19. The Adventure Ends
In late 2024 we began to think about how to get the farm to be more financially profitable. We had some good ideas, but it was clear that to execute, would cost money we didn’t have. Also we realized that, if we were honest, the farm requires ongoing energy that, in our mid-seventies, we don’t really have either.
Slowly we got our heads around the idea of selling. This took some time, and by and by we found peace with it. At the same time we planned the next phase of our lives in Vermont, where we have a small place that we have happily used as a holiday house for many years. We will build a studio for me, and have half barrels for Johan to grow herbs. And the sea and rock pools are just minutes away
We put the farm on the market late 2024. For a long time we got no serious takers, but in May 2025, a Swiss family put a deposit on the farm, subject to viewing end of July. They came, loved the farm, and we then spent the next months going through the process of selling.
The plan is to run the farm as it is until end of March. We will stay and make this year’s harvest for the new owners, and at the end of February, together with the dogs, (Suzie our cat died in August) we will move across to our new life.
The new owners want to keep the four guest houses running for guests. They will renovate the farmhouse for their family, build new much needed staff quarters and redo the pool and pavilion for their own use. Very pleasing is that they love the nature reserve and hopefully will conserve it with love and care. We must admit we are concerned the farm might turn into a designer farm, but with leaving the farm, we shall have to let go – which is easier said than done.
What it is and has been is an era all of its own. It has drawn in a community of academics and development workers, yoga students and plant medicine disciples, as well as celebrating and holidaying guests. We have had a happy community of staff, service providers, and countless friends and family members who have loved visiting. Most of all we are pleased it is and has been a joyful and friendly place.
But of course there is much we will miss deeply. Sitting here in the garden I have this sense of unending space around us, the beautiful, often delicate, views in whichever direction we look, the quality of changing light as the day ends, and the soft glow of the mountains sunsets. We shall miss the craggy granite rock, the indigenous bush and the multitude of bird song. We shall miss the sense that just out of sight on the mountain live many species of wild animals. Most especially we shall miss the deep quality silence that graces the farm. All in all this is a truly magical place – a garden of Eden. And we feel blessed to have lived a thirty year adventure here.
