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Tafelberg Hall Robert Sobukwe (Graaff-Reinet) district, Eastern Cape Sir Herbert BAKER: Architect

Date: 1899-1900 Client: Robert Struben Type: Homestead Style: Colonial : Arts and Crafts Status: Extant

Robert Struben, son of one of the Struben brothers who had become wealthy from the gold-rush on the Rand, bought the property from John Sweet Distin, a colourful character who had been bankrupted by the crash of the ostrich feather boom and his spend-thrift children. Struben demolished the original homestead and had it replaced by one built to Herbert Baker's design, constructed from local stone. Unfortunately Struben's wife did not take to the austere life of the Karoo and they left soon after settling there. (Kramer 2021:92) References: Kramer, Patricia & Proust, Alain. 2021. Hidden Karoo. Cape Town: Struik Lifestyle. pg 92-93 +ill, 93 +ill, 94 ill