A legacy rekindled: The Blaauwklippen Manor House

Thursday, 10 July, 2025
Blaauwklippen
The Blaauwklippen Manor House is an enduring symbol of South Africa's winemaking legacy.

Gracefully nestled at the foot of the Stellenbosch mountains, the Blaauwklippen Manor House stands as a refined emblem of Cape Dutch architecture and an enduring symbol of South Africa’s winemaking legacy. Established in 1682 by German settler Gerrit Jansz Visser, Blaauwklippen is among the oldest wine estates in the country – a heritage woven deep into the fabric of the land.

Originally constructed in the mid-18th century, the Manor House is a study in elegance and craftsmanship, with its whitewashed walls, iconic gables, and traditional thatched roof echoing a timeless aesthetic. Throughout the centuries, it has borne witness to generations of change, triumph, and tribulation – including several fires that left their mark on its storied walls.

Most recently, on 7 April 2024, the Manor House was once again touched by fire. Yet, true to its spirit, it is now undergoing a meticulous restoration – an act of renewal that honours its past while shaping its future. Each detail is being carefully revived, ensuring that the soul of this historic landmark remains intact.

Today, the Manor House continues to embody the heart of Blaauwklippen: a place where heritage, resilience, and refined beauty converge. Its restoration is not merely a rebuilding, but a celebration of all that has been – and all that is still to come.

Then. Now. Forever.