Click here to find out more about Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor for accommodation in Cradock
Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor consists of 25 restored Karoo cottages in Market Street, Cradock. Each cottage is decorated antiques and period prints to capture Settler living at the turn of the century. Recipient of the Simon van der Stel gold medal for restoration and the AA Heritage accommodation award in 1999, it is like stepping back in time. Typical Karoo dinners are served at the Victoria manor, specialties include Karoo lamb, boboties, chicken pies etc. Die Tuishuise is an elegant collection of beautifully restored Victorian era crafts-men’s houses in Cradock, the frontier
Typical Karoo dinners are served at the Victoria manor, specialties include Karoo lamb, boboties, chicken pies etc. Die Tuishuise is an elegant collection of beautifully restored Victorian era crafts-men’s houses in Cradock, the frontier town at the eastern edge of the Great Karoo.
More than two dozen Tuishuise line Market Street up to the Victoria Manor, a grand old colonial hotel that welcomes you with hearty country fare, décor from the days of Cecil John Rhodes, Olive Schreiner and the droves of adventurers who passed here en route to the hinterland.
Modern day over landers crossing South Africa on holiday and business groups looking for inspiration stay at Die Tuishuise, where they are received like old friends and treated like gentry. Cradock is a place of literary legends, war heroes and anti-Apartheid struggle icons. But it is perhaps best known for street level, day-to-day, warmth and kindness – so typical of much of the Eastern Cape.
For nature lovers, Die Tuishuise are a great base from which to explore the unique landscapes, animals and plants of the nearby Mountain Zebra National Park.
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Karoo Wellness Studio – All Detox, Relaxation and Grooming Treatments are performed by internationally qualified Therapists (Lucille, Inge & Almarie) who have the highest regard for service excellence, professionalism and hygienic practice.
Experience everything that is beautiful, unique and special about the Karoo. Let us take care of you and your guests’ accommodation, entertainment and gastronomic needs. Enjoy the attention to detail and personalised service of bygone days.
We can seat up to 100 guests in classroom style. Conference delegates are accommodated on the premises. We are great at catering for special requests and themed events.
While no one can predict the path of this virus, we are continuously monitoring developments and doing all we
can to reduce the risk of potential contamination or spread of disease.
The town of Cradock is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate. Cradock is a thriving agricultural community which specialises in the production of wool, mohair and in cattle farming.
Cradock is the principle town of the Karoo Heartland Route and an important agricultural centre, Cradock boasts fine architecture and a number of important monuments and museums (including the Olive Schreiner House, home of the writer of the classic, ‘Story of an African Farm’). The area was considered strategically important by the early 19th century settlers, and this heritage is reflected in many of the well-preserved buildings – including the old parsonage (1849), which today houses the Great Fish River Museum, a fascinating showplace of settler culture. A more recent view is provided by the epitaphs on the tombs in the Linglihle Graveyard, final resting place of a number of people who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid. The wide, fertile plain and its surrounding mountains offer many attractions for nature lovers.
Activities:
Nearby Lake Arthur is a popular water sports venue.
The Great Fish River is home to the country’s biggest annual canoe marathon and provides exciting paddling and tubing during most of the year. The Mountain Zebra National Park is a favourite for game viewing, birding and scenic drives.
The sulphur hot springs of the Cradock Spa have been a popular draw card almost since the town was founded. The Spa draws people from all over the country to experience both its open-air and indoor heated pools.
The original part of town is graced with some of the finest buildings, like the Dutch Reformed Church which is a national monument and designed to look like London’s St Martin’s-in-the-field.
The Olive Shreiner House Museum is devoted to the author’s life and works. Olive was said to write the novel ‘The Story of an African Farm’ whilst working as a governess on farms in the district, and much of her early life was spent in the town.
Cradock’s streets are lined with Ilex Oak Trees, particularly on Dundas Street, where they have been declared a national monument.
The Old Water Mill, completely restored, is worth a visit and the Great Fish River Museum – housed in the converted second Dutch Reformed church – conveys what it was like to live as a settler after 1806, during the second British occupation of the Cape.
The unique town Cradock is a place of literary legends, Boer war heroes and anti-Apartheid struggle icons such as the Cradock Four. But it is always been best known for down to earth, day-to-day, warmth and kindness – so typical of much of the Eastern Cape and small towns in the Karoo.
Tourism prospers in Cradock because of its historical past and the geographical position makes this an ideal stop over for the traveller en-route to the major centres.
Accommodation:
Accommodation in Cradock includes Guesthouses, B&B’s, Self Catering and farm stays
Click HERE to visit MyCradock.co.za.
Alan Straton
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