Rivers, Ruins and Restorations

The weekend was a  weekend of sheer indulgence of the best in Bonnievale. It is the 50th celebration of VASSA this year and I organized a weekend to Bonnievale and our home, Towerwater for the Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa. As chairman I decided to open our home and restoration project to the society to share our passion for the architecture and lifestyle that goes with it.Our property has been a restoration not just only of the architecture but also the gardens and the interaction of the two with each other.

Bon Courage 1818

 The tour started at the 1818 gabled building of Bon Courage followed by a visit to Burgershof with its 1879 gabled house where proud owner Hennie Reynecke regaled us with his stories.

Burgershof 1879

Then we went to Goede Moed the 1879 "little sister" of Burgershof ending with an amazing lunch at Christina's in the garden of the late Jean Retief of Van Loveren.

Goede Moed 1879

After lunch we went to Weltevrede where we were met by a howling Southeaster a tractor and wagon.Admittedly I have to say that people were blown away in more ways than one.

Lourens Jonker

In true Vernacs style the tour group  braved the storming Southeaster on a open tractor ride to the heritage "Oupa se Wingerd" . Our formidable host Lourens Jonker entertained us with stories all the way to the only vineyard that has been declared a heritage site. The vines still produce wine and Lourens Jonker handed each tour member a bottle of gold award winning, "Oupa se Wyn" to commemorate the golden anniversary of VASSA.

Oupa se Wyn

After a tractor trip along the vineyard we saw "Ons Huise' a small restored cottage dating back to the time of Forrest Rigg.

Towerwater Aan De Breede our restored Cape vernacular building dating back to the early 1800's was our next stop where a proper high tea was served in the Cape vernacular dining room with tea cakes and cream baked by our friend Susan Cashin this was accompanied by strawberries out of the garden.The rooms were filled with roses that echoed the abundant rosarium outside. It was a privilege to entertain such an amazing group of people and sharing our restoration adventure of 23 years.

Susan's Lemon Tea Cake

Supper was at Weltevrede in the specially prepared  historical underground wine cellar. The Vernacs were treated to a food and wine pairing with generous amounts of estate wines and a visit from owner and winemaker Phillip Jonker. Elzette Steyn the marketing manager at Weltevrede gave us an impromptu demonstration in the making of MCC.

Supper in historical wine tanks

Sunday morning started with a visit to the Bonnievale Museum, Myrtle Rigg Church and Hooggelegen the property of the Wolffs where we looked at a Cape vernacular cottage in the process of restoration. Marcella Beukman and her sons Gideon and Herman welcomed us to the historical family home at Boesmansdrift. The T-shape house that was built in the early 1800's retained most of the historical features, woodwork and ironmongery. A true record of the Cape vernacular architecture of the region.

Original Yellowwood front door at Boesmansdridt

We looked at the amazing Cape vernacular buildings at Jan Harmansgat with their "opgekleide mure". The property dates back to 1723 and has a rich history.We had lunch in the restored wine cellar and after lunch the group went home "weltevrede" and with "goedemoed" for the journey back.

I have to thank this amazing group of Vernacs for making this outing such a pleasure, they were the perfect guests. I thank our hosts for giving so generously of their time and hospitality.