The housing stock
What we are usually working with
Stellenbosch spans Cape Dutch and Victorian properties in and around the historic core, a large belt of student accommodation, and newer family housing on the edges. The older the property and the closer to the centre, the more the heritage framework governs what is possible.
The local catch
Conservation is the first conversation, not the last
In and around the historic core, alterations are assessed against heritage criteria covering form, materials, fenestration and street presence, and the process is slower and stricter than in most of Cape Town. It is entirely workable, but only if the constraint shapes the design from the first sketch. Designing what you want and then asking whether you are allowed to build it is the expensive way round.
In Stellenbosch
Nothing on this list is unique to Stellenbosch, but the mix is. These are the jobs that actually come up on this patch.
- Sympathetic alteration of heritage and conservation-area homes
- Traditional materials and finishes matched to the original
- Converting and upgrading student accommodation between tenancies
- Kitchens and bathrooms inserted into period fabric
- Renovation of newer housing on the town edges
Most relevant here
Also building nearby
Next step
Eddie will come out, walk it with you and tell you honestly what it takes. No charge for the first visit.