21.3 ha Farm in Hartbeesfontein

PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR DISCOVERY KOMMANDO KOMBUIS

My family and I decided to take a break and traveled from Pretoria in the direction of Brits via Silkaatsnek. We actually wanted to take the furthest route to Hartbeespoort dam, and spend some good family time together for the day. On arrival at the filling station, we were told that the road was close to Hartbeespoort dam and the details were vague. As disappointed as we all were, we turned around and noticed a sign alongside the road which read Kommando Kombuis. It was around lunchtime and we went down the dusty sand road to the restaurant in the hope of finding something fresh and delicious to eat. On arrival at the big black gate, a friendly chap met us and explained that the facility had sadly closed down but we are more than welcome to have a look at the property.

Benjamin showed me where to park our vehicle, under one of the large shady trees all around us. As we got out of the car, we all immediately sensed the immense historical value of these beautiful grounds, and this was just the beginning of our trip down memory lane. There were small signboards everywhere describing the activities from 1896 to 1901...Wow! We simultaneously said...What a finding! So we asked Benjamin whether he would kindly show us around and this is what we learned....

There are many told stories about the property and this is where it all began:

(1)Die is twee stories oor hoe die dorp sy naam verkry het, beide uit die Voortrekkerdae. Volgens een storie het twee manne met die dieselfde van nl. De Clerq gaan jag, 'n hartbees gekwes en dit dood by 'n fontein gevind wat hulle toe Hartbeesfontein genoem het.

(2)(2)Volgens die tweede storie het die Voortrekkerleier Hendrik Potgieter sommige van sy mense hier agtergelaat om 'n strafekspedisie teen Silkaats te lei. Een van die manne was toe verveeld en het gaan jag. Hy het 'n hartbees gekwes, dit agterna gesit en op 'n borrelende fontein afgekom. Na die veldtog het hy teruggekeer na die gebied en 'n plaas verkry wat hy toe Hartbeesfontein noem.

Tydens die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog het hier op 18 Februarie 1901 'n geveg plaasgevind tussen 'n Boerekommando en lord Paul Methuen. Die plaas het verskeie kere van eienaar verwissel. Uiteindelik het die eienaar HF Moller die grond onderverdeel vir 'n dorp wat in 1955 geproklameer is.

Benjamin took us to the fountain where it all started in 1896. It has been recorded that between 20,000 and 60,000 liters of water flow naturally from this fountain during the rainy season. When we visited the property that day, the rainy season had not yet started, however, the stream was flowing directly from out of the earth.

Benjamin explained that there is ample water on the smallholding with one borehole delivering enough water to manage ten agricultural sprayers and a second borehole delivering enough water to twenty sprinklers. These are all spaced around the property to irrigate the lovely lawn settings and pretty flower beds. Whilst standing there Benjamin also pointed to a soil dam, most probably some 50 meters from the closest borehole. This we could see was full of fresh water.

I found it pleasing to see Benjamin getting excited about the historical value entrenched in this property. He took us to the wedding/party venue and explained that this building was built in later years with a Western fling set-up. This building comes with toilet facilities and a typical Western Bar. I did a quick calculation and two hundred guests could easily be seated in this venue with large wooden windows that can open to ensure a very effective breeze through the venue, which is ideal for those hot summer days. One could sense that many a great party had been held here and we waited too for the music to start.

We then moved on to a wagon workshop, and its here where wagons of the old days were repaired. Just before the workshop, we noticed a bread oven of the 1800s as well as a newly built Pizza oven with a boma setting for BBQ and just a nice bonfire where the sparks from the burnt wood would fly up into the atmosphere.

I would say about fifteen meters from the entertainment area, is an open-plan restaurant, with wooden windows that can open and large wooden sliding doors that could seat approximately fifty guests. The restaurant has its own kitchen area and lots of space for tables and chairs that have colorful tablecloths and candles for your special occasions.

(Benjamin reminded me that the service and meals served there were of international standard)

Outside this restaurant is a smoking area designated for the smoking guests under a huge tree. Opposite the smoking area is another Private Restaurant, which could seat a

large family of twenty people with its own kitchen as well as toilet facilities. There are smaller rooms which could be used for offices or store rooms depending on your needs.

As we walked hand in hand, slightly uphill to the Church we noticed the most beautiful friendly horses. Such a relaxing sight to see them grazing, and of course they had to come over for love and a scratch. Arriving at the church we noticed A man-made graveyard, which according to the owner, was created to complete the church theme. The church could seat fifty people, and together with all its old original woodwork, is very appealing to the eye. We left the little church saying I do all over again and gazing into the little lake ahead of us.

As we progressed, we were introduced to 3 little Western-style buildings. I could sense that the first smaller wooden constructed building was used as most probably a Barber. The second building was a small grocery store, and the third one was a double story with separate entrances, I guessed, that was used for travelers' accommodation or a clinic perhaps.

Adjacent to the 3 Western-style properties, we came across the wooden stables. These are home to about sixteen to twenty horses. Opposite the stables all necessities related to training your horses are available, a feed store, a jumping arena, a lunging ring, a feeding station, holding areas, and free roam areas. It was noticed that the water supply was in good condition to all the areas. The sign on the stables advised us that cattle and horses are for sale but they dont rent pigs haha.

As we went to have a look at the main house, we passed the bell hanging from the tree. Benjamin told us that it used to call the horses in to eat and sleep. The 4 bedroom double story main house, has brick walling and lots of internal woodwork. The BBQ area outside in the front garden is fenced in. An open-plan kitchen with friendly guinea fowls on the wall, a dining room with a separate lounge, as well as a bedroom/ bathroom, are downstairs. 3 bedrooms and a bathroom are up the wooden stairs, which have access to a balcony allowing a nice breeze through the upper part of the house. The house also has a laundry area.

We moved further on to a large more modern workshop of about three hundred square meters, concrete flooring with brick walling and a steel roof. This is a largely lit industrial

workshop suitable to do any steel construction for repairs and maintenance on the premises. Opposite the workshop is accommodation available for staff.

Walking back down the driveway, to the main restaurant area, we passed a fenced off orchard of nut trees. It was only when we approached the restaurant from a different direction, that we noticed the huge wooden signage, Kommando Kombuis which truly emphasizes this historical site. With Benjamin around it was so enlightening to grasp and understand the activities of this well-looked-after heritage site.

Now...back to selling/buying....if you liked my story and would like to view the property, being pre-qualified or perhaps you intend to buy cash, then please proceed and give me a call.