Hey @buckaroo :) It is truly a craft, and such a dying art I think. The old Cape Dutch style houses sound absolutely beautiful! You're the second person to mention the fire hazard too, but here, all houses are constructed with cement blocks and mortar, so besides the contents, not much can burn :)
Now I have to go knock on some wood somewhere!!! :)
South African houses are all brick and mortar. I think it's only back where you come that they build with wood. Here wood is incorporated (and sometimes used to build) but it's very expensive
I did not know that! I guess Canada has plenty of wood still :)