Warren Properties

This farm is a 10 000 ha (25 000 acres) private Game Reserve in the Upper Karoo some 27 km west of Colesberg in the Northern Cape province. The farm has an interesting and significant history. On an expedition to the interior in 1777, Governor Von Plettenberg found the plains teeming with game and an abundance of hippo in the Seekoei (hippopotamus) River. Von Plettenberg erected a beacon on the farm to mark the most northeast extremity of the Cape Colony. He and his party ruthlessly shot 23 of the hippo and today a monument on the same spot serves as a stark reminder of the tragic act of folly.

The success of a conservation programme introduced on the property some twelve years ago is evidenced by the excellent condition of the veld and the condition of the game species introduced, many having been absent for more than a century. The southern half of the reserve is fully game fenced and separated from the northern half by a public road used by some five local farmers. The northern half of the reserve is being developed as a large buffalo and hippo enterprise. Hippos are to be restocked in the Seacow River in the same hippo pools where they were wiped out. Buffalo have been re-introduced and are thriving. The area has been approved for the introduction of cheetah subject to the erection of suitable electrified fencing.

 

The Manor House has been completely renovated and refurbished with attention to detail and quality. All finishes are of a high standard. Built-in cupboards and certain furnishings are imported Canadian oak. Most floors are Oregon pine or tiled – with under floor heating in the kitchen - and granite counter tops. Accommodation in the Manor House consists of three double bedrooms, all fully en suite. Adjacent to the Manor House are a further two double bedroom guest suites, one with an extra inter-leading double bedroom. A wide covered veranda surrounds three sides of the Manor House and incorporates an outdoor entertainment gazebo area. Lawns and trees surrounding the house make an attractive and cool setting.

 

The Chalet consists of three double bedrooms - two en suite - a separate bathroom, large kitchen with under floor heating, a lounge and a dining room, each with glass doors opening to a wide veranda and barbeque area.A Clubhouse, pool and tennis court is situated adjacent to the Chalet. The Clubhouse has a bar, lounge and pool table plus an outdoor entertainment area with a barbeque. It has two shower and changing facilities. An en suite double bedroom is attached to the building.

 

The topography of the farm comprises wide open plains interspersed with many rocky outcrops, hills, ridges, vleis and 15 kilometres of river frontage. Together these provide excellent bio-diversity and the necessary balance to sustain a wide spectrum of animal and bird life. The veld is in pristine condition and the ground cover and high percentage of palatable plants confirms careful and conservative management practice. The grass/shrub mix is ideal, offering an excellent habitat for grazers, browsers and mixed feeders. The condition of the animals and high rate of reproduction bear testimony to the condition of the veld. 

 

The Game Lodge has recently undergone major renovation and restoration with an emphasis on natural materials obtained or salvaged from the property. It is on the southern portion of the property in an attractive setting. The main dwelling has a large dining room/lounge/bar area, a double kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms for management and staff. Guest rooms are a short distance from the main dwelling and comprise six en-suite double bedrooms (showers only) with under floor heating. A stone wall surround allows close up game viewing from the garden and lapa.

The Farm Cottage has a combined dining room/lounge, farm kitchen, three bedrooms (one en-suite), a second bathroom and staff quarters with a bathroom.Three Staff Cottages all have two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom and a covered patio.

Many well kept outbuildings include store rooms, stables, an abattoir with an 8 square metre cold room, a simple water bottling facility and a helicopter hangar.

In summary, the farm has been managed with conservation integrity and is now a flagship game reserve in a renewed and undiscovered game and wildlife area. This exclusive property is unrivalled and represents a never-to-be-repeated opportunity for the discerning investor into one of the world’s safest blue sky places with wide open spaces.

 

The property has an abundance of water, both surface and underground. The Seekoei River traverses the northern half of the property over a distance of some 9km and has almost continuous perennial pools that are fed by underground fountains. The Elandsfontein Spruit traverses the southern half of the property. This river has been weired at a number of places thereby providing large tracts of water during the dry season.

 

Some 24 purpose built earth dams and dams with concrete weirs have been constructed to hold reserves of rainwater for long periods. The beneficial impact of these dams on the veld and on reducing erosion is most apparent. Underground water is plentiful with a shallow water table (in places as little as 1,2m) and 22 concrete reservoirs are supplied from windmills giving game access to water in areas remote from the natural drinking places. 

 

 $7 Million

 

 Contact Charles 072 474 7181