542ha Equestrian Estate on Cape Town’s Northern Growth Corridor in Philadelphia's Heartland

Positioned at a particularly convenient point on Cape Town’s northern edge, the property enjoys proximity to Philadelphia, the Northern Suburbs, Malmesbury and the broader West Coast, while remaining firmly connected to the metropolitan economy. A scenic back-road drive via the historic village of Philadelphia provides an appealing and practical alternative route into the Northern Suburbs, offering a sense of countryside transition without sacrificing accessibility. Its location along the N7 growth corridor places the farm within easy reach of Cape Town, avoiding much of the congestion associated with the N1, and is further reinforced by a ±2.2 km boundary running parallel to the N7, enhancing visibility, exposure and long-term strategic optionality. The property is also situated in reasonable proximity to the planned Winelands Airport (targeted for completion around 2028), a development expected to strengthen regional connectivity and long-term land values further, subject to final approvals and implementation.

Established Equestrian Use with Proven Infrastructure

The farm is home to the Cape Hunt Club, a long-standing institution that utilises the property for winter drag hunts and equestrian activities. The land and infrastructure have evolved around active use rather than speculation, resulting in a fully functional equestrian environment.

Whether starting the day with morning dressage in the arena, enjoying a midday hack across the open land, or venturing into afternoon jumps on the cross-country course, the property offers a well-rounded equestrian experience. Existing facilities include multiple stable complexes, expansive riding areas, and paddocks, making the property immediately suitable for equestrian operations and naturally suited to future estate planning.

Architectural Character, Heritage Interest and Sense of Place

Adding further depth to the property is the presence of an established farmhouse, which functions as the Cape Hunt Club clubhouse, together with associated traditional farm buildings that reflect the understated vernacular architecture of the region. The farmhouse has attracted the interest of the Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa, a respected body dedicated to the study and documentation of traditional and indigenous built environments. Members of the Society have visited the property and provided feedback to the Seller, recognising the authentic rural proportions, construction techniques and architectural character that contribute to the farm’s distinctive sense of place.

This architectural layer adds genuine depth and authenticity to the property, offering scope for sensitive restoration, adaptive reuse, or incorporation into a future estate concept, should a purchaser wish to retain and celebrate the farm’s historical fabric. Such heritage interest enhances the experiential quality of the land without imposing formal constraints, provided any future development is approached thoughtfully and in line with statutory processes.

Water, Services and Strategic Infrastructure Context

Water is supplied via two registered boreholes on the property; one is currently operational and has historically been sufficient for the equestrian facilities, kennels, staff accommodation, and domestic use. Seasonal dams supplement water availability during the winter months. No hydrogeological survey has been conducted to date, and any expansion of water use would be subject to further investigation and relevant statutory approvals, with current abstraction aligned with the operational needs of the existing equestrian and agricultural activities on the farm.

While municipal water is not currently connected, the bulk municipal supply infrastructure lies close to one of the farm boundaries, and a major Eskom power line runs only a few hundred metres from the property. Together, these factors materially strengthen the long-term development outlook and reduce future infrastructure risk, subject to due diligence and municipal processes.

Agricultural Use, Land Composition and Scale

A substantial portion of the property, approximately 265 hectares, is currently utilised for commercial dryland cultivation and is subject to an existing agricultural lease. This productive component supports established crop production, including wheat and canola, while providing consistent operational use of the land.

The balance of the farm, extending well beyond the cultivated area, remains largely undeveloped for intensive agriculture and retains its open rural character. This portion of the land accommodates equestrian use, grazing, riding routes and open space, while preserving significant flexibility for future planning, estate layout or land-banking strategies. The scale and configuration of the land allow agricultural activity and equestrian use to coexist without compromising long-term optionality.

Water, Services and Strategic Infrastructure Context

Water is supplied via boreholes on the property, one of which is currently operational and has historically been sufficient for the equestrian facilities, kennels, staff accommodation and domestic use associated with the farmhouse and cottages. Seasonal dams supplement water availability during the winter months. No hydrogeological survey has been conducted to date, and any expansion of water usage would be subject to further investigation and the relevant statutory approvals.

While municipal water is not currently connected, bulk municipal supply infrastructure lies close to one of the farm boundaries, and a major Eskom power line runs only a few hundred metres from the property. Together, these factors materially strengthen the long-term development outlook and reduce future infrastructure risk, subject to due diligence and municipal processes.

Income While You Plan

The property benefits from established lease income from agricultural use and equestrian-related activities, providing meaningful holding value while pursuing long-term planning and value appreciation. The existing agricultural lease utilises a defined portion of the land. At the same time, the remainder supports equestrian operations and open-space use, creating a balanced income and land-use profile rather than a single-purpose holding.

This structure allows a purchaser to generate cash flow without constraining future development, equestrian expansion or land-banking strategies as the metropolitan edge continues to advance northwards.

Long-Term Development Vision and Land-Banking Potential

With the City of Cape Town’s northern growth trajectory steadily advancing toward Philadelphia, Malmesbury and the West Coast, this property presents a compelling long-term land-banking opportunity.

Neighbouring developments, including Hunter’s Valley Estate, have already established the area as a desirable equestrian and lifestyle destination. The sheer scale of this farm allows for the potential development of an upmarket equestrian estate, potentially exceeding existing developments in exclusivity, layout and land-to-home ratios, subject to feasibility studies, environmental processes and planning approvals.

Smallholding-sized portions clustered around equestrian facilities, green corridors and riding trails represent a logical long-term vision in a market where demand for secure lifestyle estates continues to intensify as the metropolitan edge expands northwards.

Income While You Plan

The property benefits from established lease income from agricultural use and equestrian-related activities, with a substantial portion of the land currently under cultivation under an existing agricultural lease. This structure provides meaningful holding income while preserving flexibility for long-term planning and value appreciation.

This combination of income while you plan builds a valuable and strategic proposition:

Immediate cash flow from interim rental income gives you financial security from the outset.

Current equestrian use ensures immediate operational functionality, attracting equestrian operators and enthusiasts.

Strategic metropolitan proximity to Cape Town and the burgeoning northern corridor keeps you connected and accessible.

Future development potential provides a visionary payoff, with the scope to transform the farm into a premier estate, offering unmatched exclusivity and lifestyle.

Buildings, Facilities and Existing Improvements

Improvements on the property comprise a well-established agricultural and equestrian infrastructure base, including the main farmhouse, which functions as the Cape Hunt Club clubhouse, a separate long barn, a renovated cottage, a large oat-hay store, multiple general store buildings, two silos, and former tractor and cow sheds converted into stabling, including nine enclosed stables. A purpose-built kennel complex for the Cape Hunt hounds, constructed with approved municipal plans, forms part of the permanent operational setup. Equestrian facilities include a dressage arena, a show-jumping arena, a lunging ring and an established cross-country course, integrated with paddocks, riding routes and open land. Residential accommodation comprises several cottages, one of which is occupied by a contracted security service provider. Boreholes and seasonal dams support ongoing operations.

A Rare Proposition

Where else can one acquire over 500 hectares on the doorstep of Cape Town, with significant N7 frontage, equestrian heritage, established infrastructure, and genuine long-term development potential?

This is not simply a farm. It is an equestrian legacy asset, a strategic land-bank, and a future estate in waiting.

The Seller is a VAT-registered entity. The purchase price is exclusive of VAT, and VAT will be payable in lieu of Transfer Duty, subject to the provisions of the VAT Act.