Welcome to the Sandstone Estates website! Click on “About Us” to learn more about Sandstone and the Heritage collection.
Please note  we do not accept cash payments at Sandstone, only Debit Cards, Credit Cards, EFT payments & mobile application payments.

We mentioned some new acquisitions to the Military Collection when we posted the latest military stock list.

Here is some more detail on some of them :
The Dodge WC54 Ambulance

The White M5 Half Track

The Land Rover Wolf Command Vehicle

The Diamond T-Tank Transporter Tractor

The current COVID 19 legislation published after our February and Easter events were advertised prohibits all indoor and outdoor events as of 28th December 2020 and was subsequently extended on January 15th 2021. This legislation has been reviewed on February 13th 2021 and published in the Government Gazette and the restrictions on gatherings have been extended and therefore remain in force until March 15th 2021 and now extend over a period that covers the end of February and the proposed event. The event scheduled for February 26 to 28 has been cancelled.

Depending on whether such legislation is changed at the next review on March 15th 2021, prior to Easter, will determine as to whether the scheduled Easter weekend event (April 2-5) will be able to take place.

With a number of new acquisitions the stock list for the Military Collection has been updated. This now includes a Dodge Ambulance, Whyte Half Track, Land Rover Wolf, Bedford Desert truck and a Diamond T tank tractor. We shall be featuring stories on the new acquisitions shortly. Click here to see complete list

Businesses have to make tough decisions during this pandemic era.  At Sandstone Estates we have tried to maintain a level of normality.  None of our African staff have been retrenched and we are in fact working hard to create a positive job environment for as many people as possible.  Obviously this is always subject to financial constraints.  One of the initiatives that we have taken is to equip all of our staff with proper work wear which includes full overalls and work boots.  We have colour differentiated the different divisions which includes livestock, arable, workshops and security.  Our staff asked if they could have a group photograph which they have proudly sent to us this week.

Stationary Engines are often overlooked compared with more impressive exhibits.

The smaller examples at Sandstone have their own dedicated Museum situated in the main complex and set up from scratch by volunteer Curator, Danie Pretorius and his energetic team. They have brought together all the stationary engines previously stored in various locations at Sandstone. Pride of the collection however is the National Engine, situated away from the main Stationary Engine Museum, at the Waenhuis. It drives the original generator system that supplied electricity to Hoekfontein Farm. Few visitors fail to notice the distinctive thump-thump from its exhaust when it is running.

Stationary engines have been the backbone of rural existence since the early 1900s, powering water pumps, generators and numerous other pieces of equipment and machinery requiring an independent power source, prior to the general availability of electricity. 

The preservation and restoration of stationary engines is a worldwide activity and leads to much exchange of information between enthusiasts, the Sandstone team is no exception.

Click here to view : The Stationary Engine CollectionThe Stationary Engine Collection

The current COVID 19 legislation published after our February and Easter events were advertised prohibits all indoor and outdoor events as of 28th December 2020 and was subsequently extended on January 15th. This legislation will be reviewed on February 15th 2021. If the restrictions are not lifted and extended over a period that covers the end of February, the event scheduled for February 26 to 28 will be cancelled.

This will be advised on our web site and Facebook page.

Depending on whether such legislation is lifted prior to Easter will determine as to whether the scheduled Easter weekend event (April 2-5) will be held.

January has seen good rainfall at Sandstone and the mealies are growing. At the same time the 1915 built NG10 locomotive stretched its legs for a private charter. The muddy road is indicative of the rainfall. 

The rain had another positive in that staff were generally confined inside and were able to do a huge tidy up of the exhibits in the  Heritage sheds. Also trapped by the rain our 60 year old Fordson Major was repaired and was soon out cutting the newly grown grass!  Sandstone is looking good!