Timeless Cape Dutch Heritage on Tulbagh’s Historic Church Street

Step into a rare piece of Tulbagh’s living history. Built in 1796, this exceptional Cape Dutch heritage home is one of the few remaining properties that still carries the spirit of the valley’s earliest days, complete with its original fireplace, deep-shuttered windows, graceful gables, and yellowwood floors and ceilings.

The house has a remarkable legacy. It once belonged to Magteld (Machteld) Smith, a pioneering woman whose compassion shaped local history. She offered this very home as a mission school, using it as a place of learning and community. Over the centuries, the building has played many roles — from private home to local pub and shop — and today it stands proudly restored as an elegant guesthouse and holiday home, recognized as a national and provincial heritage monument.

Located on Tulbagh’s iconic Church Street, renowned for its row of 18th- and 19th-century Cape Dutch buildings restored after the 1969 earthquake, this property combines historic authenticity with modern comfort.

• Inside the “voorhuis” is a welcoming living room with high timber ceilings and wooden floors.
• A fully equipped open-plan kitchen and dining area extend through floor-to-ceiling glass curtains onto a private patio with a splash pool, a tranquil space for relaxed living and entertaining.
• The three en-suite bedrooms, each with its own modern, artistically designed bathroom, lead from the living areas. Each bedroom is fitted with an air conditioner.
• A front rose garden and generous veranda with overhead beams is accessed via broad steps from the quiet street, where it overlooks the majestic old oak trees and the charm of Tulbagh’s historic setting.

Modern upgrades: Building plans are 100% up to date, and brand-new plumbing and electrical installations. The thatch roof was completely renovated in 2024.

Parking: Designated street parking is available directly outside the house.

Garden: The garden has an automated irrigation system.

Security: Four high-visibility cameras cover every entry point, all connected to an app for remote monitoring, alongside a full alarm system, outdoor beams, and louvre shutters. The home benefits from a vigilant Neighbourhood Watch, with daytime patrols funded by residents, while the owners employ their own uniformed night guard.

Connectivity: 16k wireless Wi-Fi system with a dedicated port in each room.

Furniture: All the furniture is available as a separate sale.

This is an ideal investment for those who value heritage, craftsmanship, and comfort. Whether as a private residence, boutique guesthouse, or weekend retreat, it offers the rare chance to own a beautifully preserved piece of South Africa’s architectural story, with every modern convenience at hand.

📍 Tulbagh is a town where history and culture meet contemporary country living, attracting visitors year-round with its wine farms, festivals, and old-world charm.

Sales Price with furniture included on request.