Description

19Ha Farm For Sale in Stellenbosch Farms Morton Manor is certainly one of the most unique and historical properties in the Cape Winelands. This Georgian Manor House was built in 1948 by the well-known British author, travel writer and journalist, HV Morton. A property suitable for the true romantic, who loves history and privacy with the opportunity to live on your own estate. The property rubs shoulders with the well-known triad of wine estates: Vergelegen, Lourensford and neigbouring Morgenster, which could also grant an investor the opportunity to establish a similar magnificent business and tourist venture. The property consists of two title deeds. The manor house and 2 cottages is on the mountainside title deed (12,18 ha) and the second title deed borders the Lourens River (7,6 ha). Morton (1892-1979) is one of the most celebrated British authors. He journeyed to South Africa just after the Second World War in 1946 on the invitation of General Smuts to write a book on South Africa, entitled: ‘In search of South Africa’. He settled in Somerset West and built the home for his wife, Violet. The property has a very sought after location on the slopes of Schapenberg. Due to its elevated position, it enjoys magnificent views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Helderberg Basin as far as Table Mountain and the False Bay coastline. The property borders directly onto Morgenster Olive Estate on its rightside and Boskloof Eco Estate towards its back, ending onto the banks of the beautiful Lourensriver. The double storey manor of approximately 900 sq.m. offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a double garage. The entrance hall is reminiscent of a time gone by and opens to the living areas on the ground floor which include two formal lounges, a family room and dining room (all with fireplaces). The large library/study opens to an Italian sculptured garden and provides a peaceful place where the author used to sit and write. The garden is captured under the scent of the drooping purple Wisteria, to inspire wise conversation or many blissful evenings of entertainment whilst enjoying the panoramic views. The large kitchen is fitted with custom-built cabinetry and marble tops. A romantic solid wooden staircase leads to the family wing on the upper level where there are three bedrooms. The main bedroom suite has a fireplace and lounge area as well as a dressing room and opens to a balcony and a study. Also on this level, is a linen room with two bathrooms, and there is an additional one bedroom apartment with a living area and kitchen, which can be accessed internally from the upstairs landing or through a separate access point. Finishes include shutters on all the windows, high ceilings with chandeliers, original parquet floors in the living rooms and five traditional fireplaces. The front veranda has a pergola-styled terrace entwined by a beautiful pink bougainvillea. All the windows and verandas offer the most breathtaking unending vistas. The historic home is surrounded by vineyards and orchards while still bordering on the towns edge. There is an established Semillon vineyard with ample opportunity for more cultivation or development on the remaining land. The fertile soil has proven to be excellent for the growing of vegetables. Apart from the river the farm has existing water rights which is more than sufficient to fill the two existing dams and supply water for all other farming or household activities. There are also 3 stylishly decorated and income generating cottages which are separate and private from the manor house. Aside from the historic significance, the property occupies one of the most sought-after locations in the Western Cape. It offers exceptional value given its primary location amidst some of the country’s top ranked wine estates. Somerset West has top class infrastructure including medical facilities, top ranked schools and superb retail and leisure facilities. The close proximity to Cape Town airport makes it an ideal country retreat.