Captain Charles Hugh Baillie, formerly of the British 7th Hussars in India, built the original house around 1866 on the farm Vyfhoek in the typical Karoo style of the time. Through the years the home was extended and revamped by the various owners up to the present Strydom family. The house is decorated with furniture pieces of the 18th and 19th century in yellow wood, stink wood and French oak while yellow wood ceiling beams reflect the abundance of a bygone era.

After the signing of the peace treaty that ended the First Anglo-Boer War of 1880-1881 Captain Baillie played host here to the 225 British troops. The Boers besieged this garrison under Colonel Winsloe, for 95 days in the old fort of Potchefstroom. Captain Baillie fed the battered and starving troops and provided for gifts of clothing and supplies that enabled the garrison to build up strength for their marathon march of 335km to Ladysmith in Natal.

Colonel Winsloe was said to be loud in his praise of their host's hospitality and kindness towards the siege-worn men and we trust that you will experience the same during your stay at BAILLIES MANOR.