About this property

Situated in a peaceful designated nature reserve estate at Vaalkop Dam in the North West Province, this superb bush house which sleeps 8 people, is a dream for nature-lovers, a wonderful place to share with family and friends. A perfect place to "just be", enjoying the magical range of natural delights including a wide variety of birds, trees, kudu, impala, mongooses, insects, magnificent dark starry skies, and safe places to walk, cycle and take bush-drives including into the adjacent NWPB Bird Sanctuary. The 70-hectare estate currently comprises 26 developed stands. The area is officially rated amongst South Africa’s top birding destinations, and the Dam is an important aspect of the eco-system. The Estate is access-controlled, and an on-site security service includes nocturnal armed and canine patrols. Within easy walking distance, at the estate office area, is a large swimming pool for use by members and their guests. HOUSE SUMMARY: This superb 4-bedroomed bush house is on an unfenced one hectare stand and is designed with large circular rooms in the “rural African” design theme, with lots of big windows to maximise light and the view. Double storey designed with living areas upstairs and utility, storage and service areas downstairs. Upper floor living and kitchen area is open plan with a large central fireplace which efficiently warms up the area in winter. The chimney forms part of the thatch-roof support. The open-plan kitchen includes a large central granite-topped kitchen counter, combined with a custom-built gas stove incorporating a high-pressure wok burner and a teppanyaki style stainless steel frying surface with gradient temperature. In-built concrete housing for dishwasher and a Solar Dom oven (both included), with built-in wood shelving and drawers, including 2 fridges. Gas geyser supplies hot water. The large walk-in pantry includes in-built shelving. The large private circular study room has custom-designed and -built wood shelving and cupboards, incorporating a beautiful semi-circular desk incorporated into the wall shelving. Two Guest rondavels linked to the main house Two free-standing guest chalets (en suite) are connected to main house via walkways; this design is to enhance privacy for guests. Each guest rondavel has its own private and covered deck. Rondavels include en-suite with internal and external showers (2 per rondavel), gas-geysers. The largest rondavel has a built-in cupboard; the other rondavel has a free-standing cupboard. Headboards include soft covered headrest and built-in bedside lights and plugs. Lower level A wide staircase to the lower level takes one to the utilities and storage areas, includes laundry with built-in double laundry sink, washing machine and dryer, and ironing table. The large linen room includes built-in shelving. Free-standing steel shelving in the wine room. The garage can easily handle 4 cars and includes a large, motorised door opening mechanism, backed up by a UPS. Included is a very well-equipped workshop, geared towards house and vehicle maintenance. Also included, a good supply of spares for the house. LP gas-driven generator for ultimate convenience and durability. Basement also has 2 x 5000 litre water tanks with a 3-stage water pump to drive the fire hose reels in case of fire, also handy should the water supply fail. Free-standing steel shelving is included. General: Gas mains, including 6 x 48 kg gas bottles outside of the building. All windows and outside doors are aluminium with laminated glass to improve thermal insulation and ensure that no burglar bars spoil the view. Cavity walls used for external walls for improved thermal insulation. For privacy and sunlight control, some windows have blinds (venetian or roller) Upper floor is tinted concrete with a non-slip wood float finish. Wheelchair friendly upper floor and the guest chalets, including the walkway access to the house from the driveway. Walkways and decks are constructed from UV-resistant American plastic decking, as no South African plastic decking lasts The house has a weather station (Davis Vantage Pro) that is also accessible on the internet. The Wi-Fi link includes a dish with 2 routers. There is a DSTv dish, with a decoder. Two external fire-hose reels All outside doors are master-keyed for convenience. All inside doors are solid wood and are taller than standard to emphasise the internal roof height. Three of the four bedrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, all geysers are driven by gas, with mixer valves. Seven showers in total. Remote-controlled ceiling fans in the guest rondavels and private study Walls are finished in sealed sand-and-cement bagged, Most wall-light fittings are imported, and artistically designed.