About
Our magnificent property and its surroundings.
Come to 45 Observatory Avenue, in one of the oldest (1903) leafy suburbs of Johannesburg called Observatory which lies within 5km of Constitution Hill – Human Rights Precinct, 3,5km of East Gate Shopping Mall, 17km of O. R. Tambo International Airport and 350m of Observatory Golf Course. This property boasts immaculate grounds that feature:·
A large blue-tiled and clear water swimming pool.·
Free parking.·
Secure environment.
The buildings are an epitome of contemporary décor, luxurious furnishings and absolute comfort. The FURAHA Guest lodge is a unique blend of contemporary living luxury style yet nestled in Johannesburg one of the most antiquely, leafy and traditional suburbs of Johannesburg known as Observatory. FURAHA is denoted by the Kiswahili word that means Joy and Happiness. If you want to start the spark of a new or re-ignite the fire of an old romantic relationship, this will be your memorable spot. If you want a productive strategizing and planning environment for corporate executives, this will be your muse. If you want a tranquil space for winding down or refueling or reflection, the grounds will offer that energy.
HISTORY: The history of the areas is such that the whole area has significance in the South African history. Observatory in Johannesburg is one of those rare "hidden treasure" type of suburbs in Johannesburg, located to the north east of the city and spreading across the high ridges of the Witwatersrand. It is a suburb that takes full advantage of the koppies, panoramic views and rocky terrain. Established more than 100 years ago, there are many fine old heritage houses on stands between half an acre and a full acre. The core nodes of the suburb are the Observatory Golf course, (Johannesburg's oldest extant golf course) and the old Johannesburg Observatory with its familiar round domed observatory, the prominent Baker designed library, some heritage houses on the ridge and the many buildings of what is still an important scientific complex.
The significance of the Johannesburg Observatory lies in its contribution to South African science across the decades in multiple fields (in meteorology, astronomy, time keeping, scientific studies of driver fatigue, telecommunications research, rainfall research, lightning and in recent years a wide range of scientific and science education projects, under the auspices of various science-based bodies and associations).
20th century until, what was then named, the Republic Observatory, closed in 1971 and some of the equipment moved to Sutherland. There were four Union astronomers who put the Johannesburg Observatory on the stellar map and achieved international reputations in astronomy. They were Robert Innes, Harry Wood, Willem Henrik van den Bos and William Finsen. From 1909 to 1965, the name of the institution evolved from the Transvaal Meteorological Department, to Transvaal Observatory, to Union Observatory, and finally to Republic Observatory. These were the decades when pioneering, extraordinary work was done.
It was a logical shift to appeal for a telescope and for the observatory to become an astronomical centre for Innes to pursue his interest in double stars. Innes must have been a charming and determined man who purchased (and personally guaranteed) a nine-inch telescope. Then came the making of sky maps and photographic records of the southern skies. Perhaps somewhat confusingly Vermeulen has separated the scientific history (covering the telescopes acquired, and the scientific achievements) written up in two key chapters from the six chapters relating the biographical details of the astronomers of note. There was consequently some repetition of facts. Finsen was the first and last Republic astronomer and retired in 1965. Thereafter there were two acting directors, appointed between 1965 and 1978, Jan Hers and JA Bruwer and the Republic Observatory had become the responsibility of the CSIR (the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research). By the mid-1960s, the writing was on the wall for the closure of the Observatory. it was Hers who compiled the report that led to the decision to centralize astronomical work at Sutherland in the Cape and the Republic Observatory was officially closed in 1971.
