The famous botanist Dr Harry Bolus built the original historic manor house at the turn of the century. The house is typical of the grand Victorian mansions that started blossoming in the 1870’s in Cape Town’s fashionable southern suburbs.

Dr. Harry Bolus developed the property which acquired its name, “Sherwood”, from the forests surrounding it, has undergone little structural change since it was built and still retains its Victorian grandeur and many of its original fittings. The house is steeped in history. The builder Harry Bolus made his fortune as a stockbroker (his company Bolus Brothers, was South Africa’s first stock-broking company). He devoted much of his time to botany, which was his hobby. Harry’s two sons furthered their father’s botanical interests and it is likely that they planted some of the trees in the Sherwood garden. A self-taught man, his main fields of research were in Erica and orchids. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Cape of Good Hope for his contribution to Botany. He is still identified with UCT today, where the chair of Botany is named after him and to which he bequeathed his remarkable herbarium of some 600 000 species. The well-known family, the Van der Bijls, lived in Sherwood House for many years and the socialite Renee Ovenstone was born within its walls.

Sherwood House Nursing Home, embarked on a major project to build new wings. First class care, security and peace of mind in a superb environment were the objective. It was necessary to obtain the approval of the planning department who had to be satisfied that the additional buildings would not impact adversely on the area, especially as the original house occupied such a prominent location. The design of the new wing was of major concern because it was necessary to complement the original existing property and was to be built in the same style. The complimentary design, which is a magnificent example of a modern building in a classical style and proportion was built and completed in 1997.

Some of the vines originated as a cutting from the Stellenbosch farm of the famous Cape politician and wine connoisseur Paul Sauer. Stones incorporated in the stoep originally came from the old dwelling quarters of the historic Papenboom estate in Wynberg. The house still retains many of the original fireplaces. The existing paintings and antiques lend character to this well established home.

Truly a fine “Home” for our residents and their families to be proud of.