Commercial space in Rhodes

A HISTORIC BUILDING & FACILITIES IN RHODES. This is an opportunity to invest in the lovingly cared Old Primary School, a historic sandstone building at Rhodes together with its associated facilities that were constructed in more recent years. Rhodes is an historic village established in 1891 located in the southernmost section of the Drakensberg range in the Eastern Cape Highlands. It is on the R396 between Barkly East and Maclear.

The Old Primary School building was completed in 1926 and served the educational needs of the community for almost 50 years. As a result of the depopulation of the Platteland, the school was eventually closed in 1974.

The Old Primary School was proclaimed as a National Monument in the Government Gazette number 10826 dated 17th July 1987. The more recent National Heritage Resources Act (1999) re-classified the building as a Provincial Heritage Site which remains the case at present.

The premises was subsequently bought from the authorities and developed as an accommodation facility that now has eight en suite rooms. Each of the rooms still have the original Oregon Pine flooring. A neighbouring restaurant with staff accommodation was subsequently constructed to provide catering and libations for both residents and the local community. It also serves as a meeting venue for the community from time to time and is ideal for small conferences, weddings, birthday celebrations or family reunions.

The Rubicon complex is located on a promontory overlooking the village. Trees were planted as a windbreak that now limit the view to the west but rather the trees than the prevailing wind! The front garden features a collection of Spiral aloes (Aloe Polyphylla) or Kroonaalwyn, a rare and beautiful aloe originally from Lesotho that is 16km as the vulture flies due north of Rhodes.

The accommodation facilities can accommodate 16 or more guests as some of the rooms have single beds in addition to their double beds. The restaurant can seat 40 guests with ease and the staff housing has two bedrooms. There is also a two-door garage and a coal storeroom on site. Although water is on tap from the municipal supply, a fountain on the commonage provides a limited amount of spring water.

The property has great potential for the expansion of its current activities that are based on the many outdoor pursuits to be found in the area such as. Flyfishing, Birding, Alpine flowers, Photographic opportunities, Mountain passes, Rare insects and plants, Wing-shooting, Antelope hunting, Winter snow, Chilling is a well-known pastime in Rhodes!

Alternatively, it would be an ideal getaway venue for a group of friends or a large family to share during the year. In fact, there are a number of uses for this special opportunity such as a small private school featuring country pursuits. The development of a wellness center including a spa and associated facilities is also a distinct possibility, particularly in view of the in peace and tranquility in Rhodes.

Rhodes is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.