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Frequently asked questions
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SECTION 1: OWNERSHIP
Will the stands be full title or sectional title?
The developer received approval for full title stands, which means, the homeowner, will have freehold title and own the stand and the buildings erected on it. Traversing rights over the remainder of the reserve will also be registered with each title deed.
How big are the stands?
The private stands are 2500 sq m in extent and the corporate stands 1 ha.
How far are the stands apart?
The stands have been individually positioned with regard to trees, views and privacy. The center point of adjacent stands is approximately 100m apart.
How many stands will there be?
A total of 302 private stands.
There will also be 4 houses for management, as well as accommodation for labourers.
How much will the levies be?
The Home Owner’s Association will ultimately determine the levies. The monthly levy is currently set at R500 per month and will be guaranteed by the developer until the end of June 2009 after which the levies will be fixed at R1 050.00 per month from July 2009 until June 2010.
What services will be included in the levy?
Safety and security, insurance of public areas, maintenance of services (electricity, water supply, roads and fences), maintenance of facilities (trails, hides, recreational areas, staff quarters and entrance structures) and administration. The developer will be responsible for wildlife management (veld management, water provision, monitoring, research, etc.). As the game will add substantially to the value of the properties, 20% of the monthly levy will be allocated towards the maintenance of the game.
Are there additional monthly costs apart from the levy?
Property taxes, water end electricity will also be for the owner’s account. Optional services e.g. maintenance, cleaning, etc. can be contracted separately with the management company.
How much is the deposit?
A deposit of 5% is required on Phase 1 stands within 10 days of signature and a deposit of 15% is required on Phase 2 stands within 10 days of signature, to be lodged with the transferring attorneys.
Is the deposit refundable?
The deposit was only refundable (with interest) if the development were not approved. But the development was approved in April 2006 and the transfers of phase 1 stands, already sold, has been successful. The deposit is no longer refundable.
When do I have to pay the balance?
The balance of the purchase price is due on transfer. Phase 1 will be ± 45 days after signature. In Phase 2 the balance of the purchase price is due on proclamation of the appropriate phase, i.e. after services have been installed and approved.
Are mortgage bonds available?
A bond originator has been appointed to assist with mortgage applications. A mortgage must be approved in principal in conjunction with the deposit.
Am I allowed to sell my unit before I take transfer of the unit?
No, units may only be sold 6 months after taking transfer.
Can I get access to the development after paying my deposit?
Yes, the entrance gate will be supplied with a list of investors that will be allowed on the reserve, provided that they adhere to the applicable rules and regulations.
SECTION 2: BUILDING AND ARCHITECTURE
What size dwelling can I build?
Owners of private stands can build dwellings of between 200 sq m and 400 sq m.
Can I build a swimming pool?
Swimming pools of not larger than 16sq m are allowed.
Are there architectural guidelines I must adhere to?
Yes, the style is a contemporary, eco-friendly design with the emphasis on low maintenance and maximum adaptation to the particular vegetation and geography of the reserve. Due to the constraints mentioned above, the option of thatched roofs has been excluded.
Why will thatched roofs not be allowed?
- Thatch roofs are extremely vulnerable to veld fires during the winter season. The low occupation rate of a development of this nature, coupled to the hilly topography, will also increase the risk of fire damage to buildings and property.
- For lightning protection each thatch roof house will require up to three lightning conductors, depending on the building size. Due to the topography of the estate, conductors will be visible from all sites against the mountain slopes. This will detract substantially from the expected bushveld experience.
- Many houses will be unoccupied for periods of time. We would like to offer an “arrive and relax” product without the continues dusting and cleaning required for a thatched roof. Within our design concept you can design a building, which requires far less maintenance without forfeiting aesthetical design opportunities.
- To keep the estate as visually undisturbed as possible, roof pitches must protrude above the treetops as little as possible. Thatch roofs can only be constructed with a 45 degree pitch wich will result in 7 to 10m high buildings on flat stands and up to 13 meters high, adding the plinth, against the mountain slopes. Thatch roofs will be highly visible from everywhere, whereas our design will not be higher than 4 to 5 meters at most and which can be comfortably tucked in behind clusters of indigenous trees.
- Due to the enormous roof construction required by thatch roofs, the price of thatch, expensive fire proof treatment and maintenance, thatch roofs will increase the building cost substantially, compared to the lighter, less obvious roof design.
- In order to guarantee comfortable climate conditions inside the houses at all times during the year, we consulted with an international company to provide a proven construction detail that will regulate room temperatures. The above solution will provide comparatively similar indoor climate as thatch roofs in summer and a much better climate in winter.
- Sinusitis, hay fever and odours associated with thatch roofs will not be present.
Can I use my own architect?
In order to maintain the architectural integrity of the development, only the architect appointed by the developer may be used.
Can I use my own builder?
The developer will appoint a limited number of builders. This is essential for security and logistical reasons.
How long do I have to build?
Homeowners have to start building within 3 years after the original transfer date and complete the building within 1 year.
What other facilities will there be on the reserve?
Hiking trails, 4x4 route, game drives, squash court, steam bath, small gym, children’s play area, club house and business center.
When will these facilities be available?
The following facilities will be provided after 80% of phase 1 stands have been registered:
- Paved road to entrance
- Squash court
- Tennis court
- Spa with Steam bath
- Small gymnasium
- Main swimming pool
- Buffalo and rhinoceros enclosure
- Stocking with game completed
- Mountain Bicycles & Hiking Trails
- Stocking with game completed
The following facilities will be provided after 80% of phase stands have been registered:
- Business center & Club House
- 4 x 4 Route
- Hiking trail
- Mountain Bike trail
SECTION 3: RESERVE MANAGEMENT
Can I move around freely on the 2000 ha game reserve?
Yes, apart from designated exclusion areas, as well as the dangerous game enclosure of approximately 100 ha, that will only be accessible on guided game drives.
Will there be a permanent manager?
A reserve manager and the required personnel will manage the reserve.
What about security?
The main entrance gate will be manned by security guards on a 24/7 basis. Daily patrols of the reserve will also be instituted. The owners can install alarms systems, compatible with the security system, at each dwelling.
How much game will there be on the farm?
The ecological management plan makes provision for the following game at maximum carrying capacity:
- White rhinoceros: 6
- Buffalo: 6
- Zebra: 18
- Blue wildebeest: 16
- Red hartebeest: 15
- Waterbuck: 13
- Grey rhebuck: 44
- Eland: 21
- Impala: 98
- Kudu: 33
- Giraffe: 4
- Njala: 20
- Bushbuck: 8
- Duiker: 12
- Klipspringer: 12
Most of the species above already occur on the reserve. Breeding herds of the additional species will be introduced.
Who owns the game?
The developer will retain ownership of the game in order to remove the burden of management from the homeowners. The game will be professionally managed according to the ecological management plan.
What guarantee is there that the developer will ensure the presence of game on the reserve?
The developer undertakes to stock the reserve according to the current ecological management plan, subject to regular revisions by an ecological consultant. An agreement to this effect has been concluded between the Home Owner’s Association and the owner of the remaining land (developer). This agreement will be enforceable on all future landowners.
Who will pay for game - and veld management?
The owner of the game (developer) will be responsible for wildlife management. This will include introduction of new game, aerial censuses, removal of any surpluses, water provision, game guard patrols, vegetation monitoring, veld rehabilitation, research and annual report. The Home Owners Association will contribute 20% of the monthly levy towards wildlife management.
Am I allowed to fence my stand?
In order to facilitate the free movement of game on the reserve, no fences will be allowed on stands apart from securing swimming pools.
Can I establish a waterhole for game on my stand?
Only water holes approved by the consulting ecologist will be allowed. Bird baths will, however, be encourage.
Will quad bikes be allowed?
Due to the nature of the development, no excessive noise will be allowed, which precludes the use of quad bikes on the reserve. Management activities could, however, necessitate the limited use of quad bikes by reserve management.
Are any pets allowed?
No pets will be allowed as they are deemed to be incompatible with game on the reserve.
What about the exotic plant species occurring near the recreation area?
All exotic plant species will be removed as part of the veld rehabilitation programme.
SECTION 4: GENERAL
Will something be done about the previous mining activities?
The remaining rock- and gravel dumps at the bottom of the hill will be rehabilitated after road works have been completed. The buildings used by the mineworkers are currently slated for conversion to a utility facility for laundry etc.
Can anything be done about the power lines on the property?
The developer is currently negotiating with ESKOM with regard to the 22 kVA line running northwest from the substation. The 66 kVA line entering the property from the east can, unfortunately not be moved as it supplies the substation. All roads around the substation will be blocked off while the periphery will be planted with evergreen, indigenous trees.
Will the main entrance road be upgraded?
The entrance road has been tarred.
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