Following one of the windiest nights I’ve experienced while living in the Cape Winelands, we awoke on Sunday morning to social media sharing devastating pictures of the more than 200-year-old Blaauwklippen Manor House burnt to the ground. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fires that also destroyed the Jonkershuis and a modern wedding venue on the estate but knowing and appreciating Cape Dutch architecture through my experience of similar buildings on La Motte, the sense of loss was very real. Why are these Cape Dutch buildings so dear to us?
For both visitors and those of us who are lucky enough to live in the Cape Winelands, these historic buildings with their white lime-washed plaster, artistic gables and thatched roofs are an intrinsic part of the charming scenery. Other than being very photogenic, these Cape Dutch buildings speak to the history and heritage of our area while making an important contribution to the Cape’s celebrated wine tourism offering by being used as restaurants, wine tasting centres, museums and accommodation.
While the quality of their structures is a lesson to all modern builders and developers, being protected, initially as national monuments and later through their provincial status, ensured that these treasures were well cared for and maintained. Dr Anton Rupert bought La Motte in 1970 and immediately began with a program of restoration and by 1975, the Manor House (1751), Jonkershuis (1752) as well as the Historic Red Wine Cellar and Water Mill (built between 1770 and 1782), were all declared national monuments. This national status changed to provincial for all Cape Dutch buildings after 2000.
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