At some stage, usually while sat in bumper to bumper traffic, every city-dwelling Capetonian has wondered about packing it in and moving somewhere quieter.

A fresh start, a more laidback lifestyle, hopes of living off the land and just, like, getting in touch with the inner self again, you know?

Sorry, I’ve been watching Joe van Niekerk’s Instagram videos recently. They’re addictive.

So there’s a spot for sale in Montagu, which is about two and a half hours from Cape Town, that has plenty of potential.

The Property24 listing for the 14-bedroom (yes, 14), 14-bathroom, 2 434 m² property says it’s ideal for anybody who has ever entertained the idea of owning a guesthouse.

Clearly, now might not be a perfect time, given that pesky pandemic and all, but it’s a long-term plan:

Set in the centre of town – this double storey building is in need of a facelift. Built in the late 1800’s on a large stand, the building has a solid structure with a private back garden and a good sized pool.

Large rooms with solid wooden floors and high ceilings are perfect for a bed and breakfast operation. Garages and carports behind the building offer secure parking.

Not into the hospitality game? The ground floor was originally used as retail shops ….. Use your imagination and transform this area into a maze of eclectic shops and trendy cafés.

Design a penthouse for yourself on the 1st floor and enjoy the vibe of your creation!

The bedrooms are simple, but again, there are 14 of them:

I did a very brief search on Property24 for listings in Gardens, Oranjezicht, Vredehoek, and Tamboerskloof, to see what a similar price range would yield.

Two-bedroom apartments abound, although there was a three-bedroom, and even a four-bedroom, in that range.

Not quite country living is it, though? See the full Montagu listing here.

Let’s finish with a message from Big Joe:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Discovering the balance within BALANCE is a goal worth striving for in life . I feel that BALANCE for me has at times feldt more elusive than a steady or solid part of my existence . You see by nature I am an all or nothing kind of guy . Can you relate ? I have lived a life of extremes . I played pro sport for many years each week we were exposed to many ups and downs . Just like in our lives we have numerous trials and tribulations . My philosophy back then was play ,party hard and this rolled out for many years . I found that I enjoyed flirting with death whether that was consciously or unconsciously it was my reality . Whatever I take up I want to explore to the extreme many times having to learn those lessons the hard way . In Imperial buddhist teachings BALANCE is said to be the MIDDLE WAY , the path of least resistance . I feel that through this incarnation I am here to learn this way of life . The middle way being a way of life and a path to wisdom . I love the principal and intellectually I grasp the concept however practically it is not always so . As we evolve consciously we begin to observe the nature of reality and we see at the source of existence there is absolute perfection . If we are PEACE at the soul center then surely finding a more equanimous and balanced path is totally possible.

A post shared by Joe Van Niekerk (@junglejoe333) on Jul 10, 2020 at 8:38am PDT

[source:property24]