Lowlands Estate is a beautiful sheep, cattle and pecan nut farm on the Fish River 30 minutes northwest of Cradock. The farm also offers accommodation which means visitors can access the farm to see some of the magnificent landmarks and historic houses located here. The Fish River flows all year round (except for a month during winter) thanks to the Orange-Fish water scheme which means the farm has an abundance of water which is evident in the fast-flowing river, full water channels, many irrigation pivots and green fields.
Katkop Farm has been home to the Collett family for four generations. Purchased by Norman Collett in 1923, it’s been managed by his great-grandson since August 2006. But how has each generation prepared the next for this important role? The first challenges of succession are the financial implications of a change of ownership. In 1985, Godfrey, Norman’s son, split Katkop and sold it to his son Alan, while his other son Hugh bought about a third of Katkop and another farm, Lowlands, which together made up a share of land about equal to Alan’s. Alan took a Land Bank loan roughly matching Hugh’s loan on Lowlands and paid that money to Godfrey. Thus, the brothers each had second bonds which they ceded to Godfrey, and which have drawn interest over the years. Collett Holdings was formed in 2018 and thus the farms are now run by a company and don't belong to an individual person.
Note - The electronic gate to the farm is open from 6am to 6pm, so don't get caught inside.
Another Note - Keep following the Lowlands Country House and Lowlands Manor signs and you won't get lost
Just in case Note - If you get lost or need assistance while on the farm, please phone Dave & Anne Bowker based at Lowlands Country House on 071 393 3354. They are aware of the caches and gave permission for them to be placed.