December 2022

Our December holiday is long forgotten – so much has happened in the meantime – but it’s always nice to look back and remember the wonderful time we had on the West Coast of South Africa.

It is no secret that we have a special place in our hearts for small towns. While camping in the small coastal town (Elands Bay), one morning we decided to drive to Redelinghuys – a very small village with a population of only about 600.

Redelinghuys is only 30km (18 miles) from Elands Bay. While it was foggy and cool at our campsite, Redelinghuys was sunny and warm … amazing how just a few kilometers inland can make such a big difference!

The main reason for our visit to Redelinghuys was to visit the church in town. We were last here in 2017 and were impressed with the beautiful building.

Dutch Reformed Church in Redelinghuys (photo taken in 2017)

However, in April 2019, the 92-year-old Dutch Reformed Church was destroyed in a fire. Initially, we thought that only part of the church had burned down, but it was sad to see that most of the building was actually in ruins.

Front and back of the church after it was destroyed in the fire

Sad to see the once beautiful church building like this

The Dutch Reformed Church was founded in 1906, the cornerstone laid in 1918 and the church was officially opened in 1927. It is unclear whether the church will be rebuilt and we have heard from the local residents that services are currently held in the Church Hall which is still intact.

The burned down church and church bell

Sometimes, amidst the sadness, one must also look at the positive. So, it was great to see that the church grounds were still kept in good condition – the grass was green and the entrance to the church neat. I suppose one can still be proud of one’s surroundings …even under such sad circumstances.

Entrance to the church

The pretty Periwinkle flower at the church entrance

After our visit to the church grounds, we drove up and down the few streets in this quaint and charming town. Redelinghuys is known as the potato capital of the Sandveld. The village is actually surrounded by citrus, grape and potato farms. From July to October, this part of the world is a floral tapestry that attracts hikers and nature lovers.

The streets of Redelinghuys

We love the old houses with predominantly Victorian architecture, most of which are still in very good condition. It seems many city dwellers come to this town to escape the madness – and some modern houses are now being built here too.

One of the older houses in the village

Sandveld Dorpshuys, an old house converted into a B&B

Another attraction is the lovely wall art on some of the houses. I liked the one with swans on the pond and the tree (which looks almost real).

Wall art

Wall art

Wall art

We parked our car under a tree in the shade to take a walk through the streets. On our walk, we met only a few people. Two policemen (who were also walking up and down the streets) and some of the locals sitting on benches under a tree. On one street corner we found a small shop where you can buy some necessities over the counter.

A small corner shop

We bought two cold drinks

Locals enjoying the shade of a tree

A little further we came to a larger shop and one petrol pump. So, don’t be fooled, you actually have a choice between two shops in this small village.

Another shop and petrol pump

There are many trees that provide shade from the fierce sun

More old charm houses

A newly built and more modern house

Before we left, we turned back down the street where the church is located to take one last look at it. I think the residents of Redelinghuys must miss their beautiful church.

One last look at the church

Small towns tend to be run down, but it was heartwarming to see how clean and tidy Redelinghuys was. Although our hearts were aching for the burned-out church building, it is with a light heart that we leave Redelinghuys after seeing that its residents are still taking care of this little village.