Metani 101

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Living in Bethulie

BETHULIE

the undiscovered gem of the southern free state

Bethulie, proclaimed in 1863, is situated in the middle of South Africa, approximately 600 kms from Johannesburg, 800kms from Cape Town and 500kms from Port Elizabeth and East London, making it almost halfway between Jhb and CT and en route to the magnificent Eastern Cape coastal region. The town is situated just off the main road and rail routes between these centers. This historical town lies between the northern shores of the largest inland fresh water mass in South Africa (360km2) - Lake Gariep, and the edges of the Southern Free State koppies – the beginnings of the awesome Karoo landscape, offering outlying countryside that is spectacularly beautiful with open Karoo skies as well as incredible sunrises and sunsets. Sheep, game and horse farms surround the town.

Bethulie is an ideal stopover for the weary traveler or history enthusiast as it is the 2nd oldest town in the Free State Province, has numerous Anglo Boer war sites, the 3rd largest Concentration Camp, many dinosaur fossil deposits and the longest rail/road bridge in SA. Because of it’s location to Lake Gariep it is a premium water related sports location. The town has much to offer. People are keen on sport with tennis, golf, bowls, squash, angling and cycling being the most popular and there is a country club and a swimming pool. There are schools, libraries, an old-age home, restaurants, a good clinic and most churches are represented here. Archeologically, it is very interesting with important fossil sites commanding attention worldwide. There is an abundance of accommodation establishments and eateries located in the town. Tourism plays an important role in the area. A number of national and international sporting events take place in the vicinity. The Gariep Nature Reserve and Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve are on its doorstep.

Bethulie, along with eight other towns, is managed by Kopanong Municipality with offices in Trompsberg. There is a Municipal sub-office in the town. Residents have formed a Ratepayers’ Association. Projects which potentially will impact very positively on the growth of the town have been planned. There is a large and visible police force, as the Bethulie office is the centre of policing for the region. The population is about 18000 people.

Interest in the revitalization of the Bethulie Dam resort is lively and it could become, once again, a major attraction in the area. Development of the tourism potential around Lake Gariep is planned as a co-operative project between three Provinces and various stakeholders and they are establishing an Environmental Economic Development Zone with ecotourism to be the main thrust. Three provincial game reserves are to be amalgamated into a conservation area in excess of 85 000 hectares. The activities planned within the protected areas of Lake Gariep include game viewing by private vehicle, walking trails under the supervision of professional guides, angling, ornithology and simply the exploration of wild and unspoiled landscapes.

The climate is extreme – cold, sunny winters, very hot summers with summer rainfall. Spectacular thunderstorms provide relief from the hot, summer days. The air is clean and healthy – there is no pollution. The town is small enough for cars to be used minimally – bicycles are a great form of transport. It is a village full of trees; wild olives and pepper trees are abundant.

If it is the slow, laid back country life, where the main activity is sitting on your stoep watching the passing foot and motorized traffic pass you by, then this is the town for you. Attractive to retirees, persons wishing to obtain that ideal weekend, country getaway, an individual wishing to embark on a business venture in the country side or simply wishing to get your foot in, in the lucrative property market, you have come to the right town.

If dusty side streets, Victorian architecture, karoo “dorpshuisies” and the quiet weekend life, where businesses close in the afternoons to enjoy their weekend afternoon siesta’s, you have found your dream town.

Come and join us in this “back to basics” country lifestyle, where stress, deadlines, rush hour traffic and the demanding lifestyle of the city are things unheard of.

New residents in Bethulie

A warm welcome to the Bairds and Wilkens from Klerksdorp and the Perumaals from Gauteng. We sincerely hope that your move to Bethulie will be pleasant and enjoyable and all that you expected.

Who and why -

We "2oldbroads" in the prime of our lives just got fed-up with the hustle and bustle of city life and decided to chuck it all and reach for our dreams. We went on a journey to find the smallest town in South Africa to spend our twilight years.

In the process we stumbled upon an old church for sale in a tiny town called Bethulie. (meaning "Chosen by God")

It took us 2 years of negotiations to finally own the church but in the process we discovered the rich history of the area and met the most amazing people - what a bonus.

What -

It is our intention to convert the church into a home while researching and recording the rich history of the church thus preserving it for future generations.

We are in the process of developing a mystical garden where the public can come for adventures and picnics.

Once the restoration of the church is complete we intend keeping ourselves busy with our passions, woodwork & glasswork, however, new challenges lie around each corner and we intend making the most of each and every one of them.

Where -

We are located in the old Methodist church on the northern boundary of Bethulie, nestled between the Bethulie dam and the Gariep dam( previously Hendrik Verwoerd dam).

We "2oldbroads" are looking forward to meeting you

Charlotte and Aletta have not as yet relocated to Bethulie but will be doing so in the very near future. Metani Properties and the Bethulie community wishes them a warm welcome and hope that they have many great years to come, living in Bethulie.

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MAUD LILIAN HOLT

After school I have studied and lived in Johannesburg and Pretoria, and was used to living a hectic life.

But, as I grew older I was longing for the tranquility and peace of the country. I knew all along that one day I will find the right place to retire, but I just never thought that it would be so soon.

One day in December 2010, as I was following the road to Bethulie, I saw this beautiful land, so wide and clean, no squatters. I stopped at a stop sign and looked towards my left, and I saw this huge dam. Water has always had a sort of calming effect on me. As I sat looking at this dam, I thought to myself, “I wonder whether there will be any fish in that dam?” I looked at this dam for another few seconds, because this sight you do not see every day.

As I entered the town I thought to myself this is real plaas, nothing really happens here. Here you can be yourself, no competition, just yourself. There are no hooters driving you insane, no cars wanting to drive you off the road. You do not even see any finger language here, and certainly no crime. This was the start of liking this place, called Bethulie. When I saw a certain house, I fell in love with Bethulie. This is the place where I would like to spend my silwer years.

Maud has bought 23 Murray Street and will be relocating to Bethulie at the end of February 2011. Metani Properties would like to thank Maud for the opportunity to do business with her and offers her a huge, warm welcome to the Bethulie community

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FIONA McRAE

Why did I choose Bethulie? A simple enough question, but one without an equally straightforward answer. Indeed, sometimes I think it was more a case of Bethulie being chosen for me.

How do I relate the incredible synchronicity that played out in my life over more than two years, from the time Bethulie - with its captivating internet images of the quiet country life - first popped onto my radar screen in my search for a rural retreat, until I finally relocated to my house in the town at the beginning of this year. And how do I describe how Bethulie’s unique charm and peace slowly seep into your soul, causing you to shed your city stresses like a snake sheds its skin and to focus on the things in life that really matter? Or how the laid-back pace of life here encourages you to live in harmony with Nature, rising and setting with the sun, sowing and reaping according to the earth’s rhythm, and marvelling at the ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours that marks the ebb and flow of the seasons?

Born and bred in Port Elizabeth, I had often described myself as a city girl with country life aspirations. Bethulie was not the first or only town I researched or visited in my quest for a country property. But somehow this dusty little dorpie managed to captivate both my imagination and my heart from the outset. Bethulie seemed to offer it all, in a rich tapestry of good old-fashioned small-town charm, warm hospitality, friendly and interesting people, a stunning natural environment and the related outdoor activity opportunities, history, art, tranquility … the list goes on. And that’s not even mentioning the big-sky splendours of spectacular sunscapes, storms and stars.

In my early days of visiting Bethulie, I was once advised by a local not to drink the town’s water if I ever wanted to leave. By the time I received that warning, it was already too late. And any remaining twinges of doubt I might have had about choosing Bethulie as my future home were laid to rest when I was inspired to check out the meaning of the name. “Chosen by God”: there’s simply no arguing with that!

Employed as a sub-editor with a Port Elizabeth-based English daily newspaper until the end of 2010, I am now working as a freelance writer, journalist and copy editor. But that is only part of the exciting plan for my future - Bethulie tends to unleash one’s creativity.

Welcome Fiona, it is hoped that your move to Bethulie is as great a success as you hope and that your stay will be an enjoyable and memorable one.

Property for sale in Bethulie

For a more detailed listing of all available property

One of the last few vacant, level residential stands left in this part of Bethulie. Close to all schools, the Library and Country Club. 1733m2 for only R55,000.00

A unique opportunity to own a house and business premises right next door. Situated in a main street, the home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with shower, wooden floors and a large back yard with workshop/studio. Next door are business premises currently let as a coffee shop, haberdashery and cleaning material outlet. R420,000.00 for both properties.

Ideal home or business premises. 2 bedrooms/offices, a lounge and separate dining room / retail space, a bathroom with bath and toilet and a separate kitchen leading out onto a private walled courtyard. Ideal for an arts and crafts shop, coffee shop, deli or just a cute home. R130,000.00

Comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with office/study/additional bedroom. Tiled and laminated flooring. Air conditioning. Built in cupboards in 2 bedrooms and the kitchen. Borehole with pump and irrigation system. R330,000.00

Cute country cottage with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooom, enclosed verandah, study/3rd bedroom, lounge and nice size kitchen leading to a rear, secluded and private garden. A quick sale at R165,000.00

Large family home with a separate flatlet. On a corner stand. Sellers will also negotiate sale of furnishings. Property on sale for R300,000.00

Ideal home or business on the main road entrance to Bethulie. Sellers will negotiate sale of related coffee shop equipment as well. Property only on sale for R400,000.00

Fully fenced with 2m barbed wire fencing and a 2m access gate, this level vacant residential stand in Bethulie is available at R40,000.00

2.2ha of land situated just outside of Bethulie with views over the beginnings of the Gariep Dam this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is also home to 500 free range chickens supplying eggs to the local market. Ideal opportunity for someone looking for a relaxed lifestyle, grow vegetables and keep some small livestock

Available at R595,000.00

An exciting business venture. This popular Bottle Store/General Dealer/Bakery/Tavern on a main access road to the township in Bethulie, all under one roof. Price includes, the property, licences, businesses, related equipment and stock on hand. R1,450,000.00 excl VAT.

This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home of 302m2, situated on a 2973m2 stand has recently been renovated and ablutions upgraded. Original features such as wooden floors, doors and frames and some wooden ceilings make it a lovely character home ideal for a retired or young couple looking for a relaxed lifestyle in this country town. Pricd at R330,000.00.

This 193m2 home on a double stand of 1982m2 situated on the southern boundary of Bethulie has loads of potential. Yes it needs money spent on it but with a little care and attention it could be worth the effort. Offers considered around R150,000.00

This 120m2 building on a 1339m2 stand is located on the main road through Bethulie. Ideal as a retail outlet, workshop, depot or manufacturing plant. It has good frontage and visibility. One could even consider a residential conversion with big open plan living.
Offers around R235,000.00 considered.

This 1944m2 level stand is situated in a sought after area of Bethulie. It is a level, corner stand and is located near to the schools, library and County Club. Ideal location for you to build your home of choice. Asking price is R65,000.00

This impressive 302m2 east facing home, typical of the architecture in the area, offers a lifestyle from a bygone era. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garages a reservoir and borehole all on a stand of 3964m2 which is full of fruit trees. The kitchen has an "Aga" stove. This home is available for someone wanting to offer around the R695,000.00 figure.

This newly built 290m2 north facing home has been built to perfection. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms a fireplace, coal stove, gas stove, wooden floors, pantry, scullery, laundry, fitted kitchen, built in braai, front and back verandah's and an established garden with bore hole, reservoir, duck pond, pecan nut trees and awesome views over the surrounding koppies. All this for only R800,000.00

Tranquil, landscaped gardens, numerous water features and a modern large proportioned home with a pool and equipped with an "esse" coal stove in the kitchen. This large stand of 1590m2 is fully fenced and the home measures 345m2. There are 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a double garage. Offers around R875,000.00 considered.

What is happening in Bethulie

The monthly Bethulie market is proving to be more and more popular each month. Well done to all those who had stands and displayed/sold their wares and to all those whose supported this wonderful initiative. A huge "well done" to the organizers and to the Watchmaker coffee shop and bistro for hosting the event.

BEAUTIFUL BETHULIE

VOGTREK Bikers weekend hosted by the Royal Hotel Bethulie

Getting ready for the 159km ride around the Gariep Dam visiting towns of Venterstad, Novalspont and Gariep on the way

Tony Hocking, Owner of the Royal Hotel, Bethulie with possibly one of the largest privately owned book collections. The hotels interior walls are lined with books and vinyl record collection. An impressive sight and a must see on your next visit to Bethulie. Viewing by appointmrnt only.

Tony at the Royal Hotel Bethulie Reception desk

Looking for a reason to relocate to Bethulie? Read this link!

http://blog.imva.info/world-affairs/bad-news-nasa

An early morning walk on a cold winter morning followed by a great breakfast at the "Watchmaker" with good friends.

Bethulie buildings get make-over's and facelifts

Die Ou Kar Pub and Grill with it's new coat of paint and car image. Still offering great steaks, drinks and a country pub atmosphere

Protea General Dealer, now know as Saverite Supermarket, has received a new makeover. The shelves are filling up with loads of new merchandise and the interior is receiving a new look as well.

22 Joubert Street all bright and colourful. Now home to various interesting shops.

Shoes for the Bethulie kids

What a fantastic gesture. Thanks to all those concerned.

Always wondered what this was?

I've seen these in Boshof Street and always wondered what it was. Now I know. Did you?

On the 05 January 2011 with all the rain we had , the Orange river came down in flood resulting in a horse and foal becoming stranded just under the Hennie Steyn bridge (see foreground of above pic, under the tree). Thankfully for some brave folk and the SPCA they were rescued and brought to higher, safer ground.