for charging cell phones, etc. It’s all up to
the home owner’s preference and pocket. In
keeping with people’s desire for technology,
most of Boschhoek has good cellular signal,
and where it doesn’t, an inexpensive satellite
link is possible.
‘Having our own water and electricity supply
makes us pretty self-sufficient. With a monthly
levy of around R1,000, property rates of around
R12 per month, no electricity accounts and free
basic water provision, one can live here for just
over R1,000 per month,’ says Herbert.
‘Maintaining economic sustainability is
crucial, with a need to keep levies as low
as possible, especially as these are mostly
second properties.’ To do this, Jandre has
been empowered to run his own business as
well as handling additional maintenance tasks
for owners in conjunction with being estate
manager.
This keeps the costs down for the estate.
They also use the resources on the estate to
generate income, such as selling off excess
game, cutting, baling and selling the grass on
the savanna portion of the land, and selling
firewood. This income goes into the levy kitty
and goes a long way to keep levies low.
‘The property has been a farm since the 1880s and has been supporting families for more than
100 years, so there’s no reason it cannot continue to do this into the future,’ says Herbert.
From a management perspective, Herbert explains that the homeowners association was handed
over to home owners within three months of the first property transfer.
The board and HOA make decisions for the estate, he explained, but added: ‘I do keep an eye
out, but it’s important to me that owners take control of the estate. We’ve essentially gathered
a bunch of people here who are fairly like-minded, who absolutely love the bush and who buy
into the minimalistic and rustic concept that is Boschhoek while giving owners the choice of a
tiny bush retreat or an expansive lodge. Boschhoek is a place where families reunite, where
a grandfather shows his grandson the ant lion in the sand. It is also a place where we, our
children and our children’s children may find reality and healing, as well as meaning in a world
that increasingly buries itself in layer upon layer of make-believe. There is realness in the tracks
under the dappled shade of a wild syringa tree, which no smart phone, pod or pad could ever
aspire to touch. At Boschhoek we strive for reality and essence, a back-to-nature approach as
opposed to the “glitz and glamour” often found elsewhere in the bush.’
Herbert’s commitment to Boschhoek doesn’t only stem from his role as developer – his passion
for the bush is also visible in his own lovely rustic bush abode built on stilts overlooking a dam
and the mountains. ‘I’ll grow old here,’ he says with a smile.
. . .
boschhoekmountain.co.za
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INDUSTRY JOURNAL