Martin Melckhuis

Martin Melck was a German immigrant who had great success in business. He became the wealthiest man in the Cape Colony also due to an advantageous marriage. He was a Lutheran and he donated property next to the church for the building of a parsonage. The construction began in 1781 after his death. Martin Melck House is the only surviving example of an 18th-century townhouse complete with a  dakkamer (roof room) The roof-top windows once had a sea view. Louis Thibault was most likely the chosen architect and Anton Anrieth is believed to have been the artist who created the stained glass windows and the engravings on the front door. The French Renaissance influence is apparent and the house has beautiful wooden elements with African teak floors and beams with yellowwood floors on the top story It was used as a parsonage until 1891.  For many years it was a boarding house, then was the home of a decorating business, but now it has been fully restored and The Museum of Gold Art has been housed here since 2000

The building was named Martin Melckhuis in 1932 and was awarded national monument status in 1936

Coordinates: 33°55’08.93″ S 18°25’10.67″ E     Strand Street