Nestled at the foot of the Constantiaberg mountains, Steenberg Farm has long been a place where history, hospitality, and heritage converge. Now, in its most considered transformation to date, the estate’s iconic Manor House has been thoughtfully revived, preserving its heritage while creating a warm, inviting, and sensory-rich experience for the modern age.
Dating back to 1682, the Manor House, the oldest building on the estate, is the soul of South Africa’s oldest registered farm and a living embodiment of its legacy. Originally home to Steenberg’s pioneering founder, Catharina Ras, the building carries the story of Steenberg’s origins and the enduring spirit of Cape Dutch craftsmanship.
“Our heritage is the story of Catharina, and it lives in every detail of the Manor House, reminding us of the care, resilience, and vision that shaped Steenberg from its very beginning,” says Catherine Schulze, Managing Director of Steenberg Farm, who personally oversaw the renovation and guided the design vision herself, instead of relying on external firms.
“This winter, we took the opportunity to breathe new life into our beloved Manor House,” Schulze continues. “But it was not about change for change’s sake. Rather, it was a thoughtful refinement carefully considered to ensure it enhances every guest experience. The Manor House is authentic, deserving of care and respect. Our goal was to restore it in a way that lets guests feel the comfort of history and heritage, without ever compromising on thoughtful luxury.”
The upgrades include the meticulous restoration of original features such as thatch and timber beams, sash windows, antique details, wide-plank wooden floors and thick walls. These are complemented by bespoke furnishings, curated artwork, and a rich interplay of textures, including linen, mohair, mahogany, oak and marble. Colours throughout the Manor House were thoughtfully applied to create a serene yet layered palette (rust, chocolate, ochre, dusty pink, and cream) varying subtly from room to room to evoke warmth and calmness.
“The design process was as much about feeling and sense of place as it was about function,” she explains. Each interior was designed to convey a story. Modern details were thoughtfully integrated: plush finishes, improved lighting and handwoven textures and sourcing the perfect furniture and artwork without losing sight of the building’s character. The result is a timeless elegance that is unmistakably Steenberg with every detail considered.
South African artisans and makers contributed to this layered vision, lending their craft to bespoke furniture, artwork, and decorative touches. Among them, Douglas and Douglas, Arrange Studios, Wunders, Bofred, Modern Gesture, Mohair Mill Shop, and James Mudge created signature pieces, while a new generation of local artists, including Jolene Olivier, Vanessa Cowling, Paul Edmunds and renowned Cecil Skotnes, contributed art that compliments the Manor House’s timeless elegance.
While the Manor House itself was the centrepiece of this winter’s work, the estate-wide refresh extended beyond its historic walls. Landscaping was enhanced, select hospitality spaces received subtle upgrades, and guest touchpoints across the farm were refined for an elevated experience. “We were not trying to reinvent,” says Schulze. “Our intention was to elevate the experience and to make things more intuitive, beautiful, serene, and more connected to the estate’s soul.”
A driving force behind the renovations was the evolving expectation of luxury among Steenberg’s global guests. “People are going back to basics and appreciating what really matters,” Schulze observes. “They value immersive and thoughtful luxury, and a deeper connection to nature and heritage. We listened closely to our guests, and our team, and those insights guided every design choice.”
Importantly, this evolution unfolded with sustainability top of mind. Locally sourced materials were prioritised, and original elements repurposed wherever possible. “Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance,” Schulze says. “In fact, we believe the most beautiful kind of luxury is one that treads lightly and uplifts local craftsmanship.”
With the final touches applied and the Manor House ready to reopen its doors, Schulze reflects on the significance of this moment for the estate. “The Manor House is more than a place to stay; it is a place to pause. When guests arrive, we want them to sense the depth of care in every detail. From the scent of aged wood to the texture of handwoven fabrics and the way light falls across a linen-draped bed, we believe we have crafted an experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking.”
And what does she hope guests, new and returning, will walk away with? “A sense of belonging. A sense that they have stepped into something timeless, something deeply Cape, deeply Steenberg, and entirely unforgettable.”
The Manor House reopens not as a reinvention, but as a thoughtful continuation of a story that spans nearly 350 years. Carefully refreshed, it is ready to welcome a new generation of guests seeking comfort, heritage, and a quietly elevated experience.
About Steenberg
Steenberg Farm boasts the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, recently named one of the top ten hotels in Africa in Condé Nast’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Its 24 rooms encapsulate the dictum of understated luxury, offering spectacular views and discreet, personalised service. Choose from relaxed dining at Tryn or popular bistro-style fare and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82. A complete destination, the farm houses are an exceptional winery, producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, along with several other celebrated varietals.
The Condé Nast 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards listed the best hotels across the continent, including luxury lodges from big-name brands to boutique boltholes across Northern and Southern Africa. Steenberg’s score of 98.0 represented the overall average level of satisfaction.
For more information, please contact:
NATASCHA CONRADIE
Senior Account Manager
+27 (82) 779 5983
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