HAARLEM - HISTORICAL RESIDENTIAL / AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY STYLE TOWN
Brief Summary - History of Haarlem (Compiled from various sources by Gary Olivier)
Haarlem is situated in the Langkloof with the Groot River to the north and the Tsitsikamma mountains to the south. Located in the Klein Karoo on the well known Route 62 one hundred and twenty kilometres from George and eighty km from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay it is a popular area.
The town "Haarlem" is believed to have been laid out as it is today by Heyns and Traut in about 1850 for Colonial settlers.
In 1860 the farm "Welgelegen" which included "Haarlem" was purchased by the Berlin Missionary Society and named "Anhalt-Schmidt" after its donor in Germany and established as a mission station for the local "coloured" population and any settlers who came after (these included settlers of German, Irish, and Scottish and Jewish descent).
The Lutheran church, designed by missionary H Howe and construction supervised by Anhalt's farm manager H C Markotter, was built and fully financed by Haarlem's community with no outstanding debt and completed in 1880. (H C Markotter was the father of "Mark Markotter" of South African rugby fame ).
Anyone driving through Haarlem will notice this prominent thatched roof house. Situated in “posh area.” Known to Haarlem inhabitants as their own “waterfront” on the river.
This beautifully kept historic home is situated on a large property in a sought after area of Haarlem with a raised elevation, looking over the Witteberg mountain range....
A secluded large house and historic stone cottage on agricultural land (4283 Square metres) in upmarket area of Haarlem overlooking the Groot River and Witteberg Mountains.
This historical house is shown on a photo taken in 1905 and is near to the church. On the main road with the potential opening a business e g coffee shop etc.
The 5 room historic ruin is in a perfect situation overlooking the property with scenic views and not beyond restoration for the heritage minded. It would be large saving to the purchaser using the same foundation “foot print” as municipal plans of approval would not be required.
