Blaauwklippen
Address
Off the R44
Date Built
Suggested Grading
II
Property Number
Present NHRA protection
S34
Older than 60 years - at time of survey
yes
Description
A large werf, enclosed by outbuildings that are splayed towards the mountains. A low werf wall encircles the space, with mature planting reinforcing the spatial structure. An H-shaped homestead with fine gables and joinery is positioned to the west of the werf space. The homestead has fine original joinery, as well as restored gables. The splayed werf, and the relationship its geometry creates with the adjacent Blaauwkip River and the foothills and peaks of the Helderberg beyond, is very fine. The more modern structures, accommodating both farming and entertainment elements, are located to the north-east of the werf space.
Details
Valley
Eerste River Valley (C01-C30)
Area
Eerste River Helderberg Area (C25-C30)
Landscape Unit
C29
Townscape
Landscape Unit Grade
Grade II
Architect / Builder
Current Use
Agricultural werf
Original Use
Agricultural werf
General Evaluation
Interior Description
History
Granted to Gerrit Visser in 1690, acquired in 1762 by ex-assistant landdrost of Stellenbosch, Jan <br />
Bernard Hoffman.
Grouping with other sites
Evidence of Demolition
Contextual Design
A very fine, intact werf with a subtle geometry that affords wonderful views of the surrounding
landscape, and connects the werf to its agricultural context.
Invasive Elements
Heritage Vulnerability
The continued sprawl of Stellenbosch is a threat to this site.
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Map
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Latitude/Longitude
-33.9731966667 / 18.8468
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Additional Information
Additional Documents
Survey
2016
Circa
Admin Area
Allotment
Zoning
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Date of survey
2016
Linked to erf/erven
Linked Address
Environment
Valley PDF
AREA PDF
Landscape Unit PDF
Townscape PDF
2016 Survey Document - Site PDF
OTHER DOCUMENTS
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NHRA Significance
Age
High
Archaeology
Architectural
High
Associational
Medium
Intangible
Medium
* SCALE USED: High / Medium / Low / None
Rarity
High
Representivity
High
Scientific
None
Symbolic
High
Statement of Significance
This farm werf exhibits an extremely fine homestead, as well as a werf space of complex and careful
geometry that is comparable to some of the best composed spaces at the Cape - for instance the
Alphen werf in Constantia. The site has historical, architectural, contextual, scenic and associational
significance.
Landscape Significance
Many trees of statue surround the werf space and add to the structure of the space. Large gum
trees are located along the Blaauwklippen River and form a dense, green backdrop to the manor
house.
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Additional Photos
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