The title deeds of this unique property date back to 1736, when the property was set out with vines. The old manor house was built by the slaves who were imported at that time and the foundations still contain prayer books and mint coins embedded in the corners, by the slaves, for good luck.
The old pillars of the original slave bell still remain and form part of the pergola which overhangs the front step. The manor house, which is Cape Dutch in architecture, is unique in that it has a shell insignia at the top of the gables, which portrays an Arabic influence.
After the slaves were freed around 1834, the Muslims in the area settled all along the Constantia side of the Spaanschemat River, which on the opposite side of the river, was the horse drawn postal route. Here they grew flowers for the Cape Town market and later, vegetables and strawberries were grown on the farm. Afterwards the Muslims were forcibly removed from the area during the apartheid era.
The manor house was extensively altered in 1950, to make way for Strawberry Lane to be widened into a road. The back of the house was expropriated by the Government and an extension added to the side of the house. The entrance was later changed and now leads into a cul-de-sac which peacefully overlooks the riverine area. The farm sadly, no longer exists but the gardens have been landscaped in traditional "olde worlde" English style and are overlooked by all the bedrooms.
"Glen Avon", now owner-managed as a guest house, by the Stringer family, extends a warm and welcome atmosphere to this beautiful old landmark steeped in local history.
