Sammy Marks Museum

Sammy Marks arrived from Lithuania in 1868, sold goods on the diamond fields, and became one of the wealthiest industrialists in the Transvaal - glass, distilling, coal, brickworks and a mint that struck the republic's coins. Zwartkoppies Hall, the house he built in 1884 and extended, is the museum: a Victorian country mansion with a conservatory, a billiard room, and its original furniture, china, books and family possessions in place rather than assembled from elsewhere, which is what makes it worth the drive. Guided tours run through the rooms and the guide's job is largely to explain how a Jewish immigrant became close enough to Paul Kruger's government to hold state concessions. The rose garden outside is substantial, and the estate includes a chapel and outbuildings. Tea is served on the veranda, which is the standard end to the visit.

Highlights

• The original contents - furniture, china and clothing left in place rather than reassembled.
• The 1884 mansion - a Victorian country house with conservatory and billiard room.
• The Marks story - a Lithuanian immigrant who held concessions from Kruger's republic.
• The rose garden - substantial planting around the house and outbuildings.

When to go

All year. Two hours. Tours run at set times, so check before driving out.

Good to know

Access is by guided tour only and on a schedule. The house is some distance out of Pretoria on roads that need attention. Photography inside is restricted. It closes on some public holidays.

Nearby

Cullinan is north-east; Pretoria is west.

Key facts