Nestled at the foot of the Constantiaberg mountains, Steenberg Farm has long been a sanctuary where history, hospitality, and heritage converge. Now, the estate’s iconic Manor House—the oldest building on South Africa’s oldest registered farm—is unveiling its most considered transformation yet: a meticulous restoration that honours its past while offering a sensory-rich, modern luxury experience.
Dating back to 1682, the Manor House was the home of Steenberg’s pioneering founder, Catharina Ras, and embodies the enduring spirit of Cape Dutch craftsmanship. Every timber beam, sash window, and antique detail carries the story of the estate’s origins, inviting guests to step into a living narrative of South African history.
“Our heritage is the story of Catharina,” says Catherine Schulze, Managing Director of Steenberg Farm. “It lives in every detail of the Manor House. This winter, we sought to breathe new life into the space—not through change for its own sake, but through thoughtful refinement that enhances every guest experience.”
The restoration honours the Manor House’s original features—thatch, wide-plank floors, thick walls—while introducing bespoke furnishings, curated artwork, and an elegant interplay of textures: mohair, linen, mahogany, oak, and marble. A layered palette of rust, chocolate, ochre, dusty pink, and cream subtly shifts from room to room, evoking warmth, serenity, and understated luxury.
“Designing these interiors was about creating a sense of place as much as function,” Schulze explains. Modern comforts—plush finishes, improved lighting, handwoven textures—were integrated with care, ensuring each detail feels deliberate and timeless.
The Manor House’s revival celebrates South African artistry. Douglas and Douglas, Arrange Studios, Wunders, Bofred, Modern Gesture, Mohair Mill Shop, and James Mudge contributed bespoke furniture, while a new generation of artists—including Jolene Olivier, Vanessa Cowling, Paul Edmunds, and the legendary Cecil Skotnes—enrich the interiors with works that complement the home’s historic elegance.
Beyond the Manor House, the estate itself has been subtly refreshed. Landscapes have been enhanced, select hospitality spaces upgraded, and guest touchpoints refined to create a seamless, elevated experience. “We wanted to enhance the experience without reinventing it,” says Schulze. “Every touchpoint now feels more intuitive, more connected to the estate’s soul.”
Sustainability guided every decision. Locally sourced materials were prioritised, original elements repurposed, and craftsmanship elevated, proving that conscious design need not compromise elegance.
With its doors now reopened, the Manor House offers more than accommodation—it is a place to pause, to connect with history, and to enjoy luxury in its most thoughtful form. Schulze describes the experience: “From the scent of aged wood to the texture of handwoven fabrics, we’ve crafted a home where every detail resonates emotionally as well as visually. Guests leave with a sense of belonging, having stepped into something timeless, deeply Cape, and utterly unforgettable.”
The Manor House at Steenberg Farm does not reinvent history—it continues it, gracefully and luxuriously, for a new generation of guests seeking comfort, heritage, and quiet elegance.
