our story
Who we were, who we are.
It started with ‘Tryn’ Ras
Catharina Ras is one of the Cape’s most daring and resilient pioneers. In 1662, a young woman from Lübeck, Germany, set sail for the distant Cape of Good Hope – a journey that was long, uncertain, and dangerous. At just twenty-two, she left Europe behind to build a new life at the far edge of the known world.
The Cape she encountered was no fertile paradise, but a rugged and unforgiving frontier. Survival demanded resilience, courage, and relentless determination – qualities Catharina possessed in abundance.
From Pioneer to Legend
Settling along the Liesbeek River, Catharina quickly adapted to her new environment, becoming known for her independence, bravery, and resourcefulness. Through persistence and sheer force of will, she secured land in the Constantia Valley in 1682, establishing the farm that would become Steenberg.
In doing so, she achieved something extraordinary for her time: she became the first recorded female landowner under the Dutch East India Company at the Cape.
At a time when women rarely held property or authority, Catharina carved out her own place in a frontier landscape – transforming untamed land into a working farm and laying the foundations for one of the Cape’s most historic estates.
Stories of her life speak to a formidable and fearless character. Legend tells that when a lion threatened her home, she pursued and killed it herself – a reflection not of myth, but of the courage required to survive and protect what she had built.
A Legacy of Hospitality
Catharina’s farm became an important refuge for travellers journeying between Table Bay and Simon’s Bay. Her ability to cultivate the land and create a place of rest and renewal established a legacy of hospitality that continues to define Steenberg today.
More than three centuries later, that same spirit endures – a place where time slows, where guests are welcomed with warmth, and where every experience is rooted in care and intention.
An Inspiring Tale for All
Catharina Ras’s story is one of independence, resilience, and quiet determination.
Her journey reminds us that true legacy is not simply inherited – it is built through courage, vision, and an unwavering belief in what is possible.
Her spirit remains woven into the fabric of Steenberg: bold, independent, and quietly fearless.
we are what we do
we are
what we do
We are committed to offering luxury with a personal touch, accessibility without compromising on quality, and creating experiences that live long in the memory.
a personal touch
We are known for our warm, sincere and personal service. No detail is too small and no request too elaborate. Often, it’s the small things that matter most, and our team is there to pay attention to the nuances that make each guest feel at home.
a wider family
a pioneering purpose
Our people,
our community
We are actively involved in the community that serves us. We regularly interact with outreach programs in our vicinity while our on-site Wellness team tends to the physical, emotional and social wellness of our team - helping them with everything from financial planning to trauma counselling.
our people, our community
We are actively involved in the community that serves us. We regularly interact with outreach programs in our vicinity while our on-site Wellness officer tends to the physical, emotional and social wellness of our team – helping them with everything from financial planning to trauma counseling.
Join the team
