Historic Guesthouse For Sale in Somerset West
Friday, 26 November 2010 00:00
An historic guest farm has come onto the market on the outskirts of Somerset West, holding significant appeal for buyers with a love of history, equestrian leanings or a background in the hospitality industry. Pam Golding Properties has the exclusive mandate to market “Goedeverwachting”, a 23ha farm spanning seven separate titles. The property is on the market at R18 million.
PGP’s manager for the Stellenbosch agricultural division, Louise Varga, says Goedeverwachting can trace its history back to the late 1700’s. “The original farmhouse was built in 1795,” she says, “and was initially used as an inn offering comfort to travellers who were about to make their way up Sir Lowry’s Pass. Known then as Brink’s Inn, it was the last outpost of comfort and hospitality before travellers tackled the challenging journey into the hinterland.”
The farm took on even more historic significance in 1806, when it witnessed the formal surrender of the Cape to the British fleet which had invaded in early January, defeating the Batavian commander, Lieutenant Jan Willem Janssens, in the famous Battle of Blaauwberg. Janssens initially retreated to the hills above Sir Lowry’s Pass, but only kept up his defence for a week before realising his position was hopeless.
He accepted the conditions of surrender offered by British generals Sir David Baird and William Beresford, and the articles of capitulation were signed at Brink’s Inn on 18 January 1806.
Today, the farm’s early roots as a traveller’s haven have been re-established, and Goedeverwachting offers guest farm accommodation in seven en suite bedrooms, including three self-contained guest cottages.
The main homestead has been restored to a magnificent standard, and bears many of its original features, including gleaming yellowwood floors, original masonry, teak beams and even the long gun rails once used by visitors. The home’s reception rooms include a large, dramatic drawing room, and have original fireplaces to maintain a cosy atmosphere in winter.
PGP’s MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, Annien Borg, says the farm also has a purpose-built conference centre overlooking its horse paddocks, capable of seating up to 30 guests. The outdoor facilities include a tennis court, swimming pool with pool-house, and four stables, plus a tack room and grooms’ room. “This makes the farm an ideal buy for horse-lovers,” says Borg, “as well as for those who might wish to continue operating the guest farm facilities.
There is a dam for fishing, numerous large trees for shade, and several trails for hiking and horse-riding – in short, everything one needs to enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and to attract guests in search of a country atmosphere. And all this, just a short distance from the airport and wine routes, as well as the beaches of Gordon’s Bay.”
Borg adds that the property also has potential for further development – subject to planning approval, it could be sub-divided into 24 separate titles.
To view Goedeverwachting, or for more information on the property, contact PGP agent Chris Baker on 083 407 5024, 021 887 1017, or
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Written by Philippa Hudson You are reading Historic Guesthouse For Sale in Somerset West articles
