REIMAGINING A LEGACY: THE STORY BEHIND STEENBERG’S MANOR HOUSE
Where heritage meets thoughtful design, discover how Catherine Schulze’s vision has brought renewed life to one of Steenberg Farm’s most treasured spaces.
Cape Town, May 2026
Some places have a way of making you feel connected to their history. At Steenberg Farm, the Manor House is one such place, where centuries of heritage, considered design and genuine hospitality come together.
Set against the beauty of the Constantia Valley, the historic Manor House is one of Steenberg’s most treasured spaces. Its thoughtfully considered interiors reflect a careful balance between preserving the past and creating an experience that feels relevant, welcoming and distinctly Steenberg.
Behind this approach is Catherine Schulze, Managing Director of Steenberg Farm, whose vision for the Manor House was shaped by an appreciation for the building’s heritage and a belief that exceptional hospitality is as much about how a place makes you feel as how it looks.
A VISION ROOTED IN HERITAGE
“From the moment I arrived at Steenberg in 2007, I could see the incredible potential of the Manor House,” Catherine reflects. “It has always been one of the farm’s most significant buildings, rich in history and character. The challenge was finding a way to celebrate that heritage while creating a space that resonates with today’s traveller.”
As one of the most recognisable buildings on South Africa’s oldest registered farm, the Manor House holds a special place in Steenberg’s story.
When considering its refurbishment, Catherine’s approach was guided by a simple principle: respect what already exists.
Rather than reinventing the space, the intention was to celebrate its architectural character, allowing its history to remain an integral part of the guest experience.
“It was important that the Manor House retained its sense of place,” Catherine explains. “We didn’t want to erase its history. We wanted to reveal it, celebrate it and allow guests to experience it in a way that feels contemporary and welcoming.”
The result is a harmonious balance between past and present. Historic architectural features sit comfortably alongside thoughtfully selected furnishings, layered textures and refined finishes, creating interiors that feel both timeless and inviting.
THE ART OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
At Steenberg, luxury is found not in excess, but in the details that make a stay feel effortless.
Throughout the Manor House refurbishment, every design decision was considered through the lens of the guest experience. From the selection of materials and fabrics to the flow and functionality of individual spaces, the intention was to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, comfortable and distinctly Steenberg.
“Beautiful spaces are important, but they need to feel lived in and inviting,” says Catherine. “Luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about creating an environment where guests can relax, connect and feel genuinely at home.”
This philosophy is reflected in the balance of heritage architecture and contemporary design. Carefully considered finishes and furnishings complement the building’s original character, creating spaces that feel elegant without being overly formal.
It is an approach that speaks to Steenberg’s understanding of understated luxury, where every detail has a purpose and comfort comes naturally.
THE HUMAN TOUCH BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE
While the Manor House is a celebration of design and heritage, Catherine believes that the true essence of hospitality lies in something less tangible: how a place makes people feel.
Having begun her career as a waitron, she has always approached hospitality with a people-first philosophy. Her years at Steenberg have strengthened her belief that exceptional experiences are shaped as much by the people behind them as by the spaces themselves.
“The building creates the setting, but it’s the people who bring it to life,” she says. “Hospitality has always been about making people feel welcome, cared for and creating a genuine sense of belonging, regardless of how long they stay.”
This philosophy extends beyond the guest experience to the team who bring Steenberg to life each day.
For Catherine, one of the most meaningful aspects of her journey has been watching individuals grow, develop their confidence and build fulfilling careers within the hospitality industry.
“The greatest reward is seeing individuals grow, develop confidence and create opportunities for themselves,” she reflects. “Watching people build meaningful careers and realise their potential is incredibly fulfilling.”
It is a reminder that while beautiful spaces create lasting impressions, genuine human connections are what make an experience truly memorable.
PRESERVING WHAT MATTERS
The Manor House reflects Steenberg’s broader philosophy of continually evolving while remaining true to its identity.
For Catherine, caring for a property with such a rich history comes with a responsibility to look beyond the present. Each considered improvement is an opportunity to preserve the character of the farm while ensuring it continues to offer meaningful experiences for generations to come.
“Steenberg was here long before any of us, and it should be here long after us,” she says. “Our responsibility is to care for it, strengthen it and ensure that future generations can experience what makes it so special.”
It is a philosophy that can be felt throughout the Manor House today, in the relationship between its historic architecture and contemporary interiors, in the craftsmanship woven into its spaces and in the warmth of the hospitality that brings it all together.
More than a reflection of Steenberg’s past, the Manor House is an expression of its enduring character: a place where heritage is respected, thoughtful design feels effortless and a genuine sense of belonging remains at the heart of every experience.
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