Welcome

Villa Reinet is perfect for your much needed break in the historic country town of Graaff-Reinet.

From the birdsong of the early morning till the sun dips over the Valley of Desolation Mountains, discover the rhythm and beauty of the Karoo, whilst experiencing the tranquility and comfort we offer our guests.

Graaff Reinet was established on 19 July 1786 and was the 4th town established in the Cape Colony.

Helen Martins was born and brought up in the house currently known as 'The Owl House', a tourist attraction in Nieu Bethesda.

King Edward VIII (who abdicated before his coronation) visited Graaff-Reinet in 1925. The Royal Family headed by King George VI visited Graaff-Reinet in 1947.

The PAC, Pan African Congress political movement, has its beginnings in Graaff-Reinet. Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe, the movements first leader, was born here in 1924.

Dr Anton Rupert, greatly responsible for the restoration of Graaff-Reinet in the early 1970s, was born here in 1916.

Every year, snowfalls occur on the surrounding mountains of the Sneeuberg range.

Graaff-Reinet is well-known for its San Rock Art dating back as much as 2600 years.

Prominent Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius was born in Graaff-Reinet in 1798

The Landdrost Andries Stockenstrom, of Swedish descent, was the first to live in and have his offices in the Drostdy, in 1805, now known as the Drostdy Hotel.

There are more declared Historical Heritage buildings in Graaff-Reinet than in any other town or city in South Africa.

Graaff-Reinets town hall, named after Queen Victoria, was completed in 1911.

Graaff-Reinet district is a fossil-rich area. World famous paleontologist Dr S Rubidge, who in 1934 discovered his first fossil, was born in the district.

Graaff-Reinet is the only town in South Africa that is surrounded by a National Park - the Camdeboo National Park.

Anna Neethling-Pohl, who made major contributions to Afrikaans theatre, and who was honoured with the freedom of the town in 1980, was born and raised in Graaff-Reinet.

The present Dutch Reformed Church, the fourth built on the site, was officially opened in 1887.

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