Enjoy the fruits of your labours
Outstanding views and clean mountain air are just two of the reasons that people are discovering the historical town of Tulbach. Lea Jacobs takes a look at a successful export farm up for sale
NAMED after the Cape governor, Ryk Tulbagh, the beautiful, historic town of Tulbagh is situated about 110km from Cape Town. Nestled in a valley partially enclosed by the Obiqua Mountains to the west, the Winterhoek Mountains to the north and the Witsenberg range to the east, it is known for its scenic beauty.
European settlers first discovered the valley in 1658, although the town only began to take shape in 1743. Tulbagh is steeped in history and features fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, some of which was lovingly restored after an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale rocked the town in 1969.
Several of the country’s finest wine estates, including DrostdyHof, Twee Jonge Gezellen and Theuniskraal, are situated in the valley and along with many smaller farms now form part of the Tulbagh Wine Route.
Boutique hotels, guest farms and bed and breakfasts abound. The area features a mild Mediterranean climate and this, coupled with the exquisite scenery and a variety of activities, makes it a popular tourist destination with both local and international visitors.
Lightstone statistics reveal the area is popular with mature buyers (defined as those aged between 50 and 64 years) and pensioners. That said, about 15% of recent buyers are aged between 18 and 35.
Situated 8km north of Tulbagh on the Winterhoek road is Oak Square farm. The thriving export pear and nectarine farm is set on 37.3ha and is in the ideal microclimate for deciduous fruit production, particularly pome fruit.
“The area is visually stunning and secure, being accessible by one road which is surrounded by mountains,” says Heinrich Koorts, CEO of the Benguela Group, which is marketing this property.
The original homestead, which dates from the late 1800s, is the only dwelling on the farm and is occupied by the owners. The floor space measures 200m2 and the home’s design includes a loft of equal space above.
“The potential of this threebedroom two-bathroom homestead is vast and with the approved plans in place, it can be converted into a double-storey home.”
Other buildings include the original shed and an additional adjacent shed which houses all vehicles and farm equipment.
A separate chemical store was built in accordance with Global Gap specifications in 2001. Oak Square has been certified Global Gap (previously EurepGap) compliant since 2004.
Gerhard Snyman, Benguela Group’s specialist agricultural division agent for the area and a former fruit and wine farmer himself, says: “The owners bought the farm in 1999, with the vision of developing it into a profitable export fruit farm. This vision, as any potential buyer will see from the books, has been achieved. That said, there is still much potential in this farm.”
Intensive land preparation and planting was undertaken on 25ha and completed in four years. Soil maintenance, fertiliser, chemical and spray programmes were implemented and computerised, with a view to long-term benefits, especially with regard to reduction in volumes required. The irrigation system is computerised, with fully integrated liquid fertigation.
Oak Square has registered water rights sufficient for the requirements of the farm, and the water supply has been secured by renovating the dam and ensuring its 84,000m3 capacity. There are five boreholes which each deliver about 3,500l an hour which is pumped directly into the dam.
The farm has a staff complement of 11 and uses the services of a labour contractor seasonally. None of the staff lives on the farm, but travel in from Tulbagh daily on the farm truck. There are also no land claims on the farm.
A tree census conducted last June showed full production has almost been reached on existing orchards. In July/August 2012 a 2.36ha area that had lain fallow since 2010 was planted up with Packham pears. There is also an orchard of Rosemarie pears.
Shares in Tulpak, the pack- house facility in Tulbagh, are included in the price. The number of shares is commensurate with the predicted number of bins to be packed this season.
Tulbagh has a growing population, with many former city folk investing in property and choosing to enjoy the fresh air and country lifestyle. There is a private primary school, a government primary and high school as well as various preschool facilities. Price: R15m Contact: Benguela Group Gerhard Snyman 083 461 9935 Office: 022 772 1866