Oshana – Transfer & tours
June 3, 2013Onguma supports communities
June 4, 2013Text by Marita van Rooyen
According to the lady of this green guesthouse in Swakopmund, Heidi Muller, Organic Square is ‘minimalist, envirofriendly and organic’. Also, the guests who frequent the spot are individuals who are health conscious (they never ask for bacon and eggs in the morning, which is just as well because this traditional English repast isn’t served here anyway), and ‘like the colour green’.
The reception lounge is a little haven of peace in its own right, the neutral tones of brown, cream, grey, washed white and the ever-present touch of fresh green creating an atmosphere eminently conducive to relaxation. Lavender plants, slow-running water features, and freshly sprouted barley give an additional boost to unwinding and creating the holiday vibe. Park off on your own private patio, take a stroll into town, and glean inside info from Heidi on how to create the best freshly squeezed power juices in town (also served at breakfast!). If the weather is right, you might even be surprised by some of daughter Bronwin’s special bakes to augment the selection of seeds, nuts, yoghurt, fresh fruit and delectable breads at the breakfast table.
Organic Square Guesthouse offers seven rooms. It accommodates a maximum of 16 guests, which keeps the atmosphere small and intimate. It is conveniently central, and within walking distance of all the main attractions. The good news for returning guests and those who are serious about keeping their toilet affairs to themselves is that the bathrooms have been partitioned off for extra privacy.
Heidi Muller and one of her sidekicks, Johanna Shemuvalula.
So how did Organic Square come into being? Heidi explains that she used to drive past the house every morning on her way to work and invariably thought the setting held a great deal of potential. Unfortunately the house itself was in no fit condition for hosting guests and needed a serious facelift. This did not deter Heidi in the slightest. She jumped in with her own two hands, abrading and transforming old wooden doors, gates, and window frames into uniquely recycled tables and other rustic household ornaments. “The initial idea was to create self-catering accommodation, but then the guesthouse just sort of happened by itself. Today I can’t imagine it being any different.”
The breakfast selection speaks for itself. Organic and healthy is what Heidi aims for and this also happens to be where the Square’s name comes from. “I live a simple, natural and organic life, and this is reflected in the general atmosphere of the guesthouse. It does not hurt that it has a great location!”
Heidi is also the owner of Dünenblick Self-Catering Apartments (with four unique units of different sizes), situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood, on the edge of the Namib Desert.
Image: Heidi Muller and one of her sidekicks, Johanna Shemuvalula.
