Few suburban enclaves have as fascinating a history as the neighbourhood where Killarney meets Riviera and Lower Houghton. It was here where the inimitable Isidore Schlesinger founded his film studios, and there is more than a whiff of Hollywood glamour in the area’s architecture and personalities. Our tour explores some of Joburg’s most fashionable apartment blocks from the 1920s and 1930s - Riviera Mansions, Daventry Court, Mentone Court, Gleneagles, and Whitehall Court – and some grand Houghton houses too.

A highlight will be a visit to Manana, which was designed in 1937 for Saul Suzman and his wife Betty Sonnenberg by JC Cook & Cowen in the Spanish Mission style. Their daughter, Janet Suzman, would become a giant of the British stage. During WWII, a significant extension to the house allowed it to be used as the Lady Duncan auxiliary hospital for wounded airmen and soldiers.

We’ll be sharing wonderful historic photos of the house taken during this period, and fascinating anecdotes shared with us by Janet Suzman and her brother Paul. On the way we’ll visit the blue plaque recently installed to honour jazz giant Hugh Masekela, and speak about starchitect Sir David Adjaye’s exciting plans to turn a derelict substation into the Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library.

Don’t miss this fascinating tour – places are limited so book quickly!

• DATE :  Saturday, 10th April
• TIME :  10.00 am
• DURATION:  2 hours
• MEET :  Brett McDougall at Family College, 40 Oxford Road, Parktown
• COST :  R100 for members / R200 non-members – limited to 25 people. Book at mail@joburgheritage.co.za 
• It is absolutely essential to book.  Covid rules apply – no mask no walk.