Heritage house in Forest Hill under threat

Ward 55 Local councillor, Rashieda Landis confirmed that the land which the house was built was sold and the deeds office (Joburg Property Company) maybe can assist in securing the new owners.

December 7, 2018

Lucky Thusi 1 minute read

THE farmhouse on Rifle Range Road, Forest Hill, which is over 100 years old, is on the verge of being ruined because of neglect.

This heritage building is a unique architectural landmark which will go to waste if not preserved. Door and window frames, the veranda and other structures are still in the original form of state in this 1908 house.

Calvin Montgomery, a heritage activist from the South, said the City of Johannesburg needs to intervene.

“Nowhere else in the suburb and the surrounding suburbs can such an example of Edwardian architecture be found. For years the property has been neglected and now it seems vandals have begun stripping the interiors.

STYLISH: A window next to the veranda. Photo: Lucky Thusi

“Without the necessary action being taken, we stand to lose one of the earliest ‘grand’ houses in Southern Johannesburg. The house also has stables which were erected in 1937.”

Some of the people who commented on the Facebook post by Calvin expressed their desire to save the house because of its rich heritage and nostalgic memories.

Ward 55 councillor Rashieda Landis confirmed the land which the house was built on was sold and the deeds office (Joburg Property Company) could possibly assist in securing the new owners.