Verkykerskop or Binocular Hill

DeOudeHuize

Verkykerskop is surrounded by sandstone koppies the Eastern Free State. 

Five roads leading out to other communities in the area

To this day it portrays the early 19th-century Boere uitspannings plek it started out as. 

It became something of a community during and after the second Anglo-Boer War and a police outpost, school, blacksmith, post office and grain mill were established here.

A drive in the 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster will match the occasion

Starting today with a little story of a legend of the area namely Jan Skambreel. 

Jan was the blacksmith and was the owner of a blacksmith business in Verkykerskop

In the planting, of the crop, season Jan was very busy repairing plow shears for the farmers. 

On a given day, while Jan was doing repairs to implements of the farmers Mr. Very Important came in and told Jan that he is important and his plow needs priority and he has to fix it immediately.

Jan looked at important farmer and utter

“ If I could buy you for what I think you are worth and sell you for what you think you are worth I will be the wealthiest man in Verkykerskop”. 

A fun place to visit

If you like vintage then this is a must visit

 

Beth and Matt or is it Matt and Beth 

owners, dreamers, cooks and builders

Beth and Matt arrived in 2004 and set about reviving the old trading store, injecting style, energy and color into this Free State village. 

They have a great vision but are living firmly in the moment, delighted, eating well and celebrating every day.

Today the village has a strong “green” philosophy. Other than an old mill, most of the original dwellings, dating back to the 1940’s, have been converted into tourist cottages and guesthouses.

Expect piles of nostalgic old items while wander about Verkykerkop

If you are of a certain age, you will know what this is all about:

Curved glass cabinets and the aroma of an old South African country trading store you won’t find anywhere in the world.

Something of a mix of eucalyptus, boxer blend tobacco, remedies
Thanks to Deon Kitching for borrowing some of his photo's  

It is the place to be . . .  

Weddings 

Concerts 

Sunday lunch 

Birthday party  . . . .

Thanks to Melissa and Rudolph for their wedding picture 

Thanks to Adam Truscott for this painting 

We had a pizza lunch and wine on the stoep. Tippex the Labrador joined us.

It is difficult to single out our the greatest asset of this beautiful people but we'd venture to say it's the soul of Beth and Matt 

Thanks for joining us on the stoep at Binocular Hill 
and watch the sun set. 

Sending Lots of Love from South Africa 

Sandra 

Our story in Sunny South Africa

DeOudeHuize
De Oude Huize Yard 

This is a repost of a previous post.  
Trading the fast pace and bright lights of bustling city life for life in the slow lane is not an easy decision to make. The road may be longer towards Harrismith, but after finding our nest, we instantly know that we prefer the scenic route. Harrismith is an old historical town in the Eastern Free State, South Africa 

It is the second oldest building in Harrismith that has survived modern life
It was built in 1860 

We named it  . . . . . 

After alterations and renovations using old building materials De Oude Huize Yard as it is standing proudly 

Summer is a blessing but we also love winter 

The Platberg (Flat top mountain) and it's presence 

In 2009 we opened the doors of De Oude Huize Yard Bed and Breakfast 

I think it is appropriate to introduce you to the men in my life.

On the left is Gerald-Cecil the baby of our family but he stands 2 meters in his stocks
In the middle is Hennie and we got married in 1981 and he still loves to open all doors for me
A gentle man in an old fashioned way
On the right is Pedri 1984 - 2008 and we can only say thanks for walking the last mile.

On 5 October 2013 Gerald-Cecil got married to Lesinda
A beautiful girl whom we love dearly 

Our two dogs Leonardo (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) and McLeod (Springer Spaniel)

And need we say more  . . . .  

 

Thanks for visiting. 

We make a life by what we get, but we make a living by what we give!  

Blessings to you all
Sandra

A Tureen and the first roses of the season

DeOudeHuize

Heritage roses 

We are not sure of the name of our old garden rose bush but the flowers are 
perfectly gorgeous. 

Large, cupped and cabbagey, the flowers are perfect and have a potent and 
unique scent of myrrh. 

Thanks for visiting our page 

May your weekend be filled with lots of blessings 

Love 

Sandra 

A Stroll Thru Life; A delightsome life; Any Girl Can Do It; Craft Berry Bush; Crafty Allie; 

Create with Joy; China on a shoestring; Confessions of a Plate Addict; Elizabeth & Co; 

Embracing Change: From my front Porch; Fabulously Creative; 

French Country Cottage; Fishtail Cottage; Funky Junk; Have a Daily Cup; 

Ivy and Elephants; Katherines Corner; Knick of Time; Lavender Garden Cottage; 

Life on Lakeshore; My Romantic Home; My Salvaged Treasures; 

Miss Mustardseed; Revisionary Life; Rooted in thyme; Redoux Interiors; The Dedicated House; 

Rose Garden Malevik; Tilly's Nest ; Shabby Art Style Sisters; Savvy Southern style; 

Sweet Bella Roos; The Shabby Nest; The Jenny Evolution; The Brambleberry Cottage; 

Too Much Time; We Call It Junkin

The MOTHS & the Sheephead Long Table Banquet

Every year the MOTHS celebrate the their annual SKAAPKOP DAG. 

Lets call it the Sheephead Long Table Banquet. 

There were 120 ovenroasted sheepheads available

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY 

The Old and the "old" new

We had a lot of sentimental feelings about an old couch.  

It had done it's bit and we had to decide to dispose of it or  . . . . 

give a makeover.  

Over the years we have hold hands, laugh at jokes and snuggle on the couch.

And then the arm sections were lifted and half rounds were added.  

The back section was re-inforced

Time for Mariaan and Mary to do their charm with the inners

And then the outer.  Leather for cover.

Details 

Details 

Think that we will have some more fun on the "old" new couch. 

Lots of blessing from South Africa 

Sandra 

Thank you for all the wonderful friends whom are sharing this story!!!

A Stroll Thru Life; A delightsome life; Any Girl Can Do It; Craft Berry Bush; Crafty Allie; 

Create with Joy; China on a shoestring; Confessions of a Plate Addict; Elizabeth & Co; 

Embracing Change;  Fabulous Friday;   From my front Porch; Fabulously Creative; 

French Country Cottage; Fishtail Cottage; Funky Junk;  Have a Daily Cup; 

Ivy and Elephants;  Katherines Corner; Knick of Time; Lavender Garden Cottage; 

Life on Lakeshore; My Romantic Home; My Salvaged Treasures; 

Miss Mustardseed; Revisionary Life; Rooted in thyme; Redoux Interiors; The Dedicated House; 

The Charm of Home; Rose Garden Malevik; Tilly's Nest ; Shabby Art Style Sisters; 
Savvy Southern style; Sweet Bella Roos; The Shabby Nest; The Jenny Evolution; 
 Too Much Time;  We Call It Junkin