Timeless by Design
A Cape Legacy Since 1928
From a visionary private estate to a distinguished boutique hotel, The Claremont carries the grandeur of a bygone era into the present day.
The Making of a Manor
In 1928, English entrepreneur Frederick Henry Dumas Man arrived in Cape Town with a vision; to create a grand residence that blended European sophistication with the character of the Cape. To bring it to life, he enlisted local architect Magda Sauer, whose sensitivity to heritage and innovation made her the ideal collaborator.
Originally named ‘The Andros’, the residence stood as an expression of its era. Today, it is known as The Claremont, a boutique hotel that honours its architectural origin while offering modern-day luxury.
A study in Cape Dutch Revival
Drawing inspiration from the Cape Dutch Revival style that surged in popularity during the early 20th century, the design paid homage to South Africa’s architectural heritage while offering a modern interpretation. Rooted in the silhouettes of 18th-century Cape homesteads, the style is instantly recognisable, gabled facades, tiled roofs, whitewashed walls and balanced, symmetrical proportions. For Frederik Man, choosing this style was likely a nod to tradition as well as a desire to ground his new home in the cultural and visual language of the Cape.
A Vision Ahead of Her Time
Magda Sauer was one of South Africa’s first and most remarkable female architects.
Magdalene Gertrude Sauer, known as Magda, was born in 1890 not far from where The Claremont is today. Raised between Cape Town and her family’s wine farm, Uitkyk, in Stellenbosch – one of South Africa’s most historic wine estates. This setting immersed her in the Winelands culture from an early age where she developed a deep appreciation for place and context. After apprenticing in Cape Town, she studied at the Architectural Association in London, returning in 1927 to begin her career in a male-dominated field as South Africa’s first registered female architect.
The Sauer family played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s wine legacy. Her brother, Paul Sauer, is regarded as the father of the South African Bordeaux Blend and founded Kanonkop Wine Estate. On her mother’s side, she was a descendant of the Cloete family, early owners of Groot Constantia – the country’s oldest wine estate.
