This is an extract I have borrowed from Fugly4x4 - in his description for Mah-Jongg.
La Rochelle is an estate of 182 hectare set in the Imbeza Valley in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.
The area was bought in 1951 By Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld, cousin to Queen Elisabeth. They built the House and gardens in an elegant and minimalist style with clean lines and clear interiors, set off by marble and hardwood to show off the couple’s collections of paintings, silver and ceramics. Copies of their original valuable Turner paintings still hang on the walls.
Professor A D C Hyland described La Rochelle in 2004 as “ a rare example in Africa of a Modern Movement (in architectural terms) private house almost unique in Zimbabwe given the quality of its architectural detailing and its interior decoration, especially in the Fantasy room and Peacock cottage
The Courtaulds were renowned for their liberal out look and they helped in the development of the local people. They entertained celebrities , royalties and politicians of the time many of whom signed their names on two of the huge windows with a diamond tipped stylus, to name a few, Roy Welensky, Herbet Chipeto and Roger Wakatama. As liberals, the family championed the indigenous people and the first ZANU constitution was written at La Rochelle.
The most striking and iconic feature of the house is the 20 meter high tower constructed at the northern end of the home in the style of the French chateau of Sir Stephens Huguenot ancestors.
There are 36 hectares of floral and informal gardens. Plants and seed were imported to add to Sir Stephen’s huge collection of plants. There is also an extensive orchid, aloe and cycad collection.
Over 165 species of birds have been recorded on the estate
At the end of the rose beds is the obelisk shaped memorial to the Courtauld’s infamous pet ring-tailed lemur Mah-jongg. Mahjong was a member of the family for 15 years and traveled the world with them. He even had his own deck chair aboard their yacht.
La Rochelle is a place of local, national and international significance not only from its architectural and botanical merits but also of the interesting and colourful couple who were great liberals, benefactors and philanthropists who bequeathed their property to the National Trust of Zimbabwe for the use and enjoyment of all inhabitants without regard to class, race or creed.
This is a very interesting place to visit. The house has been turned into a hotel and guests are welcome to stay and explore the house, botanical gardens and grounds.