The block where Oude Leeskamer is
situated, bordered on the four sides by Dorp, Drostdy, Church and Ryneveld
Street, has to be one of the most happening blocks in the whole of
Stellenbosch! Here is a short look at some of the exciting places (literally!)
just around the corner from our Guest House…
Walking out the front door,
directly opposite the street you will see the beautiful building of the
University of Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Theology. Building work started in 1686
and a year later the building came into use as the magistrate’s court. The U-
or T-shaped building often housed Simon van der Stel and his entourage on
visits to Stellenbosch. In 1710 the building, along with most of the town,
burnt down, and the building you see today, in Cape Dutch style, was erected on
the premises in 1767. It was still a civic building and much of the Cape Colony
was governed from here, until the British colonial government abolished this
seat of Magistracy and it became a private residence. In 1858 it became the
seat of the first institution for higher education for the Dutch-Afrikaans people;
the Theological Seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church, and in 1868, residences
for professors was added on either side. Today, this building is part of the
University of Stellenbosch and trains students from all denominations.
Once you’re finished admiring
this beautiful building, and the statues of Andrew Murray and Jan Hofmeyr, the
founders of the Theological Faculty, or Kweekskool,
as it is known by locals, or the pink marble statue of Prof Johannes du Plessis,
a lecturer at the faculty accused of heresy in the 1920’s for his, then,
progressive views, called “Pienk Piet” in the lower left corner of the grounds,
you can take a right turn to, you find yourself in the bustle of Ryneveld
Street. On the right-hand side, head into Dutch restaurant, Binnenhof, for delicious crisp pizzas
(half price on Tuesdays!), a selection of game meats, scrumptious pancakes and,
of course, some Dutch classics like bitterballen and kroketten. Sit in either
the little courtyard which lends the restaurant its name, the cosy interior or
on the sidewalk where you can watch the world go by.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a
lighter meal, just cross the street to newly opened, and already a favourite
with the locals, De Stommen Jongen,
for traditional favourite, roosterkoek
(literally, griddle cakes). They’re freshly baked on the premises and served
with whatever takes your fancy, be it a selection of fine cheese and
charcuterie, or something simpler, like Simon’s homemade apricot jam.
Just next door, 5 on Ryneveld remains one of our
favourite restaurants for a fun and quirky meal. Try one of their delicious
gourmet burgers, including beef, chicken, lamb and a variety of vegetarian
options (and by that we don’t mean just a soya patty, but burgers yummy enough
to make a committed carnivore order them – spicy crumbed chickpea and lentil,
anyone?). Add to that a large and varied wine list and original and cool décor,
and you’ll need an excuse not to try
it!
Just next door, Milieu, The Gift and Flower Shop is a Stellenbosch landmark, having been in
the exact same spot for the past 22 years! Pop in for some delightful and often
one-of-kind accessories, books and music, cards, décor, flowers, food, kitchen
stuff, stationary and storage options, as well as Charlotte Rhys, Maneki and
Flambé products.
At the end of the road, take a
right again to end up in Church Street. Right on the corner you will find, Chas Everitt International, one of the
major real estate companies in Stellenbosch, and a great place to start looking,
should your visit to our beautiful town convince you to make it yours as well!
Turning right again takes you
into Drostdy Street, where the Dutch Reformed Church is situated. This
beautiful Neo Gothic building was designed by Dresden architect Carl Otto
Hager, who also designed the striking pulpit, and completed in 1863 after the
first church building was destroyed in a fire in 1710. On visiting the church,
an informative leaflet can also be picked up that explains the significance and
designs of the stunning stained glass windows.
Take a right again in front of
the church and you are right back where you started, in Dorp Street, at the
front door of Oude Leeskamer Guest House!
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