The Manor House
La Motte's Manor House, a T-shaped farmhouse, was built in 1751. An imposing front gable was added 85 years later. The pediment proudly displays the year 1836, as well as the initials of the then owner and his wife. After years of deterioration, the building was regarded as "beyond repair". However, thanks to extensive renovations by the Rupert family the homestead was declared a National Monument in December 1975. In 1985 the T-shaped homestead was transformed into the more expansive H-shaped manor house of today.
The Jonkershuis
Believed to be the second oldest building on La Motte, the Jonkershuis was erected some time after the completion of the farmhouse, possibly in 1752. Used originally as a stable, cowshed, chicken house and cellar, the building was later enlarged as a home for the owner's adult sons and servants. After complete renovations in the early 1970's, the Jonkershuis was declared a National Monument in 1975.
The Historic Cellar
The original cellar was most probably built around 1772, a time when 25 000 vines on La Motte were in full production. About 40 years later the centre gable was added, featuring 1825 as well as the initials GJB of the then owner, Gideon JouBert. The cellar was completely renovated in the early 1970's and was declared a National Monument in 1975..
The Water Mill
La Motte's historic water mill dates back to 1793. After renovation during the 1970's it was declared a National Monument in 1975. It is still in good working order, featuring a collection of old millstones and miller's tools.
The Veepos
This humble building (its name literally meaning “The cattle post”) probably dates from the first half of the 18th century. The walls are extremely thick, built of stone up to ceiling height, while blue gum tree trunks serve as beams. The building was completely restored in 1992.
Hugenoterus Cemetary
Over the years this cemetery, dating back to the second half of the eighteenth century, has been neglected almost beyond recognition, but thanks to clearing operations by the present La Motte owners, the dignity of the resting place of the early people of Franschhoek has been restored. Two of La Motte's pioneers, Gabriel du Toit and his wife, Claudia van Hoeting, are buried here. |