Situated in the northern suburbs amidst rapid development, Norscot defies the assumption that there are no heritage sites in the area.
Luke Goncalves of the Sandton and Randburg Heritage Society said, “Norscot is one of the sites that has managed to survive. In addition to that, Norscot is more tangible… people can actually see it and experience it, it’s one of the sites that shows people how it was before.”
Goncalves explained that the name Norscot was a combination of Norway and Scotland, and was the home of the Eriksen family until 1982.
The history of the area dates back to 1935 when the Eriksen’s had first seen the land to the north of Johannesburg. Captivated by the glorious open view to the north with the land sloping away towards the Magaliesburg mountains, and by the superb sunset, Ethel Eriksen, instantly fell in love and decided there and then that this is where she wanted to build her home.
A day later, her husband Ernst introduced himself to the owners of the land and persuaded them to sell 423 acres.
Further acres were added at a later stage as they came up for sale, and Norscot eventually comprised 605 acres.
The original cottage was built by builder Thomas Clarke, but all further work around the house was carried out by Swiss master-craftsman Gottfried Heddinger over a period of 10 years.
“It was very pseudo Cape and it’s clear that they tried to copy how it was in the Cape,” Goncalves said.
When the house was finally sold in 1982 it was described as having eight elegantly proportioned reception rooms designed for entertaining on a lavish scale. There are six bedrooms and five bathrooms, and the total area under roof, excluding outbuildings is 1 200m².
The site has since become a landmark in its own right, and in 2015 was declared a heritage site and received its blue plaque status from the City of Johannesburg.
Today the site is used as a recreational centre and is viewed as an integral part of the community.
According to the manager of the centre, Lidia Jacobs, the facility has more than 30 classes on offer, ranging from a variety of recreational activities, courses, workshops, and adult and children activities.
The facility also has a beautiful Secret Tea Garden and houses Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana’s office.
Details: www.friendsof norscot.co.za
