Eckstein’s Mansion

1st December 2025

Another book of interest to residents of Ottershaw Park has just been published.

The Ecksteins of Birkach - A collective biography by long-standing OPEC resident John Athersuch.

The book traces the lives of two brothers, Hermann and Friedrich Eckstein and their close relatives. They were born in Birkach, a small town near Stuttgart, Germany but emigrated to South Africa where they made their fortunes in diamonds and gold. Friedrich later moved to England and in 1910 purchased the Ottershaw Park Estate where he built the present day mansion. He also championed cotton production in Sudan and for his success in this field received a baronetcy.

The Ecksteins of Birkach - A collective biography (£15)

If you would like to know more about the history of the Ottershaw Park Estate, and its other owners and occupiers please refer to John’s earlier publications (see below) all of which are available from the author (johnathersuch [at] gmail [dot] com).

An illustrated History of Ottershaw Park 1761–2011 (£17.50)

Ottershaw Park Estate in Picture Postcards (£10)

The Trials and Tribulations of Dora Schintz (£15)