Parktown/Westcliff Heritage Walks
In March 1893 a new township outside the city limits of Johannesburg was decreed. It was named Parktown and was a run as a private estate until 1904. Owners of property in this elite suburb were restricted to one dwelling per large property. Sanitation was provided by a horse-and-cart service and the roads were laid out along the natural contours of the ridge rather than in a geometric grid system. Cows grazed in a pasture called The Oval in the centre of the area.
The first house in Parktown was built for the Phillips family. Florence Phillips fell in love with Parktown Ridge while out riding and convinced her husband, Lionel, to move out of the city and into the new township. Hohenheim was designed by Frank Emley. Local, affluent socialites and British aristocracy were entertained at sumptuous and sophisticated garden parties, dinners, dances and afternoon teas at the 40-room mansion. At one stage, this gracious old lady was the home of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, the South African author, politician and mining financier who developed his storytelling around the Hohenheim fireplace into the classic children’s book, Jock of the Bushveld. Sadly, Hohenheim was demolished in the 1970s to make way for the Johannesburg General Hospital, and all that remains of it is a plaque at the house’s original situation.
Old Johannesburg General Hospital. Photo courtesy Axel Bührmann
Many of the houses of the Parktown Ridge are distinguishable by the signature building style of British architect Herbert Baker. Utilising local building material of rough quartz stone and timber to blend with the environment, Baker became popular with the post-war colonialists. One of his projects was Northward – 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown – another house with a flamboyant history. It was originally built after the First South African War for mining magnate John Dale Lace, before he lost his fortune and was abandoned by his social friends. Josie Dale Lace, John’s wife, entertained lavishly and was famous for her parties. She stabled zebra on the property and used them to pull her coach! After falling from grace, the Laces eked out an existence in abject poverty for the remainder of their lives. George Albu, yet another mining magnate, acquired Northwards after the Laces and rebuilt it when a fire destroyed it in 1912. Today the house remains although the original grounds were expropriated to accommodate the M1 Freeway. The South African Institute of Architects works from the house and it is the headquarters for the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust.
The Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust was established to preserve the architectural heritage of the area after countless houses were torn down as they were deemed to promote English liberalism. The Trust is passionate about conserving homes and gardens that depict the colourful history of Johannesburg.
When you arrange a tour with the Trust you will visit these houses and other interesting heritage sites. Tours take place on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. A popular way of exploring the Parktown/Westcliffe area is on foot, with buses taking tourists further afield. An informed and entertaining tour guide recounts anecdotal tales of the personalities and residences in their halcyon days. Amongst other houses visited on the tour is The View – 18 Ridge Road, Parktown and designed in 1886 – which is now the headquarters of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. It is the only Parktown house constructed before the South African War to have kept its original style and form. Many of the interior fixtures and fittings original.
Hours:
Monday to Friday from 09h00 to13h00
Cost:
Walking tour R80 (non-members) and R60 (members). Cost of bus tour dependent on destination.