Weltevreden Farm

yes

The property comprises a werf sapce with a unique, splaying trapezoid form. The H-shaped houseforms the central point, with the approach avenue with trees to either side setting up the main axis, the werf wall and axial gate enclosing the werf to the west, and with the house framedagainst the peaks of the Simonsberg beyond. Outbuildings to either side frame the view. Another, thatched outbuilding is located to the south-west of the werf. The windows and doors of the main house retain their original segmental-topped frames (Fransen, 2004: 202). The main gable, dated 1812, is an excellent example of the Neo-Classical period of gable-design, and the plaster<br /> detailing is very fine and has symbolism related to past owners of the farm. The Cellar gable of Weltevreden was copied to create the end gables of the new house, and are in the Cape Flemish style with a crown motif at the top.

Agricultural werf

Fransen (2004: 202) draws attention to the barrel-vaults in the side courts, as well as the original stinkwood doors with inlaid yellowwood banding. In general, Fransen notes that the house's interior is highly intact, and was subject to a careful restoration in the early years of the 21st century.

The property was first granted to Hans Henske in 1692. It is likely to have been settled at the time of the founding of the small settlement of Stellenbosch. The property was transferred to Caspar Hendrik Badenhorst in 1713. Deborah Retief (sister of Voortrekker leader Piet Retief) and her husband, Christoffel Esterhuysen, purchased the property from Sybrand Vermeulen in 1812. Their<br /> initials are moulded into the back gable's plasterwork. The Cellar gable is dated 1804 and rumour has it that this building was built by Piet Retief, although it was more likely to have been built by Vermeulen. Legend has it that the wagon wheels incorporated into the decorative plasterwork of the house's main gable are in reference to the Great Trek, which would have been an idea under intense discussion at the time.

Together with Boschendal, Weltevreden, Zevenwacht, Neethlingshof, Old Nectar and Navarre,Weltevreden has a Neo-Classical Cape Dutch gable, and was realised at the height of the sytle,between 1812 and 1815.

In 1817 the original house was demolished and a new Cape house was built adjacent to the old one.

The trapeziod-shaped werf space is a fine and rare example.

The Surveyor General information indicates that some subdivision of the property has occurred in recent times. There is concern that insensitive development of the site could negatively impact its heritage significance.