Own a piece of history

Keerweder dining room

Strauss & Co is delighted to have been entrusted with the sale of the contents of Keerweder – the handsome Cape Dutch homestead on one of the oldest farms in Franschhoek, situated at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains against a backdrop of orchards, rolling vines and English rose gardens.

In 1692 Keerweder was the first farm in the Franschhoek Valley to be allotted by the Dutch East India Company to a European.   The name originates from the high mountains surrounding Franschhoek which were insurmountable obstacles for travellers who, unable to pass over them, had to turn back, hence 'keeren weder' which in Dutch means ‘to turn back’.

 Pristinely restored over twenty years ago by the current owners, Keerweder has been furnished with items befitting the period and the grandiosity of this magnificent home and reflects their knowledge and passion for South Africa’s diverse and interesting history.

Collectors and decorators alike will be presented with a unique opportunity to acquire rare and beautiful pieces, encompassing furniture, paintings, prints, carpets, silver, ceramics, garden statuary and even cars from the 680-lot sale.

 From VOC to Hylton Nel, the sale spans several centuries and a myriad of tastes with estimates ranging from a few hundred rands into the millions for the more important pieces.   Each item has been carefully selected and researched by the owners whose academic interest is manifest in their impressive collection of reference books which will also be on the sale.  Everyday household items such as linen, curtains and kitchenware will also form part of the auction.

The core of the collection is formed by a large selection of Cape and Colonial furniture offering outstanding opportunities to collectors at every level.   Chief among these is a highly important Cape armoire sporting silver escutcheons by the celebrated silversmith Johan Hendrik Vos, as well as an intricately engraved lock-plate after a design by Jacob Hoefnagel, (estimates R800 000 – R1 million), two ‘Burgomaster’ chairs (R80 000 – 100 000 and R60 000 – 80 000 respectively) and a commode from the Herbert Prins Collection (R120 000 – 150 000).

The sale also features eye-catching and unusual furniture from other parts of the world such as a rare 19^thcentury Chinese painted and gilded marriage bed (R80 000 – 90 000), an elaborately carved Persian bed with panelled canopy (R15 000 – 20 000), and a palanquin or sedan chair (R20 000 – 30 000).   

Painting highlights include Camelthorn Tree, Kalahari by JH Pierneef, master of the South African landscape (estimate R800 000 – R1,2 million) and, in keeping with the Cape Dutch theme of the house, several  mid 18^th century Dutch portraits, the most impressive of which is a 17^th century double portrait which dominates the dining room (estimates R100 000 – 150 000).

Stephan Welz, Managing Director of Strauss & Co commented: “It is an honour for Strauss & Co to be handling this important sale. The Cape has a long tradition of house sales, the most important being undoubtedly Koopmans-de Wet House in 1913, today a National Monument.  I was fortunate enough personally to have been involved in the sale of the contents of many  renowned properties over the years including, amongst others, Newlands House, Ellerman House and  Mostertsdrift .

 Not only is the sale of Keerweder another feather in our cap but it offers opportunities to many to own a piece of history, and will surely take its place among those major house sales which have become landmarks in the history of collecting in South Africa”.

There will be viewing for three days prior to the sale, on Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October and all are welcome.

The sale will take place in situ throughout the day on Monday 22 October 2012. The three sessions will commence at 10am, 2.30pm and 5.30pm.