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. (Read more) When we recently made alterations to the Jonkershuis to open the La Motte Bakery, I was once again impressed by how thoroughly and religiously the historic building protection rules are applied. While these building regulations might limit architectural freedom, they are the reason why we still have these beautiful monuments to share something of the lifestyle and the stories of the early Cape.
The history and design of Cape Dutch architecture are well documented, sharing how European settlers had to adjust their understanding of design to meet the environmental demands of the Western Cape as well as the availability of building materials. The result was a beautiful, but uncomplicated design in a typical T, H or U-shaped plan, with a central front door and regular discipline as to the placing and size of windows. The characteristic Cape Dutch gables are, however, what distinguish these buildings. (Read more)
These elaborate gables appear in the middle of the front facade and are purely decorative, often displaying the owner’s initials and date. The design of the gables differs quite significantly, and a gable’s particular design has often become a symbol of the specific wine estate. “Most Cape Dutch gables followed the original design principles of architects from the Netherlands and Belgium. They also feature far simpler gables on the shorter sides of the rectangular plan – serving as ‘bookends’ to the thatch roof.”
For those of us who live and work in these houses, they are, however, much more than their architecture and history. We know how they smell early in the morning and how they sound at night. We understand the hinges of the stable doors when we open them to invite guests into the coolness of a room where the thatched roof and thick walls offer respite from the Boland’s summer heat. We set the tables in extensive dining rooms and know that small flower decorations disappear in their ambience – rather cut some hydrangeas or proteas! We appreciate the softness and warmth of yellow wood floors but also know what it takes to keep them happy. The bathrooms might be modern, but the pipes are old, and you can often enjoy a coffee in the time it takes for your tap to run warm. We know to be careful with candles and fires. We know what it takes to maintain these old homes and we have a shrinking list of craftsmen who know how to cater to their specific needs.
But almost like with family, we might complain, but we care for them with love. These houses have survived more than two centuries. They’ve hosted weddings, welcomed babies and bid final farewells. They’ve kept an eye on family twists and entertained on big occasions and celebrations. They’ve opened their doors to those in need and closed their shutters to winter storms. They’ve protected generations, sharing in their joys and keeping their secrets.
That’s why we share in the loss of Blaauwklippen and why, even with Autumn in the air, we will open our windows and doors, arrange an extra-large vase of flowers and raise a glass of wine to these special custodians of the history and heritage of the Cape Winelands.
Also read:
https://voertaal.nu/blaauwklippen-huldeblyk-aan-n-statige-dame/