Oude Pastorie

The house itself if amazing - full of interesting items. Like the superior Africology range used throughout the house - also liked the fact that there were games and books on hand. The kitchen is quirky, but everything works. Very well equipped. Takes one back into the past with a sense of elegance but does not take itself too seriously - so not stuffy. The reservoir/pool was fantastic - and necessary. Setting is incredible and one starts relaxing from the moment one enters.

At check in - we were met by someone who was pleasant, but did not really speak English that well - we were told that we would be met by the owner. This person also did not offer to assist us in taking our luggage into the house. We were not aware that we would be sharing the house with others - this was most probably an error from our side - the house is a bit awkward if sharing with strangers. Absolutely ideal if you take the entire house for you and your family/friends.

It was a wonderful stay in a stylish, eclectically furnished period home with a very comfortable bed and wonderfully peaceful gardens with a pool as well as chickens, tortoise and guinea fowl. The back garden and verandah is a wonderful place to relax and just enjoy the stillness of the Karoo, Within easy walking distance of everything in Nieu Bethesda and undercover parking provided behind a locked gate. Slow living at its best.

As discussed with the owner, a quiet ceiling fan above the bed or air conditioner for the hot summer evenings would be an added bonus.

A helpful message was sent to us by Albert the day before our arrival about the best access route to the guesthouse, and we were asked to notify the establishment when we left the main road in order for them to receive us. Further, he sent a list of restaurants and asked if we would like him to make a reservation for us. Albert was available at all times on WhatsApp, and very helpful. The staff who met us were friendly. The building and surrounds were delightfully restored, and beautifully furnished. Our room was extremely spacious. The toiletries were fabulous. Linen and towels were luxurious, and the setting was very peaceful. Off-road parking was available at the back of the property. The bed was comfortable, and the curtains had block-out lining. A fan was provided.

No breakfast was on offer. Once we were greeted, shown to our room, and given keys, the staff were invisible. We were not shown where there were facilities to make coffee/tea in the kitchen (or told if the facilities were for our use or not), or told anything about the area, such as where the restaurants or other places of interest were in relation to the property. After the excellent communication prior to arriving, this was a disappointment. the staff were so quiet that we struggled to find someone to hand the keys to when we departed, although they were at the back. While the bed and linen were excellent, there was no flat sheet under the very heavy and warm duvet. A flat sheet would have made us more comfortable, seeing it was a hot night and we had to take the duvet off the bed to sleep.

Top quaity linen, towels and ammenities. Excellent decor and authentic karoo feel. Exceptional and tranquil gardens.

We loved the historic beautiful architectural and interior design and colonial furniture. Beautiful linen and super comfy beds. Afrocologie soaps in the bathrooms. Loved the abundantly sized rooms, the garden and back verandah, and pool, and we loved the cute chooks and roosters!

No ice on arrival but we fixed that quickly after being shown the ice machine!

This house is absolutely amazing. The exceptionally curated decor transport you to a different time and you can’t help but feel lucky to experience the effort that’s been put into making your stay as peaceful and authentic as possible. It really feels like an heavenly oasis in the stark Karoo.

We had a short but truly lovely stay at Oude Pastorie. The place is full of charm and historical character, which made our visit feel very special. Everything was wonderfully peaceful, especially the beautiful garden – a perfect spot to relax and unwind. A quaint and memorable stay that we would happily recommend