(Graphic: John McCann/M&G)
I took a scroll down reminiscence lane on the Heritage Portal and got here throughout The Historical past of Westclif f by Kathy Munro, an honorary affiliate professor within the faculty of structure and planning on the College of the Witwatersrand.
Westcliff, as soon as referred to as West Cliffe, earned its title from its dramatic location perched on high of a rugged cliff in Johannesburg.
This placing vantage level presents breathtaking views of the encircling panorama. The 2-word title was quickly changed by the better Westcliff.
The realm, with its lush inexperienced gardens and charming houses constructed utilizing old-school development strategies, is wealthy with historical past. Johannesburg formally grew to become a metropolis in solely 1928, however homes within the Westcliff space had been designed and constructed effectively earlier than that by well-known architects reminiscent of Herbert Baker and FLH Fleming.
I actually admire the outstanding initiative taken by the Johannesburg Heritage Basis in inserting blue discs of historic data on a number of of the outstanding houses on this space. These elegant plaques function home windows into the previous, providing a concise but participating narrative about every property.
They reveal not solely the names of the architects and authentic owners but in addition spotlight the geographical significance of the areas. Every heritage disc transforms a mere stroll by means of the neighbourhood right into a fascinating journey by means of time, enriching our understanding of the historical past that surrounds us.
This particular space of Johannesburg actually reveals off this time of 12 months. Throughout this season, a sea of purple hues drape over the suburb courtesy of the gorgeous jacaranda bushes in full bloom. Their delicate petals create a surprising overhead cover, casting a dreamlike environment over the suburb.
Inside Westcliff is an city jewel, the one 4 Seasons Resort in South Africa. Visitors are inspired to come back and luxuriate in an opulent retreat amid the pure magnificence and vibrant metropolis life.
The location the place the 4 Seasons Resort, The Westcliff, is positioned at present has a particular (and considerably contentious) historical past.
Circa 1918, the first-ever lavish residential block, comprising 27 residences, was constructed right here. Every condominium was designed with spacious rooms and its personal hearth.
Samuel Sondheim was the formidable developer behind this landmark, and John Waterson and Harry Veale had been the gifted architects who introduced the imaginative and prescient to life.
The residential growth was for some time referred to as Westcliff Park and was complemented by fantastically manicured facilities, together with a croquet garden, a tennis courtroom, and a kids’s play space.
An legal professional named Nat Gordon bought this condominium block and named it after his son, Murray. Many can be acquainted with the title Murray Gordon Mansions. The event was controversial, as a result of many believed permission to construct such a constructing on this space shouldn’t have been granted.
It was demolished in 1975.
The location stood empty for years. Builders noticed the potential of this primely positioned website, however native residents opposed a lot of these plans, they usually by no means got here to fruition.
In response to author Jeanne Horak, the land was purchased in 1993 by builders who constructed cluster homes, “however they misjudged the market and the finished houses stood empty for 2 years”.
Quick-forward to 1997, when the Westcliff Resort was constructed. In 2013, it was bought as soon as once more and closed for a 12 months whereas being renovated. It opened once more in 2014, and now we see that the hillside lodge can be renovated as soon as extra.
Earlier than turning into dwelling to the 4 Seasons model, it was a Belmond lodge — sister to “The Nelly” in Cape City, formally generally known as The Mount Nelson.
Over time, the 4 Seasons Resort, The Westcliff has expanded by shopping for up neighbouring houses that come up on the market within the space.
I spoke to Martin Thomas Cody, the regional vice-president and normal supervisor of The Westcliff. He has been with the 4 Seasons Resort group for greater than 23 years and oversees its properties in Serengeti, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius, two within the Seychelles and a brand new growth in Zanzibar.
Concerning the most recent renovations for The Westcliff, visitors can anticipate a mushy refurbishment of the 80 rooms in early 2025.
They plan to construct a foyer space that can embrace a brand new meals and beverage lounge along with the famend Flames Restaurant that’s at the moment on the property. They’re additionally constructing a 400-seater ballroom, which is able to complement the 100-seater that’s already in place
The brand new foyer lounge and informal eating area will adjoin the spa and supply a seamless pathway for visitors desirous to benefit from the views of Johannesburg from Flames Restaurant, which has one of many highest vantage factors on the Westcliff hillside. Associates can meet for early-morning pastries with freshly brewed espresso or catch up over an off-the-cuff lunch. The lounge then transforms right into a bar and lodge visitors and patrons can take pleasure in night dinner and drinks with among the best views in Johannesburg.
The present foyer is useful however the brand new foyer guarantees to be a hotter, welcoming coronary heart of the lodge, perfect for socialising and gathering.
The inside design of this reimagined area attracts inspiration from Johannesburg’s mining and gold historical past. Anticipate to see parts that mirror this heritage, with the incorporation of stone, uncooked supplies and touches of gold.
Each bit of artwork in these newly designed areas can be sourced from native artists, making certain that the area additionally pays homage to the neighborhood and tradition that encompass it.
They’re putting in a kitchen which is able to service your entire lodge. Every little thing will proceed to be managed in-house, and the culinary providing and workforce can be expanded, creating 20 extra jobs for brand spanking new staff.
So far as the ballroom goes, the plan is to create a most luxurious occasion area whereas retaining the opulent, conventional ballroom really feel. The lodge hosts weddings of as much as 100 visitors; the enlargement will accommodate 400. Enormous glass home windows run alongside the perimeter of the ballroom and pure mild floods in from all angles. The inside design parts can be impartial tones with an aesthetic class. Brides and grooms can then use this base to embellish the marriage venue into their very own dream.
The lodge offered the deliberate renovations to Westcliff residents and the residents’ affiliation, which had been effectively obtained. The homeowners of the lodge — ASB Funding from Dubai and HPL of Singapore — are additionally in full assist of the renovation plans.
With regards to the demographics of the visitors who go to this city retreat, Martin says the primary market is the US. That is most likely due to the familiarity of the well-established 4 Seasons model, which competes towards The Ritz within the US. The second-biggest pool of visitors comes from the UK, and South Africans are third.
The lodge’s native market took off throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Martin says they’re virtually again at their occupancy numbers of 2019 and the spa, in addition to meals and beverage is supported by a big share of locals.
Johannesburg is a melting pot of tradition, delicacies, and historical past. The lodge presents the true Jozi expertise to all guests. With a plethora of established artwork galleries and foodie hotspots sprinkled throughout city, many visitors request to pair their excursions with a half-day Soweto tour and a go to to the Apartheid Museum. Whereas these are emotionally heavy experiences, they’re among the many high requests by international guests to the lodge.
When visitors are accomplished exploring Johannesburg, they typically head off on a brief drive in direction of safari turf that’s dwelling to the Massive 5 or take a flight to benefit from the shoreline within the Mom Metropolis and the Winelands area.
This suburban jewel lies in one of many world’s largest cultivated city forests. The renovations can be accomplished in the course of 2025. Ensure you pop into the restaurant for a celebratory drink paired with among the best views within the Metropolis of Gold.
Ask Ash is a column that examines South Africa’s property, structure and residing areas. Proceed the dialog together with her on e mail ([email protected]) and X (@askashbroker).