After the kids left home, we had a place that was too big for the two of us,” says the owner, Annatjie. “We also had this location, which is just so peaceful and beautiful. It simply felt right to share that with others. 

Thus started a lot of planning, often by hand on graph paper. It took a lot of hard work, physically getting involved with the transformation from a personal family home to a home-away-from-home for others. Sometimes it was painting walls, other times getting hands dirty in the garden. Phase by phase their dream turned into reality, and in January 2005, Waterfront Guesthouse opened its doors with 3 rooms. 

Being avid bird lovers, Annatjie and her late husband, Johan, designed and transformed these 3 rooms after local birds: Jangroentjie, Troupant & Janfrederik. From the colour scheme to the decor to the location, these rooms mirror the birds they often sat and watched from the front porch. 

“I love working with people. God gave me an ear for people and I love listening to them.” And Annatjie’s love for people resulted in the need to add a forth room in June 2006 due to the popularity of the guesthouse. This room was named Loerie, after another Local bird. 

In July 2014, yet another 2 rooms were added, named after the Bateleur and the Mahem. 

When asked about her role as a guesthouse owner, Annatjie believes it is more than just an occupation. “I am an ambassador for our country and for this area. The media often paints a bleak picture of our country, especially to foreigners, and I find we have the unique and important position to set the record straight by way of our actions. To show that different races and different people here actually care about each other and treat each other with love and respect. And that we show that same respect to our guests.