The little house in the Karoo

I enjoy photographing derelict old houses and imagning who the occupants were and what stories the house could tell.

If houses could talk

Staring out through seemingly vacant eyes, this old labourers cottage in the Karoo could probably tell many a tale.

All that is left of the possessions of someone who once lived here, is a discarded mug in the doorway.

How many hands did it warm on a cold and frosty morning? What tales did it hear around the fire place?

D for Derelict houses

One of the characteristics of the Elands River Valley is the number of derelict labourers cottages dotting the countryside. Many look as though they are staring at the world around them through unseeing eyes.



The reasons for this are many. The need for a large labour declined when wheat production stopped due to the drastic drop in rainfall in the past 20 years; many farmers prefer not to have people staying on their properties, because legislation makes it almost impossible to evict tenants and many people have simply moved on to a "better life" in the cities.
We nearly drove past this one, but then stopped for a closer look.



I thought it would be a nice "fixer-upper" for weekend getaways, but Suzi-k was not too keen. I can't understand why.



Nice finish to the front door



So the back door may need replacing, but that is not the end of the world



The inside door panels possibly need a bit of work - and the floors need sanding - no problem



The windows need some glass, but that can be arranged



It even has a bed



And a fireplace



One distinct advantage though, Eskom can't cut the power - it has none.

Memories lost

Ruined building near Philippolis in the Free State. I wonder what stories it could tell if it were able to.