Hoogekraal Country House Most Historic Garden Route Country House Accommodation in South Africa

HISTORY OF HOOGEKRAAL AND THE AREA

The farm Hoogekraal is one of two oldest in the Southern Cape, the title being registered long before the V.O.C. was prepared to generally grant permanent ownership.

The name means "High Corral", and it is particularly apt, as the old homesteads are set high on a small promontory, giving dramatic views towards the Outeniqua range of mountains, the valley towards the 18th century town of George, and the Indian Ocean, with Mossel Bay and the St. Blaize lighthouse in the background.

Jacobus Botha was a young man, born in the Cape, when he trekked East trying to escape the authority of the strict Dutch governors. He settled at what is now known as Hoogekraal in about 1723, and farmed the vast area between the mountains and the sea, from Great Brak River to what is now George. It was the most easterly settlement of those times.

It is indeed ironic that some ten years later, in 1734, he was granted full title to his land by the same Dutch governors, in recognition of his bravery and personal assistance to the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C). One of their vessels, the "Huijs De Marquette", had stranded in 1732 on the beach in the bay below, during a severe storm. The grateful captain of the stricken vessel asked Botha to take him to Cape Town by horse and cart, where another ship was to be chartered. The governor of the Cape, De La Fontaine, then recommended to the Council of Seventeen in Holland, that Botha and his neighbour, Meyer, be given permanent title to their respective farms. Meyer, of German descent, farmed at Hartenbosch, near Mossel Bay, and had also given help at the time of the sea rescue.

The families were large in those days and the Bothas had outgrown their temporary houses. The family built more permanent dwellings of stone, plastered with lime from beach shells, and one of these, still in use, was erected in about 1740. Other homes were built in 1760, in 1795, and 1820 (each about a generation apart). The old 1740 building was subsequently used as a blacksmith shop, also providing service to 19th century travelers. Early in the 20th century it became the first school in the area, and now it is being renovated to form part of Hoogekraal's extensions.

Over the centuries the old farm has been cut up, and bequeathed and sold. Hoogekraal was the nucleus of the original farm, but it was little used when the present owners purchased control in 1979. A major restoration and rebuilding had then to be undertaken, and it was used as a private home until 1991. It was then decided to convert the old houses into a Country Lodge. Bathrooms had to be added and modern facilities suitable for guests had also to be incorporated.

Moreover, these had to be blended with other 20th century additions without disturbing the main facade, and the original simple character of the original houses also had to be preserved. Where possible, and within reason, appropriate antiques and objects d'art had to be acquired to furnish and decorate the old rooms. All but a few now have valuable antique furniture, carpets and art, which contribute to an atmosphere in keeping with the history of Hoogekraal.

Many famous and important persons have passed through the homes since those early days, some staying and making their mark, others leaving only stories and legends, but a few contributing significantly to South African history. In addition, over the centuries there have been great hardships to overcome, and devastating fires and droughts. But there was also excitement and fulfillment, and the last two decades were no exception.

The severe droughts of the 1980's as well as attempts to wrest control from the present owners nearly brought this complex heritage to an end. But the old home survived and also witnessed over the past decade the establishment of a Southern Cape leadership in the recent political changes.

The records of the oldest catholic church in Southern Africa and the diaries of the priest who established the church of St Peter and St Paul in George, revealed in 1995 that as far back as the 1840's, Hoogekraal offered hospitality to early travelers.

Now, at the beginning of the 21st Century, the proprietors, (one of whom is a direct descendant of Jacobus Botha) are dedicated to continuing that early Hoogekraal tradition, and offer a home from home to visitors wanting to sample Cape country hospitality, in a rare and historical ambience.