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Matjiesfontein village Standard Bank by Suzi from
Top 10 Little Known Facts about Matjiesfontein
South Africa is a tourist hotspot. Matjiesfontein town is one of South Africa’s historical hidden gems. The town is on the outskirts of Cape Town. It may not be on your itinerary, but it is worth seeing, especially if you enjoy history.
The town is unique and small but carries a rich heritage that you can explore. It has remained unchanged for over a century, so prepare for a trip down memory lane.
Here are the top 10 unknown realities about Matjiesfontein.
1. Matjiesfontein is in Western Cape
Matjiesfontein Village by Almywaki from
Matjiesfontein town is 27 kilometers west of Laingsburg and 54 kilometers east of Touwsrivier. If you’re visiting for the first time, this is only a few hours from Cape Town. The town is part of the central Karoo District Municipality in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.
2. Matjiesfontein’s first inhibitors were Khoikhoi and San herders
Khoikhoi herders and San hunter-gatherers were the first people to live in the area. Due to the arrival of European colonists, the areas had Afrikaner Trekboers and the Griqua people settling there later.
3. Matjiesfontein was established in 1884
Matjiesfontein was started in 1884. James Douglas Logan, a Scottish railway engineer, founded the town. Visitors often visited the town’s coffee shop, chapel, and hotel.
Over the years the town morphed into a popular overnight stop for many travelers. Hotelier David Rawdon later purchased the town in 1968. In 1975, the hotel was renamed Lord Milner, and the entire village became a national heritage site due to its Victorian charm.
4. Logan’s refreshment station brought life to the area
Matjiesfontein began as a small warehouse and farm. This changed when James Douglas Logan, a Scotsman, and the stretch railway’s superintendent, purchased land at Matjiesfontein. He later relocated there because he was suffering from a weak chest at the time and decided to open a refreshment stand for passing trains.
The business was so successful that it fueled the growth of the entire village. Logan had an unintended impact on South African history due to this. Thanks to his good parliamentary friend James Sivewright, Logan was able to secure a contract for railway catering through the refreshment center.
The contract aided the discovery of the first government’s corruption scheme. It was the trigger to the fall of Prime Minister Cecil Rhodes’ government in 1893.
5. The Lord Milner Hotel is critical to Matjiesfontein’s past
Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein by Janek Szymanowski from
David Rawdon, who purchased Matjiesfontein in 1968, renamed the hotel. Lord Miller was named after Lord Alfred Milner, the governor of Cape Town during the South African War, which ended in 1899.
During that time, 10,000 troops camped around Matjiesfontein, and the hotel was used as a military hospital. Because of this, Lord Milner is dubbed South Africa’s most haunted hotel.
When you visit the hotel Milner’s royal lounge, you will see photographs of the hotel’s founder, James Logan. You will also notice other famous figures who frequented Matjiesfontein.
6. The Lord Milner Hotel’s ambiance is a treat to vintage fans
The hotel hasn’t changed in a century. A stay at the hotel is a reminiscence session, ideal for all history buffs. The hotel is three stars rated and offers classic double luxury and single rooms to guests. It is a tribute to Victorian architecture, which has been preserved, as have the interiors, except for linen and bathroom updates.
The lavish dining room at the hotel is prominent for its hearty breakfast service with a vintage flair. According to legends, the hotel is haunted and is notorious for ghost sightings.
7. The Marie Rawdon Museum is a landmark in Matjiesfontein
The museum houses a collection of Victorian archives, which includes everything from household items to war souvenirs. The museum tells the story of a bygone era. You can also view an impressive vintage collection of cars, steam trains, and bicycles from the years 1930 to 1960 in the Matjiesfontein Transport Museum.
8. Matjiesfontein has great entertainment spots
Milner Hotel interior by Ann Williams from
The Laird Arm Bar is a famed bar in Matjiesfontein. The environment is defined by the enormous mirrored teak bar and counter. It also has a large fireplace with a 1902 cash register, and an adorable Pierre Nola piano that adds much-needed warmth to the already lively country pub. After all your sightseeing, the pub is a good chance to unwind with a drink and some food.
9. You can enjoy a well-brewed cup at the coffee shop
The coffee shop is one of the town’s older structures. In 1888, it was used as Logan’s general store. The coffee shop opens onto a lovely courtyard with rear fountains and a pond, the perfect sight while sipping your coffee.
10. The Old Post Office and Oliver Schreiner’s Cottage are top attractions
Matjiesfontein post office by Flowcomm from
Logan built the second and third buildings in Matjiesfontein in 1891. The post office first opened its doors in 1897 and was centrally located. Olive Schreiner, the author of My Thoughts of South Africa, lived in the cottage and hence named after him.
Here is a bonus fact.
11. Matjiesfontein was known as a healing center
It was a headline health resort and drew many famous people, including the Sultan of Zanzibar. Winston Churchill’s father also stopped by and borrowed the laird’s dog for hunting. Duke Hamilton signed the visitor book. Cecil John Rhodes and Olive Schreiner were among the notable visitors.
The town of Matjiesfontein is only 120 kilometers from Sutherland, and you can visit the observatory and the cemetery where famous Victorians are buried.
Though a small town, Matjiesfontein is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination, full of historical treasures. The town is home to famous attractions like the Lord Milner Hotel, as well as the beautiful Marie Rawdon Museum and many more. A sunset drive is also something to look forward to.
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