Where History Sleeps: The Timeless Charm of 137 High Street Guest House
Saturday, 9th August 2025
In the bustling heart of Makhanda, a stately yellowwood-floored guest house whispers stories of centuries past. Built in 1823 by renowned South African historical figure Piet Retief, 137 High Street Guest House stands as a living relic — complete with a dry stone wall laid in 1847.
Renovated in 1993, the building’s soul remained intact while modern comforts were added, offering guests the perfect blend of history and luxury. Its prime location places Rhodes University, the High Court, schools, museums, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance.
For manager Rala Scotney, hospitality is deeply personal:
“Communication is paramount in hospitality. You need to truly listen to your guests and respond with care.”
Her dedication extends beyond service — Rala champions tourism, heritage preservation, and empowering women. The challenges of COVID-19, including the devastating loss of her mother and sister, tested her resilience, but faith and determination kept her moving forward.
Her message to young women, this Women's Month:
“Go out there and do what needs to be done. Believe in yourself and uplift others — that’s how you succeed.”
At 137 High Street, history is not only preserved — it is lived, every day.
Let's hear more from Rala and what makes her stand out as the best in her sector:
1. What skills or qualities do you think are most important in your field?
Communication is paramount in hospitality. Listening carefully to customers’ wants, needs, desires, and concerns—and showing them that you truly understand—is essential for anyone in a public-facing role.
2. How do you maintain high standards in your work?
By staying organized and effectively managing my team, I am able to consistently exceed customer expectations.
3. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in hospitality?
Hospitality is a passion—you need to love the industry and enjoy working in it. If you don’t understand tourism and the needs of your guests, you won’t enjoy the work. You must also stay informed and adapt to new trends in tourism, while embracing the culture and heritage of the town you live in. Part of succeeding in this field is marketing your town and everything it has to offer.
4. What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how have you overcome them?
Being a woman, a mother, and a wife means balancing many roles, but it has also driven me to take decisive action in my daily life. I believe in myself, and I make it a priority to empower other women every day to believe in themselves as well—helping them work toward success in their own lives.
5. Can you share a personal experience that shaped your outlook?
COVID-19 turned my life upside down when I lost my mother and sister just a day apart to this terrible illness. With God’s hand over me, I was able to overcome the deep sadness of losing loved ones and find the strength to move forward.
6. What message would you like to share with young women and girls?
Go out there and do what needs to be done. Succeed in whatever you take on each day, and do it with determination and pride.
Book your next stay in Makhanda at 137 High Street Guest House.
