Henry Fancourt White built his country house at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains during the early hustle and bustle of ox-wagons and carts, when mountains seemed impossible obstacles on the road to development.

After Henry passed away, the house came up for auction in the late 1860’s, being advertised as: “a thatched-roof double-story building with ten airy rooms, kitchen, pantry, outbuildings and servants’ rooms”. A trio purchased the property, renamed it "Homewood" and sold it in the early 1900’s.

The history goes on to tell the tale of many different owners and failed fortunes. Fortunately a German couple bought the property out of liquidation in 1994 and, with sufficient financial input, Fancourt soon became a member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Many rivers, lakes and beaches are within 20 minutes drive from Fancourt, making it a central location for water activities such as boating, water skiing, surfing and sailing.