Farm for Sale in Sutherland

KAROO DESTINATION IN THE VERLATENKLOOF PASS An Established Tourism and Business Opportunity in a Former Toll House, Approximately 20 km from Sutherland Tjol se Gat is an established Karoo destination situated in the scenic Verlatenkloof Pass, approximately 20 km from Sutherland on the R354 from Matjiesfontein. The property has been developed around the former toll house of the Verlatenkloof Pass. According to available information, the building was used as a toll house until December 1907. Its historic character, together with the mountain pass and Karoo surroundings, forms the basis of the property’s tourism and business appeal. A PROPERTY WITH A UNIQUE HISTORY The current house was formerly a wagon house where the mail coach stayed overnight. The original stable remains on the property, including the original feeding troughs for eight horses. Horses were changed here for the next eight fresh horses required to travel up the mountain. Additional facilities have since been added to the original structures, including a living area with a large indoor fireplace/braai and a bathroom with shower and toilet. These historical features form an important part of the character of Tjol se Gat and its connection to the early travel route through the Verlatenkloof Pass. EXISTING FACILITIES The property currently includes: • Former toll house and historical structures • Original Toll House register dating from 1907 • Existing pub and social area with liquor licence • Living/accommodation area with large indoor fireplace/braai • Bathroom with shower and toilet • Toll House room for accommodation • Adventure caravan park • Ablution facilities • Parking • Established trees and natural vegetation • Drip irrigation • Existing water infrastructure • Solar power available, comprising 2 lithium batteries and a 5.5 kVA inverter The property is visited by travellers travelling to and from Sutherland, tourists, motorcyclists, 4x4 travellers and tour and travel groups. VERLATENKLOOF PASS AND THE “FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY” The R354 through the Verlatenkloof Pass forms part of the historic route between the Cape interior and the northern interior, dating from the period before the modern N1 became the main connecting route. The old route is also associated with the name “Forgotten Highway” in tourism material. The property is positioned along the established travel route between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland, providing a natural stopping point for travellers. LOCATION • Situated on the R354 in the Verlatenkloof Pass • Approximately 20 km from Sutherland • On the route from Matjiesfontein to Sutherland • Natural stopping point for travellers visiting the pass and Karoo • GPS: -32.56041, 20.58307 WATER – AN IMPORTANT PROPERTY ASSET Water is an important asset of Verlatenkloof 130 Portion 1, better known as Die Tolhuis. The property has three boreholes, a natural spring and established water infrastructure. The property comprises approximately 15 hectares on one side of the road and 17 hectares on the other side, and is completely surrounded by Verlatenkloof Portion 2. All three boreholes are situated on the right-hand side of the road when travelling in the direction of Sutherland. BOREHOLE 1 – TOLL HOUSE AND HOUSE Borehole 1 is the closest to the Toll House and supplies water to the Toll House bathroom, house and established grounds. Two water tanks near the boundary fence distribute the water. One supplies the drip irrigation, while the other supplies water for the house’s drinking and domestic use. The borehole is situated on a water aquifer. During a drought period of approximately seven to eight years, the water table dropped and two additional pipes were installed. The water did not dry up during this period. After the drought broke, the two additional pipes could be removed again. Borehole 1 is operated by a wind pump with a forcehead. Chemical and microbiological water analyses are available. NATURAL SPRING Under the large bridge is a natural, continuously dripping spring. The bridge was built over the spring, but water remains visible. BOREHOLE 2 – CAMPSITE AND IRRIGATION Borehole 2 has an existing wind pump structure, but is currently operated by a solar pump and forcehead. Water is pumped to two elevated tanks and from there flows by gravity to the dam, after which it is distributed through the drip irrigation system. The drip irrigation system operates 24 hours a day. Borehole 2 also supplies the ablution block and 10 outside taps at the campsite. BOREHOLE 3 Borehole 3 is situated just inside the boundary between Portion 1 and Portion 2, near the shepherds’ cottages. It currently has no pump or wind pump, and the available water capacity and current yield have not been established. NATURAL WATER MOVEMENT The general movement of water in the area can be described as follows: Rainwater ? infiltrates into the higher-lying terrain ? moves through natural fractures and permeable sandstone layers ? is channelled by geological structures ? and collects in the lower-lying gorge and alluvial area at Tjol se Gat. The existing water infrastructure supports the current residential, tourism, accommodation, camping and garden development. ADVENTURE CARAVAN PARK Tjol se Gat has an adventure caravan park situated across the road from the former toll house and pub, against the mountain slope. The campsite comprises: • 10 stands amongst the trees • Private braai area at each stand • Ablution block • 3 showers • 3 toilets • Wheelchair-friendly facilities • 10 outside taps • Water supplied from the existing borehole and tank infrastructure The location against the mountain and amongst the trees provides a natural Karoo camping experience while remaining directly alongside the R354. ACCOMMODATION The Toll House Room provides existing accommodation for two people and comprises: • 1 bedroom • Separate toilet and shower • Bed linen and towels • Coffee station • Parking The separate living area with its large indoor fireplace/braai, shower and toilet provides additional accommodation and usage possibilities. CELL PHONE SIGNAL AND CONNECTIVITY There is no ordinary cell phone signal at Tjol se Gat, but Wi-Fi is available. The secluded location provides an experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. FENCING AND BOUNDARIES The property is fenced, but not all fences are jackal-proof. The existing fences also do not follow the official title deed boundaries precisely in all areas. In one location a small section has been fenced inwards, while in another location a small section has been taken in. The position of the existing fences and boundaries will be pointed out and confirmed during a viewing to serious prospective purchasers by Corna, the estate agent. AN ESTABLISHED KAROO DESTINATION Tjol se Gat brings together a historic property, the Verlatenkloof Pass, an established travel route, tourism infrastructure, accommodation, an adventure caravan park, water infrastructure and an existing pub with liquor licence. The property offers a new owner the opportunity to build on an established tourism destination with existing facilities and infrastructure, while exploring further development possibilities within its existing tourism and business character. Tjol se Gat – where the road, history and Karoo lifestyle come together. The Seller is a natural person and is not registered for VAT.