A Heritage Restored, a Home Reimagined: The Manor House on South Africa’s Oldest Farm

At the foot of the Constantiaberg mountains lies a place where legacy, landscape, and luxury seamlessly converge: Steenberg Farm. This spring, South Africa’s oldest registered farm unveiled the most meaningful chapter in its long and storied history — the restoration of its original heart, the Manor House.

Dating back to 1682, the Manor House is more than just the oldest building on the estate. It is a living vessel of memory and heritage, built by Steenberg’s pioneering founder, Catharina Ras. Her story — one of resilience, vision, and extraordinary tenacity — is etched into every detail of this Cape Dutch landmark. And now, after a deeply considered transformation, the Manor House has been lovingly restored to not only honour that heritage but to extend it into a modern experience of immersive, intentional luxury.

Catherine Schulze, Managing Director of Steenberg Farm, personally led the renovation, shaping the design vision herself rather than relying on external firms. “Our heritage is the story of Catharina,” Schulze says. “It lives in every timber beam and every handcrafted detail of the Manor House. This restoration was about honouring that story while refining the guest experience to offer warmth, serenity, and soul.”

This was not a reinvention but rather a revival. The project was approached with reverence: thick walls and wide-plank floors were restored, original thatch and sash windows preserved, antique details carefully brought back to life. These historical hallmarks now stand alongside custom-designed furnishings, tactile materials, and curated artworks — all chosen to heighten sensory connection. Earthy tones of rust, ochre, chocolate, dusty pink and cream play softly throughout the rooms, creating a layered colour palette that gently varies from space to space.

“The design was guided as much by feeling as by form,” Schulze reflects. “We wanted each space to speak with authenticity, to whisper stories of the past while offering all the comfort and care today’s guests desire.”

Local artisans played a key role in bringing this vision to life.

From the fine craftsmanship of Douglas and Douglas, Arrange Studio and James Mudge, to the bespoke pieces by Bofred, Wunders, Modern Gesture and Mohair Mill Shop, the Manor House is a celebration of South African talent. Even the art that adorns its walls — from established masters like Cecil Skotnes to emerging talents such as Jolene Olivier, Paul Edmunds, and Vanessa Cowling — was selected not just for beauty, but for its resonance with the home’s enduring character.

Beyond the Manor House itself, the winter restoration extended across the broader estate. Landscaping was refined, hospitality spaces subtly enhanced, and every guest touchpoint reviewed and elevated. The result is a more intuitive and immersive experience — one that feels both elevated and effortless.

“We weren’t trying to rewrite anything,” Schulze says. “We were refining, reconnecting, deepening the experience. Today’s luxury traveller is looking for meaning, for stories, for authenticity. They’re drawn to heritage — but they want it presented in a way that feels honest, grounded, and beautiful.”

Sustainability also sat at the heart of the project.

Locally sourced materials were prioritised, and original elements were repurposed wherever possible. “True luxury is thoughtful,” Schulze notes. “It treads lightly, uplifts local communities, and respects the land.”

Now complete, the Manor House stands ready to welcome a new generation of guests. From the scent of seasoned timber to the soft play of morning light through sash windows, every detail is designed to stir something deeper than simple aesthetic appreciation.

“The Manor House is more than a place to stay,” Schulze says. “It’s a place to pause — a space where you feel held by history, yet completely at ease. We hope guests walk away with a sense of connection, of belonging. That they’ve stepped into something deeply Cape, deeply Steenberg — and entirely unforgettable.”

As it reopens its doors, the Manor House doesn’t just invite guests in — it invites them into a living story nearly 350 years in the making. With grace and quiet grandeur, it continues the legacy of Steenberg — a farm rooted in heritage, and always looking forward.

About Steenberg

Steenberg Farm is a complete luxury destination, home to the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, recognised as one of Africa’s top ten hotels in the 2024 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards. With just 24 rooms and suites, the hotel offers understated elegance, mountain views, and personalised service. Dining options include the refined Tryn restaurant and the ever-popular Bistro Sixteen82. The estate is also renowned for its award-winning wines, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc, which remains one of South Africa’s finest expressions of the varietal.

With its latest restoration, Steenberg continues to define a modern heritage experience — one rooted in authenticity, crafted with care, and imbued with quiet luxury.