Fire devastates iconic Blaauwklippen buildings

A fire that broke out at the neighboring farm in the early hours of Sunday morning, has resulted in devasting destruction to some of Blaauwklippen Estate’s iconic buildings.

The fire spread to the Manor House from the dam’s side, then to the Jonkershuis, and eventually the Cathedral. All three buildings have burnt to the ground.

Six firefighting teams, including Blaauwklippen’s Disaster Management team - together with neighbouring farms - were on the scene within minutes to attend to the fire, one of five in the area.

The firefighters battled winds of up to 139km per hour, and thankfully there were no injuries, although the destruction was devastating.

Stellenbosch’s oldest wine farm, dating back to 1682, the Jonkershuis was built in 1720, the Manor House in 1789 with the latest addition being the popular wedding venue, the Cathedral built in 2018.

“It’s a sad day indeed for Blaauwklippen, as heritage landmarks have been destroyed in the terrible blaze, but the sadness is made easier to bear by the gratitude that no lives were lost, due to the swift evacuation and heroic efforts of our personnel,” said the estate in a press release.

Due to safety reasons, the property will be closed to the public until further notice.