- Address: Luderitz, Namibia
- Phone: +264 81 258 0825
- Website: www.andrewcusack.com
- Date of construction: 1910
- Architect: Otto Ertle
- Type: guest house, museum
The small village of Luderitz , located in Namibia on the Atlantic coast, is strikingly different in architecture from other similar settlements in the country. This is explained by the fact that in times of German ownership of the country, many noble and important persons of German descent lived here. One of such striking examples of classical German architecture is Gerke House.
general information
Gerke House, or a diamond palace - the mansion of Lieutenant Gerke, who arrived in the country in 1904 as part of the colonial army. A little later he was the manager of a diamond company in the city of Luderitz, where. In 1910 a mansion was built for him here.
Historical background
The house Gerke is built on a hill under the guidance of the German architect Otto Ertl. Owners have changed their owners several times in their history. The first owner of the house - Hans Gerke - returned to his homeland in 1912. The house was empty for 8 years, while the company Consolidated Diamond Mines, working in the mining industry, did not buy it for its chief engineer. In 1944, the House of Herke became a city magistrate. After almost 4 decades (in 1981), Gerke House was redeemed by the Consolidated Diamond Mines, and since then a new era has begun for him.
The Museum
A secondary deal for the purchase of the mansion by a mining company can be called a unique one. The building was in a deplorable condition, and was sold for about $ 8, moreover, with the condition that it will be completely restored. After long and difficult works, the mansion was completely restored. Currently it is used as a guest house and a museum.
After the reconstruction, antique furniture was brought to Gerke House. On the walls hang paintings, the floor is made of pine, and the ceilings are decorated with frescoes. In the bedrooms of Gerke's house there are tables made of marble. The hall is decorated with lamps and an antique grand piano, the keys of which are made of ivory.
How to get there and when to visit?
You can go to Gerke House on weekdays from 14:00 to 16:00, on weekends from 16:00 to 17:00. To get to the house Gerke is most convenient in a taxi or a rented car on the coordinates -26.650365, 15.153052.