Concern over alterations to historic house
2006-01-12
WORK on the historic manor house La Provence on the farm Grande Provence in Franschhoek has been halted, following allegations that the gables and roof had been lifted more than half a metre.
Alterations to the manor house, which was declared a monument in 1972, are being carried out for the new owners, a consortium of Dutch financiers. The house is on one of the original Huguenot farms in the area.
According to a spokesperson for the owner, they are considering removing all alterations to the building to return it to its original state.
The alarm was raised by the Franschhoek Trust, after which the site was inspected by Len Raymond, chairman of Heritage SA (a private conservation body), who alerted Hannetjie du Preez of Heritage Western Cape (a statutory provincial body which controls provincial monuments).
The thatch lines on the gables of the house are now more than half a metre below the thatch, indicating that the gables had been lifted and the height of the walls increased, changing the proportions of the building. It also appears as if the back gable has been widened.
The construction work was carried out by Dempers Builders of Paarl.
According to Raymond he was consulted by Alex van Heeren, a Dutch national representing the owners, prior to the purchase. He had made van Heeren fully aware of the value of the house and of the restrictions on altering a provincial monument.
“The local authority had given permission only for rethatching an repairs - there has been no permit or application for alterations.”
Steenkamp said the owner was investigating all photographs and records of the building dating from before the renovations, and was prepared to return the building to its original state.
“When work started, it was discovered that the house was in a dilapidated state and could collapse. On the advice of engineers, a ring beam was installed on the outer walls, which meant that the building increased in height.”
“There was no ill intent, and the owner wishes to ensure that the building regains its original appearance, following the necessary research,” Steenkamp told Paarl Post.
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