SUMMERFIELD ESTATE
A short 3 km (tar-strip) road from the R103 takes one winding up a hill to “Summerfield” - a magnificent, class-of-its-own estate. Numerous pockets of indigenous bush (with over 300 yellowwoods, blackwoods and white stinkwoods) form a large part of the 356 ha farm as well as extensive hay lands, lush kikuyu pastures and 36 ha timber.
Summerfield Estate has a rich heritage of wildlife such as bush and reedbuck, lynx, serval, porcupine, samango monkey, mongoose, otter, long-crested eagle, narina trojan and the endangered Cape Parrot. 1 km of Lions River frontage, 11 dams (some with rainbow trout) and a strong borehole ensures an abundant water supply all year round. The largest dam, complete with wooden jetty and island gazebo, makes a lovely picnic venue with a large backdrop of indigenous bush reflected in its quiet waters.
This totally private and secure farm borders the prestigious Michaelhouse school to the north-west and has expansive views of the Central Drakensburg to the west. Nestling amongst the indigenous bush are two character homesteads with steep-pitched iron roofs and large rooms. Sweeping kikuyu lawns extend around both homes and 2 large koi ponds make a special feature in the park-like garden. The main home comprises of 4 bedrooms, 2 lounges with jetmasters, separate dining room, study, 2 bathrooms - one with skylight, a large well-appointed kitchen plus scullery. The second home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 lounges with jetmasters, dining area and kitchen as well as a flatlet. Both homes have spacious front verandas overlooking the Balgowan valley and large lily pond respectively.
A stone’s throw from the main house are 4 delightful thatched cottages (one en-suite with kitchenette) dwarfed by towering white stinkwoods and natural bush. All the cottages face onto a large, fibre-glass pool surrounded by kikuyu lawns.
Outbuildings are plentiful: 3 large sheds, workshop with pit, 4 tool rooms, vet room, pig sties, calf / sheep pens, 5 garages and 7 solid stone stables built by Italian prisoners-of-war. The staff houses are a few hundred metres away from the farmyard and comprise of 4 cottages with bathrooms and 7 single rooms with ablution facilities.
White post-and-rail fencing extends around the entire homestead area and good fences separate the various cattle / sheep paddocks. Summerfield is not limited to being merely a livestock farm or gentleman’s residence but also lends itself to becoming a unique and spectacular golfing estate or prime horse stud farm. Seasons are refreshingly distinct here with the lush greens of summer, fiery russets of autumn, cold invigorating winters with the occasional snowstorm - transforming the estate into its own winter wonderland — then followed by the crisp, light-green growth of spring and a brand new season.
Afternoon walks with the dogs or leisurely horse riding are not only delightful but safe with everywhere a scenic trail to follow. Being in this haven gives one the contented feeling of being away from it all yet it’s a mere 15 min to Nottingham Road, 20 min to Howick and 45 min to Pietermartizburg which also has Oribi Airport. Durban and Johannesburg are one and a half and 5 hours away respectively.
Summerfield is truly one of the most magnificent farms in the KZN midlands and falls within some of South Africa’s prime and most sought-after properties, not only providing an excellent investment opportunity but the quality of life only few can experience.