We look forward to welcoming you to The Old Rectory on Friday 16th May when Dael Fairbairn, principal of award-winning Erasmus Fairbairn Architects, will tell us how she came to be entrusted with the restoration and transformation of The Old Rectory into a luxury boutique hotel.

Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Fairbairn’s firm specializes in creating buildings that embody the genius loci (spirit of place) in every project they undertake.

Originally built as a barracks for the Dutch East India company (better known these days as the VOC) in the 18th century. It was referred to as “The Barracks” well into the 19th Century.

In 1869 Bishop Grey bought the house, with 18 acres of ground along the foreshore as a residence for the successive clergymen of the parish. It was used as such until 1939 when a new Rectory was built closer to St Peter’s Church.

The building then became know as The Old Rectory.

The late Robert John Crawford Brunt began negotiations to purchase it in 1942. The house was occupied for almost 40 years by the Crawford-Brunt family with few alterations. It was sold in 1981 to Nico Opperman.

Amazingly, aside from the original thatched roof being replaced by Corrugated iron in 1887, very few structural alterations had been made. This made Plett’s Old Rectory a rare piece of architectural and cultural history – remaining virtually intact – from its construction nearly 250 years previously.

Sadly many historical sites and beautiful buildings are being lost to our country. Thanks to the original vision of Nico Opperman, our Old Rectory did not meet such a fate.

In 1997, sanctioned by Heritage Western Cape and after consultations with renowned architects Gabriel & Gwen Fagan, best remembered for their outstanding restoration of the historical and heritage buildings damaged by the 1969 Tulbach earthquake, Nico Opperman gave a presentation of the proposed development to the Van Plettenberg Historical Society. This was very well received and fully supported.

Subsequently the Old Rectory changed hands once again. It’s new owners – the fondly remembered Chick Legh of Kay and Monty Vineyards – with his partner Thys van Heerden of Rare Earth Retreats, never lost sight of this vision.

The Old Rectory project presented a unique challenge of seamlessly integrating a 250-year-old structure with modern amenities and design.

Dael’s approach blended elements from different eras, combining careful restoration of the historic building with new construction that respects the site’s rich heritage.

By employing noble materials and a timeless aesthetic, Dael has preserved a significant piece of architectural history whilst also providing guests with a luxurious, contemporary experience rooted in the site’s unique character.

“Time and again, I find myself drawn to the spirit of the past. But its not just about preservation its about creating a dialogue between eras. My greatest joy comes from integrating historical elements with contemporary design, thus allowing buildings to honour their heritage while embracing the future” says Dael.

Dael will tell us how her love affair with historical buildings began during her architectural studies.

Whilst exploring Europe with a fellow student their journey took an unplanned detour when they found themselves on the sharp end of restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in France’s Dordogne region. This experience ignited a lifelong passion for integrating old and new in architecture and a deep appreciation for the stories embedded in heritage buildings. Dael’s highly successful career has been a continuation of this passion.

She headed up the Heritage arm of the MRA in Melville for a number of years. “We helped facilitate the preservation and appropriate renovation of significant Edwardian heritage buildings in Melville.”

Currently, Dael is also breathing new life into a 17th century barn in a village in Spain, marvelling at its extraordinary roof structure and beautifully crafted stonework. After the talk we will be treated to a carefully chosen selection of delicious snacks prepared by The Old Rectory’s chefs , accompanied by a complimentary glass of Kay & Monty wine.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be a most informative and enjoyable evening at The Old Rectory.

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