Park:
A local caravan park is available in the area, but its proximity to the R712 from Phuthaditjhaba makes it less desirable due to nighttime noise.
However, the Little Caledon River winds gracefully along the foothills of the Red Mountains for approximately two kilometres, where nature has scattered Weeping Willows along its bankscreating an ideal setting for a tranquil caravan park.
Caravan travellers are typically nature enthusiasts who value a peaceful, clean environment. The designated park area is thoughtfully positioned away from the main dwelling, nestled along the river within the mountains for a serene retreat.
Additionally, many visitors, particularly bikers, enjoy tent camping as part of their mountain biking experience. A separate area, away from the caravan park, can be allocated specifically for this outdoor recreation.
Detail for storage facilities:
The storage facilities were expertly designed and constructed by the current owner using heavy-duty I-beam material, ensuring exceptional structural integrity. The floors are built with six-inch reinforced concrete, while the walls are made of 9-inch brickwork with a smooth plaster finish for durability. Additionally, large windows have been strategically installed to maximize natural light, creating a bright and functional space for various activities.
Store No. 1
Floor area: 18m x 35m x 10m high
The store consists of a 7-metre-wide electric roll up door with lights and three phase electric distribution panel to service plugs etc.
An interleading sliding door to Store No. 2
Store No. 2
Floor area: 18m x 35m x 6m high
The store consists of a 6-metre-wide sliding door with lights and three phase electric distribution board to service plugs, etc.
A six metre wide inter leading sliding door from Store No. 1 gives access to both stores.
Store No. 3
A split-level store
Upper level:
Floor area: 16m x 25m x 8m high
A drive thru storage facility constructed in 18 brick walls to accommodate all sorts of grain products.
Lower level:
Floor area: 16m x 25m x 8m high
A drive thru storage facility consists of manufactured steel storage bins 4 with grain handling equipment, including intake bucket elevator electric distribution board, overhead chain conveyor, re-claim chain conveyor. For the storage of all grain products as well as out loading facilities, with a bin Holding capacity - 120 tonne. The power supply is Eskom 50KVA three phases.
Detailed description of sugar and cinnamon restaurant:
The restaurant, gift shop, and butchery are conveniently located just 30 meters from the R712 roadway, which connects Clarens to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Established approximately 11 years ago, the business has flourished under the dedicated management of its owners and staff. Its success is built on a foundation of mutual respect and honesty, fostering a welcoming environment for both employees and customers.
Ideally positioned along the R712, the complex benefits from a steady flow of passing trade between KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Bloemfontein, and Gauteng. Unlike many businesses in Clarens that close midweek due to lower foot traffic, this establishment operates consistently, ensuring visitors always have a place to stop.
With a strong reputation and numerous satisfied customers, Sugar & Cinnamon enjoys excellent support through TripAdvisor, Facebook, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Travelers from all backgrounds make a point of visiting and frequently share their experiences online.
Just 1 km away, Kiara Lodge offers 96 accommodation units with an impressive 88 year-round occupancy rate. Its guests frequently visit the complex for meals, quality braai meat cuts, and all the essentials needed for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
The complex is fully licensed with both a liquor and bottle store license, making it a one-stop destination for dining, shopping, and relaxation.
Fixtures and fittings of:
Butchery:
- Freezer room 3m x 4m
- Chiller room 5m x 6m
- 1 x carcass band saw
- 1 x sausage filler - 10kg manual
- 1 x meat mincer - electric
- 1 x vacuum machine - electric
- 1 x product wrapping machine - electric
- 1 x product scale - printout electric
- 1 x product scale - weighing only
- Assortment butcher knives
- 6 x stainless steel tables
- Biltong dry wors drying unit - 16 fan units
- 1 x carcass gantry
- 1 x electronic carcass scale
- 2 x galvanised top tables - mincer
- 10 x large meat crates
- 10 x small meat crates
- Cold room shelving
- Freezer room shelving
- Abattoir not in operation
Gift Shop:
Potential investors have expressed interest in purchasing the business complex as a going concern. However, if a detailed valuation of the stock is required, the business would need to temporarily close to conduct an accurate assessment of the inventory, which is an integral part of the overall farm sale.
Gift Shop equipment:
Assortment of display tables, shelving, display dressing table, serving baskets and till counter with till.
Gift Shop and preserve storeroom:
Due to the fast-moving stock the reserve stocks are stored in two separate storage facilities.
Kitchen Equipment:
- 8 x stainless steel splashback tables
- 3 x upright chiller fridges
- 3 x upright chiller fridges
- 2 x gas burners 2 tier
- 1 x gas burner 3 tier
- 1 x gas flat top fryer
- 2 x double bin electric fryers
- 1 x electric bread toasters
- 1 x single deck infrared oven
- 1 x double deck infrared oven
- 1 x gas oven
- 3 x microwaves
- 1 x single bin gas deep fryer
- 2 x liquidizers
- 1 x milkshake machine
- 1 x large dough mixer
- 1 x stainless steel bread prover
- 1 x manual potato chip press
- Large assortment of kitchen utensils, knives, forks, etc, with reserve cutlery and crockery for the successful operation of a kitchen to serve a busy restaurant.
- Cutlery and crockery to serve 12 x four-seater tables inside 4 x six-seater benches outside 2 x four-seater bar tables outside.
Restaurant equipment:
- 1 x floor centre heating stove Heatwave wood burner unit
- 12 x four-seater tables with chairs
- 4 x six-seater wood benches outside seating
- 1 x four-seater wood table and chairs outside
- 2 x four-seater bar tables and chairs - outside
- Assortment fixed display tables inside
- Wall ornaments, display shelving and mirror
- 1 x bar fridge with compressor unit
- 2 x coffee machines
- 1 x till unit
- 1 x cake chiller fridge
- 1 x cold drink fridge
- Full restaurant liquor licence full bottle store liquor licence
Willow manor accommodation units 5:
In response to the growing demand for luxury accommodation in the Clarens area, Willow Manor Accommodation was added to the Sugar & Cinnamon complex in 2018, located just a short walk from the restaurant.
The accommodation offers a mix of comfort and luxury, featuring extra-length King beds with premium mattresses in three rooms, while the remaining two rooms offer two extra-length three-quarter beds, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
Each unit includes:
- A luxury bathroom with a shower and corner bathtub
- Double washbasins and a toilet
- A large flat-screen TV
- A clothes cupboard for storage
- A mini lounge area
- A kitchenette with fridge, microwave, and all necessary cutlery, crockery, and glasses
- Cleaning supplies including dishwashing liquid
- A wood-burning combustion stove for cozy warmth
- Complimentary sherry or sweet wine upon arrival
- An outdoor braai unit on the patio, with a table and chairs for dining
These well-appointed units have gained strong support from both local and international visitors, contributing to the overall success of the accommodation.
Water reticulation:
Southern area above the R712:
A heavy-duty submersible pump draws water from the Little Caledon River and, through a two-kilometre underground piping system, delivers water to a 30,000-litre manufactured reservoir, complete with a fitted liner. From there, an electric pump system transports water from the reservoir to additional 30,000-litre water tanks. The same electric pump system also supplies water to four 10,000-litre tanks through another two-kilometre underground piping network, providing water for the Sugar & Cinnamon Restaurant complex for toilets and cleaning purposes.
Additionally, a 30,000-litre concrete reservoir, along with a borehole currently not serviced and a tank room, is located above the business complex. Thanks to the region''s high rainfall and the presence of ground-walled dams in the southern part of the farm, the borehole facility has not been required in recent years.
A strong fountain is situated high in the kloof, where the previous owner piped water down for dairy operations.
The southern area of the farm also features two ground-walled dams, frequented by wildlife from time to time, adding to the natural charm of the property.
2 x Cottages - 25 KVA three phase supply:
Two serviced boreholes, equipped with new fully automatic submersible pumps, supply water to a 5,000-litre tank through a one-kilometre underground piping system. Although currently not in use, one of the boreholes was previously utilized to provide water to the business complex and is now kept as a standby supply for either the cottages or the business complex if needed.
Northern area below the R712:
A 35-year-old borehole, equipped with a fully automatic three-phase electric pump motor, provides potable water to the main dwelling. Water is stored in two 5,000-litre tanks, which are then distributed throughout the dwelling via a 220V pressure pump to ensure balanced water pressure across the system.
Gravity-fed water is directed to a 3,000-litre tank and pressure pump combination, supplying water to the lower double bathroom of the main dwelling.
A high-capacity submersible pump located in the Little Caledon River eastern area draws water through underground piping to a 10,000-litre water tank, which supplies various paddocks on the farm. By switching the pump''s output, the front garden north side of the main dwelling can be irrigated via a dragline spraying system drawing water directly from the river.
Further switching enables water from the pump to be directed to a 30,000-litre reservoir located behind the storage facilities, providing water for irrigation of the rear garden of the main dwelling. Any excess water from this reservoir flows into a ground-walled dam adjacent to it.
The northern section of the farm features five ground-walled dams, which provide water for wildlife that roam the area, or can be used for domestic animals if kept on the property.
Staff breakdown and salary amounts:
The strong sense of mutual respect between management and staff at Sugar & Cinnamon creates a positive and happy work environment. Through a collaborative agreement, the staff members have been trained to be flexible, allowing them to assist in various areas of the business and contribute to its overall success.
Staff members are given the flexibility to take random days off during the week, while ensuring that full staffing is maintained from Friday through the weekend to meet business demands. Additionally, the staff prefer to have their wages deposited directly into their bank accounts at the end of each month through FS Labour in Bethlehem, streamlining the payroll process.
Electricity rundown:
- A 25 KVA Eskom transformer supplies three phase electrical power to the Sugar and Cinnamon business complex.
- A separate 25 KVA Eskom transformer supplies three phase electrical power to the two cottages.
- A 50 KVA Eskom transformer supplies three phase electrical power to the main dwelling and three storage facilities.
Property details
- Listing number T5286923
- Property type Commercial
- Listing date 31 Oct 2025
- Land size 392 ha
Property features
- Bathrooms 5
- Open parking 10