EXPLORE OUR:
THE HISTORY*
Where it all started
With the discovery of diamonds in 1887, Kimberley was created and with it the great wealth of empires of this diamond era.
The history of Kimberley’s precious stones is interwoven with tales of glitz, glamour, tragedy and treachery; stories for which the suburb of Belgravia provided a suitably sumptuous backdrop. Today, the neighborhoods’ many historic houses still exude an unmistakable atmosphere of old-world elegance, and a sense of dignified quiet continues to reign.
In 1907, number 7 Lodge Road, Belgravia was built as a wedding present from Ernest Oppenheimer for his new bride Mary. In addition to housing the young couple, the address of the new house was a sure status symbol, an unquestionable indicator of social success and financial fortitude. At the time, Ernest Oppenheimer was an independent diamond trader, and his two sons Harry and Frank – were born here. In 1912, Ernest was chosen as Kimberley’s first mayor, and he continued to serve three consecutive terms in the Horseshoe Municipality.
During the First World War, the Oppenheimers’ German Jewish identity endangered the family. Threats were made to burn down the house and Ernest felt obliged to resign as Mayor of the town and eventually he and the family fled Kimberley. It was several decades later, in 1997, that the historic house was first opened as a boutique hotel. When Harry Oppenheimer visited in 2000, he noted how true the residence had remained to his childhood memories.
WHO WE ARE
The Estate and who we are
Designed by the renowned Kimberley architect GW Greatbatch, the property has been declared a National Monument, and the historic value of the house is evident at first sight. Entering the red brick residence, access to the renowned Butler’s Restaurant can be found to the left, and to the right a cosy library awaits – with a large literary collection available for those who would like to relax with a book. Outdoors boasts a large veranda surrounded by a shady garden. For those long, hot sunny days, the large pool is a welcome relief to cool down.
The Guest House boasts five rooms, and while all rooms adhere to the same standard of luxury, each one has a distinct character of its own. The rooms feature an eclectic mix of furniture that brings together a diverse melange of styles from the different decades.
