View of the manor house at Tweede Rivier Estate.
It’s certainly not every day the opportunity arises to acquire a choice Cape heritage property, particularly an über prime located, picturesque Cape Dutch farm right next to the international award-winning Vergelegen Wine Estate and Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate in Somerset West – in the heart of the renowned Winelands.
Situated in a lush valley on Lourensford Road, the 14ha Tweede Rivier Estate, which is to be auctioned on site by Broll Auctions and Sales at 12 noon on Friday 19 June (2015), was in fact originally part of the beautiful and historic Vergelegen Estate, having been portioned off by the owners when the rest of Vergelegen was sold in 1994. Founded in 1700, Vergelegen is today a world-class estate, visited by tourists, wine-lovers and heads of state and celebrities from around the globe.
This unique pocket of land known as Tweede Rivier Estate is perfectly positioned in the ‘golden triangle’ of the Helderberg Basin, considered one of South Africa’s most scenic and exclusive locations, says Christian Stewart, head of auctions and sales broking for Broll Auctions and Sales. “Tweede Rivier literally rubs shoulders with Erinvale Residential Golf Estate – which lies adjacent to Vergelegen, and is bordered on the other side by luxury private residences, flanked by the Lourensford River and surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains.
“There is little to compare with this iconic property – whether utilised as an exclusive private country residence or converted to a trophy Cape wine estate with boutique hotel, restaurant, winery and tasting room. Currently planted to plum trees, with an eight hectare orchard, the fertile soil is ideally suited to viniculture – with water rights from Vergelegen dam, while the oak-treed gardens with vast rolling lawns are ideal for picnics, complete with a winding river and lily pond providing the ideal setting.”
Although it’s only a few kilometres from the cosmopolitan centre of Somerset West, the natural beauty and prime position of Tweede Rivier Estate affords a sense of peace and tranquillity, with the sound of running water and bird singing in the forest of trees.
“Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, plum and olive trees, lush green fields and ancient trees, the property enjoys a temperate climate and provides a perfect haven from busy city life,” adds Stewart. “It’s ideal, prime location among some of South Africa’s most sought after wine estates and tourist attractions makes this a prime investment proposition.”
Retaining its scenic, country village character and charm, while offering modern shopping malls, excellent schools, medical facilities and numerous other amenities, Somerset West is only about 40 minutes from Cape Town and the international airport. Closer still is False Bay and the Strand, with its appealing beaches and coastal ambience. Furthermore, the historic towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are within easy reach.
The entrance to Tweede Rivier Estate is fitting, along an oak-lined driveway which leads directly to a tranquil pond in front of a beautiful Cape Dutch manor house of expansive proportions – 1744sqm in extent and with the hallmark ornate and vaulted Parnarvon-wood ceilings with brass chandeliers, high wooden doors, thick walls, deep windowsills with wooden shutters and smooth Yellowwood floors.
Designed in the typical H-design the homestead has six spacious bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three extra-large formal rooms – including an 18-seater winter lounge with fireplace and a summer lounge and dining area which leads onto a terrace and swimming pool – all overlooking the gardens towards the river. There is a large Maplewood kitchen with pantry and laundry, private home cinema, glass enclosed wine cellar, study and library room. In the left wing is the main bedroom suite with a dressing room and his and her bathrooms, plus there are a further five bedroom suites that open onto balconies with sweeping views across the estate.
Set some 100m away from the manor house are four guest cottages – two three-bedroom and two two-bedroom units which enjoy scenic views of the mountains, orchard and paddock, while a large stable with tack room, able to accommodate six horses and shed could easily be converted to a private winery or further accommodation. There is garaging for 10 vehicles and the estate is fully secured.
