TIMELESS CHARM - HISTORIC SETTLER HOMESTEAD GRACING BATHURST SMALLHOLDING

This distinguished farmhouse of 350 square metres, stands as one of the original homesteads in the district, dating back to the establishment of the Settlers in Lower Albany. Adorned with century-old trees and boasting a wrap-around stoep, this property encompasses the quintessence of rural living, complete with a well-established orchard nestled in a dry riverbed and extensive rainwater reservoirs totalling 100,000 litres. On clear nights, its vantage offers an expansive view extending to the lights of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, while maintaining a serene ambiance free from the intrusion of neighbouring roofs.
Preserving its historical allure, the residence retains its original front doors adorned with aged glass fittings and the transition strips between rooms, maintaining the integrity of its thick walls that naturally regulate interior temperatures throughout the seasons.
The stoep has undergone a partial enclosure to expand the living areas, seamlessly blending modern comfort with the property's timeless charm. Inside the main house, the entrance hall welcomes with original Oregon flooring and an antique chandelier, leading to a generously proportioned main bedroom featuring an en-suite shower and toilet, also adorned with Oregon flooring. Adjacent lies a versatile sunroom/office/dormitory, an extension of the enclosed stoep.
The second bedroom exudes character with its large wood-burning fireplace, sash windows, exterior wooden shutters, and original Oregon floors complemented by bookshelves. A recently renovated guest bathroom offers modern amenities within a spacious layout, while an attic accessible via a retractable ladder provides additional storage space.
The kitchen, boasting modern conveniences, includes built-in cupboards, a contemporary yet vintage Aga stove, tiled floors, and scenic views of the orchard and wildlife. A neighbouring scullery, with provisions for a dishwasher and freezer, opens onto a sunlit stoep area, perfect for leisurely mornings.
The expansive lounge features sash windows, exterior shutters, ample plug points, and a designated dining area, with potential for an office space within the stoep enclosure.
Additionally, the property includes a 100 square metre income-generating cottage, recently refurbished to modern standards, featuring an open-plan layout, en-suite shower room, and the potential for a second bedroom. A separate TV room/sunroom offers access to a deck with picturesque views of the orchard and surrounding landscape.
Completing the estate are various outbuildings, including two lock-up garages, a carport, laundry room, and storeroom, all equipped with a separate security system.
In addition to the installed solar system featuring 10 solar panels, an inverter and two Alfa-E55 batteries, Eskom power is also accessible. The estate's water supply is sourced from a borehole, rendering it self-sufficient and potentially capable of complete off-grid living.
The well-fenced 14 275 square metre of land host a variety of fruit trees, including avocados, cherry guavas, pears, guavas, lemons, oranges, mulberries, and more, accentuating the property's natural beauty and agricultural potential. Additionally, a fire pit provides a sustainable solution for garden refuse disposal.