The Le Marais homestead has undergone substantial changes over the past 125 years. Several rooms have been added to the original structure, the erf sub-divided into multiple parts and then partially re-consolidated - with each change adding to the unique character befitting a much loved old lady.
A vegetable garden and small vineyards, replete with rows of lavender interspersed between Muscat de Frontignan vines, were planted in 2012.
Fruit trees, like quince and figs, which grew in Cape gardens at the turn of the century have been incorporated. Large almond trees and guavas were also brought in while kumquats have been clipped into hedges. Many plants were salvaged from the original garden; a tatty clump of banana trees is now a flourishing mini plantation and the citrus trees have been grouped to form a small orchard. Young avocado and mango trees also thriving.
A new vineyard planted in 2022 will add to the harvest in the years ahead.
