Cinderella joins the flyfishing ball
High-lying Belfast, once the “Cinderella” of the Mpumalanga trout triangle, is definitely not out in the cold any more.
It has attracted several new developments in recent months, the latest of which is Highland Country Lodge, an eco-estate adjoining the local nine-hole golf course.
Aimed at flyfishermen and outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a peaceful country retreat, this 12ha estate will offer 60 units in four phases, the first of which will be completed by the end of October and the second in April next year, says developer Graeme Cassells.
He also notes that the underlying philosophy at Highland Country Lodge will be to avoid over-commercialisation. “Many of the neighbouring flyfishing hotspots have become so popular that the rural atmosphere is compromised. The direction we are taking is to keep the development ‘soft’ and to retain a country feel.”
The estate boasts a 3ha trout dam, stocked and maintained by the Belfast Flyfishing Association, and is set in one of the most bio-diverse areas in the country. “Our environmental impact assessment revealed that this area has more plant species than the fabled Cape fynbos biome and is second only to the flora of the Renosterveld. The rolling grasslands hide many floral treasures such as orchids, wild irises, nasturtiums and agapanthus,” says Cassells.
“We have also identified small pockets of undisturbed grasslands, affectionately known as our grassy knolls, that will be protected at all costs, and development will not encroach on the 100-year flood plain. The pristine grasslands are also home to a wide variety of birds, such as the majestic blue crane, while there is an abundance of waterfowl on the many expanses of natural water features.
“To limit impact, we plan very limited landscaping around individual units, which will be built in the old Eastern Transvaal architectural style, featuring green corrugated iron roofs, exposed roof trusses at the gable ends, white filigree work and rock accents. Units will be dotted around the estate to create a farm atmosphere.”
The estate is being marketed on a sole mandate by the Chas Everitt International office in Pretoria East and agent Liz Millard says buyers can choose between two-bedroom and three-bedroom simplexes or four-bedroom duplexes.
Prices start at R836 000 for two-bedroom units. Depending on position relative to the dam, three-bedroom units will costs from R880 000 upwards and the duplexes will cost from R1,19-million.
She notes that Belfast is still largely undiscovered as a leisure destination, but that the town and environs offer a plethora of outdoor activities, including flyfishing, birding, abseiling, paragliding, and rowing on the many dams in the area - where Olympic rowers come to train because of the high altitude. “And then there is golf on the Belfast course, which has the distinction of having the highest elevation of all courses in South Africa. The town also hosts an annual flower and trout festival that attracts visitors from far afield.”
Belfast is about two hours’ drive from Pretoria on the N4 highway and the town has a landing strip for light aircraft.
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For further information call Brenda Smith at
Chas Everitt International Bryanston on 011 463 2033
or visit www.chaseveritt.com