Nieu Bethesda

In the tiny and isolated village of Nieu Bethesda is the extraordinary Owl House, home-studio and life work of artist Helen Martins (1898-1976). Whether it's a monument to one woman's insanity or a testament to the human spirit is difficult to say. Whichever is the case, the idea of a lone woman creating such weird things in this tiny village in the middle of the Karoo is mind-boggling.

Describing the Owl House and its sculptures isn't easy - go and see for yourself. Even without the Owl House, Nieu Bethesda is worth a look to get an idea of life in rural hamlets. The pleasant village has dirt roads, a store or two and a quaint tea-room. Also of interest in this tiny hamlet is the 1860 Water Mill, the Dutch Reformed Church and the Ibis Art Gallery.

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