Why Nooishof is called Nooishof – Every place has a story. Some are written in history books. Others are carried quietly in memory and conversation.
The story behind the name Nooishof belongs firmly in the second category.
Before Marc and Mariza moved here permanently, Marc would often visit the farm alone. On those visits, one of the workers would greet him and ask a simple question:
“Waar is die Nooi?”
Where is the girl?
In Afrikaans, nooi means young lady or girl, and in this case, it meant Mariza.
Marc had built this place for her – a home shaped by care, intention and love. Naming the farm Nooishof, meaning the girl’s farm, felt natural. Almost inevitable. A quiet tribute to the person at the heart of it all.
But the story of Nooishof goes beyond its name.
Nooishof – the wide, open landscapes of Marc and Mariza’s nature reserve.
This land was once a traditional karakul sheep farm, like many in southern Namibia. When Marc and Mariza purchased it in 2016, they made a decision that would shape the character of the property in a profound way – they removed the fences.
Not just some of them.
All of them.
Even the fences between neighbours.
It was a symbolic act as much as a practical one. A decision rooted in trust, openness and shared landscape.
Nooishof – warm, thoughtful interiors created by Marc and Mariza.
Today, those choices are still visible. In the wide, uninterrupted views across the land. In the ease with which wildlife moves through the area. In the sense of openness that guests often feel without immediately understanding why.
The surrounding Sinclair Nature Reserve, named in honour of the Sinclair Guest House that once stood here, continues that same philosophy of respecting the past while shaping something new.
At Nooishof, stories are not displayed on walls. They are told around the table, shared over meals, and discovered in small moments.
And every time someone asks about the name, we smile.
Because it always brings us back to the beginning.
Text: Venture Media
Photo Credit: Stefan Redecker and Crisp_and_Khaki
For bookings or more info please contact reservations@nooishof.com.