Broken windows, rotting doors, and a neglected koi pond once told the the story of beloved heritage site, Norscot Manor, as it slowly fell away from its beauty in Fourways.

While the site still looked inviting from a distance, taking a step closer changed one’s mind, as it showed a community recreational centre in distress.

Beate Schulte-Brader, a dedicated member of the Fourways Main Reef Rotary Club, was part of the brain that saved the manor from dilapidating even further. “It used to be like shambles. People didn’t want to come here anymore, even tenants who used to do businesses here looked for other avenues.”

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Today, that narrative is slowly being rewritten.

Through a growing community effort supported by the Rotary Club, residents, and local businesses, especially The Secret Tea Garden, the manor is being restored piece by piece, with the annual Art at the Manor initiative playing a central role since its establishment in 2022.

“We started this open art exhibition and market five years ago to help with the upkeep of Norscot Manor.

It’s become something the community can rally behind.” Over the years, the funds raised have been channelled directly into urgent restoration work.

One of the first major projects was the manor’s large koi pond, which had been left in disrepair during the Covid-19 period. “Half of the fish had already died. The pumps were rotting and nobody was maintaining it. With our first year’s proceeds, we were able to clean the pond, replace the pump, and save the remaining koi.”

She said that initial success, achieved with just R12 000, set the tone for what followed: A steady commitment to tackling the manor’s most pressing issues. Attention soon turned to the building itself, where structural damage had become impossible to ignore. “We renovated all the windows and doors, because they were just falling out of the building. It made a big difference in how people saw the space again.”

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These upgrades helped restore safety and pride in the venue, encouraging the return of community activities that had once faded away.

Since then, the work has continued year after year. Essential improvements have included overhauling the electrical system, maintaining fire safety compliance, and addressing ongoing plumbing and sewage issues.

“We have redone all the electricity, and now make sure the fire extinguishers are serviced and certified every year. The plumbing is an ongoing challenge, especially with blocked sewage pipes, so maintenance is constant.”

Schulte-Brader said water supply has also been a persistent concern, with the manor frequently running dry.

Plans are now underway to install large water tanks using funds raised from recent initiatives. “Half the time there’s no water, which makes it difficult for anyone using the space. Installing water tanks is one of our next big priorities.”

Beyond the main building, efforts have extended to the lesser-seen areas of the property, including a kindergarten, ballet studio, and art rooms, spaces that had long been neglected. “It’s easy to forget about what’s happening at the back, but we’ve taken all of that under our wing as well, making sure those spaces are maintained for the people who use them.”

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While the impact of the initiative is visible in bricks and mortar, its success lies just as much in the sense of community it has fostered.

Each year, Art at the Manor brings together artists, schools, and families, blending creativity with a shared purpose. This year’s edition will introduce a new approach, with all activities taking place in one central space thanks to the support of a local business.

“With the help of Kaylin, from the Secret Tea Garden, who offered the venue free of charge for two days, we’re able to bring everything together. It’s her way of giving back to the manor.”

The event will feature a professionally curated art exhibition alongside market stalls, school showcases, and family-friendly entertainment.

“We want it to feel like a family event. There will be activities for children, performances from schools, and a space where everyone can come together and enjoy the day. Each year we try to make it bigger and better, but at the heart of it, it’s about keeping this place alive.”

Did you know?
• The manor was originally built as a private farmhouse before becoming a public heritage site.
• Its lush gardens and grounds have long served as a peaceful escape for residents in the fast-growing Fourways area.
• Over the years, it has hosted everything from art exhibitions and markets to community gatherings and charity events.
• The iconic koi pond, though once neglected, remains a symbol of the manor’s charm and ongoing restoration efforts.
• Community groups, including local Rotarians, play a key role in maintaining and reviving the space through events and fundraisers.

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