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Erwin and Alta Coetzee beautifully restored Die
Dorphuis, circa 1860, to reflect its Victorian
heritage. The Dorphuis literally transports you hundred
years into the past. Besides the fantastically restored
treasures found here, you can feel the past - a past
that lives and breathes, because of the authentic
antique treasures that are still in daily use. This
treasure chest has among others three luxury rooms, six
outside rooms (four of these are original "nagmaal"
rooms), as well as two modern suites.
Stepping inside this National Monument, you'll find
every wall in every room a piece of art. Period pieces
were carefully selected and placed to create a feeling
of nostalgia. Even though all the walls are decorated
with old family portraits of serious-looking
Calvinianers, each room still has its own unique
features to reminisce over.
"No lions, but everything else," an American remarked.
An Italian couple saw it as a landmark of their travel,
while a South African longed for his youth and visiting
his grandparents. A Swiss was content but felt sorry for
"all those poor Springboks".
Dedicated staff diligently looks after every small
detail like fresh fruit and flowers in all the rooms,
while top-rated chefs prepare unforgettable Hantam
breakfasts and traditional dinners just around the
corner at Hantam Huis.
A visitor from Cape Town felt the Dorphuis was haunted.
At first you laugh it off as fickleness, but then you
think of the voices, smells and sounds you're confronted
with here where the past is tangible. You walk here, you
break the silence. You breathe here; you get delirious
with too much fresh air. Everything is quiet. Everything
is calm. You're overcome by it. You feel obliged to
become like it. And it has purpose.
The colourful kitchen, with milk, coffee and rusks
provided, make you feel domesticated. Firewood is
available on request for BBQ. Light dinners (soup,
homemade bread, butter, jams and braai packs) can be
arranged, and we cater for special diets or religiously
orientated eating habits.
The Dorphuis' Old World charm called for the absence of
technology, but it seems that it was comfortably
forgotten by New World visitors, since every room now
has its own satellite TV, except for the Knegtekamer
where it wouldn't just seem out of place, it would also
amount to sacrilege. |
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Dorphuis Summary
Restored Victorian home (national monument) with period
furniture.
1 double room en suite
1 luxury honeymoon suite with Victorian bathroom
1 luxury suite with lounge and bathroom
1 luxury family suite with lounge (fireplace) and
bathroom
2 outside en suite rooms
Communal lounge/dining room and kitchen
4 luxury nagmaal rooms en suite, 2 with dinette - no
kitchen
Bed and breakfast: Yes
Pets: No
Braai (BBQ): Yes
Towels: Yes |
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