With the building structures rescued by the initial
renovations we started researching. The history of the buildings were not documented and the
endless days spent in archives, the deeds and surveys and mapping offices,
started.
The history of the irrigation canal and of Christopher Rigg’s
plan for the valley were well documented but the earlier history of the area
was only captured in geographical names. Farm names like Boesmanspad, Boesmansdrift
and Boesmansrivier, were a reminder of the earlier inhabitants of this valley
and the path they followed from the Langeberg mountains through the Breede river
towards the Riviersonderend mountains where, as legend would have it, they went
to collect the tin required for their arrow points. Olifantskrans, Wolwekloof
en Wildepaardekloof were a reminder of the abundant wildlife that roamed the
valley.
We were very keen to have a pure restoration of the original
building and were planning to remove the sixties addition completely. When
Keith went to have the plans approved by the municipality, he was advised to
apply for a demolition permit for all structures instead of a building permit.
An added motivation was that he would save his money by applying for the
demolition permit which was cheaper than having plans passed.
|
Opening the original door and window on the original front |
|
Sash windows and stable door restored |
We soon learned that the town would have preferred for the
building to be removed completely as it was seen as a neglected eyesore. With very few historical buildings left in
the town and surrounding areas we had to explore the Swellendam building style
because the property fell within the jurisdiction of the Swellendam cornetecy.
We discovered an original T-shape vernacular house built circa
1824 on the farm Bosjemansdrift that was part of the original farm. We were told
that it was built by Mr Beukman the “veewagter” of a Mr Morkel from
Stellenbosch, the then owner of the farm.
When we overlaid the original diagram of the quitrent grant
on a Google aerial photo we discovered that the complex of buildings in the centre
of the diagram, dated 1843, corresponded with the position of our buildings.
|
Restoring the gable on the original front of the house |
|
The original front restored |
Over a period of time we collected sash windows and doors
from the area that was for sale to eventually install them in the building. We
were informed by old photographs we found on the loft that the house used to
have sash windows and collected ones of corresponding dimensions. We wanted the
restoration to be authentic.
|
Replacing the 60's steel frame windows with sash windows |
|
Adding the pediment and ropemolding |
When we started the restoration on the main house and
removed the steel frame windows we discovered the remnants of a casement window
frame and yellow wood lintel. We then realised that the house was even older
than we had originally thought. We
realised that the restoration on which we had embarked was in fact to the
second phase appearance in the history of the building. It was evident that to
restore it to the first phase appearance would create a very interesting museum
but not a home suitable for contemporary living while the added financial
burden to achieve that would have been prohibitive.
|
Making the new "soldertrap" |
With the discovery of the older history we realised that the
building is too important as a record of its period to change any of the
interior core of it. We decided to retain the sixties addition for the incorporation
of the bathrooms and laundry and other appliances and to leave the core as
authentic as possible.
|
Restoring the gable on the "new front" and preparing for thatching |
Roofing specialist consultant, Len Raymond applied
methodology and a structural design that would have been used to construct the
original thatched roof so as to ensure the correct period appearance of the
building.
|
The restored facade today |
|
The restored original front today |
We published the detailed history of the house and its
restoration to try and secure the future of the building and its record for
future generations. We believe education is important for people to make
informed decisions.
|
The house from the rosarium today |
|
The house from the parking terrace |
We realise we are only caretakers of a cultural landscape
and enjoy living in this vernacular house and garden as holistically as
possible.
|
The house in 1991 |
|
The same view today |
More:
Restoring Cape Vernacular Architecture – The Cottage
Rescuing Beauty 1 – The Property
A labour of love, but what a beautiful home you've made!
ReplyDeleteThank you John, we are enjoying it everyday. When are you coming to enjoy some African sun again.
DeleteThys, you and Keith have created a beautiful work of art and contributed greatly to the preservation of our rich heritage for the benefit of future generations.
ReplyDeleteThank you Peter, a lot of credit goes to your brother for his vision and commitment to this project.
Delete