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History: This building was erected between 1790 and 1800 and was the office of the Landdrost of Paarl.

There is considerable difference of opinion on the early history of this building, since the repeated sub division of properties in towns often makes it difficult to trace the history of a particular piece of land with certainty. It seems, however, that this old house stands on a portion of a piece of land that was granted to a certain J. J. Luttig in July, 1783. Luttig sold it in 1809, and in 1817 it passed into the possession of Josua le Roux of the adjoining property “Pontak”. Le Roux sold it almost immediately to Gerrit Nieuwoudt, who transferred it to J. M. Enslin about 1840.
Precisely which of the early owners of the property built the house, is by no means clear. The old cobbling of the yard and the venerable oaks that were already described as large in 1840, strengthen the supposition that the house was built shortly after 1780. Others believe that Nieuwoudt built it at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
On 24th January, 1839, a Resident Magistrate was appointed at Paarl. For a considerable time he had to be content with a single room on the southern side of the Church Square as his courtroom and office. In 1843 tenders were invited for the biting of accommodation
88 for the Resident Magistrate, and J. M. Enslin offered his house at a rental of R220 per year. In support of his offer, he enclosed a plan of the building and land. Enslin’s tender was successful and from 1844 to the 1860’s his property was rented as a residency, courthouse and offices. According to tradition, the outbuildings facing the yard at the back of the house served as prison cells.
Also adjoining the yard at the back is a remarkable old well over which there is a most interesting vaulted brick structure. It is said that this was one of the wells from which the inhabitants of the town drew their water.
The house itself is also of architectural importance. Although the front gable has been lost, the house retains its original windows with small panes, its fine doors of yellow-wood and stinkwood and its good architectural proportions. It was recently bought by Historical Homes of South Africa Ltd.
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Construction Date: 1790-1800
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Catalogue: Paarl, No: A12.04, Significance Category: