Cape Dutch Architecture

Top 12 Cape Dutch Architecture Examples in Stellenbosch - entries 9-12


9. ELSENBERG HOUSE WITH WALLED CANAL

Most notable is the beautiful walled canal that was famously photographed by Elliot in the 1900's. The farm house and outbuildings now provide accommodation for the Stellenbosch agricultural college. The house is viewable by appointment.



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10. LIEVLAND - CAPE DUTCH WINE FARM

Lievland is a hidden gem on the slopes of Simonsberg mountain. A duck pond in front of the farm house makes an idyllic setting. The gable is well proportioned though quite obscured by an ancient oak tree. The wine farm is open for wine tasting and sales.

View contemporary Stellenbosch architecture on wine farms at capetownsplendour.



11. BABYLONSTOREN

The original gable (1748) was completely removed during 'Victorianization' in the late 1800's but it was completely restored in 1931. The attractive gable was based upon the design of the historic slave bell. The house is situated far north toward Paarl.

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12. COURT BUILDING

Located in the center of town alongside the park, this building is in use as the entry area to the magistrates of Stellensboch The current use of 300 year old buildings is what gives the town its depth.

Visit plotsforsalecapetown if you wish to purchase vacant land in the Western Cape.



VIEW ALL SOMERSET WEST HOUSES

Enjoy a day of wine tasting and sightseeing, while stopping at these historical architecture treasures. See this page for the top attractions of the Helderberg wine region, in terms of Cape Dutch sightseeing. Or visit top-architects for directory of architects designing interesting buildings in the Western Cape.


VIEW ALL FRANSCHHOEK HOUSES

Many of the top Cape Dutch homes are located in Franschhoek. We include here photos of the homes at La Dauphine, Boschendal, and L'Ormorins. The houses are very refined and great attention was lavished on the architectural detail, especially of the gables. Read more about the Cape Dutch architecture in this region of South Africa, or see residential-architects for bigger pictures.



What are the distincitve features of Cape Dutch architecture?

The features that make the Cape Dutch Style unique are the simple plan layouts in rectangular, h or u shaped plans. The fenestration and doors are laid out symmetrically and formally. Usually the windows are of the sliding sash type. A typical facade would have a central doorway with a fanlight overhead. This would be flanked by two narrow windows either side. In turn there would be a group of either two or three windows placed symmetrically on either arm. The roof would be made of thatch and laid at 45 degrees with parapet gable ends. The central gable above the door usually has a small window in it. The gable is sculpted into a curvilinear shape, and the design of the gable becomes a type of finger print for the individual Cape Dutch house. The walls are always painted white, and this makes the architecture stand out from its surroundings. For more sightseeing destinations for tourists in the Western Cape visit CapeTownSplendour.