The Drostdy Hotel is situated in Graaff Reinet, the heart of the Karoo, in South Africa. The town of Graaff Reinet was established in 1786 and has grown into a well-known and charming destination for local and international travelers. Graaff Reinet accommodation has developed into a strong business venture for many locals.
What is a drostdy? It is the office or residence of a landdrost, a Boer magistrate in a rural district of South Africa prior to the establishment of British administration.
The Old Drostdy in Graaff-Reinet has undergone many changes since construction began in 1804. Designed by Louis Thibault the building was completed in 1806 and serving as an official building it provided accommodation for inter alia such luminaries as Lord Charles Somerset and Sir Rufane Donkin. From 1819 the Old Drostdy was used as a residency for the local magistrate until 1847 when the building together with the surrounding land was sold by public auction to J.F. Ziervogel. After having been sub-divided and changed hands a number of times the building was bought by Henry Kromm in 1878 and converted into a hotel which became known as Kromm’s Drostdy Hotel.
Shortly after 1900 it was altered extensively into a double story building with a Victorian façade. After Kromm sold it in 1903 it continued as a hotel under various owners until its acquisition in 1975 by Historical Homes of South Africa when the building was restored and with the adjacent Stretch’s Court converted into an upmarket hotel.
Stretch’s Court named after the Government Land Surveyor at Graaff Reinet Capt. Lennox Stretch was sold to Capt. Stretch in 1855 who divided the original stand into allotments in 1858 and sold to various buyers among who were coloured labourers. Behind the Drostdy as a narrow pathway which led from Bourke Street to Church Street through the gardens of the Drostdy and with the subdivision of the allotments became a cul-de-sac. Later when the Drostdy building was first converted into a hotel this passage remained. This “vrygang” or “free street” was the original name given to the present Stretch’s Court. The “vrygang” refers to the free passage or “freed” slaves living there.
The families who occupied the cottages in Stretch’s Court were eventually removed under the Group arrears Act of 1960 to Kroonvale and in 1966 Historical Homes of South Africa acquired the properties and today the cottages with their unique architectural styles form a quaint street scene which forms part of the Drostdy Hotel.
This blog was written by Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast. Rietjiesbos B&B is a beautifully restored Karoo house set in a country garden of Graaff Reinet. Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast will surprise and delight you. Valerie's attention to detail as well as her Graaff-Reinet breakfast with eggs from a local farmer, local home-made jams and coffee from the local roastery will make you come back time and again to this place to stay in Graaff-Reinet.
The rooms lead onto the garden where you can relax or have a bbq in the shade of two majestic trees. Rietjiesbos B&B is a 15 minute walk from the nearest restaurants. The art galleries, museums, beautiful churches and national monuments in Graaff Reinet are also within walking distance. Your vehicles and trailers will be safe behind off-street parking. Rietjiesbos Bed & Breakfast is one of the best guesthouses in Graaff Reinet and receive excellent reviews.
Book your next accommodation in Graaff Reinet directly at www.rietjiesbos.co.za or contact Valerie via email at info@rietjiesbos.co.za
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