our History

In the heart of Worcester lies The Beckhuis - an iconic part of the town’s history and heritage.  The land was originally bought in 1840 by a local shopkeeper, Daniel Laquerenne, for a mere R30 and the building was erected in 1841. The property was sold to Thomas Heatlie in 1854 who later sold it to Cornelius Beck.

For 65 years the influential Beck family resided in the house that was then endearingly referred to as the Auld Thatch.  Many a music evening was held in the Auld Thatch where Cato Beck’s harp harmonies echoed through the house. Her love for music was shared by her son, Johannes, who was a music composer as well as a doctor by profession while his brother was a former mayor of the town.

In 1919, Mr JE Krige, then mayor and Member of Parliament of Worcester, bought the Beck’s house where he lived with his family until his death in 1964.   The house was restored in 1970 where after it served as a museum and in 1971 The Beckhuis was officially declared a national monument along with the Afrikaner Museum.

Today, the lovely Beckhuis is a Café and Guesthouse. Our Café is open 6 days a week where guests can enjoy the tranquility of the garden with our outside seating under the vineyard pergola. Guests are also welcomed in our inside seating area with its hearty antique décor with a modern twist.

Our Café caters for a wide variety of pallets with a menu that changes with the seasons. We are a popular spot for breakfast meetings and light lunches and we also serve a delectable range of cakes and pastries – all freshly baked in our kitchen. We are also a favourite among locals for special events such as baby- and bridal showers and pride ourselves in turning any occasion into a special occasion.

The Beckhuis Guesthouse is a further extension of our hospitality with spacious and luxurious guestrooms. Guests can expect rooms with all the luxuries of modern day living while still experiencing the enchantment of 1940’s architectural style characterised by thick walls, wooden shutters and original wooden floors.

Whether visiting the Café or Guesthouse, guests can expect an unforgettable experience that holds true to old world charm and unlimited generosity.