On 20th January, Ben Rawdon celebrated a milestone birthday of 90 years choosing Matjiesfontein for the celebrations. Attended by family and friends, this special occasion ensured many glasses were raised in Ben’s honour.It was also a time to acknowledge and celebrate Annette and Ben’s 60th wedding anniversary – an amazing milestone achieved! The hotel has been throwing legendary celebrations for over 125 years now, and this was no exception with staff joining...
The Owl House
Posted on Fri February 26, 2016.
Link your Karoo road trip with a Victorian sojourn in Matjiesfontein, to the awe-inspiring sight of the Valley of Desolation; and finish off in Nieu Bethesda with a visit to one of the Karoo’s most precious cultural treasures, the Owl House.
You’ll find the small town of Nieu Bethesda at the foot of the Sneeuberge (mountain range), at a distance of approximately 50 kilometres from Graaff Reinet.
On a road trip through the Karoo, Matjiesfontein is a highlight for many visitors—spend a few nights here before going on to your next adventure. The next stop on your journey could be the Valley of Desolation (read on for interesting facts about this natural wonder).
The Owl House is a wonder in its own right. Once the home of recluse Helen Martin, it's now a national treasure and museum. The story goes that Miss Helen (as she was fondly known) was ‘driven to despair by the dullness of her daily life, she took steps to transform her world with light, colour and texture’.
She employed many local artisans to help her build her vision. The most long standing and famous of which is Koos Malgas, who spent many years by her side creating the weird and wonderful pieces.
Using utilitarian mediums, such as cement, glass, mirrors and wire, she transformed her home into a magical world of mythical and religious figures—her own special brand of personal cosmology.
Visit theowlhouse.co.za for more information.
Further Reading
A MILESTONE BIRTHDAY IN MATJIESFONTEIN
Mon March 2, 2026
Read This Article
A Step Toward a Greener Future
Thu October 16, 2025
Read This Article
Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, Matjiesfontein has always been a place where history and heritage meet the endless beauty of the South African landscape. Now, this beloved village is adding a new chapter to its story — one that looks firmly toward the future.
Under the Karoo Stars: A Journey with the Shepherds Behind Our Lamb
Tue July 8, 2025
Read This Article
At The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, our team recently embarked on a 125 km transhumance trek with a local Karoo sheep farming family, gaining deep insight into the heritage behind our beloved Karoo lamb. This time-honoured journey through the rugged landscape, marked by resilience, tradition, and connection to the land, revealed the true soul of the Karoo and the people who sustain it. Now, every dish of Karoo lamb we serve...
Share This Post