Twist Niet, a portion of one of Wellington’s original farms dating back to the early 1800s, is for sale through Pam Golding Properties at R8 million.
One of Wellington’s oldest properties is for sale, located on Burg Street in the very heart of the scenic Cape Winelands town.
Pam Golding Properties is marketing Twist Niet, a portion of one of the town’s original farms dating back to the early 1800s. The original homestead still stands on the 4 400 m2 property, which is for sale at R8 million.
The Wellington valley was settled by French Huguenot farmers in the late 17th century. Originally named Limietvallei, they later called it Val du Charron (Wagonmakers’ Valley) – but it was renamed Wellington in 1840 by the British governor, Sir George Napier, in honour of the Duke of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.
One of the valley’s original farms was the property named Champagne, a 25ha farm lying on the banks of the Spruit River. The farm was granted to the Huguenot Herculé Verdeaux in 1699 by Cape governor Simon van der Stel, and became renowned for its beautiful orchards and vineyards.
In 1768 it was bought by Daniel Retief, uncle of the famous Great Trek leader, Piet Retief. The land was divided into two portions in 1801, one of which was bought by Gabriel Hermanus le Roux, and which later became known as Twist Niet. It was le Roux who probably built the T-shaped Cape Dutch homestead some time around 1811, which still stands today. A church was built on the other portion of the original farm in the 1830s, and the Wellington CBD grew up around this centre. Today the town has a population of around 50 000 people, and is renowned for its wine, brandy, olives, berries and citrus fruit, as well as some of the country’s best dried fruit.
The homestead on Twist Niet was declared a national monument in 1967. At some point in its history, probably the late 1800s, it was renovated in the Victorian style, with the original thatched roof being replaced with an iron one, and the original windows replaced with sash windows. However many of the original Cape Dutch features remain, including the thick walls, gables bearing the date 1811, the original front doorframe and fireplaces, as well as many of the ceilings.
PGP’s area manager for Wellington, Surina du Toit, says this makes the property an ideal purchase for those with a love of restoring old homes.
“There is huge potential for this property to be restored to its former glory,” she says, “and it could make a beautiful setting for an authentic Cape Dutch guesthouse, a restaurant, or perhaps corporate headquarters. Alternatively it would make a wonderful family home.”
PGP’s MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, Annien Borg, says: “The importance and charm of this property lies as much in its history as in its architecture. But with the proper love and attention, it could be restored to its true Cape Dutch heritage.”
The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and the master suite has its own dressing room. There are three reception rooms as well as a loft space which could be converted into an office or additional bedroom. The farmstyle kitchen has a separate scullery and laundry. The large garden is watered by two boreholes and includes huge oak trees and a swimming pool. The home is protected by perimeter fencing and a security gate as well as an alarm system.
Call Lynette Kannemeyer on 082 672 1022, or 021 873 4557 or email wellington@pamgolding.co.za.
