A Place to Escape

This former Jo'burger loves sharing her Little Karoo haven with all who appreciate its peace and quiet.

- By Marlene Malan. Photographs by Henrique Wilding

To find her new hometown of Calitzdorp, Zelma Kriek had to turn to a map for help. But find it she did, and these days she can scarcely believe that she was ever apart from this gem in the Little Karoo with its pristine natural surroundings.

Zelma's home, the historic Mooi Nooi, reveals at least two secrets about this homeowner: the first being that she has travelled extensively throughout her life, the second being that interior design is her passion and forté.

But if you think that Zelma will have crammed her 1880s farmhouse in the valley with mementoes from her many travel destinations abroad, you're mistaken. On the contrary, it's the understated décor that is most striking, along with the peace and tranquillity this home offers those keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

This is precisely what Zelma did 15 years ago when she moved here, and now she provides a haven for herself, her kids and her guests.

Love at first sight

Mooi Nooi is Zelma's latest addition to this guest farm outside town, which already has two ecofriendly guesthouses dubbed Strooikooi. The original farmhouse in which she resides is now also available to rent as a unit - under the name Strooikooi se Mooi Nooi. And that which initially enticed her to make the place her home is exactly what attracts guests: a tastefully decorated space that is inextricably linked to its surroundings.