On Saturday 24 September 2022, the Durbanville Heritage Society met at Rust and Vrede for a very stimulating morning during which Janine De Waal shared some of her research findings about the former owners and subsequent uses, plans and additions to the building. Ms De Waal published these findings as part of her Masters studies. This unique building is currently utilized as an art gallery, clay museum, studios and a restaurant has a long and very interesting past having been at some stage a homestead, boarding house and a jail.
Ms De Waal’s very informative talk was followed by a presentation by Nigel Amschwand, who led the attendees in and around the structure of the building, pointing out where additions and alterations were made through the centuries of its existence. This pertains to the building materials, the gables, flooring and ceiling as well as the rooms added on at the back and the courtyard.
The presenters were thanked by incoming chair, Duminy Marais, after which the group attended a lovely lunch at Yoko Eatery.