Top 5 South African Historic Homes
South Africa has a rich and fascinating history and many of the buildings that have survived through the years offer us a link to the past.
Travellers around South Africa who are interested in the history of this country will enjoy staying in some of the South Africa historic homes that offer luxury accommodation and a genuine taste of days gone by…
Here are 5 Top Historic South African Homes which have been converted into guest houses and boutique hotels, for the ultimate luxury accommodation in South Africa.
Falcons View Manor - Knysna, Garden Route
Stay in 5 star luxury in this Victorian landmark property which has been beautifully restored and given a more contemporary feel. Located in the lush town of Knysna along the Garden Route, Falcon View was built in 1894 on Thesen Hill, high above the Knysna Lagoon. Although the original architecture creates an old world ambiance, mod cons including DSTV and WiFi are available.
Fugitives' Drift - Isandlwana, KwaZulu-Natal
Relive the gory days - wake up to views of an historic battlefield of the Anglo Boer War while staying at the now serene Lodge at Fugitive’s Drift – a Natural Heritage Site. This luxury accommodation establishment is set within the 2000 hectare Fugitives’ Drift Game Reserve, overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana. The Lodge itself is filled with fascinating memorabilia, artifacts and relics. Battlefield tours are conducted daily to Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. When you’ve had enough of the past, enjoy game viewing, walks, horse rides and fly-fishing.
The Kimberley Club - Kimberley, Northern Cape
Experience the excitement of the Kimberley Diamond Rush in this 4 star hotel in one of South Africa’s oldest clubs. You’ll be in good company - The Club has played host to sovereigns, princes and princesses in its day. Guests have use of the Member’s Bar, lounge and dominoes room, à la carte restaurant, ladies bar, reading room and billiards room.
Klippe Rivier Country Home, Swellendam, Overberg, Winelands
A stay in this magnificent Cape Dutch Country House, circa 1820, just outside of historic Swellendam is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy history and luxury in one elegant weekend. History buffs will love the fact that Klippe Rivier was once the family home of two former Free State Presidents - Steyn and Reitz. A stay at Klippe Rivier invokes feelings of a bygone era – relax in the spacious ‘voorkamer’ (front room) and reception rooms and sleep in the ‘waenhuis’ and stables which have been converted into luxury air-conditioned bedrooms preserving much of the original ambience.
Cascade Country Manor
Another opportunity to stay in the former home of an illustrious personage: Cascade Country Manor was once the South African home of the Duke of Bedford. Guests will enjoy the idyllic setting and luxury accommodation of this private retreat in the Cape Winelands . The establishment is set in 23 hectares of picturesque olive orchards and vineyards with a small stream and cascading waterfall. Modern comforts and conveniences such as air con, DSTV and WiFi keep you connected with the present while enjoying the ambiance of the past. Take home some of the Estate’s own olive oil.
These are just a handful of the many South African Historic Home accommodation opportunities available to holiday makers in South Africa. For even more historic home stays around the country why not visit the excellent Portfolio Collection website which offers a range of luxury accommodation in South Africa .
Trained Portfolio Collection assessors visit each establishment on their books annually to assess and benchmark them, and grant accolades to each place according to its merits and standards. One such accolade is the Provincial Heritage Site (formerly National Monuments) accolade and under this icon you will find historic homes to stay in on your next South African vacation.
