About Us

Hendrik van Zijl

Van Zijl Guesthouses and Restaurant is situated in the bulb capital of the world, Nieuwoudtville, bordering the Namakwaland, Hantam Karoo, Bokkeveld, Boesmanland and the Knersvlakte. Nieuwoudtville is about 5-6 hrs drive from Cape Town and about 52 km east of Vanrhynsdorp and the N7.

The guest houses are beautifully restored traditional sandstone buildings typical of the architecture and stone masonry of Nieuwoudtville. Van Zijl Guest Houses are open throughout the year.

All guest houses excepting The Greendoor, are fully equipped for self-catering although it is highly recommended that you indulge yourself in the country cuisine served by your host, Hendrik Van Zijl, at his Smidswinkel Restaurant. The Restaurant is within walking distance of all the guest houses, so you are not inconvenienced by long drives for an excellent meal, local wine and good company.

The Smidswinkel Restaurant & Information Centre is situated in a large sandstone building which, many years ago, was occupied by the last blacksmith at Nieuwoudtville. The Restaurant offers traditional farm style meals and for the adventurous they will even prepare baked “skilpadjies” (liver) or a sheep’s head.

The Restaurant is suitable for wedding receptions, music recitals, art exhibitions and conferences. It houses a botanical and history library, an extensive collection of maps, and one of the most complete collections of antique smithy tools in South Africa. A vast collection of Clivias is housed in the garden of the Smidswinkel Restaurant.

Please click here to read more about About Hendrik Van Zijl.

Van Zijl Guesthouses | Nieuwoudtville, the bulb and flower capital of the world.