The house was built in the mid 1900s and was originally used as a Ministerial home. It forms part of the Groote Schuur Estate that houses a number of ministerial homes. It was in the last 1990s that it was renovated and enlarged as the official residence for the Deputy President when residing in Cape Town.

One of the major differences between Highstead and the other Presidential houses is that it really gives you an ‘at home’ feeling and because of its size, it makes its occupants feel as if they are living in a normal house. Which is a rather positive aspect of the house.