Randburg horticultural society learn the history of this Westcliff home

Atop the Westcliff hill with a view of the far horizon, the superb 115-year-old home of the Enthoven family has really come into its own.

Author Dominique Enthoven generously allowed members of the Randburg Horticultural Society to visit her superb residence recently to learn its history from landscapers Liz and Tim Steyn who have been transforming the garden over the past five years.

“Originally this was bare kopje and veld grass,” said Tim.

“After the Boer War, the Randlords discovered the view and Herbert Baker was commissioned to build Roland Schumacher a stately home called Pallinghurst right at the top. The stables were completed first, set back from the edge of the cliff as horses didn’t need a view,” he chuckled. “In 1915, the Schumachers left and bequeathed their house to the Hope School.”

Acquiring The Stables as their home in 2011 was perfect for the Enthovens. Being set back from the cliff edge is a bonus. They avoid the wind and a brilliant borehole ensures lush, all-seasons lawns and flowerbeds which lead the eye to views all the way to the Magaliesberg. Elephants roaming in the zoo below is a fun extra.

Certain old trees were removed as well as the tennis court and the area was graded and transformed into a circular sunken garden inspired by the Mughal-style gardens of Baker and Lutyens in Delhi, complete with tranquil pool. There’s a woodland area, vegetable and herb gardens and a kopje garden full of aloes and succulent plants. Different paths lure you to explore each new section of this beautifully layered garden overflowing with Liz’s different and unusual plantings that feast the eye with colour and contrast.

The best part, however, is the abundance of nature which ensures the garden is alive with birds, bees, owls, guinea fowl and even the odd snake or two.