Back to the previous page

In 1885 Marks started building his mansion, which he called Zwartkoppies Hall. According to tradition, he drew the plan himself with a piece of charcoal on a plank. It was not built in any specific architectural style.

In the early 1890s the house was redesigned into a double storey by a Dutch architect, Willem De Zwaan (1867 - 1948) and the additions were executed by John Johnstone Kirkness (1857 - 1939), a Scottish building contractor of Pretoria. By the end of the decade a kitchen wing with servants' quarters was added as well as an imposing portico-balcony at the southern end of the house. More pictures about the house...

[ Home ] [ The entrepreneur ] [ The friend ] [ The peacemaker ] [ The community supporter ] [ The family man ] 

[ The museum ] [ Challenge ]

Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site.

Last modified: October, 2003