South African family history, genealogy, heritage and interesting places, past and present. All articles researched and written by Anne Lehmkuhl. COPYRIGHT ANNE LEHMKUHL, no article can be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. EMAIL ME
Merlot Manor sold
The historic Merlot Manor in Pietermaritzburg has been sold for a rumoured R3,6 million. The Victorian mansion, built in 1894 and situated at 41 Albany Road, Blackridge, was sold to an unidentified local resident, and will become a private residence. The mansion opened its doors to the public in 2003 as Merlot Manor, a guesthouse and restaurant run by Sunell and Denis Kotze. They bought Struan House (as Merlot Manor was originally known) from the previous owner Kerry Landon and her family, who lived in the house for almost a quarter of a century. Merlot Manor was built in 1894 by a well-known Pietermaritzburg family, the Irelands. This family gave its name to Ireland Stores, a prominent retail business in the heart of Pietermaritzburg.