Old Residency

About Old Residency

This well-preserved early 19th-century Cape Dutch H-shaped house, built during Johannes Jacobus Gerber’s ownership (1819–1831—exact date unknown), features a simple pediment front gable with flanking pilasters, "holbol" end gables with double steps at their bases, and a first-rate fanlight above the entrance. After multiple ownership changes, it was acquired by the South African Government in 1916 as the Magistrate’s official residence, earning the name “The Residency,” which it retained until 1978 when it became an annex to Reinet House. The site now houses five themed display rooms: the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) room with artifacts and photographs, a collection of sporting rifles, WWII DMR memorabilia, a music room featuring vintage instruments, and exhibits showcasing local rafts from the region.