An historic home in Wellington – that was part of a farm originally granted to a farmer named Du Preez in 1690 by Cape Governor Willem van der Stel – has been gradually whittled down to a plot of 3 500 sqm and is now on sale for R2,6-million.
The farm was originally named De Klippen Vallei and was located in an area named Wagenmakersvallei (wagon-maker’s valley) because wagons trekking into the interior would stop there for vital repairs having climbed through the mountains.
The farm was divided and sold at regular intervals until it was whittled down to its current size and renamed Klipvlei.
The original homestead, which is still standing but has been extensively modified, was built between 1713 and 1720. Today the main house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and three reception rooms. The original wooden floors and ceilings in some of the rooms have been preserved. There is an enclosed sun-room that could be converted into a fourth bedroom.
The kitchen has solid Oregon pine cupboards, a separate scullery and pantry.
The house has a covered veranda at the front door and a second veranda that is used as an entertainment area, complete with a built-in braai and air-conditioning unit.
There is a separate flat on the property that has its own entrance, bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen as well as a dining and lounge area.
The property is close to the Huguenot primary and secondary schools. The reception rooms are spacious and cool. The loft area above the main rooms can be converted into several additional bedrooms while the separate flat could be transformed into a freestanding cottage.
For more information about the home in Wellington contact Surina du Toit via email.
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