What remains of Paradise is now mostly hidden by centuries of plant overgrowth. This secluded spot in Newlands Forest holds a secret. It whispers tales of woodcutters and a Scottish socialite. This is Paradise in Cape Town.
Paradise began as a stone cottage. The Dutch East India Trading Company built it. They also constructed several military garrisons nearby. A woodcutter lived here with his family. He watched over the timber from the Table Mountain reserve.
Later, Paradise became home to Lady Anne Barnard. Lady Anne was born Anne Lindsay in Scotland in 1750. She came from a wealthy family. She was a talented writer, painter, and socialite. In 1797, she traveled to the Cape of Good Hope with her husband, Andrew Barnard. He had a job as a colonial secretary there.
Lady Anne lived at the Cape for only five years. She wrote extensively in her diary. She described the people, culture, and social life. Her diary entries have been invaluable to historians. This is why Paradise is also known as Lady Anne Barnard’s Cottage.
Lady Anne and her husband had another home in Newlands. It is now part of the Vineyard Hotel. Lady Anne is famous for writing the Scottish poem Auld Robin Gray. She died in 1825. However, a sculpture of her stands in Claremont to honor her.
Sadly, the ruins of Paradise are not much to see today. Only a few stone walls remain. They are almost completely covered by plants. Still, visiting Paradise is worthwhile. The Newlands Forest is beautiful. It offers a peaceful escape. Imagine Lady Anne walking these paths. Picture her writing in her diary under the trees. The forest offers a tranquil space for reflection.
While little remains of the original cottage named Paradise. Its history and connection to Lady Anne Barnard make it a special place. It reminds us of Cape Town’s rich past. It connects us to the stories of those who lived here long ago. Even in ruins, Paradise offers a glimpse into another time. A time of woodcutters, socialites, and the enduring beauty of nature. If you’re nearby, explore the forest and discover the hidden remains of Paradise.