Nostalgia
A look at Cape Town long ago
NEWLANDS AVENUE c.1890s
Accomplished travel writer, artist and socialite of the period, Lady Anne Barnard used Newlands Avenue – located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain – to ride her horses through the Cape. Newlands House and Estate, originally laid out by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in the early 1700s to supplement the supply of vegetables obtained from the gardens at the Cape for passing ships, was located here. During the 1700s and 1800s it was used as a country retreat for Cape governors. In 1830 the English sold the estate and it became a private residence until 1937 when it was divided into building lots for purchase. Remains of the original estate can still be seen from the avenue as you drive or wander along its leafy length.
If you have a story about Cape Towns bygone days - an anecdote, memory or family legend - please email emma@hsm.co.za.