Some of the Cape’s most historic farmland is currently on the market in the Dwars River Valley, gateway to the picturesque Winelands town of Franschhoek. 

There are six portions still available for purchase, with five of these sized between 29ha and 35ha, and priced from R7.9 million to R10.9 million.

The farm “Two Rivers” traces its history back to the early days of farming in the Cape, and has been owned by some of the country’s leading personalities. The farm has been divided into 15 portions under separate title, of which Pam Golding Properties (PGP) recently sold two to a single Cape Town-based buyer, for a combined total of over R25 million. 

There are six portions still available for purchase, with five of these sized between 29ha and 35ha, and priced from R7.9 million to R10.9 million. The sixth farm of 73ha is on the market at R16.5 million. All prices exclude VAT.

PGP’s area manager for Paarl and Franschhoek, Surina du Toit, says the Two Rivers farm occupies a prime location at the foot of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains. It is named for the two rivers running through the property, namely the Wemmers River and a 4km stretch of Berg River frontage. Immediate neighbours include acclaimed wineries such as Graham Beck, L’Ormarins and Solms Delta, as well as Bridge House private school and the Franschhoek Motor Museum. 

This is some of the most productive and historically significant farmland in the Cape, she says. “The farm has its origins in portions of three historic landholdings, namely Lubeck and Bellegam – among the first 20 farms granted in the Groot Drakenstein area in the 1690s – and the farm Jerico, established in the 1850s.” 

Du Toit says these farms were home to some of the earliest vineyards and orchards in the valley, which experienced an agricultural boom in the 1800s and particular prosperity in the wine industry. “When the bulk of the region’s grapes were destroyed by a phylloxera outbreak in the late 1800s, Cecil John Rhodes oversaw the conversion to fruit farming while the vineyards recovered, establishing the famous Rhodes Fruit Farms in 1902.”

The Two Rivers land formed part of that operation, which was subsequently owned by De Beers and later Anglo American, she says.

Two Rivers now totals 478ha of magnificent farmland, divided into manageable portions ideal for use as lifestyle farms. Some portions of are already planted to olives and lemon trees.

Two Rivers now totals 478ha of magnificent farmland, divided into manageable portions ideal for use as lifestyle farms. Some portions of are already planted to olives and lemon trees. 

PGP’s MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, Annien Borg, says the individual farms would also be suitable for conversion to equestrian estates. “This area has strong ties to the equestrian community and the largest portion of 73ha has ample room for buyers to construct a polo field or two.” 

She says the greater Two Rivers farm has a network of 14km of trails which are for the exclusive use of the individual owners for riding, cycling or walking, and these criss-cross a variety of terrains from riverine and wetland to forest and field – an ideal environment for out-rides.

The farm has a Property Owners’ Association which governs internal affairs and oversees the Architectural Design manual, aimed at preserving the rural atmosphere and ensuring all homes blend harmoniously with the environment. Electricity and potable water supply are in place, with buyers only having to arrange connection of their individual properties to the central supply points on the boundary of each farm. 

Owners also have a choice as to how to manage their land’s agricultural potential – should they wish to farm individually they may do so, or they may join a group scheme whereby their agricultural resources are pooled with neighbours and managed by a third party service provider.  “This is a win-win solution as those who want to farm seriously can do so, while those who prefer to use their land as a lifestyle farm can still benefit from its productivity, without any personal effort,” says du Toit.

The lifestyle benefits of the area include a healthy outdoor environment, low crime rate and ample activities to enjoy in the near vicinity. The village of Franschhoek is just 10 minutes’ drive away, with its variety of award-winning restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries.  The town of Stellenbosch is 15km away over the Helshoogte Pass, providing major shopping, sporting and medical facilities. 

There are also numerous historic estates in the area, many with superb restaurants and wine-tasting facilities. Golf lovers will find two of the country’s most popular courses – Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer – within 15 minutes’ drive.

For more information, contact the Franschhoek office on 021 876 2100 or send an email.

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