MOUNT BAIN CABIN
MOUNT BAIN PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE, BAINSKLOOF PASS, WESTERN CAPE
Nordic escape...
A rare opportunity has arisen to invest in 660ha of Mount Bain Private Nature Reserve at the foot of Bainskoof Pass near Wellington, with a double-volume Nordic-style cabin overlooking the Breedekloof Valley and magnificent Mostertshoek mountain range.
Nothing short of spectacular, the setting alone is likely to sweep you off your feet, but the experience of a gentle immersion in nature is what is so special here. Minimal interiors in natural colours and textures bring the outside in, while wraparound hammocks of the deck and the romance of an outdoor bath under a starry sky will keep you coming back time and again to simply pause a while, decompress and let nature revive the soul. Luxuriously comfortable, this off-grid paradise is no longer a best-kept secret, but a much-loved weekend escape for many… and now it could be yours.
‘What attracted me to Mount Bain Cabin was that it was built in the Nordic style. I have Swedish roots – my great grandfather is Swedish. He moved to South Africa when he was 19 and a love of architecture is in the family,’ says the owner. ‘I love property. It centres you to your roots. You literally ‘feel’ the double volume and the views. We first came here on a perfect, windless day and the cabin and view took our breaths away. We had been looking for a place like Mount Bain for about two years.’
Being surrounded by Cape fynbos and the unspoiled Hawequas mountains with stupendous views all along the Breedekloof Valley makes this a year-round hideaway. ‘Our favourite seasons are autumn and winter. It’s often absolutely still out here as the seasons change and sometimes the cloud comes over the valley. Our guests love bathing outdoors above the clouds! It’s majestic. You’re close to civilisation but connected with nature. Sunrises and sunsets are incredible. Everyone loves summer but we love autumn and winter when the fynbos is at its best. Sometimes we’re treated to a dusting of snow on the Mostertshoek peaks and with retractable doors, you can sit inside next to the fire and just gaze out. It’s an “expansive” experience to laze in front of this view.’
MILLION
MOUNT BAIN CABIN
Mount Bain Private Nature Reserve, Bainskloof Pass, Western
Similar to Banghoek Reserve, Mount Bain Reserve is one of the few reserves in the Cape that gives each owner a title deed but the benefit is that the Homeowners Association is responsible for managing the 600ha, so individual owners who have never owned a farm or reserve before are assured of a good community of like-minded owners. The reality of owning a farm here is removed from the owner, as there’s a ‘safety net’ that takes care of maintenance, conservation, water supply and fire protection.
Remote workers and weekenders looking for luxury glamping in this mountain wilderness also enjoy uncapped Wi-Fi and are entirely off-grid with solar power and gas in this eco-cabin. Renovated to embrace nature and maximise its mesmerising views, a pool, hammock nets, the blissful outdoor bath and the hot tub were the first additions. The access road to the property was also improved and a 5kW solar system installed, plus a generator to top it up if needed. ‘After our renovation, we launched Mount Bain Cabin in March/April of 2022 and have not looked back since with 97% occupancy, making it a turnkey, plug-and-play business if you want to continue renting it,’ say the owners.
Plans have been drawn up to extend the cabin (it is 30m2 at the moment, 50m2 including the deck) but it’s permitted to build 120m2 under one roof, so there is scope to add an additional bedroom or build a protected courtyard, for example. This would increase nightly rates and turn it into a glorious family getaway, instead of a romantic escape for couples. There is a second plot (ask if interested), so you could build another mountain cabin with equally striking views.Levies cover all road maintenance, water supply (several sources including a borehole, spring and the river) and fire protection. The logistics of renting accommodation at a distance is seamlessly managed by an on-site management team, who live at the Bain’s Kloof Pass Bush Pub. They manage the reserve and service all guesthouses in the area. In addition, the whole Mount Bain Cabin ‘brand’ will sell with it, including a large bank of images and drone shots, as well as the Instagram account with a healthy following of over 57k currently – an excellent value-add to the sale. ‘Getting out of the city into nature is so important for us. This was the driving force behind creating this beautiful mountainside cabin, where we could escape in nature and recharge together,’ says the owner. This, and the unbeatable views that draw you back time and again to wake above the clouds or lie in bed and just listen to the sounds of nature…
Specs
• Nature reserve: 660 ha
• Erf size: 2.3 ha
• Cabin size: 30 m2
• Loft: 12 m2
• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Indoor wood burning fire place (with closed combustion oven compartment)
• Expansive 50m2 deck
• Wrap around hammock nets
• Splash pool
• Wood fired hot tub
• Outdoor shower & outdoor bath
• Gas barbeque
• Off grid with 5kva solar system and gas
• Borehole and river water
• Wifi - uncapped 20mg
• 4x4 access
• Hiking trails and river access
• Dogs permitted
• Levy: R860 per month
• Zoning: Rural Residential Zone 1
• Deeds office will not permit the property to be transferred into the name of more than one entity
• Incuded in the sale: furnishings and all business assets (including the social media pages, website, and booking platform)
www.perfecthideawaysforsale.co.za
david@perfecthideaways.co.za