Historical Mossel Bay on Foot, a walking tour
Mossel Bay has a long history and many buildings constructed in the 17 and 1800’s are part of that history.
Here are a few of the 68 in total:
Vintcent Building: The original building, a single storey general dealer built 1820/24 by C.F.Pohl, bought by Price, Collison & Co. in 1850. In1863 Joseph Vintcent bought a partnership. Enlarged in Approx. 1859 and 1880 and extended eastwards. In the 1950’s the west end wasremoved for street widening.
Prince, Vintcent & Co. Building: The discovery of diamonds at Hopetown in 1867 and Kimberley in 1870 and the fact that the mostconvenient harbour to the diamond fields was Mossel Bay, brought immense wealth to the importing company and more space was required.This building, designed by Mr Simpkin and built by Mr C. Wilson in 1901 and 1903, an extension to the Vintcent building (but much more ornate).The large arch allowed ox‐wagons to enter the building to offload.
Errol’s Electrogas: Built c. 1876 as the ABC Bank with accommodation upstairs. The covered display area is recent.
“Stones”: Erected in 1881 for R. Transfeldt as a shop. Later housed the liquor store WP Kelders, from whence the infamous “Sakkies” wassold ‐ at the time the only sweet red wine produced in S.A. About 2001 it was badly damaged by a well‐meant but ignorant “restoration” destroying fine stone detail and obliterating the sandstone window sills where, for about a century the fishermen used to sharpen their knives.
Andrag Motors: Built in 1875 by E. de Marillac as a warehouse. Extensively modernized. Two workshops behind are in almost unchanged condition (the only surviving commercial wagon house & stable with a feed loft above).
Searle’s Manor: 1902. Built and used as warehouse for Searle & Co. of Great Brak River and later by a succession of traders. Raised stoep used as loading platform. It was beautifully restored c. 2005/6 to apartments, offices and an atrium for exhibitions. Wrought iron railing, lamps and gates added.
Searle’s Terrace: Built 1884 as three duplex apartments. Thorough restoration was done in 2004.
Why not take a walk around historic Mossel Bay with a printout of the map and the information about each building.
Visit ShowMe Mossel Bay – the ultimate guide.
| More info on the town of Mossel Bay | More info on the Garden Route area |
Related Articles
Book your accommodation right here on ShowMe.
You can find the top hotels, lodges and Airbnb establishments conveniently placed on the map below. All you need to do is click on the place that’s conveniently located and within your budget and then make a booking. What could be easier?
If the map is not where you want to be, click on the ShowMe Pin and then enter the exact name of the location and the map will adjust accordingly.
