There is a growing desire among Capetonians – and others – to own land beyond the urban fringe in farming or fynbos country, says Lanice Steward, MD of Anne Porter Properties (APP) – and, recognising this, APP have appointed an agent, Lindy Zoutendyck, to head up a new thrust into the Cape's agricultural areas.

"Lindy Zoutendyck lives in Grabouw on a family farm known for its free range chickens. She graduated with a BA at Stellenbosch University, her majors being politics and French. Her previous experience includes a stint in Indonesia as a translator and a job in SA translating an interpreting for a SA company mining in West Africa.

"She is very much a country lady, with country interests and, among other things, now runs guest cottages and a conference centre on her farm. These are especially popular with mountain bikers and hikers."

Zoutendyck, said Steward, will sell farms, smallholdings and one-off homes in rural areas. In her first month in the job, she sold a 2ha smallholding with a riverside cottage near Bot River and in this area, says Steward, is now the agent for a completely unspoilt 249 ha mountain property near Van der Stel Pass with views of the Franschhoek mountains and no buildings at all. The seller hopes to see a syndicate formed which would result in this property being enjoyed by five or six families and their friends.

"The big attraction of so much of the property here is that it offers a real getaway experience," said Steward. "On this particular site buyers may find they need a 4X4 to get there – but the veld, the quiet and the fynbos have to be experienced on site to be fully appreciated."

Zoutendyck, added Steward, will have access to APP's 4 000 strong buyers' database, most of whom can be regularly emailed.

"Lindy has taken on her new job with enthusiasm and verve and, we believe, is perfect for this new position – which calls for energy and long hours of travelling," said Steward.

For further information contact 021 849 8515. For more information on agricultural property matters, visit www.agritv.co.za.