The Kasteel de Goede Hoop is the embodiment of South African history in that, while it is not always noble, it is certainly colourful. While it may be seen as a stark reminder of the dominance of European Colonial powers, and its presence a reminder of their partisan struggles, it also relates to the struggles of these same powers and their distant subjugates. In that it is a palimpsest of these many pasts. Hence when coming to restore such an edifice there is the debate as to what past and whose past should be represented.

As is inevitable, certain decisions and methods were not without controversy. Most hotly debated was the decision to reinstate the Bakery and Dolphin Pool. The architects however committed themselves with integrity, and whilst the work is debatable in principle, it cannot be faulted in the finesse of its execution. But that is why restoration lies within the realm of architectural design. It is a creative act.
The study of previous colour schemes as representing the diversity of tastes of the cultures that have occupied the Castle has also produced reams of files and challenged the ingenuity of the local paint manufacturing industry.

The name of the Fagan’s can now be recorded against those of the original design engineer Dombeyer and the likes of Thibault as having significantly contributed to the architectural legacy of our country.

This building, through the creative endeavours of the architects, is now one that has never before existed. Its restoration is however based on an impressive body of meticulous research, the documentation of which alone makes a vast contribution to heritage, nationally but also, more importantly, internationally. In recognition of a restoration of international importance done to exacting standards and which demonstrates scholarly effort and architectural creativity and technical invention the panel has no hesitation in deeming this building – a first for a conservation project – worthy of an Award for Excellence.