For many years, there’ve been two sad old buildings full of potential on the R45 between the N1 and Franschhoek. One of them used to house the old Groot Drakenstein post office.
Landscape architect Danie Steenkamp bought the property recently and has given it a new lease on life, selling the one building to Vicki Bell for her antique and collectable shop and keeping the other building for his, an architect’s and lawyers offices… and the Ou Meul Bakery that will become a new compulsory stop on the R45.
The old Groot Drakenstein Handelshuis, and one-time post office, is now the grand old lady on the R45 from the N1 to Franschhoek.
And alongside it on the opposite side of the “werf”, the beautiful old store which houses the “Barn & Werf”.
Antonie Basson, one of the partners in the Ou Meul bakery
Breads, pies, pastries, rusks, biscuits, light meals … and Bootlegger coffee
For years, Ou Meul Bakery in Riviersonderend has been a compulsory stop for travellers along the Garden Route, and is renowned for it pies. They’ve opened two outlets in Cape Town’s northern suburbs and one in the city bowl, and another in Stanford.
And now Ou Meul Bakery will become a compulsory stop on the R45 for breads, pastries, rusks and light meals… oh, and the Bootleggers coffee is special too.
Mabel Steenkamp in her oasis, Die Gieter
There’s a small gem around the back of the building — Die Gieter, which is all about bringing greenery into your home, seeing that green and luscious gardens are a thing of the past.
Across the werf, which is still being landscaped and will become a visual gem in its own right, is the Barn & Werf, which you’ll find hard to leave without buying something… and it’s affordable.
Vicki Bell of Barn & Werf. After trading in Cape Town for many years, Danie approached David and Vicki Bell about collaborating with him in the property he wanted to buy. First thought was the location was wrong… and then she fell in love with the barn… and decided to live there too!
Left: I would have loved that old hot water ‘donkie’ on the left but it had already been sold. Right: A table suitable for King Arthur and all his Knights!
You’re going to find something there that you absolutely have to have!