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 offers breath taking views of the adjacent fields, groves, Compassberg and historical Dutch Reform Church.
The Owl Nest sleeps up to eight guest with six adults/kids with two additional couches for kids and is designed for 'vacation living' with a second storey braai/entertainment area seating 14 people around a four metre long yellow wood table that can be used during both winter and summer with the option to open or close the canvas walls. 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 and the main bedroom has a double bed. Towels and bedding are 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 fire place and various heaters 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 swimming in the river, visiting the Owl House, the Art Centre, the Helen Martin museum and the Fossil Centre. Enjoy a cold beer at the local brewery, visiting the galleries various artists, browsing the local second hand bookshop, playing tennis or bowls at the tennis club, hiking, biking and enjoying a meal at the various interesting restaurants.
The Owl Nest House surrounded 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 barrow behind the pub through the poplar forest. Climb Compassberg or do the circle route around this highest independent peak in South Africa. Visit the 'Valley of Desolation' just outside of Graaff-Reinet.
What a charming, spacious, well appointed house! I loved the furnishings, and particularly the upstairs bedroom with the claw footed bath. Such creative decor throughout. The location is perfect too, situated at the entrance to the little town but within easy walking distance of everything you may need. We appreciated the privacy of not being bothered by the owner or anyone during our stay there and we literally had the place to ourselves for 2 whole days. I can highly recommend this accommodation.
We had a lovely time as family. Real home away from home with all the necessities even dishwashing liquid and dishwasher! Very nice braai area. Perfectly situated to stroll through Nieu Bethesda.
The house is very well equipped for 6 people and would make for a very comfy stay however long you are planning to stay in Nieu Bethesda.It is not far into town a really nice walk. The neighbors dogs make you feel very welcome. All in all a good choice.
Even though our overall experience was not bad, I was not totally satisfied with the accommodation. The place is in serious need of cleaning. Curtains are visible very dirty and the garden in bad shape. Not a fresh clean feel. For the cost of the accommodation not the quality I expected.
The Owl Nest / Die Uil Nes is 0.4km from the centre of Nieu Bethesda , the nearest airport 262.4km (Port Elizabeth Airport).