The Swellendam Museum is housed various buildings: The Drostdy, Mayville House, The Old Goal, Ambagswerf, and Zanddrift. We had seen The Drostdy and Mayville House and rather whizzed through the remaining two buildings. We returned later to linger in the third, Zanddrift, now The Drostdy Restaurant.
The Old Goal dates from 1747 and must have been remarkably unpleasant.
The Ambagswerf displays the trades which were needed, and practised, in Swellendam. The buildings are newly built but appropriate to the period. The mill was interesting; there is also a coppersmith, a tanner, a cooper, a smith, and a wagonmaker. There was a wonderful display of cake tins – what a pity there were no replicas in the shop!
A small flock of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep were grazing in the museum. Look at the curly tail! Apparently these sheep are descended from the fat-tailed sheep kept by the Hottentots.
Zanddrift Farm, now The Drostdy Restaurant, was an absolutely haven on two evenings – simple and authentic décor, quiet and restful atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food – what more can you want?
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