21 ha Farm in Hennops River

This well-established home is more than just a home. A magnificent 5 bedroom house with a view over the Crocodile River Reserve, this property has everything for the family that wants a country lifestyle without sacrificing the comforts of home. The property has been developed lovingly over 20 years by the owners, who have created an oasis with income potential.

Just 2 km off the R511 tar road, the house sits near the top of the hill, giving views over a large part of the Crocodile River Reserve, and even has a viewing tower, where you can enjoy morning coffee or sundowners, while enjoying the serenity of a country lifestyle.

A twisting drive leads up the hill to the electric gate, before driving to the house with its landscaped gardens. In the 700+ M house. the emphasis is on relaxed living. An entrance hall with guest cloakroom leads to the double lounge (one with a small bar) which leads out onto the spacious patio, where theres room for a big crowd. There is a farm kitchen with a beautiful wooden island, leading into the dining area, also opening onto the patio. The kitchen has a large scullery and a walk-in farm pantry. A large wood-burning fire heats the entire living area.

Through the lounges and down a few stairs, there is a large airy office, plus a second adjoining office.

The 5 bedrooms are spacious and four have doors to the covered patio which lines the bedroom wing. The main bedroom is large, with a dressing room and massive bathroom with double vanity and double walk-in shower. A family bathroom serves the other bedrooms. The main bedroom has French doors that lead onto a private, walled garden where there is an outside shower in a beautifully verdant oasis.

There is room for many cars. A double length garage has enough room for two cars, a trailer, motorbike, jet ski and anything else you might need. Theres a small workshop at the back. Then theres a double carport, also extra length and even a third carport with space for a caravan or tractor. Other workshops abound and inside the main garage there is a large water tank, softener and generator, so you can go off-grid if you wish. Theres even a second backup power supply for lights, security and essential devices.

The garden is landscaped, with a lovely herb garden, mature trees and a pool. All this inside a secure electric fence with security beams and floodlights.

In a separate, fenced section is a showroom and workshop, where the previous owner had a motorcycle sales and repair business. The beautiful showroom with its large patio could easily be converted into an income earning cottage, granny flat or teenage hang-out. Theres also a very large barn/storeroom with roll-up doors which is being converted into a spacious 2-bedroom cottage..

The staff quarters stand separately, with a fence and garden.

This magnificent residence sits on just a small part of the 21 hectare estate. The remainder is left wild, with many trees.

---

The Crocodile River Reserve was created in late 2019 and, although this property is zoned as a farm, commercial farming is not allowed. The Reserve is really an Eco or Lifestyle estate, where owners may develop only a small portion, leaving the rest so that the wild game can roam freely.

The Reserve is well managed and charged with protecting the pristine grasslands and environment. Game roams the reserve freely and access to the entire area is restricted. In the longer term the entire reserve will be fenced and protected, making this the ideal place to get that peace and quiet without threat of development or intruders.

This farm is in the Crocodile River Reserve, which has many advantages:

1. Properties in the Reserve are largely protected from land claims

2. There is a management authority (MA) which looks after the reserve, attending to all legal matters (the reserve was gazetted in November 2019 and is a reality). The MA protects the ecosystem in the reserve, ensures that rules are observed and protects the area from land invasions (which is enshrined in the constitution). The MA also represents the interests of the owners/members in all matters.

3. The reserve has the highest biodiversity rating given, which makes it very special. It is primarily pristine grasslands.

4. There are significant tax benefits - the Income Tax Act, section 37 C and D allow owners to offset the value of the land over 25 years. There are no rates on the land, only the improvements (buildings) and maintenance of the land in order to preserve the reserve can be claimed against income (via a maintenance claim form which is submitted to the MA).

5. Members of the reserve are bound by the constitution. The intention is to protect the ecosystem which means no commercial farming is permitted. Owners are encouraged to allow free movement of game (eland, blesbok, warthog, kudu, impala, duiker, waterbuck, wildebeest, etc), so fencing of the full plot is discouraged. Fencing around the buildings is, of course, permitted, and this could include quite a large area.

6. It is important to note that here is a usage restriction of 5%, which means that only 5% of the land may be disturbed, the remainder must be left untouched. This means that most dwellings are entirely private, no neighbours close by. A place to simply enjoy the tranquility of life in a Reserve.

What is certain is that land in the reserve will become significantly more valuable over time, so it is an excellent time to purchase a property in the Reserve.