About Us
Situated in a beautiful, hidden valley 10 kilometres from Villiersdorp in the Western Cape, Helderstroom is a three hundred year old farm house and estate. The farmhouse commands 360 degree views over wheatlands, orchards, vineyards and mountains stretching to the distant Langeberg range.
We began comprehensive renovations to the house and buildings in 2003 having left neighbouring Zimbabwe the previous year. Since we have more grazing than our horses require, and having read about the noble and aristocratic alpaca in an “in flight” magazine, we began our research into the breeding and management of these fascinating animals.
Our foundation herd consisted of five pregnant female Huacaya alpacas imported from Chile. Until our own males matured we have used herd sires from other breeders in the Western Cape. Our vision is to breed and maintain a herd of up to 40 alpacas - this number could easily be sustained on our twelve acres of pastures. In order to enhance our production side, and preferring not to dye our fibre, we are endeavouring to produce animals with a wide range of coloured fleeces. We employ local ladies who spin the fibre in the traditional way on Ashford wheels, and we engage the services of professional knitters who produce an extensive variety of beautiful fashion garments and accessories.
