Lu's Guest House 3.24

My desire for starting a guesthouse began when my husband and I first moved to Paarl, about 50kms from Cape Town. Since we both served in the Correctional Services, we took up positions at the Drakenstein Correctional Services Management Area. My husband was appointed as Head of the Drakenstein Correctional Services Centre previously known as Victor Verster Prison, and this meant we took up residence in the actual home where the iconic former President of SA, Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela walked to Freedom in February 1990. The house was also the place where various meetings prior to his freedom took place. History has it that numerous significant discussions and talks were held here that shaped the early part of our democratic history. So significant was the house for President Mandela that he built the exact replica in the area of his birthplace Qunu.

Living in the house with the exact furniture and the decor that was a part of the house whilst Mr Mandela lived in there, brought many fond experiences and memories. Visiting Robben Island challenged me at a personal level to make my contribution when I was exposed to the experiences of those who were imprisoned.

Due to the significance of this place a variety of foreigners and guests would "visit" at times even unannounced, the Correctional Centre with intention of getting a glimpse of the house. `we as a family quickly began playing host to guests who would drop in to view or experience the atmosphere. Guests often asked us questions and we had to update our information so as to play host. It was here that the first thoughts of starting my own guesthouse were mooted. The historic 'Mandela House' or our first home in Paarl, has now become an official museum site

Due to us being and outgoing family that often hosted family and friends we thought it natural to move into this business. After a short stint in Worcester where my husband served as Area Manager of the Correctional Services, we agreed to settle in Paarl, to make this our home. Paarl is neighboring Franschoek, the surrounding mountains and the extended Cape Winelands offers the picturesque beauty of nature as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. We moved into our home during 2002, and in 2006 we began renovations towards our guesthouse. Looking back on all of what transpired, we remain thankful towards God for having afforded us the opportunity to have had the chance to establish what we had set out to do.