The Owl Nest House / Die UilNes Huis

The Owl Nest House is nested on the edge of the artistic Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda, surrounded by agricultural fields, groves, and mountains and mere 300m walk from the well-known Owl House. The house offers a practical modern layout and modern features while maintaining the aesthetic characteristics of a classic Karoo 'barn' design with old Oregon pine wooden floors and Oregon window frames. The property in general and the upstairs braai room specifically offers breath taking views of the adjacent fields, groves, Kompasberg and historical Dutch Reform Church.

The Owl Nest sleeps up to eight guests with six adults and two additional bunkbeds ideal for kids. The design allows for 'vacation living' with a second level braai/entertainment area seating 14 people around a four meter long yellow wood table that can be used during both winter and summer with the option to open or close the canvas blinds. The house further offers three bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms. Bedding arrangements in two of the three rooms can be altered for two single bed application or king-size requirements (applicable for longer stays). The main bedroom has a double bed. The two en-suite bathrooms allow for an ideal occupation scenario of two couples and four children. Towels, bedding, coffee & tee is provided.

The kitchen comes fitted with a dishwasher, two fridge/freezers, a stove, an oven and sufficient crockery and cutlery for 12 people. A high-end slow burning fireplace, various heaters and electric blankets take care of those cold Bethesda nights.

A shower and bath are available in each of the two bathrooms. Apart from the elevated braai/entertainment facility, the Owl Nest House offer a cosy downstairs lounge area with bar as well as a separate upstairs TV room for the kids.

The tranquil setting on the edge of town, provides for a true Karoo farm feeling. A quiet street next to the property allows for a safe environment for small kids to ride bicycle or motorbikes. Activities in town, all within walking distance includes visiting the Owl House, the Art Centre, the Helen Martin museum, the Fossil Centre, a ride through town on Jacob's donkey cart, swimming in the river and fine dining at the Ibis Lounge, Waenhuis and other restaurants. Enjoy a cold beer at the local brewery or Boetie's Pub, visit the galleries various artists, explore the local secondhand bookshop. Play tennis or bowls at the tennis club.

The Owl Nest House surroundings are known as a hiking and cycling heaven, do the 'ring route' by crossing the river at both bridges or drive to the 'bankie' (bench) half way up the mountain behind the farm 'Uitkyk' for a spectacular view of the valley, agricultural lands and the town. Explore the route to the origin of the fountain that feeds the town and follow the water-furrow behind the pub through the poplar forest. Climb Kompasberg or travel the circle route around this highest independent peak in South Africa, ideal for off-road motorbikes. Visit the 'Valley of Desolation' just outside of Graaff-Reinet.