Theological Seminary

"Double storey building with three bays to each side of a central 3-bay portion. Slate roof with decorative dormer vents, with a raised roof over the central portion. The central portion is heavily decorated with triangular pediments and other plaster decorations above the ground and first floors, pilasters, hood mouldings and balusters. The entrance is raised and recessed and covered with a pedimented portico with pilasters and plaster mouldings to the arched openings. Timber joinery. The casements with fanlights in the bays flanking the entrance have moulded surrounds, with hood mouldings on the upper floor and surmounting pediments on the ground floor. Flanking the main building are double storey additions with corrugated iron roofs and covered central gables, with ornamental brackets under gables and eaves; double storey concrete verandahs with masonry columns; sash windows with louvred shutters.Front garden with established trees and a statue of NJ Hofmeyr. Fine boundary wall with cast iron gates (a pair of gates from the 1763 stage survives on the side). Modern extensions behind the old building, facing Noordwal."

Educational

"This building stands on the site, and possibly the foundations, of the Drostdy, which was built on a small island in the Eerste River, of which one branch has been filled in. The Drostdy appears on Stade's panorama (1710) as a U-shaped building with hipped thatched roof. It was completely rebuilt in 1763 to a typical Cape H-shape with a Rococo gable, a balustrade at the eaves and scrolls above the windows. In 1858 the DR synod began to use it as the Theological Seminary and flanking dwellings were erected for the first two professors (J Murray and NJ Hofmeyr). In 1868 an upper storey was added and the facade refashioned to a design by Carl Otto Hager. In 1905 it was again altered by the architects RM Robertson and Hesse: the outbuildings flanking the forecourt and the adjoining gaol were demolished. (Source: Fransen & Cooke)"

See history.