Haldon's History
TIMELINE
Explore Our History
Discover the rich and illustrious history of Haldon Estates, a haven of heritage, beauty, and tranquility. First purchased in 1892, our estate has seen generations of visionary custodians shaping its history and landscape.
In 1892, Col. Alfred Mason Templar and his sister, Anne Georgina, laid the foundation of Haldon's rich legacy. They purchased the 50 morgen property for 200 pounds and embarked on the construction of a majestic mansion in the old English Herbert Baker style, using sandstone found on the hill behind the house. However, Col. Templar's sudden death in June 1895 marked an early end to this chapter.
Ownership of the estate then transferred to Anne Georgina and Lord Ion Basil Blackwood. The estate, under Lord Blackwood, witnessed some tumultuous times, including the sale of antique furniture and movable property in 1918 and Blackwood's death during WWI.
The estate then saw a new era under the stewardship of Senator Donald David Coghill Murray, who purchased the property in November 1918. It was a lively time of dignitary visits, British sports team gatherings, and garden parties. Senator Murray's spouse, Susan Murray, was a well-respected figure in Bloemfontein, continuing the estate's legacy after her husband's death in 1947 until she passed away in 1960.
In May of the same year, Antonie Joseph Nader, a well-known racehorse trainer, added his unique mark to the Haldon Estate. He constructed a race track along the northern boundary line, extending from east to west. Sadly, Nader passed away at 56 due to ill health.
The estate then saw a phase of potential industrialization when Pieter du Plessis bought Haldon for a brickwork project in Johannesburg in 1963. Despite the house being divided into two dwellings, the brick-making project did not materialize. This period led to the unfortunate deterioration of the house, with antique candelabras and brass doorknobs stolen and squatters damaging the property.
The turning point came in 1972 when Pieter and his son Pieter du Plessis Junior became the proud owners of Haldon. They embarked on a comprehensive restoration project, striving to maintain the traditional style of the original house. This delicate balance between the old and the new marked a new era of rejuvenation for the estate.
Mini du Plessis, a skilled horticulturist, reimagined the gardens of the estate. She introduced evergreen trees and shrubs to preserve the estate's beauty throughout the year. Several of her garden layouts even competed in the Free State and Northern Cape garden competitions. The swimming pool, nestled under a native Witolien tree and a Karee tree, is a testament to her vision and love for nature.
Today, as you wander through the verdant gardens, relax by the pool, or stay in one of our quaint cottages, you are participating in the continuing history of Haldon Estates. We invite you to explore our rich heritage, soak in the timeless beauty of our landscapes, and create your own memories woven into the fabric of our story.
GALLERY
HISTORY ARCHIVE
Experience History at Haldon