The Montagu Pass Tollhouse

The Montagu Pass was built between 1844 and 1847. It starts at the village of Blanco in the south and ends in the north at the little hamlet of Herold This road greatly improved the access to George for farmers from the Langkloof and Little Karoo. The construction was contracted to HO Farrel who made use of convict labour. He abandoned the project and it was completed by Henry Fancourt, who was a qualified Australian land surveyor and engineer. The pass was named after John Montagu (Colonial Secretary in 1843). J Montagu was responsible for the planning of better road systems all over the Cape.

The small toll house was built to accommodate the toll keeper and his family. It is built of indigenous sandstone and its walls are 70cm thick. The roof was originally thatched but this was destroyed by fire in 1855 when a corrugated iron roof was installed. The building is designed in such a way that the toll keeper could see oncoming traffic from both directions. Carts, wagons, and animals incurred a fee. However, in 1918 all toll roads were abolished

Unfortunately, the structure has suffered from the elements, vandalism, and old age. Many of the original floorboards, internal doors, and yellow wood beams had been stolen, but fortunately, a group of interested individuals have formed a preservation group. The building has heritage status but it is this independent group who works tirelessly to preserve the structure which is now a museum

Sadly the house was almost entirely destroyed by the 2018 George bushfires. The plaster crumbled but behind it was the most beautiful stonework. With the rebuild, this has been left and by 2020 the toll house was repaired.

A beautiful garden at the back of the property offers stunning views over the valley on a clear day.