Murrayfield Guest House

If you are visiting Nieu Bethesda and the Owl House, enrich your experience with a stay at Murrayfield Guest House, owned by the author of the 'The Owl House', Anne Graaff. Murrayfield Guest House is a characterful and gracious village home built in the 1850s, set in a country garden with barn, dam and orchard.

A stunning example of a Victorian farmhouse, Murrayfield features a lovely front veranda ideal for sunsets and stargazing, high ceilings with fans for the heat of summer, a fireplace for cosy winter evenings, an old fashioned full-length bath for a good soak after a country walk, a large veranda overlooking the garden, and of course a large brick barbecue.

Murrayfield is artistically and entertainingly furnished with a mixture of old and new, and is equipped with heaters, electric blankets, bed linen, towels, and tea and coffee. There are three units available that can be rented separately or together.

Nieu Bethesda is a pretty and authentic Karoo village situated in a beautiful valley in the Eastern Cape, about an hour's drive from the town of Graaff-Reinett. It was founded in the mid-nineteenth century and the village has many wonderful country homes which exemplify the Victorian architecture of this period.

The village provides a wonderful venue for a Karoo holiday, offering good walks, a great variety of bird life for the birdwatching enthusiast, an artistic and relaxed atmosphere for those who want to unwind and enjoy the creativity and tranquility of the place, and lots of choice from where to eat and what to do.

The village is of course famous for being the home of outsider artist Helen Martins who created the Owl House, and a visit to the Owl House is almost obligatory for visitors to Nieu Bethesda. The Owl House inspired the well-known writer, Athol Fugard to write the play 'The Road to Mecca'. Nieu Bethesda also has a fascinating fossil museum, and the valley is rich in pre-mammalian fossils, older than the dinosaurs. In addition, there is the opportunity to visit a nearby farm and view San rock art, the fossil beds, wool shed, and Boer War engravings. Jacob's Donkey Cart Tours provides an excursion around the village with an entertaining commentary, and a visit to Sneeuberg Trading to meet the local brewer and cheese maker and sample his excellent produce is another treat not to be missed.

Nearby Graaff-Reinet is a centre of Karoo culture and history featuring national monuments, and several significant museums and art galleries including the Pierneef Exhibition. Also nearby are the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park and the scenic Mountain Zebra National Park which protects one of the world's rarest land mammals.

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Reviews

"VRIENDELIKHEID"

19 September 2022

"Baie dankie vir Lee. Sy laat jou met die intrapslag al welkom voel. Die huis is 'n museum op sy eie. Pragtige plek. Woorde kan dit nie beskryf nie. It's breathtaking idillies. ( Soos die ideale wreld waarna gestreef word; 'n baie mooi, gelukkige en vreedsame plek )"
"Staying at Murrayfield House again was sheer bliss!"

02 May 2018

"Murrayfield House is beautiful. Jenny is the most gracious and helpful host! Loved every minute of my sort stay there. Will be back in August!"
"Visiting the church and playing the organ."

16 April 2018

"This is a truly magical place. We loved Die Waenhuis and its owners and chose to eat there. However, as early risers we felt that the opening time of 9am for breakfast was much too late. Otherwise it was an ethereal experience and we will be returning there very soon."
"We enjoyed everything.... the quaint town of Nieu Bethesda is a gem!"

30 December 2017

"The Owl house was fascinating and the people so friendly."
"It is well equippef"

22 December 2017

"Very comfortable, spacious well equipped"
"Impressions of Murrayfield Guest House"

31 May 2017

"A very pleasant establishment with a helpful and friendlymanageress. Although out of season enjoyed New Bethesdaand found what I came there for."
"Beautiful house in a lovely Karoo village"

23 January 2017

"The house itself was beautifully decorated and very spacious. The garden and stoep were wonderful and cool and I am sure that anyone staying for longer than we did would have a fantastic time. Unfortunately it was just a sleepover, but we had a very tranquil walk through Nieu-Bethesda and a beer at the pub. Gorgeous scenery and very very quiet!"
"wonderful"

20 December 2016

"gorgeous old house beautifully appointed with lots to look at. Lovely outdoor areas too."
"Murrayfield Cottage"

19 June 2016

"The wonderful, cosy cottage was a dream. Jenny Nel was pleasant and very helpful. I definitely recommend this venue to anyone travelling to Nieu Bethesda!<div><br /></div>"
"KEEP UP THE GOOD STANDARD"

05 April 2016

"Thank you to our host at Murryafield Guest House for ensuring a hearty welcome. We were upgraded at no extra cost and the cottage was clean, comfortable and well equipped. It is an interesting little place with the most beautiful crockery. We had a good nights rest for the long drive ahead. Good value for money."
"Murrayfield"

13 April 2015

"it was absolutely wonderful. spacious rooms and comfortable beds. A luxurious bathroom too. Pat Gibbs"
"Murrayfield"

13 April 2015

"it was absolutely wonderful. spacious rooms and comfortable beds. A luxurious bathroom too. Pat Gibbs"
"Totally charming"

02 June 2008

"Beautiful homely accommodation. Totally charming and romantic. Neat, tidy and clean. Would love to go back sometime for longer."