R2 686 950 | Smallholding For Sale in Laingsburg, Laingsburg

Amidst the majestic and mysterious Witteberg Mountains, a fully protected, secluded, Karoo Reserve, where every facet of nature is flourishing!

On offer – 4 hectares (freehold) offering spectacular views, with permission for development of anything from one, to seven homes/cottages in place, including an existing cottage for renovation! PLUS 20% part-ownership of this extraordinary 4 365-hectare Reserve!

Corner to corner, the land has been left undisturbed for approximately two decades, during which period the astonishing biodiversity of the area has been restored. The result, a plethora of indigenous wild- and birdlife, an incredible array of Fynbos and succulents – including rare species, in addition to colourful and captivating insects, frogs, lizards, tortoises, and mammals galore! The shy Cape Leopard has been caught on field camera often, and even the spoor and droppings of the Brown Hyena has been found (Red List status Near Threatened)!

For nature lovers – heaven on earth!

The land offers an ideal opportunity to develop a tourism enterprise – guest house/cottages - and/or construct a family hub to enjoy and pass on to future generations. In short, with dwindling natural areas in our beautiful country, a ‘heritage investment’ like no other!

No Transfer Duty payable and VAT included in price, so conveyancing fees only, and the first year’s levies also included in the asking price.

PHOTO CREDITS: The majority of the photos displayed attributed to the patience and exceptional photography of Tish Archer (permanent resident on the Reserve) and Jack Solomons (Reserve assistant). Some snapped by the field camera and visitors! Thanks to all for portraying, so vividly, the magnificence of this unique piece of African Splendour.

MORE DETAIL:

• Reserve Size: 4 365ha
• Land (for sale) size: 4.1172ha
• Total Footprint (to build on): 840m² (minimal building regulations apply)
• Existing Cottage for renovation: 58m² (water laid on and septic tank in place).


• OveraLL Occupancy limited to 20.


• LEVY: R6 000 per month.


• THE RESERVE OFFERS: Peace, tranquillity, incomparable /nature and scenery, as well as:


• FAUNA & BIRDLIFE: The Reserve has become a veritable sanctuary for all manner of indigenous species – the photos on the listing depict some, but by no means all.


• FLORA: Falling within the transitional zone between the Klein- and Groot Karoo, the Reserve, part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, features a wide variety of both the Fynbos- and Succulent Biomes, including some rare species. All invader plants/trees have been removed and are controlled at all times.


• ROCK ART: Caves with weathered Rock Art to explore, as well as fascinating rock formations and striking lichens.


• EARLY STONE-AGE ARTEFACTS and historic ruins – plentiful and fascinating.


• FOSSILS: Once part of a shallow inland sea around 320 million years ago, followed by monumental volcanic eruptions some 180 million years ago, fossils to be found in the Witteberg Mountains are of primitive fish, an extinct species of shark, brachiopods, bivalves, a meter long sea scorpions, plant fossils and numerous animal tracks. A selection already housed in the Museum on the Reserve – with conceivably a myriad more to add to the collection.


• HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS: A network of some 44km of trails lead to almost every corner of the Reserve’s spectacular array of plants, caves, ruins and heritage sites. And en route – the most glorious scenery in every direction!


• ASTRONOMY: It will be hard to find a better place for astronomy events, studying of the planets, galaxies and asteroids. And the best of the best astrophotography opportunities.


• WORK FROM HOME: Cell reception and internet available.


• GHOST – according to folklore, when the moon is full, a friendly ghost is rumoured to roam the area around the entrance gate!


• NO SECURITY ISSUES - gate/access control, and many a local would venture to suggest that the ghost is the best security guard ever!


• DISTANCES: Bordering the Anysberg Nature Reserve, a declared World Heritage Site, the Reserve is 50km from Laingsburg, 57km from Matjiesfontein, 59km from Touws River, and 239km from Cape Town, with a stretch of 25km very good dirt road to the Reserve – suitable for any sedan.


• Easy day trips to both Anysberg (115km from the Reserve by road), and the historic, famed and most beautiful pass in South Africa, the Seweweekspoort Pass, also 115km from the Reserve - a must – where another famous ghost can be met at the old toll road. Legend/myth has it that Elandskloof and surrounds can lay claim to a number of these fabled phantoms - each with a fabulous ‘campfire story’ of course ...