Hotel - Nesbitt Castle (originally Holdengarde Castle)
History of Nesbitt Castle
Although it feels authentically medieval, and does indeed have an
interesting (although significantly shorter) history, Nesbitt Castle was
built in the first half of the 19th century by Theodore Garde.
Born in 1877 in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the son of an early
missionary, Theodore was sent to Durham University to study theology.
His stay in Durham, with its castle and medieval history, sparked a
lifelong enthusiasm for antique artefacts and the Middle Ages. After
returning to South Africa, he changed his name to Holdengarde, went on a
trip to Zimbabwe and founded a company for construction engineering and
hardware.
The company did well and Holdengarde became a successful businessman. He
purchased 0.4km2 of land on the outskirts of Bulawayo and began to
realise his dream – the construction of a Gothic fortress in the middle
of Africa.
Over the next 30 years, Holdengarde ran his business, served the
community (for which he was awarded an OBE) and functioned as the mayor
of Bulawayo. At weekends, he, his wife and a small group of workers
built the turrets and towers, twisting passageways and crenellations
that were to become Nesbitt Castle. Holdengarde's vision, dedication and
persistence replaced any plans or architectural drawings and enabled the
team to face many obstacles, from heavy rains to the eccentric character
of the owner, who would from time to time demolish and then rebuild his
work. In true adherence to the Middle Ages, Holdengarde even refused
running water and electricity, although his wife had electricity
installed in his absence. Running water, flush toilets and a telephone,
however, were not added until after his death in 1948.
Over the following few decades, the castle fell into a sad decline. More
or less abandoned by the owners, it was occupied by squatters, Satanists
and other dubious people, who even burnt down part of the building.
By 1988, when the castle was bought by Digby Nesbitt, it was a shabby,
rain-invaded ruin. Nesbitt renovated and restored the building,
stumbling across hidden niches and alcoves. In 1990 it was finally
opened as a boutique hotel, The Nesbitt Castle.
Built in the 19th century in the suburbs of Bulawayo, The Nesbitt Castle
was the romantic vision of Theodore Holdengarde, an eccentric admirer of
the Middle Ages. Once a private home, this Gothic-style fortress was
widely known as Holdengarde Castle until 1990. It is now a quirky hotel
with a unique ambience.
With its thick granite ramparts, twisting staircases and crenellations
circling the towers, Nesbitt Castle feels steeped in history, even if
the place was built a few centuries later than its medieval style would
have you believe.
