Naval Residences

These buildings are situated in the West Dockyard and are difficult to see over the wall, only the backs are visible from St George's Street. These three Residences are the site of the Postholder's House that was erected in 1758, and for many years after the British Occupation of the Cape, the building was referred to as the Army Mess House. The first occupants were either Adriaan De Neys or Jan Frederick Kirsten. Swedish writer, Jacob Wallenberg, wrote in 1770 of being entertained by Postholder Kirsten in his comfortable house. Christoffel Brand succeeded Kirsten and he entertained many important visitors including Joseph Banks, Captain Cook and Captain George Vancouver.
Thibault's 1814 survey shows the house in its original form. When the Naval establishment moved to Simon's Bay the building was taken over by the naval authorities for the housing of the three principal officers of the Naval Yard. Major alterations took place in 1815/1816, a second storey was added and the house divided into two. A front section was also added to form the third house and the enclosing wall was built at the same time. These houses appear to be among the oldest in Simon's Town.

STHS