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Monday, 17 November 2014

OVERNIGHT IN SMITHFIELD AT THE ARTIST's COLONY


Run by Susan and Robert Jewel, the ARTIST's COLONY is truly a jewel in the B & B crown! Smithfield has a long tradition of hospitality to travellers, but these days the beds are more comfortable than those described in early accounts by explorers passing through. With its strategic position on the tourism route to unspoilt Eastern Cape Wild Coast beaches, Smithfield is often in the news. Typically, articles highlight the town's facilities, the state of the road and other information useful to tourists and locals.
Smithfield - named after Sir Harry Smith, governor of the Cape from 1847 to 52 - was founded in 1848, making it one of the oldest towns in the Free State. But its history goes back much further, with archaeological evidence of Stone Age occupation. More recently, Basotho, Boer and Brit have all contributed to the rich texture of life in the region.
Smithfield, so history has it, was founded in 1848. But like most truths, there’s more to it, and in fact the village founded that year was about 30 km away from the present site. The story began when Charles Halse, owner of a 1200 hectare property in a particularly attractive, hilly area of the southern Free State, had the commendably entrepreneurial idea of turning his land to account by establishing a township. 

Smithfield may not be the centre of the universe as some of its people would have you believe but it certainly does have a claim to being one of the most attractive and accessible small towns pretty well in the centre of South Africa – and an ideal weekend escape for the people of Bloemfontein. Halfway between Gauteng and the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape and the Wild Coast, it is also on the shortest non-Transkei route between Cape Town and Durban. Vintage town with modern hospitality The third oldest town in the Free State has packed a lot of history into its 158 years.

Rooms
Room Rates
Facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • En suite with Shower
  • Fans and Heaters
  • Electric blankets
  • Hair-dryer
  • Fridge in room
  • Tea & Coffee facilities
  • Secure off roadparking
  • Pets by arrangement
  • Tourist info available
Amenities
  • Close to local restaurants
  • Lawn Bowls Club
  • Tennis Club
  • 9-hole Golf Course
  • Walks / Hikes
  • Mountain Biking
  • Birding and Game Viewing
  • Exciting art and craft route
Grading
  • Three Star Grading T.G.C.S.A.
  • AA - Highly Recommended Award (Heritage Accommodation)
  • National Monument
Payment Facilities
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Internet banking
Web sites and links: Artists' Colony WebsiteContact informationOne can have supper at the Artist's Colony or go to one of the local restaurants. Their English breakfasts are to die for, accommodation is superb and parking is safe.If you ever have to travel up from the Eastern Cape, a wonderful destination to book into, is the quaint Artist's Colony in Smithfield.

Snuggled in the historic heart of Smithfield this a quaint, cosy, colourful Karoo-style guesthouse has the character and charm of 160 years of South African Platteland heritage. It is ideally situated on the friendly N6 and a welcome halfway stop from anywhere in South Africa.


4 en-suite double rooms with private entrance, each with its own quirky style and eclectic décor. Enjoy modern comforts in a historic setting.
Competitive rates on application. Price Includes breakfast. Evening meals by arrangement.

Name: 
Robert & Susan Jewell
Postal Address: 
PO Box 242
Smithfield
9966
Telephone: 
051 683 1138
3 Church Street
9966 SmithfieldFree State
South Africa
30° 12' 41.3964" S26° 31' 57.1728" E


Smithfield has a long tradition of hospitality to travellers, but these days the beds are more comfortable than those described in early accounts by explorers passing through. With its strategic position on the tourism route to unspoilt Eastern Cape Wild Coast beaches, Smithfield is often in the news. Typically, articles highlight the town's facilities, the state of the road and other information useful to tourists and locals.

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