History

Our History
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, a surge of prosperity in the Western Cape led to delightfully opulent details being added to townhouses, such as towers, turrets, mouldings, and lace-like cast iron decorations (known as “broekie lace”). This late Victorian style was especially prominent in Stellenbosch, and Bonne Esperance remains one of the finest examples from this period.

In 1907, Jacobus Johannes Ferdinand Tribelhorn, a self-taught architect-cum-builder from Paarl, built the house for the De Villiers family. They lived there for 39 years until Tribelhorn reacquired the villa for himself and his family.

In 1940, due to health reasons, Mr. Tribelhorn sold the Lanzerac farmstead and bought Bonne Esperance back from the De Villiers family.

By 1942, the world was at war, and Margaret and Ian Simpson (grandchildren of Mr. Tribelhorn) recalled staying at Bonne Esperance with their mother while their father was away fighting in World War II.

In 1955, the Slabbert family purchased the villa and converted it into a student residence for the University of Stellenbosch. The residence was well-run by the strict yet beloved Mrs. Slabbert, known for her home-cooked meals. Generations of Maties fondly remember their time spent at what would soon become Bonne Esperance.

In 1969, the powerful Tulbagh earthquake shook the Western Cape. One guest recalls attending a party at Bonne Esperance on that unforgettable night, yet the grand old dame at the corner of Van Riebeeck and Neethling streets stood firm through the tremors.

In 1990, Sue Coetzee and John Savage purchased the villa and transformed it into the first Bonne Esperance Guest House. They extended and enhanced the original late-Victorian design, adding the enclosed courtyard garden and pool that remain a key part of the property today.

In 2006, a group of friends with deep ties to Stellenbosch— the Kruger, Silvis, and Vermeulen families—took ownership of Bonne Esperance. They lovingly transformed this historic property into the luxurious four-star guest house that guests know and love today.

In 2019, Bonne Esperance underwent a major renovation to refresh and enhance the property while preserving its rich heritage. Under the vision of Lienkie Troskie from Vizi Architects and masterfully executed by JJ Dempers Master Builders, the interiors were re-imagined by Annemien Kotze in collaboration with Jill Julies from Supreme Upholstery. Balconies were added to the courtyard rooms, all bathrooms were updated with walk-in showers and contemporary fittings, and two new rooms were introduced in the roof space of the 1960s section, offering breathtaking views of seven mountain ranges from Helderberg to Simonsberg.

In 2023, Bonne Esperance embraced sustainability by installing solar panels and backup power, ensuring uninterrupted comfort for our guests.

In 2024, the property expanded further with the acquisition of the neighboring villa. Renovations are set to begin later this year, promising even more refined spaces for our guests to enjoy. Additionally, our kitchen was upgraded, and we proudly opened the Bonne Esperance Café, adding another layer of handcrafted hospitality to our offerings.

Today, as you unwind in one of our elegant rooms, enjoy breakfast in our beautiful breakfast room, or relax on the wrap-around veranda overlooking the lush gardens, you’ll experience the care, attention, and love that have shaped Bonne Esperance into a cherished part of Stellenbosch’s history.