Pietermaai 102

Ever since its building in the 1800s, the Merchants Villa has served both as a residential home and a commercial property. Since 2015, it's been fully operational as part of Scuba lodge.

On April 18th, 1948, Andre Theodoor was born at Pietermaai 102A. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Posthumus Meyjes-Reigersman posted an announcement of his birth in the local newspaper Amigoe, which still exists today.

In 1966, the Merchants Villa was put up for sale. In 1970, Dr. T.H.A. Biermand turned it into a doctor's office and received his patients here. In the 70s, otolaryngologist Dr. E.R. Haverman worked from the Merchants Villa where he treated people with ears, nose, and throat problems.

Fast forward to the beginning of the 21st century. While Scuba Lodge has guests staying in Pietermaai 100 (The Presidents Home) and Pietermaai 104 (The Lodge), the Merchants Villa in between was empty and abandoned. Its sagging steps blocked so people wouldn't try to climb it once-stately front facade.

Since 2015, the Merchants Villa's elegant doors have been wide open, thanks to the herculean effort from a team of contractors who got the massive renovation project done without the building losing its original character.