Coornhoop, 17th century farmhouse in Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
Coornhoop is a restored farmhouse from the 1600s in Observatory featuring original agricultural buildings from the settlement period. The complex includes two main structures linked by a decorative two-story dovecot with distinctive arched passages.
The property originated during the early Dutch settlement era when authorities granted land to farmers for crop production. The building with its prominent dovecot took its current form in the 1700s when improvements were made to the original structures.
The decorated dovecot demonstrates how colonists blended functional structures with attention to detail in their buildings. This piece of agricultural infrastructure reveals the care early settlers placed on elements beyond simple shelter.
The site is open to visitors during scheduled hours and requires walking from the entrance to view the entire complex. The pathways are relatively level but sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after wet weather.
The dovecot features a rare front with curved designs that bow both inward and outward, showing classical colonial building methods. This artistic detail also had a purpose - the shape helped regulate temperature inside and protected the birds from predators.
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