R 1 850 000 | farm property for sale in tesselaarsdal

BARGAIN! Located on top of a hill, with glorious views of the Kleinrivier mountains, this 4.3ha smallholding offers an incredible organic, eclectic and authentic rural lifestyle. All this in the unique and fascinating village of Tesselaarsdal. With a medley of fruit trees, medicinal plants, herbs and berries well established, the fertile garden is ready and waiting for the next organic veggies and companion plants to be grown – as nature intended! This property is pure bliss for those interested in permaculture or organic fruit- and vegetable production. Similar agricultural holdings in the valley have been sold to potters (Bakgat Pottery), organic farmers (such as Sophia Farm) and artists. The latter following the path to Tesselaarsdal - the village that ultimately inspired the career of world renowned artist Peter Clarke. So - if this is a lifestyle you would like to embrace, don’t miss out! Alternatively, if you are looking for a bona fide rural getaway (or self sustainable ‘stay for good’ property) in lovely surrounds and close to Cape Town, look no further, because ... You can ‘own’ a piece of invaluable and inspirational history – unique to this unpretentious and intriguing little village in the Overberg – Tesselaarsdal. A largely unknown pastoral village, set amongst rolling hills, Tesselaarsdal’s history is mesmerizing. Aeons ahead of its time, this all but forgotten fragment of South Africa is the only settlement in the country that was untouched and untainted by apartheid laws and segregation. The original farm, Hartebeestrivier, which belonged to the first Land Baron in the Overberg in the 1700’s, Johannes Jacobus Tesselaar (hence the latter day name), was bequeathed to his slaves in 1810. Since then - years before the abolition of slavery, members of this community, irrespective of race or colour, lived off the land - side by side. And ALL had land rights which were never interfered with or confiscated by the apartheid regime. Tesselaarsdal – a whole new, yet ancient and unaffected way of life. And the property, aptly named ‘Masonwabe’, isiXhosa for ‘be happy’ – serendipity found! DETAIL: Land size: 4.3607 hectares. North facing home comprising lounge with clay pot fireplace, dining area, kitchen, three bedrooms (main en-suite), two bathrooms and large enclosed veranda with built-in braai. The house, described by the current owners as a ‘cement block’ with make-shift fittings when they bought it, has been given a major makeover - now a charming country abode (floors still cement – owners’ preference). The four established gardens have been hand-terraced from the house down to the dam – approximately 1200m² of land prepared for permaculture - enriched with 30-40 cubes of compost, and a very happy colony of earthworms flourishing. Drip and spray Irrigation throughout. An incredible variety of herbs, veggies, berries, flowers and seeds have been produced over a two year period – sold at the monthly market in Tesselaarsdal, and supplied to a guest house in Caledon. See photos of crops planted and harvests during this time. DO NOTE: No crops planted currently as owners moved about a year ago. The same re the flowers on the photos – none planted for a year. (Companion planting as natural pest deterrents and some flowers ‘just for pretty’). Other produce successfully cultivated on the land include Sugar Cane, Wheat, Peanuts and Jerusalem Artichokes (do see photo of ginormous Globe Artichoke grown previously). Fruit trees – all between 3 and 4 years old and most started to produce fruit: 1 x Almond, 1 x Elderberry, 2 x Goji Berry bushes (flourishing in the dry climate). Blue Berries. Cape Gooseberries and Feijoa did very well when looked after. 5 x Apricot trees, 5 x Pomegranate, 1 x Guava, 1 x Black Fig (Ficus Carica), 3 x Olives, 4 x Pear, 4 x Peach, 4 x Apple, 2 x Cherry, 2 x Plum, and 2 x Lemon. Other trees on the property: 5 Acacia Trees planted around the house, and 30-40 Lucerne Trees (tagasaste) planted as windbreaks for the gardens. In addition to its many uses and attributes - a wonderful nitrogen fixer and bee attraction. A variety of perennial medicinal/healing plants (including plenty San Pedro Cactus) and herbs scattered around the gardens. Although not certified yet, all produce organic – no chemicals or pesticides used. Water pumped from the dam used for irrigation. Dam level low with the current drought (worst in a hundred years) but it normally overflows because it’s too small for the large catchment area. The overflow currently going to waste, another dam or reservoir can be built for additional storage (with permission/licensing from Water Affairs). If of interest, a professional permaculture design, setting out plans to develop the property to its full potential (including guest accommodation) will be given to the new owner. Second small pond on the property which can be transformed into an ornamental water feature. Municipal water for domestic use. Eskom electricity. Excellent internet and cell reception. Rates R375 per month. No security issues. Indigenous wildlife recorded on and around the property: A wide variety of birds including birds of prey, mongoose, tortoise, porcupine, small antelope/buck, wild cats, snakes, mice, voles, bats (insect eating) and wild rabbits. Part of the Cape Country Meander, mountain bike/hiking trails in and around Tesselaarsdal range from 10km to 32km. Tesselaarsdal is close to everything - 23km from Caledon, 41km to Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 45km to Hermanus, 53km to the Theewaterskloof Dam and 135km from Cape Town. Garages : 0 Rates :R375