Hans Henske (1692) to the Bezuidenhout Family (2012)
1692
The First Title Deed was registered
The first Title Deed of this National Heritage Monument was registered to Hans Henske. All title deeds had to be registered in Amsterdam and it took years for registration to be effected.
1713
Badenhorst Family
The property was transferred to Caspar Hendrik Badenhorst. He had five sons and it appears likely that the whole approximate 25 000 of the Badenhorst family can trace their Founding Father to this man!
Many years ago a family reunion of the Badenhorst Clan was held on Weltevreden and family members came from the USA and other parts of South Africa.
1812
Deborah Retief
Deborah Retief and her husband, Christoffel Esterhuysen purchased the property in 1812. Their initials are moulded into the back gable plasterwork. Deborah was the sister of the famous Voortrekker Leader, Piet Retief. The Cellar gable is dated 1804 and rumour has it that this building was built by Piet Retief.
Piet Retief
Legend has it that the Groot Trek was already contemplated by 1812 and that the wagon wheels reflected on the gables was a public demonstration that the Voortrekkers (the local name for the settlers who later moved) were contemplating a move into the main land undiscovered at the time.
Neo-Classical era
The period 1812 – 1815 was the height of the Neo-Classical era and the Cape enjoyed renewed prosperity. Six important Cape Dutch houses were built during this time in the greater Stellenbosch area, namely, Boschendal, Weltevreden, Zevenwacht, Neethlingshof, Old Nectar and Navarre. Of these, two remain private homes.
1817
Original House was Demolished
In 1817 the original house was demolished and a new Cape house was built adjacent to the old one. The Cellar gable of Weltevreden was copied to become the end gables of the new house. The “H” shaped Cape Dutch house, with six elaborate gables is dated 1812. The unusual end gables are in the Cape Flemish style with a crown motif at the top.
1908
Smith Family
In 1908 the property was acquired by Lourens Johannes Smith whose family owned the farm until 1989.
1975
National Heritage Monument
The buildings were proclaimed a National Heritage Monument.
1989
Peel Family
The property was purchased by the Peel Family who saved the property from total destruction through careful renovation.
1998
National Heritage Monument
The whole property was proclaimed a National Heritage Monument.
2012
Bezuidenhout Family
The Bezuidenhout family acquired the property, which they call home today.
The Manor house is not only home to the family, but forms part of a guest house that can be enjoyed by guests during their stay.
2020
Bertha Wines
The introduction of Bertha Wines to Weltevreden 1692 and the naming of the wines to Bertha by André’s daughter, Imke.