Grahamstown was established in 1812 by Colonel Graham, at the command of the Governor of the Cape Colony.
Grahamstown was established in 1812 by Colonel Graham, at the command of the Governor of the Cape Colony.
The abandoned house on the farm, Rietfontein (where the Cathedral now stands), was restored and turned into a military regimental officers’ mess.
A small village slowly emerged around the military camp. Many of the homes today bear testimony of this period, with a typical army barracks layout.
In 1820 British Settlers landed in Algoa Bay and within a year or two, after struggling on their allotments, many gave up farming and moved to Grahamstown. In doing so, they influenced the city’s architecture.
With all the publicity toll gates are currently receiving, it's interesting to learn that Grahamstown had its very own toll gates in the 1860s.
Wagons entering the town had to pay a fee. One of these entry points was situated at the top end of Somerset Street where Graham House of St Andrew's College is situated.
In the 1860s stately villas were built in the suburb of what we now know as Westhill.
There are magnificent examples in Worcester Street of homes built in Gothic and Baroque styles.
Various streets in this area are named after British governors and individuals with high military rankings.
We recognise Durban Street (Sir Benjamin D’urban), Harrismith Street (Sir Harry Smith), Hare Street (Colonel Hare) and Graham Street (Colonel Graham).
Although allotments in this area were subdivided, the plots in Westhill remain some of the largest in Grahamstown.
Number 2 Rivett Street is situated in this picturesque and sought-after suburb, surrounded by historical stately homes.
Built approximately 50 years ago, the architecture of this double-story home has a strong British influence as the original owner had relocated from Britain to Grahamstown.
The spacious entrance area is a special feature, created for welcoming guests and family.
The upstairs offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The main bedroom opens onto a balcony with sweeping views – a place to relax with a gin and tonic at the end of the day.
Moving downstairs, the focal point of the reception room is a large marble fire place. The marble was sourced in Plumstead in the Cape and arrived in Grahamstown by train – reminiscent of the white marble in the original owner's home in Dublin.
Sliding doors from the reception room open onto the front patio and spacious garden, for entertaining and indoor-outdoor living.
Furthermore the downstairs comprises: kitchen, dining room, guest toilet and study (can be used as a fourth bedroom).
Plans have been passed to link the “veterinary surgery” on the grounds to the main dwelling – thus creating an additional two bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and kitchenette.
For more information or a viewing of this property please contact Gill Armitage on 082 651 9977 or email armitageestatesgill@telkomsa.net. There will be a show house on Sunday 8 December from 2pm-4pm.
