ECO ACCOMMODATION
PODS @ ASHANTI ESTATE
An Investment unlike any other
ASHANTI ESTATE
OUR STORY, OUR CHALLENGE, OUR SOLUTION
Our Story
Ashanti Estate is an existing tenant driven Hospitality Business. Operating a Conference, Wedding and Events business on a picturesque farm in The Cape Winelands, District Paarl.
This Rural Hospitality Business self-generates a strong demand for on-site overnight accommodation for guests attending weddings or delegates attending conferences at Ashanti Estate.
Our Challenge
Ashanti Estate is fed up with losing 000’s (thousands) of bed nights, equating to R 000,000’s “(millions of rands) In lost accommodation revenue, year in and year out, for the past 13 years. For 2024 we estimate that the accommodation revenue loss amounts to more or less R 9 million.
Why does Ashanti Estate have this challenge?
Because we had yet to figure out a viable and acceptable solution to get governmental approval to add a new revenue stream. Namely bulk on-site overnight accommodation on Ashanti Farm.
Our Solution
We now have the relevant Approval.
This allows Ashanti Estate to meet existing customer demand by adding ON-SITE, OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION UNITS.
Adding a new, highly profitable revenue stream to our existing business.
Approval be granted
In terms of Section 60(1)(a) of the Drakenstein Bylaw on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2018, for the following:
1.2/ Consent Use on Farm 1731 Paarl Division, for the establishment of new visitors’ accommodation units (+80 units accommodating +180 visitors), as indicated on the site development plan
ASHANTI CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL
WEDDINGS
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
ASHANTI ESTATE SUCCESS STORY
FROM GOOD TO GREAT
"
ASHANTI ESTATE NEW BUSINESS MODEL
THE ADDITION OF A HIGHLY PROFITABLE NEW REVENUE STREAM
ON-SITE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION ECO POD UNITS
A spear throw from our conference & wedding venue
Our approved SDP for 80 Eco Accommodation Pods
Eco Accommodation Pod Types @ Ashanti
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR 3RD PARTY INVESTORS
AN INVESTMENT UNLIKE ANY OTHER
The Opportunity for 3rd Party Investors
An opportunity has now been created for 3rd party investors to get involved in this Ashanti Pods project, by purchasing a single or multiple Pods at Ashanti Estate. The Pod units will allow for the addition of a profitable and high in demand New Revenue Stream, onsite overnight accommodation. In return, we offer an above market return on capital investment.
Why do we need 3rd Party Investors?
Whilst the Capital Amount required for a single Pod is affordable, the multiple of x 80 Pods, does amount to a sizeable investment. Funds we as a business owners and operators need investors help with. We are appealing to 3rdParty Investors to help finance the addition of a New Revenue Stream at Ashanti Estate.
“Buy to Rent” Purchase Agreement
The Agreement will facilitate rapid Eco-Pod development. In turn enabling highly favourable “rental returns” whilst minimising investor’s risk. The agreement allows our company (“The Renter”) to rent a pod unit from another person/trust or entity (“Owner”) for a 5–year period and to have full use of the moveable Pod asset.
After the 5-year “Buy to Rent” term, the Renter GARUANTEES to buy the pod back from the owner at 100% of the original purchase price.
The moveable asset (pod) remains the property of the pod owner for the duration of the agreement. Transfer of ownership only takes place once all conditions in the signed “Buy to Rent ” agreement are fulfilled by the Renter.
Our Game Changer Pod
✓ Opening new tourism frontiers
✓ Opening a new Revenue Streams @ Ashanti Estate
SNAP SHOT OF THE “BUY TO RENT” CONTRACT
1.
You Purchase
a Pod(s)
@ Ashanti
- This Pod remains your “moveable” property (asset)
- Until all monies and contractual obligations are met in full
2.
Parties enter
a 5-Year
Contract
- You, the Pod Owner, rents out your Pod
- We @ Ashanti Estate, The Renter, pay you rent for your Pod
3.
Income
Generation
- The Pod Renter “Sweats the Pod Owners Asset”
- There already exists a proven and “captive” market for overnight accommodation at Ashanti Estate
4.
Your Return on
Investment
- We Pay you, the Pod Owner, a healthy annual rent for the 5-year contract
- With Zero deductions to you (No hidden T&C’s.)
5.
Transfer Of Pod
Ownership
- When all monies and contractual obligations are met in full
- The “Pod Renter” buys the Pod Asset from the “Pod Owner”
SNAP SHOT OF THE “BUY TO RENT” CONTRACT
You Purchase
a Pod(s)
@ Ashanti
- This Pod remains your “moveable” property (asset)
- Until all monies and contractual obligations are met in full
Parties enter
a 5-Year
Contract
- You, the Pod Owner, rents out your Pod
- We @ Ashanti Estate, The Renter, pay you rent for your Pod
Income
Generation
- The Pod Renter “Sweats the Pod Owners Asset”
- There already exists a proven and “captive” market for overnight accommodation at Ashanti Estate
Your Return on
Investment
- We Pay you, the Pod Owner, a healthy annual rent for the 5-year contract
- With Zero deductions to you (No hidden T&C’s.)
Transfer Of Pod
Ownership
- When all monies and contractual obligations are met in full
- The “Pod Renter” buys the Pod Asset from the “Pod Owner”
PROOF OF CONCEPT: POD BUILD METHODOLOGY
TURNING A TRADITIONAL FIXED ASSET - INTO A MOVEABLE ASSET
This Prototype has been Field & Consumer Tested @ Ashanti Estate since 2022
Pod Assembly
NEW Revenue Stream BUSINESS PLAN
Ashanti will continue to operate as an event’s exclusive destination
GROWING OUR
NICHE MARKET
As an affordable mid-market value Rural Conference and Wedding Venue
EVENTS
EXCLUSIVE
DRIVING
MARKET SHARE
BECOMING
REGIONAL
TOURISM ASSET
FILLING THE MARKET SHORTFALL
GROWING OUR
NICHE MARKET
As an affordable mid-market value Rural Conference and Wedding Venue
EVENTS
EXCLUSIVE
Public Hotel – NO
Public Resort – NO
Public Restaurant – NO
DRIVING MARKET SHARE
With Product & Guest Experiential differentiation
BECOMING REGIONAL TOURISM ASSET
FILLING THE MARKET SHORTFALL
A rural destination with bulk, onsite, overnight accommodation.
RETURN GENERATION
How will Ashanti Estates generate income?
Rental Revenue will be generated by the sale of onsite bed nights. Guests paying a rate per night to sleepover in the Pod.
The existing pipeline of wedding and conference events will ensure a stable revenue flow.
The ability to offer bulk accommodation at Ashanti Estate will increase market share, drive revenue and increase profitability.
How are investor returns generated?
Investors (Pod Owners) will receive above market investment returns in the form of annual rental revenue over the course of the “Buy to Rent“ agreement. Should the Pod Owner prefer monthly rental payments as opposed to annual, this will be possible, but only after the initial 12 months period of the Buy to Rent Agreement. (Period required for establishment)
Rental income is calculated from the very same day as the Pod Purchase. (Regardless of whether your pod is built and trading already). The “Buy to Rent” agreement is effective from the very same day. Rent paid is net. (free of any deductions, whatsoever.)
Full Capital repayment, after 5 full years as per the termination date set in the “Buy To Rent “ Agreement.
Why Buy a Pod(s) @ Ashanti?
Location / Location/ Location
3 Pillars of Ashanti Estate Business Success + Our extra Pillar
People:
The core of the business, the Hospitality (Conference, Wedding and Events) is operated by the same staff and Management for the past 13 years. Well versed in operating this successful business.
Process:
With your Pod investors help, the process can begin to turn this business from “Good To Great”. Ashanti is well poised to become a leading destination, in the rural conference, wedding and events Cape Winelands Market.
Product:
Product and Experiential Differentiation feature high on today’s customer requirements.
As does affordability (value for money).
At Ashanti Estate we are fortunate to offer both.
Pipeline…. ( Business on the Books):
Ashanti has a healthy pipeline of business . This already equates to many pod bed nights. As we build, commission and trade your pod, our existing business will generate the demand to fill your Pod.
YOUR CHOICE OF INCOME GENERATORS BEING 3 POD TYPES
Ashanti Pod Type A
Standard Pod
R 450,000 ea.vat incl
32sq.m | 32 Pods Available
Ashanti Pod Type B
Executive Pod
R 475,000 ea.vat incl
43sq.m | 11 Pods Available
Ashanti Pod Type C
Cluster Pod
R 395,000 per joined pod unit vat incl
32sq.m | 25 Pods Available
SNAPSHOT POD INVESTMENT & RETURN MATRIX
FAQ’s : Frequently Asked Questions
Am I investing in a new business?
- No, nothing that risky.
- You are investing in a New Revenue Stream for an established business.
- The Ashanti Estate Conference, Wedding and Events Business has been successfully trading for 13 years, under the same management.
- This New Revenue stream, onsite overnight accommodation is a business no brainer, as the market demand is generated “inhouse” by the existing Rural Conference Wedding & Events business.
- With an proven historic and future demand pipeline.
Why Does Ashanti Estate want to add a new revenue stream – “on-site accommodation” ?
- In the past 13 years of trading, Ashanti Estate, turned away thousands of bed nights resulting in R millions in lost accommodation revenue.
- The reason: Development of any kind on rural land is extremely restrictive, and permission is not readily forthcoming from the relevant government officials.
Why is Ashanti Pod Project different?
- Ashanti in a Joint Venture with Pods Apart, has managed to achieved the previously impossible.
- Ashanti, now has the required special consent use, from the all the Relevant Governmental Authorities.
- To add a new Revenue Stream : Onsite overnight Accommodation in the form of Eco Pods.
The Unprecedented Approval?
- Ashanti Estate has now gotten Special Consent Use:
- Granted, as follows
- APPLICATION FOR CONSENT USE in terms of section 15(2) of the Drakenstein by-law on municipal land use planning, 2028: farm 1731 Paarl
Final approval is therefore granted in terms of Section 60(1)(a) of the Drakenstein Bylaw on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2018, for the following:- Consent Use on Farm 1731 Paarl Division, for the establishment of an additional new visitors’ facility (function venue and conference facility) +1200m’ (with a capacity to host +250 guests
- Consent Use on Farm 1731 Paarl Division, for the establishment of new visitors’ accommodation units (+80 units accommodating +180 visitors). subject to the conditions as stipulated below.
- Building Plan Approval: NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLAN: FARM 1731/0 – PAARL, 3770116 (1600/2024) With reference to your building plan application dated 2025-02-03 in respect of Agricultural– Building Work you are hereby informed that your building plan application has been Approved in terms of Section 7(1) (a) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) on 2025-02-20 subject to the conditions as stipulated below.
Making the Impossible now Possible.
What are the Returns on Investment?
- Whilst the Capital Amount required for a few Pods is affordable, the multiple of 80 Pods, does amount to a sizeable investment. Funds we as the business owners and operators, do not currently have.
What is the Opportunity for 3rd Party Investors?
- This is a unique investment opportunity entails the Ownership of a unique pod, which you rent out to Ashanti. Who in turn pay a higher than average rental return on your pod.
- Affording the Investor / Pod Buyer the sole ownership of the income generating Pod, for the duration of contract, as investment security.
- Ashanti Estate already has a proven and captive market demand for the Eco Accommodation Pods.
- Meaning once the pod is up, furnished and commissioned it will be trading.
- Your Rental accrual on your Pod is effective the very same day, you purchase your Pod or Pods @ Ashanti.
What are the Returns on Investment?
- The Rental Returns on your purchased Pod are attractive , and above the market average. With an annual rental escalation.
Rental Income as a % of invested capital R.O.I
Year 1 = 16% / Year 2 = 17% / Year 3 = 18%
Year 4 = 19% / Year 5 = 20 %
- Sweetened by the fact, that all traditional owners costs, such as insurance, maintenance, admin fees, rates etc. are absorbed by the Pod Renter.
- Giving a net return, as stipulated, free of any hidden costs.
Where does my Money go?
- Into the manufacture, commissioning and trading of your Modular, Moveable, Eco Pod or Pods (single or multiple) at Ashanti Estate.
Is this Investment Risk free?
- Sadly not. No investment offering you interest anywhere in the world is risk free. Including Banks.
- However, we have done our utmost, to ensure risk mitigation in favour of you, our Pod Owner.
- Mitigated further by only inviting 3rd party investor’s, at this late phase, with all relevant approvals in place. Reduce the high risk elements of the preparation work.
What are the Risk mitigations in the Pod Investment?
- The “investment term” is for 5-years only, linked to a “Buy to Rent” agreement, where the Investor becomes the Pod Owner, and enjoys all the ownership rights, such as asset security and high rental returns.
- The Pod Renter takes on the Physical Pod build, the Pod placement on the approved site, furnishing and commissioning of the Pod for the Pod Owner
- As The Pod Renter is the entity building and trading the Owners pod, he assumes all the regular ownership warranties, guarantees on behalf of the Pod Owner (you). Such as latent defects, ongoing maintenance, insurance, rates any other expenses usually reversed of the Owner in a regular world.
- The Pod Renter pays the Pod Owner the full contractual rental on his pod, free of any deductions, whatsoever.
- Over and above the regular rental income, the Pod Renter buys the Pod Owner’s Pod, at the end of the 5-year term, for the exact same capital amount, invested originally.
- Capital back + already earned 90% rental income at end of year 5.
Has the Pod Renter self-invested in the addition of the New Accommodation Stream at Ashanti Estate?
- Most certainly, millions of Rand worth.
Why should I as an Investor, jump onboard of the Pod gravy train @ Ashanti Estate?
- The “Special Consent Use” which now allows Ashanti now to make the Previously Impossible Now Possible, is worth its weight in gold.
- Ashanti Estate can now the tap into a proven and highly profitable Revenue Stream, Onsite, Overnight Accommodation.
- Which has eluded us at Ashanti for 13 years.
- The “Critical Mass” afforded to Ashanti is Unprecedented in the granting of approval for “Bulk” + 80 Pod units, Sleeping + 180 people,
- Allowing for favourable “Economies of Scale” and enhancing affordability.
- Giving Ashanti Estate a huge competitive edge in our market space.
- Being the 1st to market with such a bulk offering of Accommodation will cement Ashanti Estate market appeal, in the sought after Cape Winelands Region.
- Product and Experiential Differentiation now offered at Aashanti Estate will drive both increased business and increased profitability.
Such unique passive investment opportunities are not to be missed, especially as there is a finite number of pods available at Ashanti Estate
What is Included in the Purchase Price?
- The Building, Furnishing and Commissioning of your Pod
- The Eco Pod itself
- Vat Inclusive (Price includes Vat)
How does one purchase a Pod?
Simply fill in “The Buy to Rent” contract with order details, preferred Pod Type and number of Pods, and we will contact you.
When do I start earning my Rental Income?
- As a Pod Owner, your contract is effective immediately upon full payment of your pod being received.
- Your rental income starts accumulating, the very same day. Regardless of how long it takes to build and commission your particular Pod.
- The Modular Composite Build methodology used allows for rapid development.
What does the term ”No Hidden Costs” mean in this Agreement?
- All expenses relating to the Pod such a Comprehensive Insurance, ongoing maintenance, painting, renovation costs, rates, utilities etc. are all for the Pod Renter’s account.
- You as Pod Owner get the Full Annual Rental Income (zero deductions)
Would it be possible to have the Rental Payments on my Pod, paid monthly as opposed to annually?
- To convert from annual to monthly Rental payment is possible, but only at the beginning of the Year 2.
- As the business will require time, to build, furnish, commission and trade your pod. Remember your Pod(s) rental income is effective immediately upon payment for your Pod.
- After 12 months, just inform us and we will pay your rental monthly, should you prefer.
Is there an annual escalation clause in my rental contract?
- There is an 6 % (six percent) compounded annual escalation on your Rental
- This compounded escalation equates to the following % of overall rental return, when compared to Capital Investment over the 5-year rental term.
Yr. 1 Rental Return = 16% ROI Yr. 2 Rental Return = 17% ROI
Yr. 3 Rental Return = 18% ROI Yr. 4 Rental Return = 19% ROI
Yr. 5 Rental Return = 20% ROI
Ave. ROI over 5-year term = 18% (90% of invested capital.)
Are the Pods @ Ashanti Developed and Traded Legally and within the Law?
- Yes legally compliant.
- Along with the Special consent use are accompanying terms and conditions, a comprehensive set of do’s and don’ts, and regular follow up reports and inspections.
- As Ashanti is hoping to apply for a possible extension of The Special Consent Use period, you as an investor can be rest assured, that all actions pertaining to this business will strive for full compliance, and proper legal standing.
Have building plans for the Pod been submitted to Council?
- Yes. Submitted and Approved (as of 20-2-2025)
Will it be possible to sell my Pod on to a 3rd Party?
- Yes, this is possible during the duration of the 5-year “ Buy to Rent” Contract. However, the terms of the sale must be identical to the terms stipulated to your signed contract. Meaning that the new “pod owners” would simply replace yourself in name and be subject to the very same agreement terms and conditions.
- As the “Pod Renter” we are obligated to buy your Pod from you at the end of the 5-year term. So please approach us should you wish to exit. If financially possible we will certainly be willing to Buy your Pod on Terms in accordance with those stipulated in the signed Contract.
Warranty?
- As we, the Pod Renter are responsible for the manufacture, assembly, furnishing and commissioning of your Pod, we warrant all physical aspects of your pod.
- Likewise, the Pod Renter is responsible for making good any defects. At The Pod Renter’s own expense.
What surety do I have if the Renter is unable to pay me my Rent?
- As per the Contract (Section 6) Breech clause 6.1, gives you legal rights.
What surety do I have on my Capital Invested?
- Your Capital is invested in a physical moveable asset, being your Pod
- Your Surety is the “The Physical Pod’.
- All the furniture and fittings inside the actual pod, along with the base frame and steps”. This belongs to you the Pod Owner. Till all terms of this agreement are met.
- Sadly, not the piece of ground your pod is built on. (it is land leased for the matching duration of the 10 year consent use
- The Pod Renter is in this business for the Long Term. Already 13 years, so 5+ more years of hard work before self- reward is readily accepted.
Guarantee on Promised Full Capital Repayment at end of 5-year term?
- The risk of a capital payout shortfall, happening at the end of the 5-year period, could possibly be a reality for a small number of pods.
- This has been factored into our business model. Should this be the case, this shortfall can easily be addressed, by the refinancing of the same number of Pods, required to make up the Capital shortfall required.
- Alternately, with a 5-year trading record a commercial loan may well be an option.
What happens if I want to hold onto Ownership and enjoy the continued Rental income generation?
- Unfortunately, The Special Consent Use Authorisation, on Pods @ Ashanti is for a fixed period of 10-years. So, an extension of the agreement will not be a viable option.
- The “harvest” Time is divided between the 2 parties.
- As Pod Owner, and provider of “the build capital” you get the opportunity to capitalise on your investment 1st.
- The second Party, the Pod Renter, having “sweated” your Pod Asset, now gets his “harvest” time, for the remainder of the Consent Use Timeline.
- Once the Ashanti Pod new revenue stream project is free of all debt obligations, there will be aspirations within Pods Apart, to seek a similar a “Golden Goose” opportunity as that afforded by Pods @ Ashanti Project.
- As “Founder Pod Owners”, you will be offered Investor preference on any new Pod projects.( Opening new Tourism Frontiers)
What am I go going to do with a Pod, should things go bad?
As the Pod Owner, you have options?
1/ Sale of Your Pod.
On the Open Market. Your pod is modular, it can easily be dissembled and transported (flat pack) to a new location, meaning it is bound to be an attractive option on the open market.
- In terms of our rental agreement on the land and with the Department of Agriculture, we as the developers, would be responsible for the Disassembly of your Pod Unit. Likewise, we will be willing to assist where possible with the Re-assembly for the new buyer.
- There is always a risk factor that New Revenue Stream at Ashanti Estate may collapse. However the existing business has been sustainable for 13 years, to date. Reducing the risk of the Accommodation revenue stream collapsing.
- To this extent we will continue live up to our “service minded culture”. Going the extra mile in honouring our commitments, doing our best to ensure you are not out of pocket.
2/Other options
- the Novelty of the Ashanti Pod project, is bound to attract the interest of attract interest within the market place.
- With many wanting a similar development on their farm etc.
- As your Pods is re-deployable this will attractive to for resale to a buyer takes all scenario.
Why is Ashanti Estate, so confident that this on-site Pod Accommodation Business will be a success?
- Ashanti Estate, is an existing profitable business, operated by the same people for the past 13 Years.
- The business model of Rural Conferences, Weddings and Events on a picturesque farm, self generates a huge demand for on-site overnight accommodation for our conference delegates, mid-week, and wedding guests on weekends.
- For year 2025, there is a healthy Pipeline of confirmed bookings. 48 weddings already booked and 42 conference (as of mid-February 2025)
Why so big? Why + 80 Eco Pods Units, sleeping + 180 persons
- Our existing business Demand and our existing Venue Capacity determine the critical mass required to ensure optimum no of units required to service our market demand for on-site overnight accommodation adequately.
- By having the required Critical Mass, “bulk on-site” accommodation Pods allows for economies of scale, required to operate an affordable yet profitable business model.
Will the Eco Pods work as accommodation units?
- The global tourism market is dominated by the Millennial generation, both in terms of volume and dollar spend.
- The tourism values of this dominant market segment are unlike those of generations past. High priority is given to Product and Experiential Differentiation.
- Social media, plays a vital role, in driving these values. The need for non-main stream differentiation is high priority
- Ashanti Estate, along with its Next Generation Eco Pods, is well poised to drive market demand as our offerings are perfectly aligned with the Millennials tourism values. Eco/ Product Differentiation (Instagram able) / Experiential Differentiation.
- Truth be told, the guests requiring accommodation, are not here for the finer qualities of our Pod. They are a captive market, attending as guests or family members of the wedding, or delegates attending a conference in a picturesque rural setting.
They need a comfortable and affordable place to sleep.
- It is the unique next generation features of “your” Pods, the experiential differentiation that will facilitate the drive Business to Ashanti Estate
- If we had built an 80-bedroom high rise city style hotel, or a series of traditional farm cottages they would stay in those rooms.
- However, the real Kicker, is that we would never have been granted the special consent use to build such a hotel, or farm cottages on land zoned Agriculture 1.
What our Enabler Eco Pods have achieved @ Project Ashanti in terms of Rural Development (Special Consent Use & Critical Mass - 80 pods) is Unprecedented, and perhaps Next Generational.