Between 1885 and 1895 a tree was planted by an unknown Anglican minister where the old village green was, just across from the road from the original church. This tree is still standing (not ingenious to the area) but has been declared an historical monument as it is a Natal Fig.
A house was built next to this tree in the 10 years following the planting of the tree. Known as the "Vicarage", it is today generally regarded as possibly the oldest house in White River. In 1956 the Anglican Church moved to where St George's is found today on the Plaston road. The house was then acquired by the Dutch Reformed Church and became know as "Die Pastorie". It is unclear if the house was sold or given to them.
Then follows an unclear period in it's history, but it was used as boarding house after the church stopped using it, and later converted into flats. At some stage the house was also used as a post office. In the '70's it was used a offices for estate agents and lawyers. In the '80's it was a fine dining restaurant - Timbuctoo - run by a married couple with the surname Kay. Between '95 and '05 the house was used a roadhouse, gay nightclub, antique shop, restaurant, nursery and clothing shop.
In Feb 06 Braam Coetzee and his family purchased the house and restored it after which it was used as a restaurant to the present time. The restaurant opened with only 6 tables in April 06. In May 06 the dining room opened, followed by the bar in June of that same year.
During 2013 Braam sold the property and moved to the coast and the new owner, Jaco, decided to change the name back to Timbucto. He made many renovations to the place like adding a coffee shop and sushi to the menu, but tried to save as much as possible of the history of the building and the tree.
In December 2015 the new owners of the restaurant part opened the Phat Boys Beerhouse. Today this popular spot in town offers fine cuisine and refreshments to patrons and the somewhat colorful past history makes the visit that much better!