The Garden Route, renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, also boasts a rich historical legacy reflected in its charming architecture. Among its treasures are historical houses that have been meticulously restored and transformed into elegant wedding venues. These heritage properties, steeped in the stories of bygone eras, offer couples a unique blend of history and modern-day elements. With their grand facades, manicured gardens, and period details, these historical houses provide a romantic and distinguished setting, making them an ideal choice for couples seeking a wedding venue that combines historical significance with contemporary elegance.
Belvidere Manor:
Belvidere Manor, situated in the scenic Brenton on Sea, Knysna, is a historical estate with roots tracing back to the early 19th century. The estate’s story began with George Rex, a notable landowner who acquired the property, then known as Uitzigt, and renamed it Belvidere in 1830. The estate’s legacy continued when Rex introduced Lieutenant Thomas Henry Duthie to his family, leading to Duthie’s marriage to Rex’s daughter Caroline in 1833. Thomas Duthie, with a background in military engineering and agriculture, purchased Belvidere in 1834. He then embarked on transforming it into a functional farm while building what would become the present-day manor house. Construction of the British Colonial Georgian-style Belvidere Manor began in 1848, incorporating local materials and distinctive architectural features like the ‘Chinese Chippendale’ verandah roofs. Over the years, the estate evolved into a charming village, complete with residential plots and a church. The Duthie family maintained the property for generations, preserving its historic character. In 1983, a development plan initiated the restoration of Belvidere Manor, converting it into a modern-day wedding venue. This estate now stands as a testament to its rich heritage, offering a unique and elegant setting for couples seeking a venue steeped in history and natural beauty.
Swartvlei Guest Farm, Sedgefield
Swartvlei Guest Farm, located in the serene town of Sedgefield in the Garden Route, is a historic estate that has been lovingly restored into a modern-day wedding venue. Originally built in 1883, the Manor House is a charming double-story residence that reflects the elegance of a bygone era. This 12-sleeper house features three en-suite bedrooms, each blending comfort with historical charm. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy fireplaces in both the lounge and the main dining room. The Manor House also boasts a wraparound patio that offers stunning views of Swartvlei Lake, the farm’s avocado orchards, and the estate’s well-kept gardens, swimming pool, and tennis court. The estate’s restoration has transformed it into a picturesque venue that combines historical allure with the convenience of modern facilities, making Swartvlei Guest Farm an ideal setting for unforgettable weddings amidst the natural beauty of the Garden Route.
Portland Manor, Knynsa
Portland Manor, situated in Harkersville near Knysna, is a historical estate that has been transformed into a modern wedding venue while preserving its rich heritage. The manor’s history is deeply connected to South Africa’s early European settlers, dating back to the mid-17th century when the Dutch East India Company established a settlement in Table Bay and sought timber for building and fuel. By 1819, the estate became part of George Rex’s vast landholdings, which spanned much of the Knysna River basin. In the early 1840s, the property was acquired by Henry Barrington, who envisioned Portland as an English-style estate. He constructed the first manor house in 1863, only to see it destroyed by the Great Fire of 1869. Undeterred, Barrington rebuilt the house, which became known as Portland Manor. Over the years, the estate flourished with the addition of a dam, sawmill, orchards, and various agricultural pursuits, cementing its status as a landmark of the region. Today, Portland Manor stands as a testament to its storied past, offering a blend of historical charm and modern elegance, making it a unique setting for weddings and special events.
Forest Hall, Plettenberg Bay
Forest Hall, located in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, is a historical estate with a rich heritage dating back to 1862. Built by William Henry Newdigate, the third son of English nobility from Astley Castle, the manor was a grand gesture of love for his bride, Caroline Duthie, granddaughter of George Rex of Knysna. The construction of Forest Hall required imported English craftsmen due to the lack of local infrastructure, and it utilized ancient hardwoods from the surrounding Tsitsikamma forests for its floors, doors, window frames, and central staircase. The estate soon became a cultural hub, hosting prominent pioneers like Bishop Grey and Thomas Bain, and serving as a retreat of refinement amidst the wild African landscape. However, in 1869, the estate narrowly escaped devastation during the Great Fire that ravaged the region, miraculously spared by a shift in wind and dense sea fog. Although the Newdigate family eventually moved away, and the estate fell into disrepair, it was later restored by descendants and subsequent owners. Declared a National Monument in 1992, Forest Hall has been revived as a wedding venue, blending modern amenities with the timeless elegance of its aristocratic past, continuing to be a symbol of enduring heritage and beauty in the Garden Route.
Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn
Queens Hotel, located in the heart of Oudtshoorn on Baron van Reede Street, is South Africa’s oldest four-star hotel and the third oldest hotel in the country, having first opened its doors on March 20, 1880. The hotel’s history is deeply intertwined with the town’s development and the flourishing ostrich feather industry that brought wealth to the Klein Karoo region. Originally owned by Mr. John Ford, the hotel passed through the hands of several notable figures, including Mr. Stokkam and the influential Major John Bawden, who managed the hotel from 1886 until his death in 1913. Bawden, a prominent Oudtshoorn personality who served in the Bechuanaland Expedition and commanded the Oudtshoorn Home Guard during the Anglo-Boer War, inspired the hotel’s name in honor of the Queen’s Medal he received. The property later came under the stewardship of Bawden’s son-in-law, Mr. F. Cilliers, until 1938, when it was sold to Mr. Schmidt. Over the years, the Queens Hotel has undergone renovations to restore its original grandeur while offering modern amenities. Today, this historical estate seamlessly blends old-world elegance with contemporary comforts, making it a beloved wedding venue and a symbol of Oudtshoorn’s rich heritage.
Eight Bells, Hartenbos
Eight Bells, located in Ruiterbos, Garden Route, has a storied history that dates back to 1816 when Johannes Petrus Marx was granted the property by Lord Charles Somerset. Originally a vital rest stop for travelers and traders on the route between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, it featured a designated “outspan” at the foot of the Robinson Pass. Over time, the homestead evolved, becoming a popular lodging spot for travelers, including Royal Navy and Air Force personnel during the 1930s. The name “Eight Bells” reflects the maritime tradition of signaling the end of a watch at sea, fitting for a place of rest and tranquility. After a period of decline, the property was rejuvenated by the Brown family in 1974, who restored it to prominence as a premier guest farm. Major renovations followed, enhancing its facilities and earning it a four-star rating. The current owners, Charles and René Bongers, continue to uphold the estate’s legacy, ensuring Eight Bells remains a cherished destination.
Fancourt, George
The Manor House at Fancourt, located in George, Garden Route, has a rich history dating back to 1854 when British engineer Henry Fancourt White settled in Blanco, constructing an elegant home known as Blanco House. Designed in the style of a Cotswold mansion, the estate faced financial hardship and ownership changes following White’s death in 1866. It was later renamed Fancourt by White’s son, Ernest Montagu White, in honor of his father. Ernest, a notable figure who served as Consul-General in London and supported the Boer cause, made significant improvements to the estate during his intermittent stays. Tragically, in 1916, a mushroom poisoning incident led to multiple deaths, including Ernest’s. After periods of neglect and various owners, the estate underwent substantial restoration under Dr. Roland Anthony Krynauw in the 1960s. Further developments transformed Fancourt into a renowned hotel under André Pieterse and, later, Hasso and Sabine Plattner, who spearheaded its expansion into a world-class venue. Today, Fancourt stands as a testament to its storied past, offering a blend of historical charm and modern luxury.
