R’new Labyrinth

On a rainy Sunday in March 2015, the Austen family was inspired to build a Chartres-type labyrinth on their scenic property, which overlooks the Vaal Dam and boasts an underground water spring and mysterious, ancient stone circles. Unlike its stone counterpart at Chartres, this one would be botanical, with the design created by flowerbeds filled with herbs, rose bushes, grape vines and fruit trees.

Almost 10 years fast forward, the R'new Labyrinth and exquisite, unspoilt space around it are open to visitors. Accommodation is offered in three luxury villas. The labyrinth that the Austens mapped out has been walked by hundreds of guests and day visitors eager to experience its mystical appeal. As the path winds from the outside of the circle to the labyrinth’s centre, we are reminded that we cannot always take a shortcut to our destination or to our dreams, and that we should savor all of life’s twists, turns and lessons learnt.

R’new Labyrinth is a feast of fragrances and colors, featuring rows of thyme, oregano, catmint, lavender, rosemary, echinacea, fennel and many other herbs, as well as rose bushes and grape vines. Fruit trees line the labyrinth border. It has been proven that walking a labyrinth calms one’s nerves.