WILD: EASTERN FREE STATE HIGHLANDS
For lovers of golf, fishing and nature, this 2,000-acre valley and mountain estate might appeal. Located in the South African Eastern Free State Highlands, the property is just outside the artists' town of Clarens, and is surrounded by some of the country's most attractive landscapes.
Golden Gate National Park is 30 kilometres away.
The estate includes 250 acres of farmland, 600 acres of fenced game land, a dam, six waterfalls and a trout-breeding ground. There's a tea room and coffee shop under construction.
While the farm land produces some income, the real potential lies in tourism, according to listing agent Marcel Brouwers, who says sale properties in Clarens are scarce.
About 20,000 tourists visit the town each weekend, he adds.
At an altitude of 1,450 metres, the property has a climate comfortable for golf and is near many courses. Green fees run about $10 for 18 holes.
Buildings on the property include a former military hospital converted into a bed and breakfast, several cottages and a log cabin.
Asking price: $970,000 (U.S.).
WILDER: FREE STATE MIDLANDS
Hunters who like the idea of shooting game in Africa might consider a real challenge of running a game lodge in the Free State Midlands of South Africa.
Located in Senekal, less than a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, this 2,470-acre farm includes a shooting range, grass runway, complete slaughtering facilities with cool room and trophy salting room, 11 furnished units to sleep 35 guests, camping facilities for 15 caravans and various vehicles, including a double-cab hunting truck.
The most enduring feature is the 24 species and 1,700 head of game, says listing agent Marcel Brouwers, in Schwalmtal, Germany. Game includes buffalo, reedbuck, white rhino, giraffe and baboons.
The property includes a 90-seat restaurant. "The Buffalo Inn Restaurant could be run much better by a Canadian cook with a good experience in French style cooking," Mr. Brouwers says. "It would become a famous place for the region."
The hotel, restaurant and hunting operations produced a profit of 555,000 rand in 2002 ($106,350 Canadian), Mr. Brouwers says.
South Africa's government offers a variety of generous tax incentives to the tourism industry, he adds.
Asking price $570,000 (U.S.).