Rietfontein, the magnificent Karoo stud farm that has been home to sporting legend Gary Player and his family for the past 44 years, has been listed for sale. Champion racehorses have been bred and raised on this farm since 1883 and it has achieved worldwide acclaim for the exceptional quality of its breeding stock. Designed by Watermeyer & Mason Architects, the master-built homestead pays tribute to the traditions of Karoo building, with interiors by top designer Michele Throssell.
Flowing off the cool entrance courtyard with its oversized skylight and large Koi pond, it features vaulted ceilings and generously proportioned, airy living rooms and bedrooms; a large terrace with lovely views of the surrounding hills; a basement wine cellar; an ultra-modern kitchen with separate pantry, walk-in cold room and breakfast area; an upstairs library/ reading room; a private study with its own lounge area and a luxurious gym. It is air-conditioned throughout.
Outdoors there is a long lap pool; tennis court, enclosed hillside barbeque area with a hot-tub; a private chapel; two guest flats and a three-bedroom, two-bathroom guesthouse with its own pool and entertainment area. And, of course, it has a Gary Player-designed private golf course.
In the business section of the farm, there are 46 stables, eight of them in a special foaling barn; 14 staff houses; tack, equipment and feed storage sheds; two offices and a veterinary treatment room. Grazing and exercise areas include 14 post-and-rail paddocks, several fenced camps and an enclosed oval race-track of about 3000m. The farm also has its own fenced game reserve. Price excludes VAT.