The delicate dance between preservation and modernisation has become a modern art form in the Cape’s luxury hospitality sector. At Hawksmoor House, the owner, Simon Olding, has mastered this balance, creating an authentic heritage experience that doesn’t compromise comfort.
“Bathrooms in these types of buildings did not exist until relatively recently, so that is always the biggest challenge with any old building,” Olding explains, highlighting one of the key challenges in transforming these historic properties. Yet Hawksmoor’s centuries of ongoing expansions have allowed all five bedrooms to feature modern en-suite bathrooms without disrupting the building’s classic proportions.
Their commitment to complete authenticity extends beyond preservation. Rather than installing modern air conditioning, Hawksmoor relies on the original architecture’s ingenious design, which includes thick walls and natural cross-ventilation to keep the interior cool in summer and comfortable in winter. The original kitchen remains intact, becoming a captivating focal point that Simon refused to modernise: “I doubt they [the guests] would take as many photos of a stainless-steel catering kitchen.”
Working with history, not against it
“We try to make it as clear as possible through our marketing and images that this is a historic structure, on a working farm, and that we operate around that history and character, not the other way round,” Olding emphasises. This philosophy shapes every aspect of the guest experience.
Luxury hasn’t been sacrificed; it’s been carefully woven into the fabric of history. “Much as I say it is all about the authentic experience, I don’t want to be uncomfortable either,” notes Olding. “The bathrooms are spacious, have proper hot water, underfloor heating, etc. The atmosphere is lovely, but shivering in a cold bathroom late at night is not very agreeable.”
living museum
The property’s appeal spans diverse audiences, from Dutch visitors exploring their colonial heritage to South Africans eager to experience life in a traditional Cape Dutch house. “The main houses on farms that are now businesses tend to be used as central points for restaurants, so there aren’t that many where one can sleep in the ‘big house,’” Simon observes.
Preserving and traversing heritage through tourism
The trend represents more than just luxury tourism; it’s also vital for cultural preservation. As Olding reflects, “The cost of maintaining any historic structure is higher than that of a modern building, so quite often the only way to look after these buildings the way they need to be is to make them commercial in some way.”
This commercialisation, he argues, democratises access to these historic spaces, transforming what were once exclusive private homes into shared cultural heritage. “Some say it is sad that what were once family homes are now public spaces, but at least this way they get to be enjoyed and celebrated by many, not just a select few.”
Location: Matjieskuil Farm, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Contact: +27 (0)21 884 4815
Website: hawksmoor.co.za
Other spots also worth exploring
While Hawksmoor epitomises the perfect balance of preservation and luxury we all love to experience, several other Cape Dutch properties have undergone similar modifications, each offering its own unique take on heritage hospitality.
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa in Stellenbosch stands as a testament to visionary transformation. “The estate’s evolution from farmstead to sophisticated hospitality destination began with Elizabeth Catherina ‘Kitty’ English in the 1920s,” explains Emile Langenhoven, the General Manager of Lanzerac. “She not only introduced state-of-the-art winemaking techniques but also refined the homestead with elegant Cape Dutch details, creating a more sophisticated aesthetic.”
Location: Lanzerac Wine Estate, Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
Contact: +27 (0)21 887 1132
Website: lanzerac.co.za
Babylonstoren in Franschhoek is a famous example, where a 1692 Cape Dutch farm has been reworked into a luxury hotel and working farm. The property masterfully combines a dash of historic architecture with modern design elements, as well as featuring an acclaimed restaurant and spectacular gardens that pay homage to the Cape’s first farming traditions.
Location: Babylonstoren, Babylonstoren Road, Franschhoek
Contact: +27 (0)21 863 3852
Website: babylonstoren.com
