2 076.3 ha Farm in Adelaide

Fountain Head. Immerse yourself in the landscape of this unique, pristine property situated high in the Winterberg Mountains. This versatile property lends itself to endless possibilities with its natural beauty and pure mountain streams. A property steeped in history, first surveyed in 1851, the manor house is set amongst large Oak trees with mountain streams being naturally fed through this garden where an old mill is a testament to the history and heritage of this property.

The farm is situated just over 50km from Fort Beaufort and Adelaide near Post Retief in the foothills of the Winterberg mountain range. The extent of the property is 2076 ha (5 titles) with a carrying capacity of 600 LSU divided between both sheep (1 800 ewes) and cattle farming. The Adelaide district relies on the water from the Koonap River. Fountain Head has the Tierkloof River running along its Western boundary, which is one of the two headwaters of the Koonap. The property certainly benefits from the abundant perennial water from the mountains and river, with the river instrumental in filling holding dams (4) and 35,8 ha of lands occurring along the Tierkloof that are developed for dragline irrigation.

The gracious manor house blends seamlessly into the surroundings, with generous established gardens and abundant water. This homestead has charm and certainly complements the property. It has 4 bedrooms (all en-suite), 2 lounges with fireplaces, a large dining room, a study and fitted kitchen. This house has wooden floors with a large open verandah overlooking an established garden and some of the most beautiful Oak trees of the Winterberg Mountain range. There is a 1 bedroom flat set in the garden with garaging and workshops close by. The old mill is a double storey building used as a billiards room with an upstairs office for those seeking peace and quiet - which this property certainly offers. A second homestead is presently unoccupied and needs some attention but comes complete with a clay tennis court and a swimming pool. Other buildings include a workshop and various other rooms used for storage, a cold room and butchery. There are cattle handling facilities as well as a double storey, fully functioning shed. There are 11 staff houses of which 2 are occupied.

The healthy climate with warm summers and cold winters, along with an annual rainfall between 650 mm and 900 mm on the mountain, makes for intensive and productive farming. The farm can be categorised into distinct areas, namely the lower valley floor and its irrigation lands. Mountain slopes offer excellent grazing but more importantly, warmth and shelter during the winter months, and lastly, Reiyjies Veld, which is ideal for natural summer grazing. This area is home to many bird species, in fact, 152 species have been identified over the years - from eagles, owls, buzzards, falcons, and kingfishers to quails and grey wings to name a few. Game includes kudu and mountain reedbuck which are at home in this terrain.