Update:
CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves Neil Markovitz, Blaauwklippen’s hospitality management partner, confirmed in a statement that the wine estate’s owners have committed to rebuilding and restoring its 300-year-old Manor House.
‘Markovitz added that Blaauwklippen’s owners had already made a firm commitment to rebuild and restore the Manor House and that Newmark’s operational teams would assist with this,’ read the statement.
The historic Manor House, Jonkershuis and Cathedral burnt down over the weekend as relentless weather conditions wreaked havoc across the province.
‘This is a devastating loss not only for Blaauwklippen Wine Estate but for South African heritage,’ said Markovitz. ‘Both the Jonkerhuis and Manor House were beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the 1700s.’
Blaauwklippen Wine Estate dates back to 1682. The Manor House was built in 1789, after which its popular wedding venue, the Cathedral, was added in 2018.
The 300-year-old Manor House at Blaauwklippen Vineyards outside Stellenbosch has been gutted by a fire that broke out on a neighbouring farm.
The Blaauwklippen Manor House was built on one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch.
Also read: Crews respond to multiple fires in Cape Winelands and surrounds
As reported by News24, the fire was fuelled by strong gale-force winds.
As per a statement released by the Blaauwklippen management, the fire broke out at a neighbouring farm early this morning. ‘The fire spread to the Manor House from the dam’s side, then to the Jonkershuis and eventually to the Cathedral. All three buildings have burned to the ground,’ it said.
Six firefighting teams, including Blaauwklippen’s Disaster Management team and those from neighbouring farms, attended to the fire. The blaze is but one of five in the area.
‘It’s a sad day indeed for Blaauwklippen as heritage landmarks have been destroyed in the terrible blaze, but the sadness is made easier to bear by the gratitude that no lives were lost and we acknowledge the swift evacuation and heroic efforts of our personnel – Stefan, Chrisma and their teams, who ensured that no one was injured,’ the statement continued.
Anesca Roodt of the Cape Winelands District Municipality says three firefighting trucks with crews were dispatched to the scene.
Blaauwklippen Vineyards dates back to 1682. The Manor house was built in 1789, after which its popular wedding venue, the Cathedral, was added in 2018.
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Picture: As shared on social media