Netherwood Farm set to become the Boutique Beef Estate of the Midlands

Netherwood Farm is situated on a hilltop, with spectacular views overlooking the farmlands across to Nottingham Road, the Kamberg and extending to the majestic Drakensberg mountains in the distance. 

Having started as the Netherwood Stud in 1997, where the world-renowned heart Surgeon, Dr Rob Kleinloog, applied a meticulous and methodical process in the pursuit of excellence in his breeding program, the farm has since developed into a multi-faceted destination. With three distinct business divisions, namely, Property, Stud Farming, Hospitality and Leisure, this venture is perfectly poised to take the next step in refining the already diverse and quality accommodation, restaurants, microbrewery, wedding chapel, lodge, and wedding reception experiences. 

Kevin Hedderwick, who has had a friendship with Dr Kleinloog spanning over ten years, suggested that they consider the opportunities which exist for them to apply their knowledge and strengths in elevating the status of the Netherwood Farm as a multi-faceted destination in the Midlands. 

Hedderwick has a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector having served as the Group Chief Executive of Famous Brands for 16 years. He currently runs and owns his own Venture Capital business, Total Competition, which invests in young start up and mature brands alongside likeminded entrepreneurs with a very specific focus on the KZN region.  

Via this transaction Total Competition will acquire a 50% equity stake in the Hospitality and Leisure Division of Netherwood Farm, allowing Dr Kleinloog to focus on his ever-increasing herd of champion stud animals, commercial cows and calves, which include long horn Ankole, Nguni, Angus as well as a flock of Alpacas.  

“I have complete faith in Kevin and his team taking over the running and development of our Leisure and Hospitality Division,” comments Kleinloog, “best in its class has always been at the forefront of Kevin’s success and we are excited to see how this is applied to Netherwood Farm as we together go about turning it into a fully integrated beef estate within the well-known Midlands’s Meander.” 

Newly appointed Managing Director of Netherwood Hospitality and Leisure, Gareth Saunders, has a strong track record in the hospitality and leisure sector having held senior management positions within both Spar as well as Famous Brands.  “We are aiming to position Netherwood Farm in the beef industry likened to what wine has become along the Wine Route in the Cape.  

“There is also an opportunity to leverage this iconic brand equity via a range of forward integration interventions which will form part of the longer-term vision for this unique and exciting partnership,” states Hedderwick.   

The effective date for this transaction will be 1st February 2023.

For further information regarding Netherwood Farm visit www.netherwoodfarm.com