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History: Construction began in 1804 on the farm Rietvlei that had belonged to a Hercules du Pré.

The ex-landdrost Bletterman of Stellenbosch, originally drew up plans for the Drostdy, but after some progress had been made, by order of landdrost Van de Graaff the design was changed to a plan by Louis- Michel Thibault. Much to the concern of Governor Janssens, the building took longer and cost more to be completed than had been anticipated, being finally finished in 1807. It is one of the few extant buildings at the Cape of which Thibault is the undisputed architect.

The Drostdy had already fallen into a state of disrepair by 1822, a reason put forward for making Worcester the seat of the drostdy instead of Tulbagh. The Drostdy was sold to a young settler named Heatlie, after which it remained a private dwelling with a small farm.

Towards the end of the century it again fell into disrepair, but was restored by Sir Meiring and Lady Beck. It burnt down in the mid-1930's, and was again restored. The 1969 earthquake caused further extensive damage. It was then acquired by the National Monuments Council and, during 1973, restored for the third time.

The building is now in use as offices, reception rooms and museum The outbuildings flanking the dwelling have been demolished; the one on the right since having been rebuilt.
Visual Description: The design bears little resemblance to the local architecture of the time. The small elliptical gable on short pilasters, is dated 1804. There is a straight gable at the back, obviously mid-19th century. The Drostdy has a large hall the full depth of the house, with a double row of rooms, with a passage in between, on either side. The ceilings are of immense height. A cellar exists under the house.
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