History

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All Rhodes Lead to Nooitgedacht

The H-shaped manor house and its superb outbuildings are found at the end of an avenue of oak trees dating back over 230 years. The main house was built in 1774 by the famously wealthy farmer and winemaker Henrik Cloete – who also owned Groot Constantia and a host of other illustrious Cape addresses – and remains one of the finest and most authentic examples of traditional Cape Dutch architecture in the province.

Even before Rhodes commissioned Sir Herbert Baker to renovate and upgrade it, the manor was already a handsome piece of real estate in anyone’s terms. But with the addition of imported craftsmen, materials and architectural acumen, he transformed it into a fabulously functional homestead that celebrated the epitome of what good taste, masterful skills, and sufficient money had to offer.

The manor house is currently decorated with opulent and artistic pieces and artefacts brought back from Europe by ambassador, F.O.R Wirth, stationed on the continent. It boasts a palace-worthy collection of fine furniture, artworks, drapes, china, and fittings sourced from the exclusive European castles, villas and consulates. The Estate is situated 5km from Stellenbosch, on the main route from the N1. It’s just half an hour from Cape Town, and really easy to find.