Nieu Bethesda

Nieu Bethesda and the Owl House are not to be missed under a

The charming village of Nieu Bethesda is set in the fertile valley of the Sneeuberg Mountains. It is so secluded that development took a back seat leaving a rare historical integrity. It has become a popular retreat for artists and because of its unique appeal, this is a place that no visitor should miss.

The Owl House is an artwork that evolved from Helen Martins who after considered how dull and grey her life had become she resolved that she would strive to bring light and colour into her life. That simple decision, to embellish her environment, was to grow into an obsessive urge to express her deepest feelings, her dreams and her desires.

The Owl House is a major tourist attraction for Nieu Bethesda. As a direct result, Nieu Bethesda now offers 16 guest-houses, two restaurants, a coffee shop, a pub, and two art galleries. Economic development has, thus far, proceeded with suitable regard for the cultural and historical integrity of the village.

It is not known in what order the work was accomplished, other than the fact that the interior of the house was virtually completed before the exterior was begun. There was no overall plan, but what began as a decorative quest for light and colour soon developed into a fascination with the interplay of reflection and space, of light and dark and different hues. From the mundane articles that surrounded her, Miss Helen extracted and manipulated an emblematic language of sun-faces, owls and other images. This is all set against a luminous backdrop of walls and ceilings coated with elaborate patterns of crushed glass imbedded in bands of brightly coloured paint.

Accommodation in Nieu Bethesda

• Nieu Bethesda Country House & Healing Retreat
• Doornberg Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast accommodation lying in the heart of the Sneeuberg mountains, Doornberg is situated 60 km from Graaff-Reinet and just outside Nieu Bethesda with it’s well known Owl House. Accommodation is in a fully equipped guest house, a stable flat, Rondavel or in our beautifully renovated Vlei cottage
• Doornberg Vlei huisie A Self catering cottage in Nieu Bethesda. beautifully renovated and secluded stone cottage in the heart of the Sneeuberg mountains, app. 4 km from the farm house.
• Blue Crane house allows travelers to get off-the-beaten track and experience the space, peace and quiet of the village of Nieu-Bethesda.
• De Toren Elegant farm house situated in a fertile valley at the foot of a 200 meter rock outcrop. It is just 5 km from Nieu Bethesda. The house is comfortable and fully equipped for eight people.
• House Number One enjoy all the comforts of a typical Karoo home, fully equipped for seven people. The guest house is a fully restored Victorian - Karoo style home which has been tastefully decorated. The floors are polished yellow wood, the furniture is traditional and the accent is on comfort.
• Stokkiesdraai This Neui Bethesda cottage is fully equipped for self-catering. Linen, towels, coffee, tea, milk, sugar are provided. There are restaurants and coffee shops in the village for people who do not want to do their own self-catering

Accommodation in and around Nieu Bethesda