Namibia: TeaterHuis Guest House in Tsumeb near Etosha National Park
The old dormant Van Riebeeck Theater in Tsumeb in the northern Namibia, near Etosha National Park, was not in use for many years.
The inside of the theater with its original retro red 535, amphitheater style seats was beautifully preserved.
A renovated theatre called Teaterhuis (“theatre house” in Afrikaans) with 535 stunning red retro seats and a massive auditorium, it had been converted into a coffee shop and boutique hotel. Where were the rooms, that is the question. Did one enjoy your cake on the stage? The owners Theo and Suine Bekker preserved this building. There it is: across from the politically correctly named United Nations Park, along Presidential Avenue. The Theater is the massive block that is the largest auditorium in Namibia. Not even the National Theatre in Windhoek has as many seats. Built during the middle of the last century and known as the Van Riebeeck Theater, this theatre was the hub of Tsumeb social life during the town’s mining heyday. During that time it belonged to the mine, along with the gymnasium across the road. And while the gymnasium is still in use, it does seem a little in need of tender love and care. In contrast, Teaterhuis has that in spades.
The fact that anyone took up the challenge of renovating this amazing space is impressive enough, the couple, their two sons and daughter actually lived there while they were at it. Imagine staying on a building site for not just a couple of months, but two years! That’s how long it took to return the theatre into something that could generate a proper income. What must have been so exciting was finding all the little storage rooms, the little nooks and crannies, tucked away in this corner or that, above the stage, behind the projector room, rooms with seemingly no way to access them, no stairs, nothing. It was a process of discovering and converting. All of it done with lots of guts and plenty of grit.
Owners discovered unused rooms behind the huge stage and converted them into luxury rooms. The former dressing rooms were also upgraded into small guest rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom.
Teater Huis is an old amphitheater style theater that has 535 seats. The building is recently renovated inside and the foyer is converted into a café with eclectic décor. It is still in the process of being transformed. The "new meats old" glamour is quite unique and trendy. The breakfast is great, coffee awesome and a nice selection of wines from over the world, local iced tea and craft beer to choose from. The accommodation is the former backstage dressing rooms and is tastefully decorated. Guest are given a warm welcome in a relaxed homey vibe. Access only via the theatre to the rooms: unique and excellent!
Sd TW.
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