This is Pula House, the stunning century-old Victorian Karoo guesthouse in the Free State province, personally run by the owners, with an enviable reputation for quality of service, accommodation and friendliness. Pula House stands in the very heart of South Africa off the beaten tourist track yet close to the main N1 Johannesburg to Cape Town route and right on the scenic N6 to the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape . The countryside en route is a pleasure to travel through and the guest house an even greater pleasure to arrive at. The perfect overnight stop if you are touring the country or heading to Lesotho and Malealea Lodge, Pula House is also a base from which to explore splendid mountains, the Gariep Lake (South Africa's largest inland water), local game reserves and ancient rock art. Guests participate in a host of local outdoor activities, including walking, bird watching, golf, horse riding, tennis and bowls.

The Real Unspoilt Africa. Wide-open spaces, vast horizons. Peace, tranquility, delightful accommodation in superb garden setting. All this yet easily accessed on major tourism routes in South Africa's heartland. Focus on Pula House in Smithfield and the rest of South Africa falls into place. All rooms are vibrantly decorated and named for their dominant colour. The setting on the edge of town provides idyllic views over gardens and surrounding South African countryside. High ceilings add to an overall sense of cool spaciousness and original Oregon pine floors emphasise a sense of history. The Coral Room, with its own courtyard entrance, is a double with en-suite shower. In the main guest house the Blue Room is also a double but with en-suite bath. In the charming Kestrels Cottage both the Green Room and the Yellow Room are twin bedded, one with bath and the other with shower. An inter leading lounge is equipped with a full-size bed and can be used by both or either bedroom. For families it serves as an extra bedroom. The Kestrels looks out over the gardens and nearby hillside.

Guests usually join the hosts in the beautiful drawing room or on the patio for a drink before having dinner at a nearby restaurant. In winter an open fire lends further warmth to the houses famed hospitality. An eclectic collection of books and art, as well as a variety of objet's, are an encouragement to browse and lend further interest to the historic home. Pula Guest House prides itself in its breakfasts. A full cooked breakfast with homemade breads jams & marmalades, various teas and filter coffee follow fresh seasonal fruit, fruit juice, homemade muesli and a variety of cereals. Local farmers provide most of the fresh ingredients. Tea and coffee facilities are provided in all bedrooms, as are fans and heaters. A garden of unusual interest and beauty has been established. Guests are encouraged to wander among the trees, shrubs and flowers, which abound, or to cool off in the pool. Throughout the year seasonal changes provide the garden with ever-varying points of interest. Some 70 indigenous trees were planted on the property and these have been an important encouragement to a varied amount of bird life.