It’s hard to know where the landscape begins and ends, in this remarkable spot in Southern Namibia, resting within the Sinclair Nature Reserve. Like an inverted photograph, the farm lands of Nooishof, and rugged wilderness stretch across the varying terrain, rising and falling with the horizon. An ever-constant reminder of change, the mountains and rolling desert plains transform with the sun’s rays.
Catching colours that bounce off the soil and into the open spaces of the farm house. The neutral, earthy tones framing the doors and windows, weaving their ways into the rugs, spread over the beds, and stitched into the tangible tapestry of this desert hideaway. Revealing a deep reverence for the relationship the homestead has with the land it occupies.
This is evident in the layout of the home. Cleverly capturing the light wherever it lands. Drawing the views in as if the mountains be the moth and the farmhouse the flame. The owners of Nooishof – esteemed hosts and veterans of the hospitality trade – worked with the remarkably talented interior designer, Heidrun Diekmann. Her stamp seen in every nook and open-flowing space of the home.
In all of the four ensuite bedrooms; Frankie, Tahlula, Leila and Scout – affectionately named with a nod to familial love. In the farm-style kitchen and scullery. In the wine cellar, the library, the bathrooms, and the reclining areas. Around every table and fireplace, down every corridor and all across the verandah. Where nature nods its head to style, and salutes the seamless connection between the two.
Extraordinary desert experiences
When venturing to this serenely isolated spot, settled within the Sinclair Nature Reserve, you’ll need more than a night or two to fully benefit from its magnificent surroundings. Cushioned between the great Namib Sand Sea and the rugged Tiras Mountains, you’ll have over 25,000 hectares of a wild playground to explore. Either by vehicle, by foot or by E-bike. This is no quick stopover kind of destination.
Nooishof is, at best, a week’s escape to a forgotten pastime. When it’s all about nature’s splendid itinerary of getting you up with the dawn. Witnessing the colours, the scents, the sounds and the feeling of freedom. Out into the wilderness where the oryx claim their signature silhouettes of the dunes and plains. Whatever the weather, there is always beauty around you.
Tailored into your Nooishof experience is all of the feasting around the clock. The owners are passionate home cooks and wine aficionados – taking into account the climate and how the varying vintages will fare. A lot of your luxury desert getaway revolves around food; simple ingredients, sourced from the vegetable and herb garden, the neighbouring farms, and local or regional artisanal suppliers. Everything has a story attached to it. A riveting, enchanting, engaging tale about the wonders of Namibia. The simplicity of slow living and the instant gratification that comes with it.
Being able to sit back on a recliner and admire the views of the landscape. Or wade about in the refreshing waters of the swimming pool and take in the silence. Or gather around the fireplaces that are always alight. Affectionately layering your own stories with those of Nooishof. And then there’s all the bonding and feasting and wild exploring. Whether guided or independently. You’ll find yourselves adding a day or two on to your original plans. Just so that you can take one more bath, catch one more sunrise and sunset, and make one more wish on those shooting stars.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie