Best Getaways 
Cottage at Die Waenhuis
Cottage at Die Waenhuis is our stylish, award-winning retreat—a romantic escape nestled in Hudson Street, Nieu-Bethesda. Surrounded by a small poplar forest, it offers breathtaking views of Kompasberg and provides quality accommodation for guests seeking a peaceful getaway, business travellers, or overnight stays. This rustic yet elegant cottage features 2 bedrooms—the main bedroom has a double bed with an en-suite bathroom, while the second bedroom has twin beds. The shared en-suite bathroom is fitted with a toilet, bath, shower, and washbasin. Other facilities include a cosy lounge area and a Karoo-style open-plan kitchen equipped with a fridge-freezer, stove-oven, kettle, and microwave. Guests can also relax on the porch, which overlooks the courtyard and garden. Cottage at Die Waenhuis offers a convenient base for exploring the heart of Nieu-Bethesda. Just a short distance away, you’ll find the renowned Owl House, as well as a delightful array of art galleries, eateries, a local brewery, and a traditional pub. While we warmly invite you to experience our charming accommodation, we regret to inform you that our facilities are currently not accessible to wheelchair users.
Area Info
Nieu-Bethesda, nestled in the Karoo Heartland about 60 km from Graaff-Reinet, is a secluded village with only two roads in and out. Established in 1875 by preacher Andrew Murray, it remained largely isolated and impoverished after being overshadowed by larger towns in the 1930s and ‘40s. This small, charming village—just a mile wide and two miles long with fewer than a thousand residents—has no streetlights and has preserved much of its historical character. Nieu-Bethesda, also known as "Bethesda" to locals, gained international recognition thanks to the Owl House and the visionary work of Helen Martins, whose striking concrete and glass sculptures, assisted by Koos Malgas, transformed her childhood home into a surreal masterpiece. Initially misunderstood and considered eccentric, Martins' legacy turned this once-forgotten village into a vibrant retreat for artists, crafters, and creative spirits. Today, Nieu-Bethesda retains its rustic charm with a handful of guesthouses, restaurants, art galleries, and a pub. Life here moves at a slow, unhurried pace, where locals still watch the world go by from their front porches over a cup of coffee.
