A fire broke out on a neighbouring farm, resulting in the gutting of the 300-year-old Manor House at Blaauwklippen Vineyards near Stellenbosch.
Over the weekend, the historic Manor House, Jonkershuis, and Cathedral were destroyed due to severe weather conditions in the region.
Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, expressed sorrow at the loss, calling it a significant blow to both Blaauwklippen Wine Estate and South African heritage.
Both the Jonkerhuis and Manor House were exquisite examples of Cape Dutch architecture from the 1700s.
Reports indicate that the fire was exacerbated by strong gale-force winds.
Blaauwklippen management stated that the fire started on a neighbouring farm early Monday morning and quickly spread to the Manor House, Jonkershuis, and Cathedral, reducing all three buildings to ashes.
Markovitz confirmed that the wine estate’s owners are committed to rebuilding and restoring the 300-year-old Manor House.
He mentioned that Blaauwklippen’s owners had already pledged to rebuild and restore the Manor House and that Newmark’s operational teams would provide support in this effort. Article adapted from a report shared by Cape Town Etc.
