About Melrose House
Melrose House is a charming historical museum that can be found in Jacob Maré Street in the picturesque town of Pretoria. Conveniently perched across from Burger's Park, it is elegant and a remnant of the colonial South Africa of times past.
Did you know? Free parking for visitors to Melrose House is available at 280 Scheiding Street, to the south of Melrose House.
Melrose House was named after Melrose Abbey in Scotland, which is a partially ruined monastery that dates back to 1136. It remains a historical attraction that is acclaimed in the United Kingdom. Melrose House in Pretoria was built in 1886 by George J Heys, who was a prominent and successful business mogul in Pretoria at the time. Amongst other things, it is an important record of how architecture and interiors were transformed from the Victorian style to a more Edwardian approach.
Melrose House was requisitioned by Lord Roberts as the headquarters of the British forces in June 1900, after Pretoria was invaded. It became the point from which instructions were issues regarding the soldiers' strategy; a position it held for 1.5 years. When the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902, it was done in Melrose House. This was a crucial document that ended the Anglo-Boer War.
The grand interior of Melrose House includes beautiful stained glass windows, plush carpets in opulent colours, paintings by British artists, exquisitely ornate fireplaces and ceilings, and an array of gorgeous porcelain ornaments that boast impressive monetary values amongst collectors. Most of these ornaments still belong to the Heys family.
Guided tours of the museum can be arranged by appointment, and provide much insight, adding value to your time here. Other features of Melrose House include a clay tennis courts, tea garden and reference library. Thanks to the facilities available, the museum is also perfectly set up for temporary exhibitions, antique fairs, workshops and shows.
The Stables is a coffee shop that has a variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as fresh cakes, sweets and light meals. This is the perfect place for young and old to spend a day, relaxing in the prettiness and gaining a true appreciation of the colonial history of South Africa.
Need to Know
WhereMelrose House, 275 Jacob Maré Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenTuesday to Sunday from 10h00 to 17h00
Closed on Mondays and most public holidays
Telephone+27 (0)12 322-2805
OvernightStay in Pretoria Accommodation, Gauteng
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Pretoria

Court Classique Suite Hotel
Court Classique Suite Hotel offers accommodation in Arcadia, am upmarket suburb in Pretoria. Court Classique Suite Hotel offers a choice of class...

Waterhouse Guest Lodge
Combining modern luxuries and comforts with an artistic flair, the guest house is situated high up in one of the most beautiful areas in Pretoria...

Garrett Guest House
Garrett Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in Sinoville, Pretoria. The guest house is located within close proximity to shops, restaura...

The Thatch Haven Guest House
The Thatch Haven Guest House in Centurion, is only a 20 minute drive from OR Tambo Airport and accessible to all main highways. From here you are...

Alpine Attitude Boutique Hotel
Situated in Menlo Park inthe heart of Pretoria, is the stunning Alpine Attitude Boutique Hotel. The hotel is in the perfect spot for tourists and...

Mont Paradiso
When reaching your destination at Mont Paradiso you will be welcomed by the most breathtaking views. With only nature around you and the city at ...

Stay2Live Monumentpark
Stay2Live Monumentpark offers accommodation in four luxury apartments in the area of Monumentpark in Pretoria. The four lovely apartments all boa...

Centurion Golf Suites Boca Walk
Centurion Golf Suites Boca Walk offers eight luxury en-suite rooms thoughtfully appointed to ensure a relaxed and comfortable stay. All of our de...

Abloom Bush Lodge and Spa Retreat
In the beauty of an undiscovered bush valley you can find accommodation in the 5 star equivalent Abloom Bush Lodge & Spa Retreat. Just outside of...
Things to do in the area

Market On Main
Market on Main Johannesburg saw such resounding success in the City of Gold (Gauteng) that the city of Pretoria has followed suit and was proud t...

Ditsong Museum of Natural History
The Ditsong National Museum is one of the largest and most impressive natural history museums in South Africa. The museum houses many collection...

Bloed Street Mall
At the Bloed Street Mall you will find a taxi rank in the basement and with the centre situated in the Pretoria CBD this makes transport easily a...

National Library of South Africa
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) in Pretoria holds a collection of South African published books, rare manuscripts, maps, newspapers, ...

The Javett Art Centre
Staying overnight in Pretoria gives visitors so many opportunities to experience the culture and beauty of South Africa. The University of Pretor...
Accommodation convenient to Melrose House
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Northern Gauteng Accommodation / Pretoria Accommodation