We are delighted to introduce the brand new property in Rare Earth’s portfolio, The Old Rectory. Located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s best-loved coastal towns, The Old Rectory is an immaculately restored national monument, re-imagined into an intimate boutique hotel.
Plett’s oldest surviving building
The Old Rectory is Plettenberg Bay’s oldest surviving building. It is one of the few structures in the Eastern Cape that remained in good, intact condition from the days of the Dutch East India Company. The first evidence of the building appears on a map from 1777; where it is described as “verblyf voor het volk”, which essentially translates to ‘visitor’s accommodation’.
The buildings were constructed by the Dutch East India Company to house troops based in Plettenberg Bay. The troops supervised the storing of timber in the Old Timber Shed and arranged for its shipment to the Cape.
In 1869 it was bought by St Peters Church and used as a rectory by the Anglican church. It was occupied by the church for 70 years and housed five successive rectors until the present rectory was built in 1939. It was then that the barracks, cookhouse and yard were combined to create a large, single T-shaped building. An outbuilding known as the School House, which has historically been a church and even a blacksmith’s workshop, and the Old Timber Shed remained separate.
Immaculately restored and re-imagined…
The beautiful building is now being returned to its former glory. Our boutique hotel, The Old Rectory, will include 18 stylish suites and we hope to create an experience that’s private and personal, while charming architectural details, centuries of heritage and luxurious amenities will make it a unique, world-class beach escape. A spa, bar and beautiful restaurant offer enough by way of dining and leisure options that you don’t need to leave, but close proximity to the town’s attractions make exploring just as easy.
We are so excited about the launch and are geared up to open the doors of The Old Rectory in August 2017. If you would like to be one of the first to experience this special place, please get in touch.
