Pinecreek owner is now selling – but he is hopeful that the show will still go on

Pinecreek Farm Stall and Restaurant – a haven of fun for small children who love to chug around in the mini train, and a countryside respite for a bite to eat – is on the market.

Owner Warren Booth, 47, who opened the Holmhill estate three years ago, said he is selling up and moving to Spain.

“It is so sad that we have to give it up because of certain things happening in our country, but I have had it with the politics,” he said.

Pinecreek, with its shady outdoor tables, wide verandas and old-school farm stall has become an institution for East Londoners in the relatively short time it has been open. It also consists of a luxurious five-bedroomed private home with a pool, where Booth resides. Family members live in a further two flats.

He was reluctant to reveal the price tag for the sprawling 48 hectare estate, but said he hoped it would continue to operate as before.

“I have more than 40 staff and they are aware I am selling.”

Booth, who grew up on a farm near Chintsa East and who also owns a pharmaceutical business, said building Pinecreek had been prompted by a remark made by his mother.

“She suggested we build a farm stall because she loves baking cakes and so that is what I did!”

He said he was inspired to buy the impressive miniature train from a specialist train manufacturer in China and installed the fun play precinct because he wanted children to play outside in safety. “I have a nephew and niece and would always see them indoors playing TV games and I wanted a place to bring children into the fresh air, which is what I did with the train,” he said.

The farm stall sold produce grown by local farmers, Booth said.

“We buy from a lot of farmers,” he said.

He also plans to sell his pharmaceutical business, which manufactures herbal lines and packages medications.

Booth said he was negotiating to buy a barley farm in the small mountain village of Montseny, near Barcelona.

“It is so nice and quiet and the land and gardens are beautiful.

“I think I will put my feet up and relax because I can’t work there for five years.

“After that I will decide.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za

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