This very old house is part of the historic Matjiesfontein ‘werf’ consisting of a group of thatch and sandstone buildings evoking Nieuwoudtville’s unique architectural heritage and the idiosyncratic social structures of the late 18th and early 19th century. Willem Strydom house belonged to the late artist and marble sculptor, Willem Strydom, who lived and worked here for 20 years until his death in 2019.  While fulfilling a commission of a huge Namaqua marble sculpture here he fell in love with the open spaces and remoteness of this area, and left Pretoria to live here.

This impressive H-shaped building facing east was recently re-thatched. The front sitting room is flanked by two bedrooms, each with own bathroom. One room was his ‘tekenkamer’ where he painted wonderful watercolours, aided by the natural light admitted by a glass panel high up in the gable. This bedroom has two ¾ beds the other room a double bed.

The eastern long arm is linked to the westerly facing back side of the house through the ‘voorkamer’ (lounge) to the dining room, itself flanked by the kitchen. The kitchen is very well equipped for self-catering with a five-burner gas hob and electric oven, coffee plunger and percolator.  Both bathrooms have large showers only and wall heaters.

You can either be self-catering or Alrie’s
well-known meals can be booked to be enjoyed at the lovely Farm kitchen at the
main Papkuilsfontein farm (9km south from De Lande) with its wide views and
cozy fireplace during winter.  

There are attractive walks on the surrounding farmlands and a map is provided to explore Papkuilsfontein farm and nature reserve at your leisure.