St Margaret’s House, Parktown, Johannesburg

St Margaret's was built in 1905 and is not visible from the road, but what a pleasure it is to walk up the driveway through what must be one of the most stunning Gardens in Johannesburg. It was designed by Landscape Architect; Patrick Watson.

The driveway has three old oak trees marking its entrance, and charming old lamps on either side of the gate posts. The driveway then curves up a slight rise and the eye is caught by a rock structure on the right, with water cascading down the rocks, over the brick drivewayand into a fish pond on the other side, with lawns adding elegance. The pond is filled with healthy looking koi fish. "The water over the driveway symbolises a transparency ortransition as it goes into the pond. It is used as a mirror withreflective qualities," says Cardoso, becoming contemplative.

The eye is caught by a Gazebo up on the right above thewaterfall, made of a range of materials and with diminishing proportions as it reaches roof level. It was awarded a Merit Aaward by the Institute of South African Architects in the early eighties. Above the Garage there used to be a Japanese Contemplation Garden, but it no longer exists.

Behind the koi pond hidden behind trees and shrubs is a mysterious set of six columns, also believed at one time to have been a small Contemplation Garden. The pond leads out into the winding stream that runs and curves down the other side of the rise, towards the house.

The entrance to the house has a welcoming arched wooden door, with each side of the doorway enhanced by Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, wild Rhubarb, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Shrubs and Arum Lilies.

The front Rooms of the House are filled with Wood - woodenfloors, wooden ceiling, wooden doorways, wooden furniture - and brickfireplaces, recessed windows, classic black and white tiles and Persian Rugs.

The House is now owned by a German Investment Bank and has been beautifully Restored and Mmaintained. Out the front, over looking the Valley down to Jan Smuts Avenue and up the Hill of Westcliff, is asteep Rock Garden, with stone steps inviting one in. The House has avery pleasing profile: with tall chimneys, shingle roof, stone walls, different angled off shoots of roofs and wooden windows.

In 1930 stables and outbuildings were built on the adjacent stand with an entrance off Jan Smuts Avenue. The stable has recently been converted into a Gym for the new offices.