About this property

RIVERSIDE COTTAGE Stand 28 · Leopard Rock Game Reserve The Reserve: Arguably one of the prettiest nature reserves in the region, Leopard Rock enchants with its fecund flora and golden granite koppies (rocky outcrops) that glisten in the late afternoon sun, their hidden crevices harbouring a remarkable haven of biodiversity. The reserve spans 740 hectares in total, approximately half of which are given over entirely to wildlife with no development whatsoever. The remaining area is limited to just 45 stands. The deliberate constraint preserving the sense of living in an undeveloped wilderness. With so few properties spread across such a vast expanse, the sense of space and solitude is absolute. There is a single commercial Game Lodge on the estate which is always useful for an overspill of visiting guests you might have to stay. Leopard Rock is expressly not Big 5 so that one is able to own pets (subject to approval), enjoy the pleasure of taking walks or jogging within the reserve (jogging safari's :) The reserve is exceptionally well managed by a self-elected Body Corporate which has consistently performed exceptionally well in keeping the estate funds on a sound financial footing, operating under fair and transparent rules, maintaining roads and fences to a very high standard and managing the world-class 24/7 guarded entrance and a state-of-the-art biometric access system. The reserve benefits from it's own reliable boreholes where water is charged to owners by monthly meter readings. Stand 28: Stand 28 is exceptional for several compelling reasons. Measuring 1.044 hectares (10,044m²), it runs along the Shabeni River which notably, despite the severe floods that recently caused the river to burst its banks, the water level did not reach the pool terrace and the property sustained absolutely no damage. The beautiful mature trees along the river line offer welcome shade hosting a myriad of birdlife. The stand is one of several “floating” stands on the estate, meaning it shares no boundary with neighbouring one hectare stands the nearest neighbours being some 182 metres away affording complete privacy. Stands are carefully positioned to minimise light pollution from one another. With that in mind, stand 28 is positioned on a sloping parcel at the edge of the estate, facing directly onto the protected and wholly wild portion of the reserve. One feels immersed in the bush enjoying the gift of splendid isolation. On a new moon enjoy utter darkness with no artificial light impinging whatsoever — a rare luxury in today’s world. The stand benefits from a large roofed shed, easily convertible into a garage and the plot conveniently features a through-road with two entrances and exits as servitude. Riverside Cottage: Architecturally designed with equal regard for aesthetics and functionality. The cottage sits raised above ground level enhancing both safety and outlook over the surrounding bush. Compact at 56m², it makes excellent use of every square metre through intelligent design and well-considered storage solutions. The layout encompasses a wide raised terrace perfect for lounging or alfresco dining whilst enjoying views directly to the tall trees and river bank below where a herd of Nyala and a lone Duiker are often observed. "Palace quality" sliding doors lead one directly into the good-sized living room, and raised bedroom platform, beyond a few steps up lead to the dressing area with two double wardrobes, a comfortable office for two persons working simultaneously, a bathroom with shower, W.C. and vanity unit flooded with natural light through the skylight above, a well-equipped kitchen with ample storage throughout. Kitchen: The kitchen is fitted with integrated Smeg appliances — hob, oven, fridge/freezer and dishwasher along with integrated waste bins (emptied via an outdoor hatch) and a full-height wall of cupboards housing hidden electrical sockets that keep the air-fryer, microwave and other appliances plugged in and ready to use out of sight and off the counter. Plumbing for a washing machine is also included. Living in the Bush: Expansive glazed sliding doors, glazed panels and windows dissolve the boundary between inside and out, bringing the African bush directly into your living space. All sliding doors and windows are fitted with integrated insect screens. The result is a simply spectacular place to live and work — climate-controlled and secure, yet utterly immersed in the wild, with untrammelled wildlife going about its daily business just beyond the glass. For guests, the property offers a spectacular “tree-tops” stilted tent overlooking the tree’d canopy and Shabeni river with a large decked seating area reached via a treelined walkway along the river, set far enough away from the main house so as to offer adequate privacy however near enough to feel integrated with the cottage and pool/boma areas. A separate wooden cabin offers more storage solutions. The Pool Terrace & Boma Running along the river, the outdoor living space is nothing short of exceptional. The swimming pool, designed by the same architectural designer features a truly original “lounging beach” - a unique and captivating centrepiece comprising a shallow-water beach, a seating area, and a queen-sized daybed platform for lounging and napping. Magnificent and enchanting in equal measure. The expansive terrace is an entertainer’s dream: large enough to host gatherings of up to 50 guests, yet zoned with such thoughtfulness that it feels perfectly intimate for two or four persons. Offering several "BRAAI" (barbecue) options, a large outdoor kitchen, and generous lounging areas all of which make this a comprehensive outdoor living space for eating, lounging, entertaining and sleeping all set seamlessly along the riverbank.Enjoy parties big or small, day or night, sundowners or lazy afternoons in the African bush. At the heart of the entertainment area sits the Boma, a traditional South African gathering space centred around a large fire pit, ideal for an evening braai or fireside conversation, whether for an intimate evening or a larger celebration. The pool room offers housing for pool equipment and good general storage space. Leopard Rock Game Reserve · Stand 28 · Riverside Cottage