The old Riversdal prison as well as the three erven opposite has just come on the market through Seeff Southern Cape. The asking price is R1.25-million.

After its doors were closed in 1976, the prison was purchased per tender in 1984 by the present owner’s father, Mr M.W. Koen, with transfer going through on 31 July. The building is structurally sound and has been maintained in good order by the present owner.

The prison itself consists of around 30 larger and smaller rooms (former cells) and several offices, toilets, a kitchen, other rooms and four court-yards. The erf comprises 1 463m². The three erven opposite, which comprise 2 422m², 1 733m² and 734m² respectively, are planted with 160 three-year-old olive trees.

According to Seeff Southern Cape the building is ideally suited to a small business or a combination of small businesses. A guesthouse, backpackers, restaurant, offices, an art gallery, specialty stores and tea gardens, for example. The architects and builders who’ve seen it are very enthusiastic about the possibilities that this building offers.

"Riversdal is in the heart of the Eden District Route, which stretches between Witsand and Gourit’s River Mouth. One could say the town is the geographic capital of this route, which is becoming increasingly popular and is being marketed abroad. This benefits the town’s places of accommodation."

For further information, contact Ian Badenhorst of Seeff Southern Cape on ( 028 514 3999 or 082 414 4765.