When Rev. Michaël Merle moved into the new accommodation he was a priest sent to two altars: the congregation in KZN and the congregation in Johannesburg. His home would remain in KZN and he continued to work as a Waldof school teacher and high school teacher trainer.

In 2020 it became clear that he was needed in Johannesburg on a fulltime basis. He was able to resign his position at Roseway Waldorf School and, when the lockdown conditions imposed by the COVID pandemic permitted, he moved to live permanently at 44 Dover Street. The congregation in KZN became an affiliate of the Johannesburg congregation.

Living in Johannesburg meant that Michaël needed access to his vast library of books for the work he was doing. After considering option for housing his library the one option that made the most sense was to build onto the East Manse. This work commenced in September 2021 and was completed in October 2021.

Michaël's move to Johannesburg set in motion other option for his family and, with the sale of the family home in Hillcrest, the accommodation for Michaël in Johannesburg acquired the name that had been given to the family hime in KZN and became Blackbird Cottage.

​The stages as the building neared completion