Oakhurst Forge

Oakhurst is one of the original large properties to be developed in the Garden Route. It is situated in the Wilderness district, near George. It lies on the undulating plateau between the indigenous forests of the Outeniqua Mountains and the steep forest gorges sloping down to the Wilderness lake district. The land was bought sight unseen by Henry Dumbleton whilst serving in the British Army in India in 1820. Henry sent his son, Henry Jnr. to develop the farm in 1840. He first built the forge and the original Old house. He did not live long on the farm, choosing Cape Town instead. Henrys second son Walter then came to the property in 1860. He built the main house which was completed in 1868. He lived here with wife and 13 children! He surveyed and excavated a 4.5km water furrow from the Outeniqua Mountain River to the house.

Later, in1876, he built a church on the property. It is still in weekly use by the local community. It is also a very popular choice for weddings in the Garden Route. He built a school next and lastly, in 1887, a water Mill. It was used until the 1960s and is still completely intact today. The farm covers an area of 640 hectares, 200 hectare of which is which is fynbos and indigenous forest. The fith and sixth generation of the original family are living on the property and the farm is run the on a commercial basis. The farm is covered in grass pastures and Beef and Dairy cows graze year round outdoors. Five years ago Jake and Claire decided to move to the farm and a decision was made to restore the Old House on Oakhurst.

It had lain derelict for several decades and was in dire need of saving from certain ruin. The only souls living there were the horses and calves who would shelter in the house during inclement weather! It is now a happy home set in a beautiful garden laid out and grown by Claire. In the bottom of the garden is the old Forge. It was build of rock and huge yellowwood beams, cut in the old Pit Saw from Indigenous trees felled in the farm forests. Jake and Claire have completely restored it now, in the form of a cosy family guest cottage. By the inclusion of wrap around decks, an open fireplace and split level bathroom they have very tastefully made a very unique private escape.