The Old Jail Willowmore
The Old Jail Guest House & Gallery - Beautiful 4 Star Guest House with Art Gallery & selected Antiques in the heart of the Karoo, Willowmore, Eastern Cape.
The Old Jail in the peaceful farming town of Willowmore offers a unique experience for tourists, business travellers and sports enthusiasts seeking quality accommodation in the Karoo. Flanked by the spectacular Baviaanskloof and Swartberg mountain ranges, this striking 1880's building is on the edge of the town and is one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the area.
Registered by the Government in 1895, the building is built of stone, the walls being half a metre thick with plaster “quions” (corners) on the windows, doors and wall corners. The Old Gaol, as it was then called, comprised a hospital cell, hard labour cells, awaiting trial cells, a female cell and kitchen cell.
Now lovingly restored and renovated, the building is surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens. Although oozing character and retaining many original features, it has now been given a new – and less intimidating – lease of life as a welcoming B&B and art gallery!
Gaol is an alternative spelling of jail, and it means the same thing. Historically, gaol was predominant in British English until roughly 1935, at which point jail became the more popular option.
Gaol was the more common spelling between about 1760 and 1830, and is still preferred in proper names in some regions. Most Australian newspapers use jail rather than gaol, citing either narrower print width or the possibility of transposing letters in gaol to produce goal. By far the most common spelling in Canada is jail, but a handful of legal writers use gaol.
Willowmore, Eastern Cape
Date: 1895
Type: Gaol
Status: Extant
Coordinates: -33.297136, 23.494355
Also referred to as the old Jail.
The Gaol was constructed in 1895 and apparently remained in use until approximately 1960, when it was sold into private ownership. The building was derelict and unoccupied for a number of years but has recently been restored and is now a B&B.
Accommodation
All rooms are fully air conditioned with high ceilings, original features, quality bed linen, brass bathroom fittings, original artworks and tea/coffee making facilities. Each has a private, lawned courtyard with sun loungers and parasols.
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Hospital Suite - Originally housing sick inmates, the suite offers a spacious bedroom featuring a king size bed, original Victorian fireplace and antique wardrobe, plus an elegant en-suite bathroom with claw foot bath, separate shower, toilet and underfloor heating in winter. Rates: From R1800 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.
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Female Cell - Once used exclusively for female inmates, this is a characterful double room with its private bath/shower room (with unique stone bath) and separate toilet just a few steps away across its secluded, lawned courtyard. Rates: From R1200 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.
Awaiting Trial - As the name suggests, this was the cell used for prisoners awaiting trial. It now features twin beds and also has a separate Victorian-style shower room and toilet off a private courtyard. Rates: From R1400 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.
The Old Stables Self Catering - Please enquire about our budget self catering units in our Old Stables. The Orange Room and the Farmers Suite. There is a child friendly family unit and a single traveller budget room, both of which are self catering. Rates: From R1200 per room sharing per night, including breakfast.
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The Donkey Room - Donkey Room is our budget room with 2 single beds and one fold out sleeper bed for a child. This room is situated in our Old Stables. Rates: 2 people sharing including breakfast: R390 per person sharing / Single: R600.
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
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