Ortlepp House in Colesberg is a significant historical building with a rich heritage. It was acquired in December 1849 by Adolph Ortlepp from traders PJ Hugh and W Fleming. This double-storied Victorian trading store and dwelling house is located at 30 Church Street and was later meticulously restored to its original Victorian splendor after being sold to a local family.
Ortlep House celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2004 and is noted for its association with notable figures in South African history.
One of Adolph Ortlepp’s descendants, Dorothea Sarah Florence Alexandra (Florrie) Ortlepp, later known as Lady Florence Philips, was a significant figure in the history of Johannesburg and one of the original donors of the Johannesburg Art Gallery.1
The house was originally built and registered on September 1, 1844, on a site acquired from the Dutch Reformed Church, just 14 years after Colesberg was proclaimed as a municipality.
The Ortlep House is one of the few historical buildings in the town and serves as a reminder of the Victorian era in South Africa, reflecting the architectural and cultural trends of that period. Its restoration and preservation contribute to the understanding of the region’s history and heritage.
Photos of The Ortlep House during its restoration crica 1983-1886
More Photos of The Ortlep House Today
Today this building has been renovated and is home to many local businesses
The businesses that can be found there is as follow.
- C&S Supplies
- Herotel
- Old Mutal
- Supreme Finance
- Maggie Samboer Hospice
- Protea Cafe
