Cape Dutch architecture

Influences on the style can be traced to medieval architectural traditions from the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Indonesia.

[1] The typical floor plan of Cape Dutch buildings follows an H-shape, with a central front section flanked by two perpendicular wings.

However, the style remains well-preserved in historical towns and wine estates along South Africa’s Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swellendam, Franschhoek, Tulbagh, and Graaff-Reinet.

[3] In 1902, following the British victory in the Anglo–Boer War, Baker moved to Johannesburg, where he introduced the Cape Dutch Revival style to the Witwatersrand, particularly in homes commissioned by wealthy mining magnates known as Randlords.

Unlike the original Cape Dutch buildings, the revivalist version was primarily characterized by its elaborate gables.