Skitterland offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Sutherland, Northern Cape, the spot in South Africa with the clearest skies and cleanest air, a popular go-to location for stargazers.

Sutherland, the town where poets N.P. Van Wyk Louw and W.E.G. Louw were born, lies on the farm De List. Incidentally, these two poets were awarded six Hertzog prizes for literacy between them. During March 1857, fifty stands were measured out on De List and sold at a public auction on 8 November 1858.

The town was named in honour of an ex-pastor of Sutherland who visited his congregation annually. The church was designed by a well-known architect Charles Freeman and built by John Delbridge.

During the Anglo-Boer war, on 3 September 1901, this church was confiscated by British soldiers and adapted as a fort and barracks. To this day the graffiti bears silent witness to this event.

While observatory and SALT, the town is transformed into a floral paradise in spring. The succulent route is a botanical experience to behold from mid July to end October. The colourful history of the Roggeveld area pulsates through the town, a heritage to enjoy and preserve.

Things To See:

Dutch Reformed Church - Fort and barracks for English troops in 1901. Louw Museum - Home of famous poets N.P. van Wyk Louw and W.E.G. Louw Planetarium Highway English Cemetery Jewish Cemetery Observatory - Seven telescopes including SALT (please enquire for booking in advance) Oubergpa Fransplaas - Sheep Cheese farm Tuinplaas Church - between Sutherland and Matjiesfontein Salpeterkop - Last active volcano south of the equator, about 66 million years ago

Come huddle, snugly and cosily, around a crackling karee wood fireplace blaze and imbibe an aura of antique poetic romanticism accompanied by all modern creature comforts on offer.

Skitterland was previously known as Hibernia or the Doktershuis (doctor's house). During the period from 1919 to 1926, the house was inhabited by Dr Hayden and later by Dr Stegmann.

The stand boasts a Cedrus Deodara, imported from the Swiss Alps and planted by Mrs Stegmann, and is the only surviving tree of the original consignment cedars she had sent to Sutherland. Seedlings of this tree now decorate church square and Louw-House Museum.

The luxury suites, with private lounges, are equipped, among others, with a plasma screen TV, Satellite TV, fireplaces, heaters, under floor heating and coffee facilities.
Electric blankets, down duvets and woollen blankets ensure that the cold can not get to you while in bed.

Our Suites are as follows:

Aries Suite - this suite has a private lounge with fireplace, bed- and bathroom IN ONE, king size bed, Victorian Bath and Shower.

Taurus Suite - this suite has a private lounge with fireplace, separate bedroom with queen size bed, separate bathroom with huge shower, corner bath and under floor heating.

Sagittarius Suite - this suite can sleep 4 people - living area without a fireplace, 2 bedrooms (2 x double), separate bathroom with corner bath, NO SHOWER.

Hibernia Suite - this suite has an open plan area with double bed, sitting area, mini kitchenette, and built in braai, separate bathroom with interesting shower and corner bath with under floor heating.

Libra Room - this is a room only with double bed, en-suite bathroom with a corner bath and under floor heatin, NO SHOWER.

Safe undercover parking available for each unit.
Wir sprechen auch Deutsch.

Children are welcome at the Guesthouse, but only in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the only family unit available.

Indeed, Skitterland, as described in the words of NP Van Wyk Louw is like a "karee wood fire in the 'eveld winter: everyone huddles closer".

Because of preservation concerns and for comfort of our current and future guests, these rules apply:

• No smoking allowed inside the house. Is allowed on the veranda.
• No pets

(Vegetarian Breakfast available on request).