A blue greyish lamp post in our garden

DeOudeHuize

There were oil lamps in the streets and candles in the churches and it was reported that the ladies complained of the candle grease "falling on their wearing apparel". 
The Council embarked on a scheme for electric lighting, at an estimated cost of 19000 Pounds. The work was carried out by Messrs Morley and Dawbarn of London and Johannesburg. 
Mrs Caskie, wife of the Mayor of the day, turned on the lights at a banquet in November, 1904. 
Six beautiful street lamps were donated to the town. 
The according to word-of-mouth it was donated by the British Monarchy.
These  stunning street lamp took poll position in front of the Town Hall. 
When we moved to Harrismith there were still 2 lamps standing 

Some years ago we were driving though town and saw four guys rolling this base of a lamp.

The base of the street lamp 

After a couple of minutes Hennie was convinced he could save the old street lamp. 

In the same year the then museum had to be moved. This was a main . . . main job. There was an old ox-wagon that needs to be removed. Under the ox-wagon a lot of broken pieces of a street lamp, was hidden. 

The then committee entrusted the broken bits and pieces to us. We learnt that it was destroyed by a truck. Biebie de Vos - our town historian - helped with a picture of the original street lamp. 
 Hennie started the restoring the lamp.  

In the words of Mother Teresa

If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. 

To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.

Bits and pieces put together 

A couple of years ago this pieces was entrusted to us when it was hit by a truck

"May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out"

JRR Tolkien

A picture of a street lamp in Madison Avenue dated 1924.
This was part of the inspiration 

Bits and pieces 

Hennie started to renovate it as time was available.
He had to make new pieces where pieces were missing.
Painfully he managed to restore it

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of
creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. 

More detail of the bottom tulip shape 

Wonderful to see it standing in our garden

Thanks for visiting and may you have a wonderful time
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

Orangerie or Conservatory Dream

Our son got married to a dream girl in October 2013. 

 While they were running around trying to book a venue for the reception in Harrismith,

 it dawn on us that there is not much to choose from. 

 All are big venues and their dream wedding - only 75 guests.

They had their wedding in a little clearing next to a waterfall at the foot of Platberg Mountain
The set-up for the church ceremony

The little waterful.  She is such a wonderful girl, the sparkle in our son's eyes. 

No frills and no curls - beautiful 

This was when our latest dream project was born. 

 We want to add a small hall to our establishment, but not just any hall.

Decisions . . . decisions 

Where we plan to built the venue hall used to be our grow house for the Lisianthus cut flowers that we grow. 

So we thought what about an Orangery or Orangerie or a Conservatory. 

First we had to find the difference. 

An Orangerie was a building in the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries and given a classic architectural form. The name reflects the original use of the building as a place where citrus trees were often wintered in tubs under cover, surviving through harsh frosts

A Conservatory is a room having glass roof and walls, typically attached to a house on only one side, used as a greenhouse or a sunroom. Conservatories originated in the 16th century when wealthy landowners sought to cultivate citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges that began to appear on their dinner tables brought by traders from warmer regions.

We are already looking out for the right mood!!! 

The above five images are borrowed

Please we are open for advise and if you could come up for our little venue please let us know.
Lots of love
Sandra 

We have to send invitations to this party

Ivy and Elephants; Time Washed ; Homemakers on a dime ; Lavender Garden Cottage; 

From my front Porch; Tilly's Nest ; Boogieboard Cottage; Elizabeth and Co; 

Finding Fabulous;The Trendy Treehouse; Common Ground; 

The Busy Bee; Knick of Time; My Simple Country Living;The Style Sisters; Savvy Southernstyle; The Busy Bhive; French Country Cottage; Romantic Home; Redoux Interiors; 

No Minimalist Here; Fishtail Cottage; The Shabby Creek Cottage;Miss Mustardseed; 

Love it and List it; Cedar Hill Ranch; Coastal Charm; Your Creative Timeout; 

A delightsome life; The Tablescaper;  The Jenny Evolution 

Drab to Brag

Seeing that we are busy, at De Oude Huize to renovating the attic into an additional bedroom. There is a need for some furniture to match the theme of antique golf and lots of books. 

We came across these drab  old wing back chairs.   

I love their shape and size!!! 
See our Attic here

Look at that sexy legs.   This oldie needs a remake. 

This oldie shouted please please take me home!

It was now also time to find the material that will do the trick for these lovely oldies.  It was necessary to give them a new lease on their durability but also change them into two very special and comfortable chairs.  They had a special duty . . .  to be comfortable and to be able to sit and look out the little dormer windows and . . .  read  . . .  and look  . . . .  sip on an old brandy cognac. 

This piece of material could tell a story and we know that great stories happen to those who can tell them!!!  

All the old drab has been removed and the new beginning is taking shape.

Measure and measure

Mary you are a star!
With Mary's help these are now sexy ladies.
They will charm you and keep you comfortable.

Charming!

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

Ivy and Elephants;  Time Washed ;  Homemakers on a dime ;  Lavender Garden Cottage;  From my front Porch;  Tilly's Nest ;    Boogieboard Cottage;  
Elizabeth and Co;  Chic on a Shoestring;  Finding Fabulous;    The Trendy Treehouse; Common Ground;  The Busy Bee;  Knick of Time;  

My Simple Country Living;  The Style Sisters; Savvy Southernstyle; The Busy Bhive;  French Country Cottage; Life we Live; Romantic Home;  Redoux Interiors; No Minimalist Here;  Fishtail Cottage; The Shabby Creek Cottage;  Miss Mustardseed;  Love it and List it; Cedar Hill Ranch;  Coastal Charm; Your Creative Timeout;  A delightsome life;


Till next time 
Sandra 

Our "French" courtyard

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth.” 

William W. Purkey

Our courtyard is a very special place 
A lot of gatherings happenings take place here 

Be curious; be adventurous; live life full-out.
Accept the challenge, and reach for the brass ring.
 Jonathan Lockwood Huie  

Don't Limit Your Challenges... Challenge Your Limits

Embrace your uniqueness.
Time is much too short to be
living someone else's life.
 Kobi Yamada

Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.
 M. Scott Peck

As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect
the uniqueness of others.
 Robert H. Schuller

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
Elbert Hubbard 

I will greet his day with love in my heart.  And how will I do this?
Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again.
I will love the sun for it warms my bones;
yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit.
I will love the light for it shows me the way;
yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.
I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart;
yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul.
I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due;
yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.
Og Mandino

Your thoughts create your reality.
Your mind is more powerful than you know.
Neale Donald Walsch

A dream you dream alone is only a dream.
A dream you dream together becomes reality.
 John Lennon

Thanks for the wonderful parties we will attend

Primpjunktion

Ivy and Elephants 

Time Washed 

Homemakers on a dime 

Have a daily Cup

Lavender Garden Cottage 
No Minimalist 

My Simple Country Living
Tilly's Nest 

The Busy Bhive 

Creative Crafts

Maleviksrosentradgard
Romantic Home
Savvy Southernstyle 

Boogieboard Cottage
Chic on a Shoestring 
To Much time
Jenniferrizzo

Finding Fabulous

The Brambleberry Cottage 

French Country Cottage 

The Tablescaper

Redoux Interiors 
Elizabeth and Co 
The Shabby Nest
Dawn's Disaster