Four Founder Estates and one farm on the Boschendal estate will be coming to the auction floor on Monday 7 December 2009.
Pam Golding Properties (PGP) has combined forces with Alliance Group to auction the properties.
The auction will include Old Bethlehem Farm, two allocations of wineland for the development of Founder Estates and two existing heritage Founder Estates.
"For the first time in three centuries this unique auction is poised to pass on various Founder Estates and a working farm to new custodians," says Ariella Kuper of Alliance Group.
The two Heritage Founder Estates are essentially large tracts of wineland include a Heritage Manor House and surrounding vineyards. As per the approved subdivisions, Boschendal Estate conditions and SA Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA), the owners will need to comply with various restrictions and permitted improvements. A comprehensive pack of supporting documentation is available to assist the bidders' due diligence.
Rhodes Cottage, a 42 hectare section on the estate, boasts 29 hectares of arable land, five hectares under infrastructure and 8,5 hectares of woodland. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, and commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes himself, the thatched homestead offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a covered veranda and pergola at the back. A second dwelling, called Rhodes Annex, complements the homestead and offers a two-bedroom cottage.
Goede Hoop Cottage, the second heritage Founder Estate, of 21 hectares, comprises a main homestead built in 1821 and displays tall sash windows, a thatched roof, three reception rooms, dining room and three bedrooms. The Annex is located behind the Homestead (original slave quarters) and has a two bedroom cottage, laundry and store room.
Unique offerings include a wine cellar built in 1832. The stables and courtyard date back to the original buildings, and a slave bell dated 1934 marks the abolition of slavery. Modern amenities to ensure both legacy and luxury include a swimming pool and tennis court. There is an additional dwelling further south (assumed to be the original water mill).
Two additional sections of land, approximately 21 hectares each, also qualify as Founder Estates. The permitted development footprint is 2,400sqm for each.
Old Bethlehem Farm is an agricultural zoned farm on the Boschendal Estate with much of it lying fallow. Thirty hectares of the farm are currently utilised as orchards, which are sub-let on an annual basis, generating income for the owner. The current titles of Old Bethlehem are being realigned, which will result in 11 farms, ranging in size from 15 hectares up to 54 hectares.
The new owner will be permitted to actively farm the entire estate or pursue selling off the 11 new "farms" for development purposes.
The auction will take place on site at Boschendal at 12:00 on 7 December. – Eugene Brink
For more information Ariella Kuper on 079 899 9998 or send an email.
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