It was winter in Nieu-Bethesda. Quiet. Almost surreal. Above our heads, a windmill was slowly turning and, in the distance, we could hear a dog bark. The sun was leisurely dipping its buttered bum in a hollowed section of the mountain, and I could feel all my worries subside. That’s the effect a place like Nieu-Bethesda and Paradijs have on me, and come to think of it, on the rest of my family too.

While most people recommend visiting this quaint little town in summer, we particularly enjoyed staying overnight during winter. It’s a whole other experience, complete with quiet dirt roads, dry riverbeds and leafless trees. It’s as if everything’s asleep, with most of its inhabitants probably hiding in their romantic, whitewashed houses, warming up in front of vintage fireplaces.

Paradijs, our home away from home for one night before returning to reality, was more than we could ever imagine. I say home away from home, because that’s exactly what it is: A home. The key to Paradijs was left in a coded key box next to the front door and as we familiarized ourselves with the layout of the house, the kids could not get over the fact that they each had their own hot water bottle on the bed! Martin, the owner, had thought of everything. In fact, there were even some delightful biscuits in the kitchen which certainly stopped the worst hunger in its tracks.

The house consists of three bedrooms – a main bedroom and two twin bedrooms (with beds that can convert to double beds). There is a lovely kitchen, kitted with everything you might need – from a brilliant blue stovetop kettle to ample wine glasses, as well as a stunning, vintage oven which conjures up wild and wonderful memories. From there, the kitchen flows into a dining room, with an eight-seater dining table and chairs, as well as an intimate lounge with a television that comes with Netflix and more. This then walks out onto a typical farm-style stoep, with old couches, humbly bedazzled with off-white cushions. The kitchen and two of the rooms are divided by a more formal lounge, which you walk into when you come in through the front door. The room exudes an aura of a bygone era, complete with a silver sherry tray and views across the large garden with orchards and water features. Here, one can’t help but wonder what stories the walls of this house can tell.

With Nieu-Bethesda being known as one of the few South African towns that often gets covered in snow, the house is kitted out for the worst of winter. Apart from the hot water bottles in the rooms, each bed also has its own electric blanket. There are also ample heaters in the house, as well as fireplaces in the lounge areas. So, if you are cold at Paradijs, you can’t blame anyone but yourself.

READ: SLOW-PACED NIEU-BETHESDA HIGHLIGHTS THE MEANINGFUL THINGS IN LIFE

Located in Pienaar Street, Paradijs is just around the corner from Zalig – our dinner stop. New to us, since the space was previously annexed by another eatery, we were curious about their offering and well, the pizzas certainly did not disappoint. They also have a small table and chairs with some colouring books and crayons in one corner for kids to keep themselves entertained.

This time, our time in town was rather limited as we had to get back home for the new term. But, I am already planning a family reunion at Paradijs. In fact, honestly, why not? It’s roughly eight hours’ drive from Cape Town, between four and five hours from George on the Garden Route, and eight and a half hours’ drive from Pretoria. So, if you have family in the Cape like we do, it’s a great spot for you and your loved ones to get together. Plus, the house, which is self-catering by the way, is your own for the duration of your stay.

Imagine summer, amidst blooming pear trees and clopping donkey hooves, with kids playing on the lawn and the rest of the family indulging in a chilled glass of wine and charcuterie boards. It’s your very own Tuscan haven, only in South Africa. Okay, but wait, we’re first in line for this coming summer. You can have the next one!

Paradijs is one of those special self-catering places where all you have to worry about, is getting there.

For more information, contact Martin Jacobson by sending an email to mjacobson003@gmail.com or phone 078 893 2727.

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