In February 2019, Ludolf and Carla Smit purchased a property with a dream of escaping the city and settling into the serenity of the platteland. Over the following months, they immersed themselves in auctions and markets, researched linens and amenities, planned gas and greywater systems, stocked up on coffee beans and tiles—and then made the move from Johannesburg to the quiet heart of the Karoo to bring their vision to life.

Today, their luxury guesthouse and pizzeria, The Bethesda, sits in the village of Nieu-Bethesda, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

After extensive renovations to the 4,000 m² property, Ludolf and Carla now spend their days harvesting fresh produce from their garden, making pizzas and beds, directing the flow of furrow water, hosting guests, and continually restoring and maintaining their ever-evolving sanctuary.

While they traded the rat race for village life, they soon discovered that life in the countryside is far from quiet. Nieu-Bethesda hums with creativity and community: bands passing through perform impromptu concerts on a stoep, while wine tastings, art exhibitions, mountain bike races, classical soirées, and stargazing evenings fill the village calendar. Weekly village walks, lively gatherings at the local Sports Club, church socials, and festivals like the beloved Pumpkin Festival and Garlic Festival ensure there’s always something happening. Life in the Karoo, it turns out, is wonderfully full.