A historically significant building in the centre of Plettenberg Bay has received a much-needed makeover.

The cottage was once occupied by the family of Captain Robert Harker, an officer of the British armed forces, in the late 1800s, and is the last of the fishermen's cottages which used to line the main street of the town.

The cottages, finished in white stucco, were occupied by families who for generations fished the ocean to provide income and sustenance. The cottage that has been refurbished is the last of its kind in the centre of town and is at least 100 years old.

Now Neill and Susie Ovenstone have converted it into a multipurpose venue. The building has been completely refurbished and turned into a restaurant. It is next to a brand new building designed for multi-functional uses.

Neill Ovenstone said: "We are looking to combining a fine meal with after-dinner entertainment such as cabaret, ballet, choral music and drama. There are other opportunities as well. Stuart Palmer, who is a film director living in Bitou, will be working with children from previously disadvantaged communities at the new venue.

"The idea is to put together productions in song and dance that have as their theme topical issues such as care for the environment, social awareness and nation building.

"The children will stage the performances for diners at the conclusion of their meal over coffee and cheese and biscuits."

Sue said the couple wanted the multipurpose venue to be of benefit to the community.

"The idea is not for outside productions to come in, make a lot of money and then be gone. This venue is of the community, for the community, all year round. We are being inundated with requests for wedding receptions, conferences and lectures, and that income will be used to finance work with children from schools in the community," she said.

The building has been fitted with a wooden floor and large mirrors on the wall so that it can be used for ballet classes.

Two rooms are provided as a daycare centre for young children during the week and the same rooms are used for Sunday school by St Christopher's Catholic church.

Van Plettenberg Bay Historical Society chairman Peter Tullis said: "The cottage was once occupied by members of the Harker family and although it has not been declared a historical monument, demolition of the building is forbidden.

"The preservation and conversion of the cottage into a restaurant is quite delightful. This lovely little cottage stands proud for all to see and visit for a good meal."

Harker was the government resident at Plettenberg Bay from 1826 to 1847. He died in Harkerville, the hamlet named after him, in 1859.

Restaurateurs Jacqui Carter-Johnson and Natalie Eray will run the Nguni Restaurant in the refurbished building.

The restaurant is decorated and fitted out in the colours and textures of Nguni cattle.

Eastern Province Herald