Leuwenhof Estate and its ghosts

tate

Situated in Gardens, at the eastern foot of Table Mountain, Leeuwenhof Estate is one of Cape Town’s oldest surviving estates and today serves as the official residence of the Premier of the Western Cape.

The origins of Leeuwenhof date back to 1693, during the time of Simon van der Stel, when land was granted to early settlers. Ownership changed hands several times in the early years, including botanist Henrik Bernard Oldenland, before Joan Blesius established the first substantial house on the site. In 1764, Danish immigrant Johan Bräsler acquired the estate and laid the foundation of the present homestead, developing the land into a productive farm with orchards, vegetables, and indigenous trees.

The estate reached its greatest extent under Captain Johannes Zorn in the early 19th century, when it expanded to around 79 hectares. As Cape Town grew, however, urban development gradually reduced the property. By the mid to late 1800s, Leeuwenhof had become associated with prominent figures such as Sir Christoffel Brand and former Cape Town mayor Petrus Johannes Kotzé, while portions of the land were sold off or absorbed into the expanding city.

In 1881, mining financier Isaac Lewis acquired the estate and restored the house, furnishing it with antiques. By this stage, the once expansive property had been reduced to just a few hectares. In 1936, Leeuwenhof entered its current chapter when it was purchased by the Cape Provincial Administration as an official residence. It was later declared a national monument in 1966, recognising its historical and architectural significance.

Today, Leeuwenhof remains an official residence, but it is also known for its long-standing local folklore. Stories persist of unexplained lights switching on and off, often linked to the presence of an older woman said to haunt the ground floor. Another tale speaks of a young woman who died of heartbreak after a forbidden relationship, her spirit believed by some to linger on the estate. While unproven, these accounts have become part of Leeuwenhof’s enduring story, adding a layer of mystery to one of Cape Town’s oldest homes.

More info about the estate

Gardens