DECORATING THE MANOR HOUSE   JANUARY 1999

Positioned on the site of the original Boontjieskloof farmhouse, the Manor House at Bushmans Kloof has been transformed by architect Rowan Pape (of Lanzerac and Rhebokskloof fame), into an exclusive, luxurious lodge with four executive suites.

The decor theme for the Manor House was created when interior decorator Kathrin Weixelbaumer attended an antiques fair in Cape Town. There she purchased a rare collection of West Coast antique kitchen utensils from Pier Rabe, a renowned antique dealer from Stellenbosch who specialises in Cape furniture.

“I was inspired by the pureness and simplicity of these items, and I knew that we had something so unique and historic, so perfectly suitable to this environment, that it was obvious that the interior had to be conceptualised around these unusual works of art. Our mission was to preserve this collection, to return it to its region of origin, and to display it beautifully for the enjoyment of the Manor House guests”, Kathrin said.

She introduced other elements of a traditional West Coast style to the Manor House, all items purchased from Pier Rabe.  A 19th century Saringa wood “Riempiesbank”, Yellow wood and Stink wood tables and washstands, and a 1850 Sandveld “wakis”, to name but a few.

Master craftsman Pierre Cronje was commissioned to manufacture a magnificent set of gabled-topped display cabinets to house the antique collection. He also reproduced other pieces of traditional West Coast furniture which includes a true work of art: an amoire in Cedar wood, as well as a set of twelve Sandveld chairs for the dining room. Outside, a dining room table with comfortable chairs, complete with an enormous early 19th century Batavian ships kist with brass binding which act as server, call for al fresco dining on the rietdak veranda with its glorious mountain and river views.

In contrast to the antiquities, Kathrin added oversized leather sofas in earthy colours, subtle lighting and ceiling fans, and ochre washed walls to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the living areas and Bain’s Bar. The use of the antique kitchen utensils replaced the necessity of paintings and other wall decorations, which is limited to a display of antique porcelain, and 18th century cast iron oven doors which were built into the walls. Opening the two oven doors, reveal (surprisingly!), miniature paintings which were commissioned by owner Bill McAdam. Thanks to his quirky sense of humour, this has turned the oven doors into a delightful conversation piece. Another favourite dinner subject is the eclectic mix of crockery, specially chosen for the Manor House from five antique sets of dinner ware.

The Manor House executive suites are named after the early Scottish explorers and botanists who traversed this very terrain hundreds of years ago: Gordon, Paterson, Niven and Masson. The suites are comfortable and luxurious, with great attention being paid to detail. Each suite tells its own decorating story: from the individually designed and hand crafted, extra length king size beds, to the embroidered voiles and pure cotton bed linen with delicate lace insets. The bathrooms are spacious and airy, with sandstone vanity units and marble inlays, exquisite fittings, oversized showers and Victorian baths.

“Masson”, with a majestic four poster bed in mahogany done in emerald green;

“Paterson”, decorated in crisp blue and white with a classic sleigh-bed;

“Niven”, in deep red upholstery with a metal bed in brushed steel, complete with “his” and “hers” bathrooms and a private courtyard; and

“Gordon”, with a brass bed, decked out in wine red florals and tapestry fabrics.

Kathrin Weixelbaumer said that the Manor House has been one of the most creatively fulfilling projects in her designing and decorating career. ”It was a rare pleasure to deal with experts like Pier Rabe and Pierre Cronje who shared the same passion and vision for the Manor House. In a sense, this was not a “decorating job”, but rather the orchestrating of an extraordinary collection, to piece together elements of the history of the Sandveld and the West Coast, and adapting it to the comfort and sophistication required for modern living”.

The sensuous aroma of cedarwood and open thatch, combined with billowing voiles and the classic comfort and luxury of this exclusive “lodge within a lodge”, has turned the Manor House into one of the Cape’s premier destinations. Together with the spectacular setting, the Manor House at Bushmans Kloof provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Kathrin  Weixelbaumer tel (021) 762-2286/50

ANTIQUE KITCHEN UTENSILS

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is the proud custodian of a very rare and unique collection of kitchen utensils which were manufactured and used in the West Coast, Sandveld and Cederberg areas during the 18th century.

This is an addition to other Bushmans Kloof art collections which includes a series of rock art paintings by artist Stephen Townley-Bassett, six Barry Jackson Bushmen bronze sculptures, and of course the priceless collection of 125 rock art sites in the great outdoors.

The collection of antique kitchen utensils was purchased from renowned Stellenbosch antique dealer Pier Rabe, who specialises in Cape furniture and Africana. Over a period of fifteen years, Pier personally sourced, and purchased the collection which was sold to Bushmans Kloof in June 1998. It is now believed to be one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of original Cape kitchen utensils, and it was returned to its region of origin, in time for the opening of the Manor House at Bushmans Kloof in December 1998.

Most pieces were bought individually from farms in the Sandveld and Cederberg. Some items required years of Pier’s patient negotiations, like the farmer who said that she was still using her “botterbak” on a daily basis, but that she would call when she gave up farming to move to town. Many years later, she did indeed call to say that she was ready to part with the “botterbak”, which she has since entrusted in the care of the custodians of the collection.

The Bushmans Kloof collection consists of iron utensils (spoons, skimmers, large forks, waffle irons, meat cleavers and trivets), four cast iron oven doors (from outside ovens and  hearths), some copper and brass pots and a “singing” kettle , charmingly called “Piet-fluit”. (Piet whistle)

The wooden kitchenware includes rolling pins, sieves, bellows, stamping blocks and oven rakes. Also included in the collection is butter making utensils like “botterbakke”, “botterspaantjies” and butter moulds manufactured from local ”protea”, “waboom” or “milk” wood.

Teak “balies” were used for picking and storing, washing teacups or for use by the water butt - the wood with its natural oil was ideal for storing water. The collection furthermore includes candle moulds and foot warmers, “voetstofies” in Yellow wood, and other handmade items which were used in the kitchens of the West Coast.

Throughout the ages, activities revolved around the farmhouse kitchen and its open fireplace. Farmers often had no option but to make their own equipment – utensils for coffee-, butter-, soap- and candle making, along with cooking utensils for sausage making, pickling and preserving. Wealthy farmers employed blacksmiths whose skills were in great demand and whose work were identified by specific styles and distinctive decorations, as can be seen in some examples of the Bushmans Kloof collection.

South Africa has a rich heritage of crafts and furniture which dates back some 300 years. In spite of the limited availability of tools and craftmanship, the people of the West Coast created beautiful, functional pieces from indigenous woods, leaving us with a legacy that still holds great charm today.