The Old Watchmakers Guesthouse

The Old Watchmakers Guesthouse and Bistro is situated in the little town of Bethulie in the Free State, South Africa. Lovely accommodation and delicious meals are offered at reasonable prices in true South African hospitality . The area is rich in South African history and a must-visit for both international and local visitors alike. Ideal for a few days away, Watchmaker’s is a journey back in time that will leave you feeling rested and ready for the future. he Old Watchmaker’s of Bethulie is exactly that – an company established in 1880 in the heart of this little Free State town. Time is very important in a country on the brink of war and the brothers that started this company knew exactly that. The front half of the building was used as a retail outlet and served its many customers, while the back rooms where the actual building and repairs of its many time pieces took place. The guesthouse has retained much of the original character of the building, including the beautiful wooden floors and especially the heavy, large doors with their old oversized keys. As guests, you really will feel as if you’ve been transported back in time, to a period in South African history that we can all stand to learn a little more about. The guesthouse offers a lounge for guests to enjoy, equipped with a functioning fire place for those cold Bethulie winters, satellite TV and a mini-library with books and magazines. The fully licensed, intimate dining area of the guesthouse is open to visitors and the general public alike. It serves delicious and affordable meals and confectionary daily. And on warmer days, guests and public are welcomed to enjoy the outside dining room, with its quaint ‘tea garden’ feel. Restaurant Tea Garden Hennie Steyn Bridge (or locally just known as the Bethulie Bridge) which is the longest combined road and rail bridge in the country at 1.2km. Additionally, stopping on the bridge affords visitors magnificent views of the little town, the glorious and famous Orange River, as well as unforgettable sunsets. Enjoy a donkey cart ride to view all Bethulie’s historical sites From a historical perspective there are many sites to visit and appreciate in and around Bethulie, such as the British-lead concentration camp from the time of the Anglo-Boer War or the Louw Wepener memorial (he led the Free State commandos in the second of the Basotho wars). Both visits are sobering and heartrending, but important for remembering the road this country travelled to gaining its independence and becoming the rainbow nation it is today. Other activities in the area include a visit to the Patrick Mynhardt room – built to celebrate the life of this great South African author. Or even the Pellissier House Museum, which is the oldest house in the Free State. Finally, as with the rest of the South Africa, the area boasts wildlife for which South Africa is famous. A trip to the Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve will satisfy your need to see big game. The little town of Bethulie therefore offers a range of activities to keep even the most discerning traveler captivated – come see for yourself! Bethulie is centrally situated in South Africa which makes it the perfect to place to stop and catch one’s breath on those long cross country drives. So, whether you’re en route to Cape Town on the N1 from Durban, or travelling between Johannesburg and any of the Southern coastline cities via the N6, stop in to see what this little rustic town can offer you. About an hour and half from the province capital of Bloemfontein (approx. 200km) and situated on the Northern banks of Lake Gariep, this little town’s ‘neither here nor there’ status is exactly what makes it so attractive. The town was established by the London Missionary Society for the indigenous San people in 1829, but only named as Bethulia (Chosen by God) in 1833 when taken over by the French Missionary Society. Now a sheep and cattle farming community, the town that once rose to prominence as a key river crossing between the Cape Colony to the South and the Boer republics to the North, quietly but proudly remembers its historical past. Experience the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful sunsets and appreciate the peace and quiet for a great break that will give you the opportunity to really slow down and rediscover yourself.