Shangri-La

A garden that stirs the soul

To wander through Shangri-La’s garden is to step into a dreamscape – a masterpiece of form, fragrance and texture that celebrates every season. It’s a symphony of colour where antique hydrangeas bloom from soft blue to blush pink, old-fashioned dahlias and foxgloves tumble through hedges, and the scent of jasmine and roses lingers in the air. Weeping willows dip their fingers into the river while water lilies float lazily in the reflection ponds. Each corner holds its own romance, carefully composed yet gloriously abundant.

It’s little wonder that the landscape, designed in part by Patrick Watson, features in Keith Kirsten’s Gardens to Inspire. Here, art and nature meet in quiet harmony – the owner’s sculptures by Beezy Bailey, Angus Taylor, Dylan Lewis and Eduardo Villa hide in secret nooks, waiting to be discovered like treasures. Every path leads to beauty, every turn reveals a surprise.

The gracious farmhouse

At the heart of this Vaal River real estate treasure stands the original thatched three-bedroom farmhouse, lovingly restored but rich with nostalgia. White shutters frame tall windows, sunlight dances across polished wooden floors and floral couches invite you to linger. The country kitchen – all copper pots, wisteria views and old racing trophies – feels like the warm heart of the home. It’s this effortless blend of charm and comfort that gives Shangri-La its soul.

The interiors channel a soft New England sensibility – crisp cotton linens, bird prints on the walls and a timeless palette of pale blues and whites. Bedrooms are spacious and serene, each with its own ensuite bathroom, while underfloor heating keeps the farmhouse cosy through Gauteng’s cooler months.

The old stables now form a charming guest cottage, perfect for visitors seeking privacy, and the courtyard has become a favourite breakfast spot filled with birdsong. The newer pool room is perfect for entertaining, while the lengthy dining table, fireplace and daybed overlooking the river bring friends and family together for laughter, board games and long, languid lunches.

Life by the river

The Vaal River runs like a ribbon of calm alongside the estate (which has about 275m of river frontage), reflecting the sky and anchoring the rhythm of life here. Days begin with coffee under the pergola as wisteria drips overhead, and afternoons stretch into golden evenings with guests drifting through the garden with G&Ts in hand. Some settle into chaises by the water, others play badminton on the lawn or simply listen to the murmur of the river and the chatter of birds in the syringa trees.

This is country living at its most refined – deeply peaceful yet joyfully alive. Shangri-La is more than a house for sale on the Vaal River; it’s a place that invites you to breathe again, to reconnect with nature, and to live surrounded by beauty in every form. Yet will all modern amenities and shops within a 10-minute radius.

For those drawn to heritage, harmony and the slow rhythm of river life, Shangri-La is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – a country estate for sale on the Vaal River where history, art and nature exist in perfect balance.

Written by Sally Rutherford

What are the property details?

• Plot size: 3,8 hectares (approx. 15 acres)
• Main house:
      4 bedrooms, all en-suite
      Large conservatory and lounges with underfloor heating
      Fireplaces in main house and entertainment complex
• Entertainment complex with bathrooms and own kitchen
• Guest cottage: 1 en-suite bedroom, dressing room and underfloor heating
• Manager’s cottage: ensuite bedroom, kitchen, living room and courtyard
• 4 garages, plus parking for 10 to 15 cars
• Boathouse and separate boat garage for 2 boats
• Approx. 275 metres of river frontage
• Massive self-sustaining vegetable garden
• Ample staff accommodation
• Full irrigation system covering entire property
• Boreholes
• Solar geyser
• Security system
• Sculptures not included in the sale