Beauvais was originally built for Percival White Tracey, who had made a fortune mining diamonds – first in Kimberley, and later in Cullinan. When it was built in 1907 it was so far out of town on such appalling tracks that Tracey burst several tires while inspecting the works, and was popularly known as Tracey’s Folly!

During the ten years that the family lived at Beauvais, it was the scene of glittering social functions, as well as tragedy. Hear more about the Traceys and subsequent owners in one of Johannesburg’s most magnificent homes, and experience the painstaking task of the current owner to sensitively restore the building to its current glory.

Email mail@joburgheritage.co.za to book

MEET: Clare van Zwieten and Judith Cabral

PARK: Beauvais – Head Office of Cargo Carriers 11a Grace Road, Mountainview, Observatory

TIME: 14h00

DURATION: Approximately 2 hours

COST: R90.00 for members and R150.00 for non-members

MAXIMUM No: 40

Image by Yeudakn on wikicommons