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TThe Cape Dutch architecture style has its roots in medieval Holland and Germany with strong French and Indonesian influences. The early houses were single-storey, usually with three rooms. As people in the Cape became more affluent in the 1800s the floor plans became more elaborate and the houses larger. The houses also became more ornate with the distinctive front gable making its first appearance.
The basic style was always the same though. The houses were built with clay or rubble cemented with lime mortar. The roofs were thatched and the walls were painted with whitewash, regardless of the period.
The style is common throughout the Cape, but is particularly prevalent in the wine region - especially in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There is even a museum in Stellenbosch - the Burgerhuis Museum - where you can see the furnishings and embellishments of the different periods.
Although there are lots of examples of Cape Dutch architecture there are a few specific buildings you should endeavour to see. Vergelegen, previous Cape Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel's house, is the oldest surviving example of this colonial Cape architecture. The house can be found in Somerset West just outside of Cape Town.
De Tuynhuys next to Company Gardens in Cape Town is the president's home when he is in residence in the Cape and is well worth a look. Secunde's House is located in the Castle of Good Hope (also in Cape Town), and is well worth a visit.
In the centre of Cape Town is Heritage Square, which is populated with a number of Cape Dutch buildings, some of which house excellent restaurants, making them worth the visit for more reasons than one. The square also houses the oldest grape-bearing vine in South Africa.
If you can't get out to the wine regions then go and explore Groot Constantia wine farm in the southern suburbs of the city.
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Cape Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)86 132 2223
Email: info@capetown.travel.co.za
How to get here
Use Cape Town as your starting point and then move into the winelands. All the small towns in the Karoo have Cape Dutch buildings, notably Tulbagh and Swellendam. Visit Graaff-Reinet to view charming national monuments.
Best time to visit
Summer is always best in the Cape.
Things to do
Do a tour of the winelands and get your fill of Cape Dutch architecture at the same time. Most tour operators can arrange a wine tour.
What to pack
Cape Town is a winter rainfall area, so take a rain jacket if you visit between May and July. Summers (November to February) can be warm but the weather is highly changeable. Always remember your sunblock and a hat.
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