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Archive Import: Architectural and historical- This imposing building was erected by Sir Melmoth Osborne, resident magistrate of Newcastle (1868-75). Sir Rider Haggard took occupation in January 1881 and the Royal Commission which drew up the terms of the Pretoria Convention first met here.
History: The house was built by Mr (later Sir) Melmoth Osborne when he was resident magistrate of Newcastle and, is a very good example of British settler rural architecture.The farm, Rooi Point, on which the house stood was purchased by Mr (later Sir) Rider Haggard and Arthur Cochrane in 1879. Cochrane farmed here while Rider Haggard returned to Britain where he married Miss Louisa Margitson. The couple returned to South Africa towards the end of 1880 and despite the political unrest and presence of troops, took up residence at the Hilldrop House. Haggard famed with cattle and ostriches, hired out oxen and wagons to the government, built a brick kiln, sold hay and established a steam mill run by North. The Haggards remained at the house during the hostilities of 1881.
The ceasefire after the Battle of Majuba, 27 February 1881 was negotiated at O’Neil’s Cottage. In April 1881, Rider Haggard let the house to the Royal Commission which was to discuss peace terms with the Boer delegation. One room was retained for his wife’ s use. Well known members of the delegation who were Sir Hercules Robinson (president of the Royal Commission), Sir Henry de Villiers, President Brand of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Triumvirate, Paul Kruger, Gen Piet Joubert and M.W. Pretorius. The meeting lasted for some weeks. in July 1881 Rider Haggard and Cochrane returned to Britain, leaving the farm in charge of Geo. Bloemfield and North, but due to financial stress, it was later sold. Rider Haggard did not write his novels at Hilldrop (his first appeared in 1884) but the novel Jess is based on his experiences at Hilldrop, while the farm in the novel is easily recognisable as Rooi Point and Lion Kloof is in the hill behind the houses. The accounts of ostrich farming and flooded rivers are based on his experiences while living there.
Hilldrop house (also known as Sir Rider Haggard’s House) at Newcastle was declared a national monument in May 1981.
Visual Description: Much indigenous wood, e.g. yellowwood, was used in the construction, while most of the beams in the roof are secured by wooden pegs in place of nails or screws. Some alterations have been made by previous owners, e.g. rooms at the eastern end and kitchen, etc., at the back of the house. How ever, these do not detract from the general appearance.
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Construction Date: 1868c
Materials: brick : corrugated iron
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