About

Your Hosts

Wietske and Paul are passionate about family, travel, food, animals and people. Returning to the town where they met as students, a dream came true for Wietske and Paul, as was the opportunity for their three daughters to study at Stellenbosch University as well.

Their experience of the customs and cultures of other countries led to the decision to offer kindred spirits a South African ambience at 10 Alexander B&B. The warm cordiality and hospitality enjoyed by guests at 10 Alexander B&B is a reflection of the fact that this is a hands-on, owner-run establishment.

History

The original dwelling was erected in 1947. Whilst restructuring the garden, excavations showed that, in the seventeenth century, this property formed part of the historic coach house of Stellenbosch, a little higher up in Alexander Street.

Restoration

In 2000, the current owners bought the house and lovingly restored it over time to its current splendour. Wietske’s vast experience as project manager in the construction industry proved to be invaluable.

Two of the bedrooms in the old dwelling were converted into what is, today, the breakfast room overlooking the garden and swimming pool. The outbuildings were stylishly refurbished to accommodate their three daughters. After their children left home in 2010, they transformed the children’s section of the house to guest facilities and added another floor to allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the Stellenbosch mountains.

They took great care to retrieve and restore as much as possible of the original material in the house. Bundles of old, weathered timber were given new life as the architectural core of the restored building. Surplus blackwood cornices became mirror frames. The patio and kitchen furniture were crafted from the original oregon pine rafters. The Rhodesian teak parquet floors were retained and restored to their former glory, keeping with their passion to provide guests with an authentic old Cape experience.