Then and now: The Vineyard Hotel

Then and now: The Vineyard Hotel

Category News

The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands is renowned for its service and long history. It has become one of the most environmentally-friendly hotels in Cape Town and takes pride in its beautiful gardens. The four-star Vineyard Hotel was declared a National Monument on 18 February 1977.

The original house on the seven-acre property was built in February 1800 and was the first English-style house to be built in Cape Town. Remnants of this historic house can still be seen at the luxury hotel. However, it is the grape vines and gardens that are the true hero and the reason why The Vineyard Hotel exists today.

The Vineyard Hotel gardens

The gardens have enthralled visitors for over 200 years. Lush lawns and pristine pathways meander throughout the diverse and beautifully-tendered gardens. A wide range of plant species and bird life can be enjoyed by guests staying at The Vineyard Hotel.

The magnificent grounds were originally home to diarist and artist Lady Anne Barnard and her husband, Andrew. Lady Barnard took pride and inspiration from her garden, ensuring that it flourished year-round. Indigenous species of flowers and shrubs were planted, such as protea and keurboom, alongside trees like fir.

Her watercolour paintings of the garden still exist as proof of her love for the space. One painting done from the stoep of the original house refers to her garden as “growing, growing, growing!”. These paintings are proudly displayed on the walls around the hotel.

The original vineyard

Beyond the gardens lay the original vineyards from which the house took its name. There were almost 22 000 vines on the original property when Lady Anne Barnard moved in. These vineyards grew and produced grapes for centuries.

To mark the 350th anniversary of winemaking in the Western Cape, the vines were completely replanted in 2008. The Vineyard Hotel has partnered with five wineries (Meerlust, Klein Constantia, Simonsig, Warwick and Waterford) who take turns every year to produce wine from the hotel’s grapes.  

The Vineyard Hotel also boasts its own herb garden and vegetable garden that produces just enough food for both restaurants on site. A pair of tortoises, over 50 years old, also roam the gardens and sample the fresh vegetable produce from time to time.

More information about The Vineyard Hotel

The hotel is located in the leafy green suburb of Newlands. It is within walking distance of the popular Cavendish Square shopping centre and is only a short drive from the Cape Town CBD.

The Vineyard Hotel offers guests four types of accommodation, called courtyard, mountain, suites and apartments. There are two amazing restaurants at the hotel; Myoga and The Square Restaurant. The Angsana Spa will ensure that you are pampered and relaxed during your stay at the hotel.

Email them at hotel@vineyard.co.za, or call +27 (0)21 657 4500 to make a reservation.

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Take a look at the historical pictures and story of Claremont Railway Station.

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Author: Seeff