The Boland town of Paarl is known for its wine estates with their magnificent homesteads. In the town centre, too, are further examples of well-preserved heritage buildings – evidence of the town’s strong links with fine architecture.
The eclectic collection of styles – from Cape Dutch, traditional vernacular, neo-Gothic and neo-classic to Cape Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and art deco – gives Paarl its distinctive atmosphere. Many of these historic buildings are family homes, some of which have been passed down through several generations.
There are several benefits to owning a heritage home. Many of these properties are in prime locations and they usually have well-proportioned rooms and more space than modern homes, which tend to be far smaller. Also, well-cared for heritage homes frequently feature elegant and costly finishes, which considerably add to their charm.
Pam Golding Properties Paarl is marketing a particularly fine historical family home in Main Road. Die Hoogte was designed in 1914 by pioneer architect WH Louw, as his private residence on a piece of the family farm, Laborie.
The beautifully proportioned five-bedroom home is considered to be a fine example of the Arts and Crafts Movement, with building materials reflecting the high standards of its time. Notable finishes include unfinished, semi-rough and smoothly finished local granite, combined with textured plaster finishes, natural clay tiles, custom-made joinery and leadlight glazing.
The imposing house stands on a 3 244 m2 site opposite the famous KWV head office, which was also designed by Louw. The property was rezoned in 2009, from Conventional Housing Zone to Neighbourhood Business Zone – for office use only. Shrewd investors will realise the potential of the current zoning in this sought-after location, making the property a sound investment opportunity.
“Whoever buys this heritage home is buying an important piece of South African history,” says Pam Golding Properties’ regional area manager, Surina du Toit.
Paarl has always been known as a family-friendly town, with some of South Africa’s finest schools on the doorstep. With hybrid working now the norm, more buyers are looking to the historic town as a place to live and raise their families.
The popular wine and golf estates, walking, cycling and hiking trails and renowned hospitality offer an enviable lifestyle, just 45 minutes from Cape Town. It’s a place where they can send their children to excellent schools, spend family time together in the countryside and work remotely from a space that affords them the privacy to do so.
