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.

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Reviews

"Comfortable, beautiful and relaxing"

21 June 2022

"Loved the Owl Nest House. Such a cozy, spacious and fully equipped house. The owner is very helpful and really wants the best for his guests. Thank you so much for an amazing few days."
"Charming"

13 November 2020

"What a beautiful place to stay. From the moment one enters the house one is captivated by its charm and welcoming character and always feel like this is the place I would like to relax and feel welcome.Thanks Jaco for this opportunty to enjoy this gem. We enjoyed all the features like an outstanding braai area where we could relax and unwined.Thanks for your caring and positive attitude towards us from the moment we booked this place. We will surely recommend this place to all and will definately stay longer next time."
"The gem of Nieu Bethesda"

11 January 2017

"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."
"A Beautiful Quant Home"

15 November 2016

"I had the pleasure to stay in this home for the past few days and I couldn't compliment it enough. It was well equipped and very clean. Unique with the built in Braai room and we absolutely loved the master suite with the claw foot tub.<br/>The town is quite special, very chill and delicious restaurants and homes to visit. Our favourite restaurant was the pizzeria by all of my friends that stayed with us.<br/>Thank you Chris for everything!<br/>Sarah"
"Die Uil Nes - Lekker "nessie""

26 October 2016

"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."
"Well equipped"

26 September 2015

"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.<div>It is not far into town a really nice walk. The neighbors dogs make you feel very welcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all a good choice.</div>"
"Overall Not bad"

14 May 2015

"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."
"Lovely"

10 November 2014

"We had a wonderful stay, children absolutely loved being able to ride their bikes without the parents supervising! House was lovely and I would recommend it any day."
"Terrible!"

15 April 2014

"I am very disappointed in the owner and the management of this guesthouse.I did not want to bash them in public, but I am still waiting for a response from the owner- and I have been waiting to hear from him for over a month now. When we got to Nieu-Bethesda, no arrangements have been made as to where to get the key etc. I got hold of Terry and she said I should get the key from another shop in town. (It would have been nice if they just sms'ed or e-mailed beforehand)What a shock when we entered the guesthouse! It was so filthy! Everything was covered in dust. There were either bat- or rat droppings in the main bedroom. With bird feathers and bird droppings in some other rooms. There were also fish moths crawling inside the beds. They have little memos stuck to the walls- telling people not to urinate on the floors, instructions on how to use the indoor stove, etc (as if we are children) One of the notes stated we should remember to just switch on the alarm if we exit the house. I called Terry to get the code for the alarm and she just said that she does not know the code and we shouldn't use the alarm. I told her about the house being filthy and she just said it's a pitty we are only staying one night because she would be able to send a maid to clean in the morning.My husband and I decided we are not going to stay there, and found another clean guesthouse in town. We phoned Terry and informed her and she said she will inform the owner and that he will phone me back. I am still waiting to hear from him. I am very disappointed and unhappy."