The small Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet has much history, and visitors to the
are can explore The Graaf-Reinet House Museum complex, which provides
interesting insights into the history of the area. The museum is housed in a
complex, and consists of four historical buildings, The old Library, Old
Residency, Reinet House, and Urquhart House.
The Reinet House Museum in Graaff-Reinet is housed in an old Dutch Reformed
Parsonage which was built in 1811, and is well known for its spacious rooms with
high ceilings and yellow wood floors. Reinet House is a fine example of Cape
Dutch architecture, and it is said to be one of the best example of H-shaped
six-gabled buildings in Cape Dutch style.
The Reinet House was designed by famous French architect Louis Thibault who
contributed to much of the old Cape architecture. High up on the front gable is
an hour-glass, with extended wings, reputed to have been placed there to remind
"even the most thoughtless that 'Time Flies'".
Reinet House was one of the earliest restoration projects undertaken in
Graaff-Reinet, when it fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, even
losing it's gables. After the death of Reverend Andrew Murray in 1904 the
building had remained misused, and in 1947 it was purchased by the Publicity
Association for R4,000. Norman Eaton was the architect responsible for restoring
the old parsonage into a cultural history museum. When part of the museum was
destroyed by a fire in 1980, the contents were saved and the building was
restored once more.
On display at Reinet house are a selection of various dolls which were made
during the First World War when luxuries such as toys could not be imported.
Other exhibits include fine examples of antique furniture and memorabilia. The
Reinet House includes the Mill House, Wagon House and the famous Black Acorn
grape vine, which was planted by Rev. Charles Murray in 1870 . The vine which
still bears fruit today, was said to have been one of the largest vines in the
world, with a circumference measuring 2,38m. Reinet House also served for many
years as a students' residence, and is also home to the locally brewed Withond "
Witblitz" that is distilled once a year at the annual Withond Day.
Another building which is housed at the Graaf-Reinet Museum complex is the Old
Library, which was opened in August of 1847, and was in operation until 1982.
Today the old library house a variety of interesting and informative exhibits
which include the Bushman rock art collection consisting of various
reproductions of Bushman rock paintings and artifacts, the Lex Bremner Fossil
collection, which showcases various fossilised remains of Karoo reptiles. Also
on display is the Rykie Pretorius costume collection, consisting of a selection
of clothing from the turn of the century. Other exhibits include a display
dedicated to the life and work of Robert Sobukwe, founder of the Pan Africanis
Congress, and the interesting William Roe Photographic collection, which depicts
life in the area in the 1800's.
The Old Residency is another fine example of a 19th century H-shaped home, and
houses one of the finest collections of sporting rifles in the country as well
as memorabilia from the Midland Regiment., a variety of antique musical
instruments and a display on the history of Graaff-Reinet.
The final building in the Graaf-Reinet Museum quartet is Urquhart House,which
dates back to between 1815 and 1821 and was once the Clegg's Midland Hotel.
Today the Old Residency houses the genealogical records for the area, and boasts
an impressive collection of Victorian furniture. Take note of the unusual detail
on it's gable, & peach-stone kitchen floor
Be prepared to be spoilt & delighted with personal attention & unique flavours of decor in each part of this accommodation so that Aa'Qtansisi, will become your first choice of accommodation …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Graaff-Reinet Accommodation - Welcome to the Gem of the Karoo - Graaff Reinet. Get back to nature. Visit our national park and view the stunning array of game species visible in the Camdeboo National Park in Graaff-Reinet. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
As the name of our establishment depicts, this is a team effort by Beau and Imelda to give top class service to our guests and to ensure that they will remember their stay with us. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Four rustic furnished tents provide a relaxed nature experience. Each tent sleeps two people and has a braai unit, fridge, table and two chairs. Bedding and towels are provided. There is a communal kitchen equipped with stove plates, cooking and eating ut …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fifteen caravan or tent sites are situated beneath thorn trees on a gravel substrate. Each site has a braai unit and powerpoint. A communal kitchen provides deep freeze, stove top and microwave facilities while the communal ablutions have showers, toilets …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.