Freshford House Museum

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Museum Website
Introduction
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating way to experience the history of Bloemfontein, consider the Freshford House Museum. Located at 31 Kellner Street, Westdene, this historic house offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the upper middle class during the Edwardian period.
About the Museum
Freshford House was designed and built by the architect John Edwin Harrison for himself and his wife, Kate Caroline, in 1897. The house is a remarkable example of Edwardian architecture, with an asymmetrical facade, red brick walls, bay windows, and a veranda with carved wood and cast-iron finishes. It’s one of the few upper-middle-class houses of the period still standing in Bloemfontein.
After being acquired by the National Museum Bloemfontein in 1982, the house was restored to its original form, and the Freshford House Museum was opened to the public in 1986. In addition to the house itself, the museum boasts a Late Victorian Period garden that complements the house’s architectural style.
Visitors to the museum can take a guided tour through the house, where they’ll see period furniture, decorations, and household items that give a sense of what life was like in Bloemfontein during the Edwardian era. The knowledgeable guides offer insight into the architecture, design, and history of the house and its occupants.



Interesting Facts
- Architect John Edwin Harrison immigrated to South Africa in 1894 and later entered into a partnership with the architect W.H. Stucke.
- Freshford House was completed in 1897, during a transitional period between the Late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
- The house is named after a village in England where the Harrison family had previously lived.
- The National Museum Bloemfontein acquired Freshford House in 1982 and restored it to its original form.
- The Late Victorian Period garden was designed to complement the house’s architectural style and features plants and flowers that were popular during the era.


Physical Location
Conclusion
Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in the architecture and design of a bygone era, the Freshford House Museum is a destination in Bloemfontein well worth a visit. It offers a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors back in time and gives a glimpse into the lives of the upper-middle-class residents of Edwardian-era Bloemfontein.