I have always loved the feel of soil between my fingers. The rich soil in the far south of the Cape has drawn my spirit and I have planted, and it has grown. Together with my late husband, we have farmed at Zwaansweide, continuing on the agricultural of a woman and pioneer in this harsh land, whom I respected above all, the great Catharina.
In the year of 1741, the Directors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) realised they were at mercy of the seas in the Table Bay. I have long since settled more south. To save their ships from the constant barrage of her deadly winter storms, they decided on a safer destination and anchorage at Simon’s Bay.
This decision worked in my favour, because they now had to trek on foot to Cape Town to source vital supplies for the fleet would take a full four days. Thus, entered the Commissioner Extra-ordinaire at the Cape, Baron Gustav Wilhelm van Imhoff. He ordered the construction of the Simon’s Bay refreshment station in 1743, and wanted to cultivate the lands in the Fish Hoek and Noordhoek valleys. I was already supplying the ships from Zwaansweide!
Baron van Imhoff was impressed with my efforts. Great was my surprise when he awarded me even more land to cultivate near Slangkop ridge. The area – which also encompassed the lands now claimed by Kommetjie and Ocean View – became known as “Imhoff’s Gift”.
I have loved the richness of the soil in this valley ever since. It is so deeply enriched with the nutrients needed to be healthy. This has been a gift to my soul and for generations to come....
- courtesy the website of Imhoff Farm
In the year of 1741, the Directors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) realised they were at mercy of the seas in the Table Bay. I have long since settled more south. To save their ships from the constant barrage of her deadly winter storms, they decided on a safer destination and anchorage at Simon’s Bay.
This decision worked in my favour, because they now had to trek on foot to Cape Town to source vital supplies for the fleet would take a full four days. Thus, entered the Commissioner Extra-ordinaire at the Cape, Baron Gustav Wilhelm van Imhoff. He ordered the construction of the Simon’s Bay refreshment station in 1743, and wanted to cultivate the lands in the Fish Hoek and Noordhoek valleys. I was already supplying the ships from Zwaansweide!
Baron van Imhoff was impressed with my efforts. Great was my surprise when he awarded me even more land to cultivate near Slangkop ridge. The area – which also encompassed the lands now claimed by Kommetjie and Ocean View – became known as “Imhoff’s Gift”.
I have loved the richness of the soil in this valley ever since. It is so deeply enriched with the nutrients needed to be healthy. This has been a gift to my soul and for generations to come....
- courtesy the website of Imhoff Farm