Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa, dating back to 1685, and what a fantastic place it. is.
Is one of South Africa's top wine estates and one of the first to be established in the western cape. A must-see for tourists.
The Bistro overlooks the acclaimed Vergelegen Rose Garden and serves light alfresco refreshments.
Open from November to April from 10h00 to 16h00.
Ron, I need wording here to match the painting This is the important stuff and needs careful wording for google to be able to link this pages pictures to what a surfer may be looking for
Vergelegen, meaning "situated far away", was granted to the Governor of the Cape in 1700 and the property has had a long fascinating history since that time. William Adriaan Van Der Stel, was a man of divergent interests who transformed the uncultivated land into a variable paradise. He planted vines, camphor trees and oaks, laid out fruit orchards and orange groves and introduced cattle and sheep.
Blaauwklippen is one of South Africa's most time-honoured wine estates, created in 1682. From its early beginnings up until the present day, it has been a reflection of family tradition - a tradition which has allowed it to grow. This is also most likely why, over the course of time, all the buildings have been preserved and carefully restored. Our carriage museum is a perfect example, with its sizeable collection of antique vehicles. Still, in perfect condition, these romantic carriages will take you on a ride through our magnificent vineyards.
A nice group of houses, I don't think the wall will do much to protect the washing.
Old Cape houses, with thatched roofs, are very simple in design, they always stop me dead in my tracks whenever I see one, and they have a unique charm about them. The mist seems to add to the atmosphere and I find it very difficult to resist painting them.
I came across this property while driving through Sir Lowry's Village. It was abandoned but protected by gates and an electric fence. A local stopped and spoke to me while I was painting, he told me what I was painting was once used as a coach house. According to him, this was the last stop for wagons, about to embark on the very tough journey up Sir Lowry's Pass. True or not I am uncertain, I do know that many wagons did pass this way, the ruts they left are still to be seen and they were declared a national monument in 1958
Two dwellings in Sir Lowry's pass village. Reputed to have been the coachman's home and guest house. Showing the main house and a separate block, this was probably used to accommodate travellers.
Another view of the main house, from further up the road.
When you see a group of these small houses, you can be sure that the sea is not very far away. Thick walls and thatch roofs protect the residents from the harsh elements
Sadly it no longer exists; a number of wonderful buildings were destroyed in central Johannesburg around 1984. If I remember correctly, the reason given for the destruction was PROGRESS. Makes you wonder?
Time has taken its toll and the gate is gone, the charm however, remains
Stellenbosch is a great place and I always enjoy walking around the busy streets and looking at the many shops and art galleries. Brightly coloured umbrellas attract you to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee. I found this place difficult to resist