Villa Arcadia, Parktown

Villa Arcadia is a mansion in Parktown featuring a ground floor veranda supported by eleven arches and overlooking the former Sachsenwald area toward Saxonwold and Forest Town. The property at 22 Oxford Road now houses modern art collections, boardrooms, and entertainment facilities under Hollard Insurance ownership.

The mansion was built in 1909 by architects Herbert Baker and Francis Edward Masey, replacing an earlier Swiss chalet constructed for businessman Carl Rolfe. The building subsequently underwent major changes in its use and management.

Florence Phillips collaborated with architect Herbert Baker on the design, incorporating architectural elements similar to those in Pretoria's Union Buildings. This approach shaped how the building looks and relates to its surrounding area.

The estate sits on elevated ground with views over southern Johannesburg suburbs and is accessible from Oxford Road. The surrounding area is well served by public transport, and visitors should check ahead since the property may only be accessible for groups or by prior arrangement.

The house served as a Jewish orphanage from 1923 to 2002 and housed many children from the region at its peak during the 1930s. This period of social service left a deep mark on the building's history.

GPS coordinates: -26.17510,28.03970

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:22