Colonial Houses of the Cape

Overview: 

Our specialist, historical house tour of the Cape includes many private visits to architecturally significant, historic and colonial homes and houses.  The tour offers a well rounded introduction to the important buildings and architectural styles of the Cape, often hosted by the owners or local experts.

Through its architecture the history of South Africa unfurls, from the 17 C Dutch era, through the early 19th C period of English colonisation and the fantastic wealth that followed the discovery of diamonds and gold.  The itinerary also includes an in depth look at Cape Dutch homesteads - an architectural style unique to this region.  

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town

On arrival to Cape Town board a private coach for a driven, scenic, city orientation tour en route to your hotel. A first introduction to the architecture of the Dutch, and the Victorian English buildings erected during their two occupations of the Cape. After lunch and check in, visit the Castle of Good Hope. The beautifully designed octagonal building was completed in 1679 and has much to offer the visitor interested in architecture, history and art. In the early evening gather for pre-dinner drinks, a welcome address and an introductory lecture on the history of South Africa followed by dinner at the hotel.  

Day 2: Cape Town

Ascend Table Mountain for orientation and a guided walk. From this vantage point you will see the beautiful panorama of the whole peninsula spread out before you. Visit the Old Town House on Greenmarket Square.  Built in 1755 in Cape Rococo style the Old Town House now houses the renowned Michaelis Collection of 17th century Nederlandish art. After lunch walk through the historic Company Gardens and along Government Avenue where some of the many buildings of architectural merit include the Anglican cathedral, the public library, the houses of parliament, Government House and the national gallery. Late afternoon visit to a classical 18thC Cape Dutch manor house and garden of complete perfection, including international contemporary art collection, furniture, and ceramics – special private visit hosted by owners.

Day 3: Cape Town

After a breakfast lecture by a local expert on ‘Colonial Houses of South Africa’ enjoy a private visit to Groote Schuur homestead. Built and donated to the state by the legendary colonist, diamond prospector and politician Cecil Rhodes, Groote Schuur dates back to the colonial style of the late 19th century. It has been home to generations of South African Heads of State and houses the Cecil John Rhodes collection – artworks, furniture, library. Private tour with the curator. Lunch and visit of Groot Constantia estate. With its soaring gables, thatch roof and thick, whitewashed walls, Groot Constantia is possibly the finest surviving example of Cape Dutch architecture. After lunch visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a guided walk around these famous and picturesque gardens.

Day 4: Cape Town

Scenic drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak. See Cape Point from the old lighthouse, stand at the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy a guided walk through the indigenous flora surrounded by spectacular scenery. After lunch enjoy a brief stop at the penguin colony in Simonstown en route to Casa Labia – a grand and splendid Venetian villa built in 1929 for Count Natale Labia as his private residence. With an intriguing history and sumptuous interiors it is now a glittering venue for cultural events. Evening outing to Rodwell House, a decorative and unusual 20thC house built by Randlord billionaire JB Tailor in the 1930’s.  Tour the superb collection of South African art and enjoy a hosted, paired, dinner with the owner who knows wine as well as he knows art.

Day 5: Cape Town

A full day at leisure to explore some of the many attractions on offer in Cape Town:  the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the shops, galleries and markets and maybe visit Robben Island, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight or simply relax and unwind at your hotel.

Day 6: Stellenbosch

After check out drive up the West Coast and visit a private dairy and wine farm in an area famous for its wealth of indigenous spring flowers. Dating back to the late 18th century the farm was renowned for its animal husbandry and was also the shooting lodge of one of the Governors of the Cape. Tour the house with the owner and enjoy lunch at the estate’s restaurant. Continue through the grain-lands of the Sandveld to a privately owned farm and homestead on the banks of the Berg River. Acquired in 1770 the farm has been home to the same family for eight generations and played an important role in the history of the area. Tour the house with the owner who will reveal tales of historical interest and charm, followed by afternoon tea. Board the coach for the drive to Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands, and check in to your hotel.

Day 7: Stellenbosch

Visit an historic estate on the outskirts of Stellenbosch known for its prestigious wines. The 17th century outbuildings and the gracious homestead are clustered within a 'werf', surrounded by immaculate vineyards and misty vistas. Owned by the same family since 1756, the present incumbent has meticulously maintained and updated the buildings with the interior of the manor house now reveling in decorative modernity. Tour the house with your host. Visit the historic town of Stellenbosch, know for its beautifully restored Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, oak lined streets and prestigious university.  It is also the heart of the Cape Winelands.  After lunch enjoy a curatorial visit the Rupert Museum of Art – built in the Cape vernacular and home to part of the Rupert family's vast collection of South African and international art.

Day 8: Stellenbosch

Visit a 17thC Cape Dutch homestead, garden and winery on one of the finest private estates in South Africa still in private hands. After wondering through the delightful garden visit the house and its collection of objects d'art; furniture and paintings and enjoy tea with the owner. Continue to Rustenberg wine estate and sample some of the Cape’s finest wines including Rustenberg’s flagship wine ‘Peter Barlow’. Visit to Vergelegen and listen to an historical overview of uproar and intrigue defining over three hundred years of history. After lunch tour the beautiful 17th century gabled homestead and the magnificent gardens. Early evening visit to a private Cape home and enjoy ‘Old Cape’ hospitality, champagne and canapés with the owners, your hosts, in the pretty garden surrounded by magnificent mountain and vineyard views stretching all the way across to False Bay, Table Mountain and the setting sun. After sunset a farewell dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

Day 9: Flight Home

Late morning check out and transfer to the V&A Waterfront for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the shopping, restaurants and attractions before returning to the airport in time for your flight home.

Note:  This tour itinerary is a sample only and can be adapted to suit the needs of your particular group.