Accommodation And Travel In Eastern Cape Part 2

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Our story
In February 2019 Ludolf and Carla Smit bought a property with the aim to relocate to the ‘platteland’ (countryside). During the next few months they frequented auctions and markets, researched linen and amenities, planned gas and grey water systems, stocked up on coffee beans and tiles and then relocated from Johannesburg to the quiet Karoo to live their dream. Their luxury guesthouse and pizzeria are in the village of Nieu-Bethesda, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Set in the heart of Nieu-Bethesda village, one is met by an expansive ‘stoep’ (verandah) facing the formal rose garden.
Natural wooden floors lead to the spacious interior and charming en-suite rooms. Large windows, high ceilings and solid walls provide a cool refuge in summer and a warm haven in winter.
All our rooms are individually decorated, and open out onto the garden. Comfort and detail are of the utmost importance with extra length king size beds, crisp white percale linen and plush towels, quality amenities and robes and slippers.

Lani Lombard is the founder and owner of the iconic True Living shop in Cradock in the Eastern Cape Karoo. She started True Living more than 12 years ago to showcase the incredible bounty obtained from farm life, and from the Karoo region in general. A proud farmer’s wife and pioneer-woman of the Karoo, Lani is passionate about growing and serving authentic Karoo food and produce in her bakery, deli and functions venue. Her sprawling vegetable garden and host of fruit-bearing trees serve as the main inspiration for the dishes served in the restaurant.
Lani’s extensive, generationally acquired knowledge of food is also captured in True Living, where dishes pay homage to old Karoo recipes. Despite its traditional roots, however, True Living boasts a modern atmosphere and interior where all guests can experience the tranquility of a small Karoo ‘dorpie’.
6 Oct 2023 English South Africa Places & Travel
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