The Westcliff's History

In considering possible acquisitions, James B Sherwood insists that a property have individual cachet, capacity for expansion and potential for commercial viability.  Various possibilities were considered, with the final vote going to a defunct cluster home development in Westcliff.  

The Estate had all the right ingredients and its proximity to the Zoo meant city guests could awaken to the sounds of Africa - which they do, usually in the early hours of the morning when the lions are being fed!

Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises acquired the property and The Westcliff began operating in 1997, with the official opening taking place in March 1998.

James Sherwood’s “enduring love affair” with Northern Italy influenced the decision to retain the Tuscan-type style of the property.  Some changes would be necessary, and neighbours would need assurances that the ambiance of their beloved suburb would not be disrupted.  The custodians of the area, the Parktown & Westcliff Heritage Trust, and the residents of the suburb, joined forces – but the fact that all parties had the same ultimate objective became more and more apparent.

Fruitful discussions were held and led to several mutually-agreeable outcomes, including the moving of the point of access to the estate from the inner depths of Westcliff to its current location on the outermost part.

In 2002, the year in which the suburb of Westcliff celebrated its centenary, a research company released a series of reports reflecting Westcliff’s status as the second-wealthiest suburb in Johannesburg and the fifth-wealthiest in the country - part of what is described as the “Upper Crust” category.