Extract from article in The Property Magazine “Home on the wild side – Buying into game reserves.
THE CAPE
Falcon Ridge
At Falcon Ridge, set next to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, owner Shaun Lindbergh says:’We’re basically a conservation project; we don’t really consider ourselves developers.’
Initially, Lindbergh and his wife bought 400ha in the reserve to build a small guest house and motivational training centre in which they could retire.
After purchasing two adjoining properties they realised the conservation value and are now ’setting about purchasing the whole area’, which is partly managed by the Cape Nature Authority. Currently they have 2 000ha with options on another 1 200.
‘Our approach is ultra-low density, high value,’ says Lindbergh. ‘We’re going to build five houses with a limit of one house per 200ha and a 10-bedroom commercial lodge with very high service excellence. If you need it, a meal can be delivered to your home from the lodge!’
This may be necessary as the development will appeal to the reclusive.
The fences between the site and the De Hoop Reserve are being removed, which will give purchasers direct access to 36 000ha of pristine, indigenous fynbos with walking trails, abundant small game and birdlife.
The site is 6.5km from the sea, but with that space filled with yet more protected reserve, never having the view interrupted is guaranteed.
Units are being sold as part freehold title and part share of a 75ha servitude or bare dominion. ‘The bare dominion, or the 75ha ‘no go’ area guarantees buyers’ views, privacy and preservation of the area,’ explains Lindbergh.
Each unit of approximately 300m2, which start from R4.5m, will be ‘eco-sensitively’ built with a timber frame, freeform green roofs and wooden decks that essentially disappear into the surrounding fynbos, designed by Knysna-based Tradon Architects.
Building has yet to begin but should be completed during 2006.
Lindbergh is delighted to report there isn’t a golf course in sight. ‘I think an important factor about escaping into a natural environment is the sense of peace.
‘What is helping people to do this more and more is the ability to work remotely. We will have microwave and satellite technology here so people will be able to stay in touch with the “real” world, despite the untouched and untouchable surroundings.’
The 34,000Ha De Hoop Nature Reserve is a world-renowned birding spot and sports over 260 resident and migratory species.
Watch the raptors that love to soar along the ridges overlooking the De Hoop plains; it was the Lanner Falcon, the feathered missile of the Overberg, that inspired the name for Falcon Ridge.
The De Hoop vlei is a RAMSAR -designated wetland which attracts a huge number of waterfowl and the Potberg is the Western Cape’s only remaining breeding colony of rare Cape Vultures.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve offers some of the most spectacular land-based whale watching in the world between July and November.
The 5-day Whale Trail has fast become the premier “must do” event on any whale watcher’s calendar. Standing on the dunes and Koppie Alleen one can sometimes see (and hear) 50 or more whales.
If you’re planning to visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup soccer then your timing couldn’t be better to fit in some whale-watching. De Hoop is the place to come and Buchu Bushcamp is the place to stay!
