Purple Carpets: Jacaranda Views from Beauvais and the L. Ron Hubbard House

ABOUT

It’s Jacaranda season and we invite you to enjoy the splendid purple canopies from 2 classic homes with awesome views, located on different sides of the Linksfield Ridge.

Beauvais is the grand mansion with Cape Dutch gables prominently located on the lip of the ridge, just to the west of Sylvia’s Pass. It was originally built for Percival White Tracey, who had made a fortune mining diamonds – first in Kimberley, and later in Cullinan. When it was built in 1907, it was located so far out of town that the grand mansion was cheekily dubbed ‘Tracey’s Folly’. The appalling gravel tracks that lead to the house were so bad, Tracey burst several tires while inspecting the works. 

During the ten years that the family lived at Beauvais, it was the scene of glittering social functions, as well as tragedy. We’ll hear more about the Traceys and the subsequent owners of one of Johannesburg’s most magnificent homes. The view to the north is also quite spectacular.

The other home we’ll visit is also known for one of its former residents - L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology. Located on the other side of the ridge, in Cyrildene, this is a stunning mid-century modern residence that’s been lovingly restored to its 1950’s glory, complete with linoleum flooring, American diner-style kitchen, period fixtures, and beautiful timber interiors (from a Burmese teak front door, to the parquet flooring, to the sandblasted pine wall panelling).

Designed by Frank L. Jarret in 1951 for timber merchant Manos Broulidakis, this house is rich in history and boasts stunning views over Bez Valley to the south. 

Your meeting point will be confirmed upon booking and you will need to drive yourself the short distance from one house to the other. 

DIRECTIONS