Crossways Farm Village Case Study

Project Introduction Location: Cacadu District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa Size: 560 ha ( acres) "The development is the latest concept in cluster living where residents can experience country living without being too far from the city. Crossways Farm is a functional dairy farm around which a village consisting of a market place, town centre, light industrial zone, lake and railway station has been developed."

Design goals Living on a farm Located on an existing, professionally managed dairy farm; a range of dairy products as well as organically grown fresh fruit and vegetables Living in a town A town square in the heart of the village where facilities and services will be concentrated Living with nature Richly varied indigenous vegetation and abundant bird life

Perfect living 1. working farm 2. best educational facilities 3. uncomplicated working lifestyle 4. self-sustaining village 5. spectacular scenery 6. perfect outdoor lifestyle location 7. community spirit 8. outdoor adventure playground 9. safe secure location

Fast sales farm-village/ 62 of the 170stands in the first phase of the development were sold at the launch. Eight of the nine stands were sold in the first phase of the small business park, and a further three in the second phase were reserved.

Sustainable green building houses get smaller and more energy efficient edible front yard double glazing insulation features under floor water heating and cooling solar photovoltaic panels battery banks roof gardens solar heating systems rainwater harvest "Black water" is treated in a bio-digester local material, local labor smart metering systems

Economic benefits The first phase of the development was 95% sold A golf estate could cost about R80-million and would continue to cost money. a five- star farm, would cost about R25-million and would always produce revenue. Produce and products derived from the farm will be sold at the village market. Revenue from rentals would be offset against charges for maintenance and community facilities. The completed development would have created nearly 3000 construction jobs and 700 permanent jobs.

Broker’s view combination of a country lifestyle and easy access to the urban world of business promotes an outdoor lifestyle residents interact with nature on a daily basis a variety of outdoor activities are easily accessible “Those who are looking for a change of pace and a living environment that functions off the grid in terms of sustainable energy practices as well as being away from the hustle and bustle of city life, should look no further than this unique development.”

Slow Living brakes-on-fast-living-.htm?id=1015 “agri-villages represent a return to old fashioned, village style living underpinned by sophisticated infrastructure.” owning their own cows buy shares in the farm’s fruit and vegetable operations make their own dairy products