Engedi Retreat is a well-known guesthouse in the Jukskeidrif cluster of the Crocodile River Reserve. This 32 hectare property straddles the Rhenosterspruit River, with 10 hectares on the North side and 22 hectares to the South. Engedi is towards the top of the hill on the South side, giving wonderful views to the North.
This 9 bedroom guesthouse is in 3 sections. The main house comprises 1 bedroom downstairs, with ensuite bathroom and 3 bedrooms upstairs, sharing a bathroom. There is a large dining area with a built-in bar, and stairs up to a small lounge with a wood burning fire. There is a large, well equipped kitchen, pantry, storeroom and a guest cloakroom.
A separate self-contained wing (the Annex) has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge/dining room, ideal for families or groups.
A further cottage is attached to the main house, comprising a lounge, kitchen and 2 bedrooms.
There are magnificent north-facing views from most rooms.
There is a beautiful pool area where guests can enjoy sundowners or a refreshing swim. The gardens are terraced and there are lovely walks.
There is a large workshop below the annex with a triple garage. There is also a car port and plenty of parking.
Staff quarters sit In a separate fenced area with 4 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen.
The property is completely off-grid, with a 10kVA solar installation and full battery backup, plus a strong borehole.
Free-roaming game can be seen regularly, including kudu, blesbok, impala, zebra and even an occasional giraffe.
With its trees, hills, the river and the rock pools, this is an ideal area for hiking and walking. There’s even a ruined Anglo-Boer store and an iron age ruin.
This property is close to the R512 Hartebeespoort Road, just a short distance from Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind.
This is an opportunity for an energetic entrepreneur to live in tranquility, watch the many birds and animals, and generate a good income.
The Crocodile River Reserve was created in late 2019 and, although this property is zoned as a farm, commercial farming is not allowed. The Reserve is really an Eco or Lifestyle estate, where owners may develop only a small portion, 5% of the entire property, leaving the rest so that the wild game can roam freely.
The Reserve is well managed and charged with protecting the pristine grasslands and environment. Game roams the reserve freely and access to the entire area is restricted. In the longer term the entire reserve will be fenced and protected, making this the ideal place to get that peace and quiet without threat of development or intruders.
This farm is in the Crocodile River Reserve, which has many advantages:
1. Properties in the Reserve are largely protected from land claims
2. There is a management authority (MA) which looks after the reserve, attending to all legal matters (the reserve was gazetted in November 2019 and is a reality). The MA protects the ecosystem in the reserve, ensures that rules are observed and protects the area from land invasions (which is enshrined in the constitution). The MA also represents the interests of the owners/members in all matters.
3. The reserve has the highest biodiversity rating given, which makes it very special. It is primarily pristine grasslands.
4. There are significant tax benefits - the Income Tax Act, section 37 C and D allow owners to offset the value of the land over 25 years. There are no rates on the land, only the improvements (buildings) and maintenance of the land in order to preserve the reserve can be claimed against income (via a maintenance claim form which is submitted to the MA).
5. Members of the reserve are bound by the constitution. The intention is to protect the ecosystem which means no commercial farming is permitted. Owners are encouraged to allow free movement of game (eland, blesbok, warthog, kudu, impala, duiker, waterbuck, wildebeest, etc), so fencing of the full plot is discouraged. Fencing around the buildings is, of course, permitted, and this could include quite a large area.
6. It is important to note that here is a ‘usage’ restriction of 5%, which means that only 5% of the land may be disturbed, the remainder must be left untouched. This means that most dwellings are entirely private, no neighbours close by. A place to simply enjoy the tranquility of life in a Reserve. An ‘eco-estate’ lifestyle is enjoyed by residents, all within 20 minutes of Fourways and Centurion.
For further information please see the Crocodile River Reserve website.
What is certain is that land in the reserve will become significantly more valuable over time, so it is an excellent time to purchase a property in the Reserve.
Schools:
There are several good schools within a short distance of the Reserve, including:
Laerskool Hennopsrivier
Amberfield College
Laerskool Uitsig
Pinnacle College, Copperleaf
Wierda Park Christian Nursery School
Empro Academy
Centurion Secondary School
Heronbridge College
Spark Centurion Primary School
Abbots College
Curro Thatchfield High School
Centurion Montessori School
Centurion and Fourways both have extensive shopping and entertainment facilities and are just a short drive away. There are also restaurants, small shops and other facilities in the immediate area.
