Top 20 Cape Dutch Houses in Cape Town

1. Boschendal Wine Estate

The Boschendal Manor Home with gable in the Neoclassical Cape Dutch style dated 1812.

First established as early as 1685, Boschendal Esate is a wine farm with a proud history. It has been selected for its perfect setting in front of the majestic Hutchinson peak of the Groot Drakenstein mountain range, as well as its excellent neoclassical style heritage buildings that are viewable on the inside as a museum. It's history weaves together the different cultures of the Cape and has emerged today as a leading vineyard, fruit producer and tourism attraction.

The 300 plus year old Manor Home is one of the finest examples of the neoclassical style and has been declared a South African National Heritage site. View the Cape Dutch interior of the Manor Home which is now a museum or visit the wine tasting centre, restaurant or farm shop and butchery where you can choose from fresh local produce and support the local community. Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful gardens and orchards while you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

It arises in first place on our list of top 30 Cape Dutch buildings because of the complete beauty of the facade of the main house, its accessiblity to visitors, as well as the Estate's emphasis on preserving heritage, encouraging sustainability and ploughing back into the local community.

Purchase a bought picnic known as the"werf picnic" when you visit the estate, or dine at a choice of the Werf Restaurant or Deli Restaurant. If you are looking for a function venue, look no further to book your conference, celebration or wedding at one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Visit ESTATE OFFICIAL WEBSITE for more information about the hotel, dining, shopping and wine tasting at Boschendal as well as the Norval Art Gallery

2. Vergelegen Manor House and Gardens

The Main home at Vergelgen overlooks the Octogonal Gardens on the East and the 7 ancient Camphor trees on the West.

This beautiful Cape Dutch manor home lies on a large farm that was one of the first to be settled by a governor in the early days of the Cape Colony. It has changed hands a number of times since then, and each owner made big improvements to the farm and gardens. It is now owned by anglo-american and has been opened to the public. The restaurant and historical gardens with 300 year old Camphor trees make this a most memorable outing.

The main house and library are now museums where you can enjoy a glimpse of historical Cape Dutch interiors as well as displays about the history of the vineyards. The gardens are of particular significance and include speciality gardens such as a hydrangea garden, bamboo garden, rain forest as well as the historical octogonal garden with its charming blend of exotic roses and bogain villas with indigenous plants such as Clivias and Agapanthus.

Reward yourself after a day of learning, with fine dining at the Stables Restaurant where you can enjoy access to a bespoke designed children's play area with mountain views. The Estate is located in the Helderberg Basin just north of the town of Somerset West - only an hours drive from Cape Town central. Visit GLITZYMAGAZINE to view other top natural and arhictectural sightseeing attractions in and around Cape Town.

4. Groot Constantia

The exceptionally large gable is neoclassical in style and unusually contains a statue in a niche.

More famous than entries one two and three... Groot Constantia is often listed as one of the top sightseeing attractions in Cape Town Its proximity to Cape Town, splendid neoclassical gable and range of great restaurants and boutique shops, makes this a must see destination for anyone interested in the Cape Dutch style or historical buildings of South Africa.

The best example of the style on the Southern slopes of Table Mountain, this is an important stop for any tour around the city. The house has a strong central pediment and is a bold example of the architecture of the era. It was destroyed by fire in 1925, but immaculately restored by a team lead by architect EK. Kendall and was reopened to the public in 1927. The farm itself was established in 1685. Go to the OFFICIAL WEBSITE of Groot Constantia to learn more about this exceptional heritage building and wine farm.

5. Babylonstoren

The gables at Bablonstoren were reconstructed from an outbuilding example after a fire in

Located on a wine farm just South of Paarl, there is also a modern cape dutch style restaurant and organic gardens which are firmly on the tourist map of international visitors to Cape Town. This is a fascinating stop from both a historical and horticultural point of view. Much work has been done on the outbuildings and gardens and there is much for visitors to see.

The gables at Bablonstoren were reconstructed as recently as 1931 based on mouldings on the farms slave bell. The architects did an exceptional job, as this is one of the most gracefully proportioned facades to be found. There are more doors than windows emphasising how the manor home lives outward onto the garden.

This restoration occured, not due to a fire, but rather overzealous refashioning of the home during a time of "Victorianisation" when the thatch roof was replaced by corrugated iron, and the gable removed.

Visit the OFFICIAL WEBSITE for maps of the organic gardens as well as the restuarant, bakery, succulent gardens, atrium and bonsai display.

6. Lourensford

The main house has been restored and now contains a delicattessen and sweet shop.

Located in Somerset West, there is much to enjoy at this wine farm, including the restaurant and wine tasting facilities house itself is unusual in that it has a tiled roof instead of the traditional thatch.

7. Zevenwacht Gabled Home

With only one window per side wing, the facade is compact and beautifully proportioned.

One of the few examples to be located around Kuilsriver, this hidden gem is often missed by tourists on their first visit to the Cape. It is located just behind the Zevenwacht Mall, and is open to the public, although please support the restaurant and paid-picnic area. The facade is very small and dainty, with a delicately embellished gable and narrow windows. Don't leave Cape Town with out seeing this magnificent historical building.

1. La Dauphine

Arguably the finest example of the neoclassical style, the gable is dated 1804
La Dauphine manor house in Franschhoek

According to our editors this is the finest example of the Cape Dutch style remaining in Cape Town. Being a private residence it is very well maintained, but unfortunately not open to the public. The established gardens in the foreground, and magnificent mountain backdrop contribute to a picture of perfect harmony that set this appart as one of the most special heritages buildings in South Africa. Visit GLITZYMAGAZINE for other splendid old buildings in the Mother City.

8. Webersburg Manor House

The imposing Manor home at Webersburg is reached by a flight of steps

This impressive home has a baroque style gable dated 1786 and is located on a working wine farm on the slopes of the Helderberg. Enjoy an outing wine tasting at the beautifultasting center with modernised deck overlooking a lake with mountain views. Enjoy nature while viewing this historical building.

9. Lanzerac Hotel

The Lanserac Hotel is set in front of "Die Pieke" mountain peaks.

This impressive Cape Dutch Manor Home boasts a fine Neoclassical gable and is located on a working wine farm in the Jonkershoek Valley. Enjoy an wine tasting excursion at the tasting center while viewing this significany historical building, or dine at one of the most luxurious resetaurants in South Africa.

10. Neethlingshof

Neethlingshof is a fine example of the neoclassical period in Cape Dutch architecture.

This wine farm is situated just outside of Stellenbosch, and the home boasts a beautiful delicate neoclassical gable. The landscaping and gardens are equally fine and well kept. The restaurant and views make this a great destination for architecture enthusiasts and holiday-makers alike.

11. Rustenberg Gabled Farmstead

The manor home at Rustenberg.

The best kept secret in Stellenbosch this farm is best seen in early spring when everything is green and in bloom. The home is in the Neoclassical style, similar to that at Groot Constantia, where the gable has a central protruding pediment.


The wine cellar breaks away from the Cape Dutch style and is executed in more of a Neoclassical greek revivalist style and is one of the many interesting outbuildings to see at Rustenberg along with the immaculate blossoming gardens.

12. Hazendal

The Hazendal manor home is one of a cluster of heritage buildings located in Botelary Hills.

The manor home at Hazendal boasts one of the earliest gables in the region, and arguably the very first baroque style gable with its frivalous plasterwork. The gable is proudly dated 1790. Recent upgrades to the propery have seen the introduction of a world class children's playpark and educational center.


A unique feature of the Hazendal farm, is the outer farm wall. A key characteristic of the style, the low werf wall, was typically 900mm high, but this is a higher example at about 1800mm high. The plasterwork embellishment and thickness of the walls are preserved.

13. Rust en Vrede

The Rust en Vrede main house with the archway in red Klompie bricks.

The historical buildings have been renovated in the last 30 years making a daring juxtoposition of modern seamless glass with the historical klompie bricks which are red baked clay bricks that were used for various finishing touches such as window lintols, arches, fireplace mantels and "stoeps". (The varandahs are commonly known by their Afrikaans name in South Africa).


The views over the foothills of the Helderberg mounatain can be enjoyed from this estate and appear as a quilted patchwork of red, yellow and green vineyards and fields.

14. Buitenverwachting

The gable is in the peninsular neoclassical style with a protruding front section on the gable.

Located just as near to Cape Town as Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting is like the lesser known sister of the former. With award winning wines, breathtaking views, and well maintained garden area that is accessible when you visit the restaurant this is a wonderful sunday destination.


The outbuildings are just as chariming as the main manor home, and contain a restaurant, shop and wine tasteing centre.

15. Vredenheim

The traditional Cape Dutch gable overlooks a recently estalished animal farm and childrens playground

Another wonderful hidden treasure, Vredenheim's gable can be glimpsed when visiting Hudson's - the restaurant of the estate or enjoying the large cats on view or smaller farm animals. The garden is breathtaking in its beauty and setting.


View of the gardens at Vredenheim with Helderberg Mountain in the distance.