It’s time to explore our beautiful country again – and at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor they are ready to welcome you! I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a weekend holiday in Cradock, in the Eastern Cape, and enjoyed my time at this amazing establishment.
Because of Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor’s location, I could immerse myself in all that the Karoo has to offer travelling individuals, romantics, families and groups.
Cradock is found in the upper valley of the Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape, located roughly 250 km north-east of Port Elizabeth.
I was travelling up from Port Elizabeth with some friends and we were blown away by the beauty found within the Karoo. I had seen many photos of the region, but this was the first time seeing it in the flesh.
The winding Olifantskop Road offers unrivalled views of the surrounding escarpment. Most of my trip involved me looking out the window and taking photos of the untouched natural environment.
Upon entering Cradock, I immediately noticed the historic buildings that are found throughout. I was delighted to observe the pristine condition of these houses. It was as if I had taken a step back into a much simpler time. This historic charm is offered at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor.
Upon entering the reception area, I instantly recognised the historic character that the hotel offers. Having been renovated on over the years, the Victoria Manor still manages to encapsulate that old, yet luxury feeling.
The Victoria Manor Hotel was built in 1848, making it one of the oldest hotels in South Africa. The ‘Tuishuise’ are made up of 30 refurbished houses that stretch along Market Street in Cradock.
My friends and I were treated to lamb shanks for supper on our first night and the thought of enjoying some of the best produce from the Karoo excited me. We received excellent service from our waiter, Amos, who upon chatting showcased his love for his hometown of Cradock. He was unable to hide his pride of working for Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor.
We ventured to the nearby Mountain Zebra National Park the following morning, which was something I was eager to do, being a lover of the natural world. The wildlife was relatively easy to spot, whilst the cascading hills made for breath taking views.
The remainder of our stay was enjoyed sitting back and relaxing.
Upon our departure, we all agreed that our stay was nothing short of a delight.
Accommodation at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor
The accommodation that makes up both Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor has been expertly restored over the years.
This love of restoration can also be attributed to the owner, Sandra Antrobus , whose passion resulted in her restoring 30 houses along Market Street, which are collectively known as Die Tuishuise. These houses date back to the 1840’s and housed the local artisans that worked on ox wagons.
The Victoria Manor has sixteen en-suite bedrooms, each containing that rustic elegance found in this old frontier town.
Each of the 30 Tuishuise has their own lounge, kitchen and bathroom areas. Each ‘Tuishuis’ is individually decorated with its own them and accompanying furniture. The team will be able to allocate a room that best suits your requirements.
Visitors can decide to enjoy a self-catering or a bed and breakfast stay at this establishment. The units include Wi-Fi throughout as well as DStv packages.
I spent two nights in the three bedroomed Werf Tuishuis. My unit was decorated like an old farm-styled cottage and contained many historic pieces, which we all took the time to figure out what they would have been used for.
The garden area in the backyard of our unit was a great place to sit back and relax. The outdoor braai facilities came as a welcome sight as we felt like starting a fire on our final night.
The garden area contains an array of flowers and succulents. I enjoyed my morning coffees outside admiring the beauty of the garden whilst experiencing those crisp Karoo mornings.
Both the manor and cottages are ideal for families, groups of friends or even a couple wishing to enjoy a tranquil getaway. Read more here…
Make an online booking HERE.
Facilities at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor
The restaurant found at the hotel is certainly worth a visit. Both the food and service are of a high standard. The restaurant is open to the public as well as for those staying in one of their rooms.
The dining experience at the Victoria Manor offers the best of Karoo and South African cuisine.
Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor have their own beauty salon as well as massage offerings.
A small splash pool can be enjoyed on the premises, which would come as a welcome delight during those hot summer months. A swimming pool is often a great way to spend an afternoon amongst loved ones.
Visitors can expect secure parking as well as an on-site security guard. Cars can be parked behind the hotel reception area, which is locked at night. An on-site security guard also patrols the area.
Weddings at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor
The rustic character of this establishment makes it the perfect wedding venue within Cradock. The scenic Karoo makes for a great location for brides and grooms to be.
The team can take care of your accommodation, entertainment and gastronomic needs.
Things to do in Cradock
A trip to the Karoo is generally one that brings about a sense of relaxation, although there are some great activities in and around Cradock to enjoy.
We spent a wonderful morning driving through the Mountain Zebra National Park and I would highly recommend it to anyone travelling to the area. Visitors can enjoy a game drive or spend the night at one of their lodges overlooking the escarpment. The national park has cheetah, cape buffalo, cape mountain zebra and blue cranes to name a few of their wildlife offerings.
Cradock has two museums which give a great insight into the history of the town. The Schreiner House Museum is the former home to Olive Schreiner, who was a South African political activist and author. The Great Fish River Museum is home to a number of relics of a bygone era, the museum showcases the history of the pioneer settlers in the region between 1840 and 1900.
For the adrenaline enthusiasts out there, adventure companies also offer river rafting, abseiling as well as boasting a very big swing.
Reviews from previous Tuishuise and Victoria Manor guests
“We had a wonderful and warm welcome from the staff at the Victory Manor. They showed us to our accommodation, the olive tuishuisie and we absolutely loved the feel and decor of the place. Everything was clean and in place. We went for dinner at the Manor, there we receive amazing service and delicious food. We loved our stay at the Victoria Manor and recommend them to anyone needing a good night’s rest in Craddock.” wrote Arina le Roux.
Barbara Clulow added; “We had a scrumptious breakfast at the Victoria Manor. It was all ready and waiting when we strolled ih just before 9am. Delightful staff were around to supply coffee and clear the table. What a wonderful find the Victoria Manor turned out to be.”
“This is such a lovely cottage in a lovely town in Cradock. Hosts went out of their way to make sure we felt comfortable and safe, especially travelling under the current risk of COVID-19. There is a lovely fireplace in the cottage, and we were able to braai under the starry Karoo sky. What a treat,” said Lynn-Hayfrewen on their TripAdvisor page.
Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor is located at 36 Market Street, Cradock, Eastern Cape. Here is their location on Google Maps. For bookings, call +27 (0) 48 881 1322 or email info@tuishuise.co.za or visit them online at tuishuise.co.za. Follow them on Facebook HERE.
