The Kraal in a Johannesburg suburb was sold for Rs 3 crore
The Kraal in a Johannesburg suburb was sold for Rs 3 crore
The Kraal, Mahatma Gandhi's house in Johannesburg, South Africa was sold recently, to a French travel and tours company called, Voyageurs du Monde. The company also specialises in customised tours.
Former owner Jarrod Ball says, "It generated so much hype and news when it was on the market.
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It was eventually sold to the French company and Sylvia Cook of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in Johannesburg negotiated the sale."
A spokesman from the real estate agency in South Africa, said, "The house has been sold to Voyageurs, a Paris-based company for more than 5 million rand (Rs 3 crore), though I would not reveal the exact figure.
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Peaceful: The Kraal in Johannesburg, which was sold by Jarrod and Nancy Ball. |
There have been several people claiming to have bought the house, but I can confirm it has been sold to the Voyageurs."
When Jarrod was told that a Mumbai businessman too has claimed to buy the house, he retorted wryly, "Interesting. I hope he has paid for it."
Jarrod had said earlier that they wanted the buyer to, "Preserve the sphere of peace and tranquility that exists, of what was our (Jarrod and wife Nancy's) home for 30 years," and "perpetuate Gandhiji's principles, philosophy and legacy while ensuring the endorsement of Gandhiji's descendants and if possible involving them in some way."
The couple is reportedly, "delighted" with the Voyageurs sale. Jarrod says, "The company has invested in other heritage sites around the world, so has the expertise as well as the means to preserve and maintain it properly."
The KraalHidden away on a quiet suburb of Johannesburg, the house was designed by Gandhi's confidante and architect Hermann Kallenbach.
Its distinct thatched roofs and rondavel style gave the house its name The Kraal". Gandhi lived in the house for three years from 1908.