Joubert House

About Joubert House

South African tourists that plan to overnight in Montagu or a nearby town in the Little Karoo will soon be immersed in the magical quality of this area. Joubert House, in this Western Cape region, was built in 1853. As such, it is the oldest known dwelling in the area. Today, it is a house museum, revealing what life was like generations ago; and showcasing the architecture, décor and the running of a home back then. It has been declared a National Monument.

After nearly being destroyed by the floods of 1981, Joubert House was saved from being demolished by the Montagu Museum's Board of Trustees. This group invested in its restoration so that, today, it is a beautiful rendition of the rural Cape style of gabled homes. This museum reflects the style of the 1850's country life. It showcases a stunning collection of toys, including handmade porcelain dolls with authentic costumes.

The floors are made of peach stones and bees' wax, which were softer on the women's feet as they stood for hours in the kitchen, and the ceilings have been constructed with wood and reeds, to retain as much warmth as possible on chilly Karoo evenings and let the heat out on hot summer's days. Riempie chairs, ceramic kitchen jars from yesteryear, blocks of homemade soap, candle-making equipment, and black-and-white photographs create an incredible representation of what life was like in the South Africa of the 19th century.

The indigenous medicinal plant garden was established behind Joubert House years ago, and boasts more than 120 plants that each has fascinating medicinal uses. Here, you can learn about their origins, how they have influenced modern medicine, and the healthful effects they have on the body. And, of course, the scents are nothing short of delicious.

The curator of Joubert House is knowledgeable and happy to provide visitors with added info, and guides are available to conduct tours for visitors wanting to know more. Joubert House is located on the main road of Montagu, making it particularly accessible, and offers easy parking for those passing through.