Mount Bain Cabin, Mount Bain Private Nature Reserve, Bainskloof Pass, Western Cape

A rare business 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.

Currently thriving in the short-stay rental market, and with a passionate social media following of nature-loving guests, Mount Bain Cabin is an exciting turnkey, ‘plug-and-play’ business for anyone wanting to continue with rentals. The setting itself is nothing short of spectacular. The mountain views alone are 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.

Beyond the ordinary

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 660ha, so individual owners who have never owned a farm or reserve before are assured of a good community of like-minded owners – a ‘safety net’ that takes care of maintenance, conservation, water supply and fire protection.

Escape above the clouds

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.’

Nordic heritage

‘What attracted me to Mount Bain Cabin was that it was built in the Nordic style. I have Swedish roots – my 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.’

Immersed in nature

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 access to generator, if needed. ‘After our renovation, we launched Mount Bain Cabin in March/April of 2022 and have not looked back since with 97% occupancy – a tried-and-tested business model should you want to continue renting it,’ say the owners.

Potential for expansion

Plans have been drawn up to extend the cabin (it is 30m² at the moment, 50m² including the deck) but owners are permitted to build 160m² under one roof with a further allowance of 60m² for a balcony or deck, bringing the total to 220m², so there is scope to add an additional bedroom or build a protected courtyard, for example. This would increase nightly rates, significantly build the business 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
• 4×4 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
• Included in the sale: furnishings and all business assets (including the social media pages, website, and booking platform)

For more information on Bainskloof, the hidden jewel of the Cape Winelands click here

To view the property brochure please click here

For more information on Perfect Hideaways Invest, please click here

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