Historic Hotel
Built in the 1780′s and along with its neighboring buildings that once housed gunsmiths, bakers, coach makers etc, this hotel is part of Heritage Square, a square centered around an intimate courtyard where visitors can enjoy their coffee under the shade of South Africa's oldest fruit-bearing grapevine. The hotel, while fully renovated, offers tours around the premises and square so that guests can enjoy the exposed original wall finishes and murals.
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Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' categoryThe Cape Heritage Hotel is a must-visit for any history buff. It is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the city, situated in a magnificent old heritage building dating back to 1771. This charming and historic hotel has been lovingly restored and boasts a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comforts with super friendly staff. The hotel has the oldest vine in South Africa located in its courtyard, which is a sight to behold. The building and furnishings have been preserved so well that it feels like a museum. Guests appreciate the direct access to Heritage Square and the hotel's central location is perfect to explore the best parts of the city. Even locals were amazed by the rich history of the property. The hotel has character and is perfect for anyone who loves to touch history. You'll love the old-world charm with touches of modernism like the blue wall and modern art. So, if you're looking for a unique and charming hotel with a rich history, Cape Heritage Hotel is the place to be.
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Year erected: 1771
What is the history of the property?
The Cape Heritage hotel is an integral part of the restored Heritage Square, which dates back to the 18th Century. Our central courtyard is shaded by South Africa’s oldest known fruit-bearing grapevine, a calm oasis from which to explore the Mother City.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The Cape Heritage Hotel is an integral part of the restored Heritage Square, which is bordered by Buitengracht, Hout, Bree and Shortmarket streets. The earliest Dutch and Georgian houses were built in 1771. The Cape Heritage Hotel itself was built in the 1780′s.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Archival research shows that most of the original buildings were used for commercial reasons. Tobacconists, snuff makers, gunsmiths, bakers, coach makers and wheelwrights prospered here. There was a rope warehouse, several retail outfits, a boarding house, a chapel and an undertaker.
Has restoration work taken place?
The vine – and Heritage Square itself – might not be in existence if the city council had had its way. In the 1960′s, Heritage Square was earmarked for demolition.
In its place, there were plans to establish a multi-storey car park. Luckily, finances to complete this project were never forthcoming. Instead, at the end of the 1980s, consent was granted to renovate the square, starting the largest private conservation project the city has ever known. For more information on the restoration of the square, visit the Cape Town Heritage Trust’s website.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Many historic features are still clearly visible in the hotel. Exposed original wall finishes and murals are complemented by dëcor that reflects Cape Towns diverse historical and cultural heritage.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
J.B. Munnik, the first person in South Africa, and the 4th in the world to be born by caesarean operation.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
In the early days of Cape Town’s existence, the roads and streets around Heritage Square were some of the most important thoroughfares of the early colony. Buitengracht Street, for instance, which marked the western border of the property, ran along the canal marking the outermost limits of the original Dutch settlement, established in 1652. Shortmarket Street, on the Southern side, leads directly to Greenmarket Square, the original market place for fresh farm produce.
Riebeeck Square, named after the pioneering father of permanent European settlement, was first known as Boere Plein after the free Burghers, who brought their ox wagons here to sell their farming produce. Later still, it was known as Hottentots’ Plein after the noisy, Khoi farmhands who manned the farmers’ wagons.
In general terms, the houses of Heritage Square were built in typical 18th Century Cape Town architectural style, the earliest of which was documented in 1771. Archival research shows that these were not entirely residential building and all the owners engaged in some form of enterprise, ranging from blacksmith to retail and tobacco manufacturers. Businesses included tobacco and snuff makers, gunsmiths, a bakery, a wheelwright, a warehouse, coach makers, several retail outfits, boarding houses, a chapel and even briefly, an undertaker.
At 108 Shortmarket Street, the building was designed with the usual conspicuous front entrance (the building’s public face) –Whilst the rear of structure was accessed through a narrow alleyway, which led to the rear courtyard, out rooms and kitchen. This hidden dimension of the building would have been used by servants, slaves or people residing in the backrooms.
J.B. Munnik, the first person in South Africa, and the 4th in the world to be born by caesarean operation, owned 108 Shortmarket Street. This unique operation was performed by an even more unusual historical figure, Dr. James Barry (who is reputed to have been a women, disguised as a man, in order to practice medicine); and James Barry Munnik was named after him/her.
By the end of the 19th Century the insurance plans indicated that the cluster buildings which today make up Heritage Square were already a mixed commercial area with manufacturing enterprises, with boarding houses and hire houses in the same block. The owners, and the times, may have changed, but Heritage Square is possibly closer to its historic roots now than any other time this century.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Heritage Building
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a: Hotel
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Heritage Square
While the hotel dominates the square, this historic area is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops - so you don’t have to wander far to satisfy your needs.
The VineLike many houses of the day, it was centred around an intimate courtyard. A grapevine, planted in this courtyard in 1781, still flourishes today, bearing fruit and shading guests who shelter here for their daily repast. Thanks to vigorous pruning each year, the oldest known fruit-bearing grapevine in South Africa survives without ever being fed or watered!
