Bishopscourt, a gracious leafy suburb of Cape Town, was originally part of Jan van Riebeeck’s farm – Boschheuwel (Bushy Hill).
Among the splendid buildings that comprise Bishopscourt, is the home of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town. From 1986 to 1996, this was the home of Desmond Tutu, the first black Archbishop of Cape Town and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Bishopsgrace, a 5-star boutique hotel, is an example of understated elegance. Every item within the hotel has been carefully chosen to compliment the style of each room. There are six individually themed suites, all with north-facing balconies, and two family rooms. For recreation, there are two swimming pools and a flood-lit tennis court.
Bishopsgrace – Boutique Hotel
From the minute you drive into Bishopscourt, a feeling of tranquility descends upon you. As you drive up the driveway to Bishopsgrace, you marvel at the carefully laid out garden and its wildlife. When you enter the house, a feeling of peace prevails and you know that your holiday or business trip will be successful. It is the perfect place from which to tour ‘the fairest Cape of all’.
The staff cannot do enough to ensure that your stay is one filled that’s with happy memories. The food is exquisite – thoughtfully and expertly prepared by Ian who has over 25 years of experience in some of the top restaurants in the UK and South Africa. There is no dinner menu, you decide what you feel like eating that evening and Ian will prepare it for you. This is what one expects from a 5 star boutique hotel.
Bishopsgrace was built by Admiral Sir Herbert Packer, K.C.B., C.B.E. and his wife, Lady Joy Packer, on their retirement in 1963. Joy Packer was a South African by birth, and after many decades of following her Royal Navy husband around the globe, it was decided they would put down roots in South Africa.
The Building of Bishopsgrace
Joy Packer was a successful writer, both of fiction and non-fiction. She describes her move to South Africa and the building of ‘Cressage’ — as Bishopsgrace was initially called — in her book ‘Home from Sea’. The Packers loved the views from Bishopsgrace, views that stretch over Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, to Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain. Or across the Cape Flats to the mountains of the winelands. The love that the Packers had for this land and property radiates throughout the book and has permeated the very being of the house.
Bishopsgrace has undergone structural changes over the years but all additions have enhanced the original home built by the Packers. They would be exceptionally happy to see the love and care which has gone into making their home one of the most special places in Africa.
Kathrin and Klaus Weixelbaumer bought the property in 1987 and used their skills as interior designer and architect, to extend the property and furnish it in a style with which the Packer’s would be delighted.
