Farm for sale
Embrace true Karoo farming life near Cookhouse and Somerset East — private, river-fed irrigation rights from the Great Fish River and an on-site hunting lodge; farmhouse plus flatlet.
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Wilgenfontein — a name that tells a story. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape Karoo, this magnificent 762.8845-hectare farm in the Sheldon area of the Cookhouse District has been owned and managed by the same family trust since 1998. Now offered to the market for the first time in over 25 years, this is a rare and compelling opportunity to acquire one of the Eastern Cape's most complete Karoo farming properties.
Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Great Karoo — with its vast thorn tree plains, mixed Karoo bush, open grasslands and ancient riverbeds fed by the Great Fish River — Wilgenfontein is far more than a farm. It is a way of life. Whether you are an experienced farmer, a hunting enthusiast, a lifestyle buyer or an astute investor, this property delivers on every level.
LOCATION & ACCESS
Situated in the Sheldon area along the Somerset East Road, within the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality, the farm enjoys excellent access via the R400 and R350 routes linking Cookhouse, Middleton and the broader Eastern Cape farming corridor. The town of Cookhouse provides essential services, while Somerset East (approximately 45 km) and Cradock offer commercial, medical and schooling facilities. Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is approximately 2.5 hours by road, making this a highly accessible yet wonderfully private Karoo retreat.
LAND & VEGETATION
The farm showcases the finest characteristics of the Eastern Cape Karoo — a superb blend of mixed Karoo bush, open grassland and outstanding thorn tree plains. The diverse vegetation supports a wide range of livestock and wildlife species throughout all seasons, and the undulating terrain provides both productive grazing paddocks and natural shelter. Ideal for beef, sheep and goat farming, the land is sensitively managed and in excellent condition.
CAMPS & FARMING INFRASTRUCTURE
The farm is well subdivided into 18 fenced camps for efficient rotational livestock management:
WATER SUPPLY & IRRIGATION
This farm holds one of the most coveted water assets in the region — registered irrigation rights out of the Great Fish River. In an area where water security is paramount, Wilgenfontein stands apart.
RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS
Main Farmhouse:
A comfortable 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom main farmhouse that captures the spirit of Eastern Cape farm living — complete with a farmhouse kitchen, lounge, TV room and a braai room for entertaining.
Flatlet:
A well-appointed 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom flatlet with its own kitchen and lounge — ideal for a farm manager, extended family, or additional guests.
HUNTING LODGE
A hunting lodge is positioned among the farm's outstanding thorn tree plains, offering an authentic experience for hunting guests. This facility presents an immediate income-generating opportunity through hosted hunting packages or can serve as a private retreat for family and friends.
WILDLIFE
Wilgenfontein is home to a variety of free-ranging game species that add substantial value to the property for both hunting and eco-tourism:
AREA ATTRACTIONS & FARMING COMMUNITY
The Cookhouse and Blue Crane Route district is one of the Eastern Cape's most dynamic agricultural and tourism corridors, attracting serious farmers, international hunters and lifestyle buyers from around the world:
PROPERTY DETAILS
Registration DivisionSomerset East RD
MunicipalityBlue Crane Route Local Municipality
ProvinceEastern Cape
Land Size (Registered)762.8845 ha
UsageAgriculture
Monthly RatesR 261.81
ServitudeUnclassified Rural — 15 000 m2
GPS Coordinates-33.042843, 25.874205
Disclaimer : no animals included.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a fully operational, water-rich Karoo farm in one of the Eastern Cape's most scenic and productive agricultural districts. Owned by the same family for over 25 years and now offered to the market for the first time. Contact Clayton and Renier at Home and Hectare (BKB) to arrange your private viewing — genuine enquiries only.
Listed for sale at R10,690,000
Somerset East is a prime agricultural region characterized by its diverse topography and reliable water sources from the Great Fish River, making it highly suitable for intensive livestock farming, citrus production, and irrigated crop cultivation.
