It is interesting because of the number of defence mechanisms employed to defeat those attempting to gain ingress. There are underground storage tanks and two secret passages. In the early 1900s it was used as a reform school.

There is also a reconstructed Zulu kraal in the grounds and models both of the Langalibalele skirmish area on Giants Castle and the Battle of Willowgrange in the Second Boer War in which Estcourt was briefly cut off.