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Owl House
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Theatre, Gallery or Museum
in or near
Nieu Bethesda
Once upon a time in the tiny Karoo dorp of Nieu Bethesda... Helen Martins lay ill in bed, with the moon shining in through the window, and considered how dull and grey her life had become.
She resolved, there and then, that she would strive to bring light and colour into her life. That simple decision, to embellish her environment, was to grow into an obsessive urge to express her deepest feelings, her dreams and her desires. And so the The Owl House began.
Starting with the interior of her house, she used the emblems of sun-faces, owls and other images. This is all set against a luminous backdrop of walls and ceilings coated with elaborate patterns of crushed glass imbedded in bands of brightly coloured paint.
Over twelve years, she and her assistant, Koos Malgas, created fthe hundreds of sculptures and relief figures that crowd the 'Camel Yard' and cover the walls of the house. Her favourite animals, owls and camels, predominate, but all manner of real and fantastical beings are to be found.
A procession of shepherds and wise men lead a vast, almost life-size camel train toward an 'East' as designated by Helen Martins, and integrates Christianity with her fascination for the Orient.
A stoic double-faced owl watches over the arched entranceway from the street, significantly barricaded by a tall mesh fence and a stand of tall Queen-of-the-Night cacti.
Like the elaborately bottle-skirted hostesses within the yard, this arch must have been intended to welcome the visitor into her 'world', but the fence speaks plainly of an increasingly troubled relationship between Helen Martins and the outside world.
Address
The Owl House, River Street, Nieu-Bethesda
Contact Details
+27 (0)49 8411603
Website
http://www.owlhouse.co.za
GPS Latitude:
-31.8678269040034 Longitude:
24.5528554916382
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Accommodation near Owl House
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Cosy double rooms, en-suite, with private entrances and stoep. A haven on the high street, Outsiders B+B is centrally situated but offers the calm and privacy of a secret hideaway.
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Well-travelled hosts with great information on what to do locally, regionally and abroad.
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Pear Cottage is a stand-alone cottage in the same road as the renowned Owl House. It is centrally situated in Nieu Bethesda in the Great Karoo. It is Highly Recommended by the AA and has a 3-star grading from TGCSA.
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BERGSIG is a charming fully equipped cottage for 2 at an affordable price and situated on a quiet spot in the heart of Nieu Bethesda, very close to all the tourist attractions. The cottage has mountainviews and is surrounded by a lovely garden.
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This 3 stars graded by the TGCSA and AA Highly Recommended Luxurious Self-Catering cottage is situated on one of the best spots in Nieu Bethesda with a large private veranda inclusive braai facilities, overlooking unrestricted mountain views and open spaces very quiet and peaceful good for the heart and soul.
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When staying in our charming cottage, 7km from Nieu-Bethesda with the Owl House, you will experience the history which starts 270milj years in fossilbeds of mammal-like reptiles to evidence of bushman paintings and etchings as well as Anglo-Boer War engravings. Additionally a tour of our woolshed offers a glimpse into farm life today.
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Lying in the heart of the Sneeuberg Mountains, just outside Nieu Bethesda with its well known Owl House. Relax - soak up the sun - enjoy the peace and quiet of the Karoo. Go bird watching or game viewing or just curl up in front of a log fire on a cold winter evening.
Doornberg is a working sheep farm with many fields irrigated by mountain springs. Peet and Hanna are the fifth generation owners
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Set in the inspiring Sneeuberg Mountains near to Compassberg and Nieu Bethesda ( the Owl House) this historic working farm, with it's 150 year old water driven mill, offers you a range of accommodation and activities including hiking, swimming, and tennis. Experience the sublime traquility and traditional hospitality of the Karoo.
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