The Great Gatsby is a charming heritage house nestled in the hidden hills of Houghton, along historic Munro Drive. Much like its namesake from the roaring 1920s, this timeless guesthouse exudes elegance and sophistication. The Great Gatsby has seamlessly transitioned into the 21st century while preserving its original character and allure.
Gina Gabriel has been the owner and manager of The Great Gatsby since 2004 and her passion for preserving history and embracing the present has shaped this establishment since. It is clear to see with family heirlooms and photos dotted through the space and décor that blends vintage with modern touches.
We recently took our Roaming Office to The Great Gatsby (March 2024), a day where the Johannesburg In Your Pocket team works from a hotel workspace. We get the opportunity to connect with hospitality partners and explore hotel properties. Discover more about our Roaming Office adventures here.
Where we worked
We set up our workspace in the dining room, a room that transported us to the set of Downton Abbey. A grand Venetian chandelier is the centrepiece, directly above the mahogany table. The table was adorned with a white linen cloth, family silver, sparkling Bohemian crystal, and delicate antique porcelain.
The table can seat 12, but when the dining room is cleared, it can transform into a buffet room that can easily feed triple the amount of guests. The help of inverters and solar panelling almost made us think that load-shedding was a thing of the past (we can dream).
Culinary offerings
We kicked off our day with a scrumptious spread of croissants galore: chocolate chip, plain, and iced with almonds, each more tempting than the last. Ciabatta topped with smoked trout and avocado made for a tasty combo and some homemade zucchini fritters were crispy on the outside and delicious on the inside.
Fast-forward to lunchtime, and our workspace transformed back into a dining table for the fanciest of guests. We dug into a hearty butternut soup, creamy and comforting, with a hint of chilli and a sprinkle of feta. Gabriel's take on a goddess green salad stole the show – packed with greens, avocado, chicken, and a minty dressing. We also had crumbed cauliflower, which was so good that we asked Gabriel for the recipe on the spot. Dessert was deconstructed lemon cheesecake mousse which was surprisingly light, accompanied with a granadilla pulp that reminded us of the last days of summer. We wrapped up the day with some delightful tea, coffee, and a freshly baked lemon bundt cake, made by Gabriel herself.
Meals at The Great Gatsby are available via prior arrangement.
Where to rest your head
Each room at The Great Gatsby has its unique charm and allure. Juliet's Secret is the ideal room for the solo traveller seeking a stylish yet cosy retreat. The Princess Chamber provides a similar ambience on a slightly larger scale. But it's The Boudoir that truly steals the show – the largest room in the guest house and the pièce de résistance. With its luxurious en-suite bathroom, it's the perfect setting for a romantic date night. Many bridal parties have found excitement within its walls, preparing for their big day. For those with a passion for literature, The sunken Library Room might be for you with floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with literary treasures. Then there's The Man Cave, formerly Gabriel's son's room, now transformed into a cool and modern space that exudes a boyish charm.
The Great Gatsby extends its charm beyond the main house to The Coach House and The Bachelor Pad. The Coach House with its two bedrooms is the epitome of versatility. Whether you're part of a wedding group heading to the nearby popular wedding venue, Shepstone Gardens, planning a family getaway, or embarking on a trip with friends to the city, this self-catering spot has you covered. Meanwhile, The Bachelor Pad offers a newly renovated and well-equipped one-bedroom space found a bit higher on the property.
Other services
The Great Gatsby offers luxurious accommodation while doubling as a place of entertainment. Venue hire is available and many photo shoots, music videos, and even scenes from Afrikaans soapies have been filmed in The Great Gatsby’s Gentleman's Whisky and Cigar Lounge, adding a touch of glamour to the screen.
Step outside onto the traditional, red-brick stoep overlooking a magnificent back garden. The garden features a pergola and towering trees adorned with twinkling fairy lights that create a magical canopy under the night sky, elevating any evening cocktail, birthday, engagement, graduation party, or anything else worth celebrating. Bar and catering services are available on request.
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