The sandstone mansions that the ostrich barons of the early twentieth century built for themselves are scattered throughout Oudtshoorn and the surrounding farmland. They are called "feather palaces" without irony — absurdly grand Victorian and Edwardian houses built in a semi-arid farming town by men who had made fortunes selling bird feathers to European fashion houses.
The most accessible are near the town centre on Baron van Rheede Street, where you can walk past several in an hour. The Pinehurst feather palace, now a guesthouse, is one of the finest examples — turrets, verandas, ornamental ironwork, and a sandstone facade that has aged beautifully. Most are still in private use, but their exteriors are easily admired from the street. The CP Nel Museum has photographs and context to help you understand what you are looking at.