Articles Nature and Conservation Sandile's Rest
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In early 2006, Grant Wylie from Mpumalanga purchased a section of land to the extent of 140ha with the idea of developing a tourist resort within the boundaries. Now three years later, a trout dam has been excavated and stocked, roads made, 3 phase electricity and water installed at the demarcated cabin sites, and the manager’s house and office have already been completed.
A Business Developer by profession, the initial idea started purely as a commercial venture, but over time, this has become his absolute passion and he has committed himself to making Sandile’s Rest an ecologically structured resort.
Before each site is cleared for building, the area is scrutinized for indigenous plants and trees which are removed and placed in bags, waiting the time that they can be replanted around the cabins. It is this sort of care to detail that puts Sandile’s Rest above the average. Not a single item is wasted as the gum trees removed are then treated, all with eco friendly products, and go through a long and time consuming process before they are utilized for building. The fact that a eucalyptus tree with the diameter of 600mm can draw up to 600 litres of water per day and also from as deep as 30m, show why this species has been categorized as invasive and can only be grown commercially in demarcated areas. Off cuts are logged and stored as each cabin is fitted with a jet master fireplace for the cold winter evenings. The end result is a stunning 3 bedroom, all en suite, Canadian style cabin built with the entire log. Spacious lounges, open plan kitchens and spectacular views will set this resort apart.
Several plans are in the pipeline for Sandile’s rest. Game fencing has already been installed for a distance of 11.5km ensuring the safety of the already existing duiker, blue duiker and bush buck. After having investigated other animals indigenous to this area, Grant would like to stock his property ensuring their safety and survival. He has already ascertained that there are Amothola Barbus a small fish native to this area, in the Isidenge River and plans at all costs to look after them. Stocking only rainbow trout which are triploids, should they manage to get into the river, they will at least not be able to breed. Grant is not only interested in wild life, but has already set out paths through sections of the indigenous forest and had many of the trees labeled with the scientific, English and Xhosa name, enabling visitors to learn while taking a leisurely stroll. ‘Old Yellow’ is the find of the district as DWAF was ecstatic when he stumbled upon this ancient Yellowwood which has a 6ft girth and is estimated to be in the region of 600 years old. Another project underway at present is the revitalization of a small wetland, with walkways and viewing platforms for avid bird watchers. Easy trails across bridges and through the forest lead to nooks and crannies such as ‘Yellowwood Corner’ where a bench will be placed, and a perfect spot at the river’s edge beside a waterfall.
For a holiday venue, Sandile’s Rest will be a haven. Only 21km from Stutterheim, arriving at the cabins will feel as though one is in a private sanctuary and the days will be spent trout or bass fishing (both on a catch and release system), horse riding, mountain biking or simply walking through the beautiful, pristine forest. So watch this space, as in early 2010 the first cabins will be ready and we are all sure that Sandile’s Rest will become the spotlight of the Eastern Cape.
Contact: Grant Wylie 082 784 0906 |