CAPE DUTCH MANOR HOMES
There are about 500 historical Cape Dutch manor homes today. Images courtesy of CAPETOWNSPLENDOUR. If you are looking for great pics of this stunning residential architecture style, you have come to the right place. To the left, the manor house at Buitenverwachting, which is now a restaurant. For more styles in Cape Town see:
WHAT IS THE CAPE DUTCH STYLE?
The main features of the style are the ornate central gable, the gabled ends, the h u or t shaped plans consisting of barns. The walls are either white or cream in colour.
VISIT ARCHITECTCOMPANIESCAPETOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS
Some of the following items are often present, but not necessarily: Thatch roof, sliding sash windows in green, shutters, pergola with vines on the front verandah.
SEE RESIDENTIAL-ARCHITECTS FOR OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN STYLES.
BOSCHENDAL
One of the most elegant of all Cape Dutch facades, the home features slightly arched windows, and a front gable with many concave shapes next to each other. Also see ARCHITECTCAPETOWN for equally original and compelling designs. The gardens have a mix of topiary, roses, an African wild flowers - typical of Cape Dutch landscape architecture. Also see the styles page of ARCHITECTCAPETOWN for more inspiration.
WHEN DID IT BEGIN?
THE CAPE DUTCH STYLE ORIGINATED AT THE START OF THE CAPE COLONY WHICH WAS SET UP AS A SAILORS REFRESHMENT STATION BETWEEN EUROPE AND INDIA.
VISIT TOP-ARCHITECTS FOR MORE GREAT ARCHITCTURE IDEAS
DUTCH FARMERS BROUGHT WITH THEM THE TRADITION OF ELEBORATING A GABLE TO GIVE THE HOUSE A "FACE" AS IT WERE.
SEE GLITZYMAGAZINE FOR OTHER INTERESTING THINGS HAPPENING IN CAPE TOWN.
la dauphine
This exquisite manor home embodies all that we have come to love about the style. (see CAPEGLOSSY for more sightseeing in Cape Town). The carefully designed and crafted gable is the natural focal point, but this is complimented by equally careful but lesser detailing of the side gable. See GLOSSY-MAGAZINE for more photos similar to this. The thatch roof is immaculately maintained, as are the shutters and the lawns. This is when architecture enhances the natural beauty of a place. To buy your own farm here see...
OTHER FEATURES
SOME OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE OFTEN PRESENT ON A CAPE DUTCH FARM ARE: THE LOW "WERF" WALL THAT SURROUNDS THE MAIN CLUSTER OF BUILDINGS, AND THE SLAVE BELL USED TO CALL SERVANTS.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS BLOG ON CAPE DUTCH ARCHITECTURE
THERE ARE ALSO OFTEN OUTBUILDINGS THAT HIDE BARNS AND CELLARS WHICH HAVE LESS ELABORAT GABLES TO DISTINGUISH THEM FROM THE MAIN MANOR HOUSE.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS CLICK ON HERE FOR MORE CAPE DUTCH HOUSES
BABYLONSTOREN
This design is fairly modern and this is because the original house burned down and the first gable design was unknown. It is very well done though. The use of more doors than windows is in keeping with more modern house design trends. Visit ARCHITECTCAPETOWN for more modern Cape Dutch ideas.
