Named after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland, Melrose House was built in 1886 by prosperous Pretoria businessman George Jesse Heys.
Today this elegant house museum stands as a superb example of the transition of Victorian to Edwardian architectural styles and interiors.
The interior is characterised by colourful stained glass windows, paintings by English artists, carpets in rich colours, ornate ceilings and fireplaces, as well as valuable porcelain ornaments, the majority of which belonged to the Heys family.
Lord Roberts requisitioned Melrose House as headquarters of the British forces, after the invasion of Pretoria in June 1900. Instructions were issued from here for more than 18 months, determining the strategy of the British forces in the field.
The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging which ended the Anglo-Boer War (1899 - 1902) was signed in Melrose House on 31 May 1902.
Various articles and interesting information are provided to commemorate the Anglo-Boer War and the interior has been recreated in the sumptuous style of the times. There is a permanent exhibition of photographs of the Anglo-Boer War.
Melrose House offers visitors temporary exhibitions, antique fairs, talks, workshops for children and adults, and shows are presented on a regular basis. Also a clay tennis court, a reference library and a Tea Garden.
Other Pretoria Museums, Monuments & Landmarks provide a glimpse of the rich history and culture of the city and South Africa.
Accommodation in Greater Tswane-Pretoria Area are found in the cities of:
* Pretoria Accommodation with suburbs such as Arcadia, Brooklyn, Garsfontein, Hatfield, Lynnwood and Silver Lakes.
* Centurion Accommodation with suburbs such as Centurion Central, Clubview, Eldoraigne and Irene.
