Treasured Gardens and Trophy Homes on Towers and Upper Towers - Walking Tour and Tea

Professor James Gill acquired a large estate north of the Camp Ground on the slopes of Muizenberg Peak in 1881, and increased its size with further purchases in 1889. The property had a stream running through it and a quarry (serviced by a railway siding) that gave him a substantial income, and this was supplemented by the establishment of a school at his home, Muizenberg House. His property, and the adjoining farm owned by JPF Kirsten, remained largely undeveloped until 1912 when the Colonial Orphan Chamber and Trust Company acquired substantial portions west of Main Road and began to offer plots for sale. Today this neighbourhood’s principal artery is Towers/Upper Towers Road, and our tour explores its magnificent architecture, secret gardens, and the remarkable personalities who called it home. We have exclusive access to Braeside, a fine Cape Mediterranean home built in 1923, the secret clivia garden of Art Deco Brigton & Carterton (which will be in full bloom), and will hear about the strange “sack people” of The Towers, the great Victorian pile of the Park Hotel, and the remarkable woman who armed Helen Suzman with the information with which she terrified the members of Parliament.

Our tour will end with tea, coffee and cake at Braeside, where participants will be able to enjoy views over Muizenberg and False Bay to Hangklip.

Our tour is strictly limited to 20 participants, and the price includes tea, coffee and cake.

Tour duration: 2 hours (10h00 to 12h00)

Meet outside 11 Upper Towers Road at 09h45.