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Architectural features in Graaff-Reinet

Centred front doors with the same number of windows on either side.

Old windows with small window panes set close to the outside wall to allow for deep window sills inside.

Fanlights to give light to the central passage when the front door is closed.

Wooden shutters to shield the windows from the Karoo heat.

Some interesting personalities

Lived in Te Water House it was built by Dr Krebbs an emigrant from Germany and when he died Mr. F.K. Te Water married the wealthy widow Krebbs.

Frans Karl Te Water was born in Brussels. For health reasons he sailed for the Cape of Good Hope at the age of 18 to become a private tutor for a family in the Bedford district. Not happy there he was returning home via Graaff Reinet when he noticed an advertisement for the post of Town Clerk an was duly appointed. He subsequently became well set up as an auctioneer and general agent: In the 1860’s the town suffered a severe depression. F.k.Te Water was Chairman of the Municipal Board in 1865. His uncompromising and resolute decisions did much for the survival of the town. Later he represented Graaff Reinet on the Cape Legislative Council in 1869.  The Te Water family occupied this house for almost a hundred years and two of his daughters Mrs Keegan and Mrs Goldman fondly known as “Aunt J” and “Aunt T” are remembered to this day. On one occasion “Aunt J” showed her disapproval of a municipal decision to chop down an oak tree alongside her house. On the appointed morning she took a chair and sat in front of the tree and nothing or nobody could budge her. The tree was not chopped down.

HISTORY ON ABERDEEN

Anglo Boer War History
Dutch Reformed Church History
Biblical Panels in Church Hall
Christian and Jewish Cemetries
Archtecture

For further information on the above visit the official Aberdeen Tourism web site
http://www.aberdeencape.org

HISTORY ON NIEU-BETHEDA

History of Nieu-Bethesda
The Owl House
The Old Mill
The Old Church
Cemetery

For further information on the above visit the official Nieu-Bethesda Tourism web site
http://www.nieubethesda.info 

  • More InfoUpdated: April 2021
    Grela Tours
    • Graaff-Reinet
    Grela Tours is a youth tour operating cooperative that is run by young tour guides, currently conducting tours in the township of uMasizakhe, one of the oldest townships in South Africa.
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  • More InfoUpdated: March 2019
    The Roman Catholic Church
    • Graaff-Reinet
    The present day Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bourke Street, between Somerset and Middle Streets, was consecrated on the 23rd April 1957 and the High Alter on the 24th April 1957. First class relics of St Pius X...
    • Our Community
    • Community Services
    • Sightseeing
    • 049 892 2721
  • More InfoUpdated: March 2015
    Anglo-Boer War Memorial
    • Graaff-Reinet
    Dedicated to Boer soldiers "in memory of the fallen in the struggle for Freedom and Justice".
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  • More InfoUpdated: 5 months ago
    Graaff-Reinet Club
    • Graaff-Reinet
    The Graaff-Reinet Club is the second oldest social club in South Africa. The land and building was purchased in 1875, when several leading townsmen and farmers decided that a social club was needed. In 1880 a new club house was...
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  • More InfoUpdated: February 2020
    History of the Drostdy Hotel
    • Graaff-Reinet
    What is a drostdy? It is the office or residence of a landdrost, a Boer magistrate in a rural district of South Africa prior to the establishment of British administration. The Old Drostdy in Graaff-Reinet has undergone many...
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    The Gereformeerde Kerk
    • Graaff-Reinet
    The original foundation stone for this building situated on the corner of Bourke and Middle Streets was laid on the 9th July 1913. After undergoing many transformations including being used as a cinema the building was...
    • Our Community
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    Royal Block Masizahke
    • Graaff-Reinet
    The Royal Block was constructed during the early 20th century, quite possibly as housing for the labour force during the construction of the Van Ryneveld’s Pass Irrigation Dam in the 1920’s.
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  • More InfoUpdated: 7 months ago
    Dutch Reformed Church - NG Graaff-Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
    The first recorded church was in Church Street. Building of a church started in 1792 but was destroyed by fire in 1799 before it could be completed. A second church was completed in September 1800 on the site of the present Dutch...
    • Historic Buildings & Architecture
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    Te Water House
    • Graaff-Reinet
    This is one of the many wing-type houses that existed in the centre of the town. H-shaped and probably dating from 1820 the gables have been clipped and the façade woodwork added in about 1870.
    • Sightseeing
  • More InfoUpdated: October 2019
    History of Graaff Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    The Bushman Heritage Museum
    • Graaff-Reinet Area
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    Old Residency Museum, Graaff-Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Museums
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    The Monument to Jewish Pedlars
    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: April 2015
    The War Memorial
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    Old Powder Magazine
    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: October 2022
    De Wingerd
    • Graaff-Reinet
    Built in 1840 in the heart of Graaff-Reinet, this Karoo Victorian-style home offers luxurious modern comforts. De Wingerd nestles in the shade of 2 majestic Jacaranda trees and offers accommodation in 6 en-suite rooms.
    • Bed And Breakfast
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    Jan Rupert Centre
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    Gideon Scheepers Memorial
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Sightseeing
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    Andries Pretorius Monument
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    Bloemhof Guest Farm (32km from Graaff Reinet)
    • Nieu Bethesda
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Dinner Bed & Breakfast
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    • Farm Getaway
    • Cycle Friendly
    • Child Friendly
    • Pet Friendly
    • Photography
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    • Hiking Trails
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    St James’ Anglican Church
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Our Community
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    • 049 892 2458
  • More InfoUpdated: 2 weeks ago
    John Rupert Theatre Graaff-Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Historic Buildings & Architecture
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  • More InfoUpdated: April 2015
    Krugersdorp Monument
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Sightseeing
  • More InfoUpdated: December 2018
    Urquhart House Museum Graaff Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: May 2019
    The Methodist Church (Trinity Methodist Church)
    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: 1 day ago
    Victorian Square Guesthouse
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Long-Term Accommodation
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    • Wheelchair Friendly
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  • More InfoUpdated: April 2021
    Magnum Farmhouse (35 mins from Graaff Reinet and 25 mins from Nieu Bethesda)
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    Historical Guest Farms
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    Monument to the Independent Colony
    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: September 2022
    Karoo Connections
    • Graaff-Reinet
    Karoo Connections has provided superior guided tours, safaris and transfers since 1996. Historic Graaff-Reinet Tour - Camdeboo National Park Game Drive - Valley of Desolation Sundowner Tour - Township Walkabout - Nieu Bethesda &...
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  • More InfoUpdated: December 2018
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    • Graaff-Reinet
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  • More InfoUpdated: October 2019
    Hester Rupert Art Museum Graaff Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
    Located in Church Street, Graaff-Reinet, is housed in the fifth oldest church building in South Africa. It was built and consecrated as a Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1821, 35 years after the founding of the village of...
    • Museums
  • More InfoUpdated: April 2021
    Old Library Museum, Graaff-Reinet
    • Graaff-Reinet
    While limited privately sponsored library facilities were available in Graaff-Reinet from about 1818, it was not until 1847 that the citizens of the town established a public library, subscribing funds to build the central...
    • Museums
  • More InfoUpdated: April 2015
    San and Khoi Memorial
    • Graaff-Reinet
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    • Sightseeing
  • More InfoUpdated: December 2021
    Owl House & Helen Martins
    • Graaff-Reinet Area
    Helen Martins lay ill in bed one night with the moon shining in through the window and considered how dull and grey her life had become. She resolved there and then, that she would strive to bring light and colour into her life....
    • Museums
  • More InfoUpdated: March 2015
    Victoria Hall Graaff-Reinet Town Hall
    • Graaff-Reinet
    On the 26 June 1902 the foundation stone of the new Town Hall in Church Square named “The Victoria Hall” was laid but building operations only started in April 1910. The town hall was designed along Flemish Renaissance lines.
    • Sightseeing
    • 049 892 4248

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