The Manor House

In 1998 Adrian and Brigit looked at many farms and decided on Saxenburg as it was in their price range and Adrian could see the potential of the farm, which had become rundown in the 1980s. They also preferred not to buy a well-established farm where they could not add their personal touch. Birgit recalls that the homestead, although lovely, was totally neglected and very damp.

The Bührers didn't use an architect for the restoration and building done at Saxenburg. They bought many books, studied Cape architecture and followed a good example of building a wall from those in a very old and original kraal on the farm. When necessary, they did consult engineers, and of course did so for the building plans of the new structure.

The family wanted to be on hand to supervise and lived in the front rooms as alterations had already started in the rest of the house. They slept on mattresses on the floor, there was no living room and they cooked and ate in an adjoining building. There was no heating and often no electricity for the remaining winter months. The doors were ill-fitting so the wind and rain blew underneath them. After three months the family moved into the bedrooms and had the use of a proper bathroom and other comforts. It was only in the winter of 1992 that the Bührers' electricity supply that was off most weekends was finally sorted out.

By the time the family had completely moved into the house it was summer. Sadly, the next winter they realised there were problems: the house was still damp. An expert was called in and they were told that the plaster must be removed up to a metre in height, holes drilled and the walls injected with silicone. Fortunately this was successful but Birgit says the mess was unbelievable. This certainly proved Birgit's resilience and ability to cope with any situation.