Page 162 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

160  C APE T OWN

r Groot Constantia

The oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia was built
on land granted in 1685 to Simon van der Stel, newly appointed
Commander of the Cape. On his death in 1712, the farm was
subdivided into three parts and sold. After several changes
of ownership, the portion with the manor house was bought
in 1778 by Hendrik Cloete, whose family owned it for three Display of Carriages
generations thereafter and was responsible for the present A collection of carts and other
appearance of the buildings. Today, as well as being a fully implements tells the story of
operational farm, Groot Constantia is also a popular tourist transport in the Cape’s early
attraction, incor porating a museum belonging to the colonial days.
Iziko Museums group – its exhibits
include furniture, paintings,
textiles and ceramics.

. Cloete Wine Cellar
This façade, commissioned by Hendrik
Cloete and built in 1791, is attributed to
Louis Thibault. The Rococo pediment
was sculpted by Anton Anreith.

Cape Gable
. Manor House The very tall gable of the manor house
This museum contains an authentic represen tation was added between 1799 and 1803.
of a wealthy 19th-century farming household. Most The sculpted figure of Abundance that
of the antiques were donated by Alfred A de Pass, decorates its lofty niche is the work of
member of a Dutch family. respected sculptor, Anton Anreith.

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