823 ha Farm in Joubertina

The farm is situated off the R62 about 7km from Joubertina.

This is one of the more picturesque medium sized farms that one is likely to encounter in the Langkloof. Set against the towering Kouga mountains, the farm falls in a beautiful valley that offers a nice balance between privacy and access. The infrastructure is particularly appealing with the matching paint colour scheme and clustered construction of the house, cottage & outbuildings. Beautifully maintained & manicured, the buildings and surrounding gardens spill out onto well laid out pastures that contrast sharply to the otherwise relatively rugged surrounds. The northernmost point of the farm overlooks the impressive Kouga River with its clear water and white sandy beaches.

This farm falls within a fynbos biome. A considerable portion of the farm is comprised by an impressive southern and northern aspect/slope of the Kouga mountains. There is the usual evidence of themeda and some of the aristida species amongst the fynbos, but since the latter is quite rank, this is of little real commercial/agricultural value since the carrying capacity here is rather low at around 20 ha per LSU. Fire would definitely improve on the density of grasses, but given the relative steepness and current aesthetic appeal of the mountain with its floral blanket, I feel the effort may well outweigh the benefit of this course of action. The farm has naturally occurring honeybush tea growing on the slopes. There is roughly 30 ha of arable land in the valley mainly surrounding the house, which is currently sown to pasture grasses. The drainage line on the valley floors displays a few species of indigenous trees, made more attractive by all the cycads and aloes which are prevalent in this area on the mountain slopes.

The farm falls in a transition summer / winter rainfall area with an annual average of 450mm. Water is drawn from a relatively strong (4500 6000lts per hour), equipped borehole on the property. It is in close proximity to the house and arable lands and can be used for domestic purposes and small scale irrigation respectively plus also supplies water to the one earth dam. At the moment there is capacity to water the gardens and irrigate approximately 1 to 2 ha of the arable ground around the house. If one was to sink an additional borehole, then one could obviously expand on the irrigation. The farm has a total of 3 earth dams with 2 relying on rain catchments and the 3rd being borehole fed as discussed.

The buildings on the farm are an absolute picture. The main house offers 3 beds, 2 baths, a large open-plan living area and kitchen with fireplace and separate pantry & a 2nd living area with built-in braai.

There is a nearby 1 bedroomed flat which is well-appointed with bath, kitchen and braai area.

The buildings are surrounded by a beautifully laid out and manicured garden.

The farm has a large (312m2) workshop/shed plus an old stone stable/shed area near the dam needing some TLC.

There is an old garage as well as 3 carports near the house.

The staff housing is situated to the east of the above mentioned shed. Adjoining this is a productive veg garden that appears to deliver an abundance of produce.

There are a few arable camps with good fencing that encompass the pasture and grazing around the house. The perimeter is stock fenced plus there are a few other internal fences.

The farm also has an adequate road network.

Power requirements are supplied via Eskom (3 phase electricity).

The whole farm is very neat and would make a very attractive, self sustaining lifestyle venture. If one was to revive the hospitality aspect utilizing the 3 tipi tents as extra accommodation for example, then one could produce a very tidy income as well. There is also potential to develop a commercial honeybush tea plantation or possibly small scale deciduous fruit and stone fruit production which is what the region is well known for.

Price will include some equipment, implements and furniture.