The Crossways Farm Village has just been approved by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism. It has a value of R3,4bn and will be built on the edge of the Van Stadens River canyon close to Port Elizabeth.
The national Department of Agriculture also approved it earlier.
The project could turn the lifestyle development environment with its high maintenance costs on its head as the farming will generate a profit which could be used to lower residents’ monthly levies.
The profit will be shared in equal parts by the home owners association (HOA), the farm management and the farm workers.
The aim of this development is to offer a lifestyle which isn’t necessarily exclusive in terms of financial abilities, says Dr Chris Mulder, one of the main shareholders and the concept’s developer.
He says there’s growing interest in a farming lifestyle in the US, and it could also take root in SA.
“The motto ‘farming is the new golf’ is busy gaining ground everywhere, especially with those that are concerned about the environment.”
He says many golf estates in America are experiencing problems due to the high maintenance costs of the gold courses. “Research shows that 83% of residents at golf estates don’t actually play golf. They stay there because they like the lifestyle.”
Crossways will offer a similar lifestyle with the benefit that the farming won’t be a financial burden, but a source of income. It will even be possible for residents to buy their own cows and owners will receive a monthly cheque for the milk.
The development will straddle the N1 and form part of an existing dairy farm. The dairy farm will be expanded to nearly 170 ha of the total property of 560 ha. It entails a modern dairy for the enlarged herd of about 500 Holstein stud cows.
Crossways is preparing to launch some 780 residential units, which will cover almost the whole income and housing spectrum.
Stand prices will range between R200k and R1,5m for sizes between 200sqm and 10,000sqm. The stands come with approved building plans.
Mulder says 15% of the stands are aimed at the affordable housing segment.
The development will have its own mini municipality that will be managed by the future HOA. It will provide all the vital services – including electricity, water, garbage removal and sanitation – to residents.
The official launch will be held in September. – Elma Kloppers, Sake24
Readers' Comments Have a comment about this article? Email us now.
I have just received news regarding this new farming project that has been proposed near PE. Could you let me have details regarding the housing facilities in the areas. This looks like a brilliant idea, and I hope it goes really well. – Jenny
I think that it is high time that SA looked at offering "Kibbutz" like lifestyles for those who are interested. It may well be the answer to the current unemployment and housing dilemma faced by us. – Terry
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