There are quite a number of fascinating tourist attractions in South Africa, however, the Upside Down House located in Hartbeespoort stands out among the most unique of them all. Since its establishment, the house has been causing a buzz as it is the first of its kind in South Africa. The unusual structure was constructed based on the idea that sometimes, the world around us feels like it is upside down. With that in mind, the unique home has lived up to expectations as it usually opens the mind of its visitors to start seeing things from a different perspective.
With an acclaimed architectural design, the Upside Down House lives up to the hype. Its inside is upside down and the furniture also appears to be defying gravity. No wonder, it often gets people questioning what they know about gravity. Over the years, the structure has attracted tourists in South Africa and beyond, who are eager to view and experience this amazing piece of art situated in Hartbeespoort.
Where is The Upside Down House Located?
The Upside Down House, which ranks as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mzansi, is located at R3, Broederstroom, in the North West province of South Africa. It is 75 kilometers (47 miles) north of Johannesburg. The house consists of two floors which are well furnished in an upside-down arrangement, thus, giving visitors a unique experience.
While being constructed, the unique house put up some challenges for the construction engineers, as not only do they have to build the house upside down but also have to build it on an angle. Additionally, the management of the project faced some hurdles of thinking another way around whenever they have to put something up against the roof.
The Upside Down House breaks all the rules of architecture and thus, has joined the league of extraordinary buildings in the country. With the unusual structure being built on an angle, visitors often feel an illusion when entering it as their minds cannot comprehend what is happening. This contributes immensely to the amazing experience they normally have while visiting the place.
What is The Upside Down House Hartbeespoort Entrance Fee?
This unique piece of art is open each day of the week but operates under strict COVID-19 precautions in order to ensure the safety of visitors. The entry fee for children between 4 years and 7 years is R60. Pensioners also pay the same entrance fee of R60. Then adults, who wish to explore the upside down world, pay an entrance fee of R100 per person. Babies below the age of 3 and elderly people, who are 80 years and older, are allowed to visit the Upside Down House for free.
For groups planning on visiting the unique venue, there is a wide range of discounts for different categories. Adults, who are 18 to 39 in number, will have a 10 percent discount, while adults, who are 40 in number and more, have a discount of 15 percent. Then kids (10 in number) are given a 10 per cent discount.
Highlights of The Entrance Fees At The Upside Down House
General Admission
- Babies (0-3 years old): Enter for free
- Elderly (80 years and older): Enter for free
- Kids (4 years old – 7 years old): R60 per person
- Pensioners: R60 per person
- Adults: R100 per person
Group Admission
- Kids (10 kids): 10% discount
- Adults (18 people to 39 people): 10% discount
- Adults (40+ people): 15% discount
Note: The entrance fee is only for admission into the premises and does not cover the fees required to be paid for any of the activities going on at the premises or for sightseeing. Also, some of the activities at the Upside Down House might attract an additional fee. As a result, visitors are to enquire about the activities and the fees at the ticket office or reception.
Upside Down House Operating Time
Upside Down House is open for touring and taking of pictures every Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 18h00. Then on Saturdays and Sundays, it opens from 07h00 to 18h00. The breathtaking architectural design is also open during public holidays, as well as school holidays from 07h00 to 18h00.
The Upside Down House operating hours can be summarized as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 18h00
- Saturdays and Sundays: 07h00 – 18h00
- Public Holiday and School Holiday – 07h00 – 18h00
What Fun Activities Are Available at The Upside Down House?
With its roof on the ground and its floor in the air, the Upside Down House has been a major attraction for tourists who want to see the world from a different perspective. The house is built with rooms like a basic home but decorated with sofas, chairs, dining table, appliances, and beds hanging from the ceiling.
As a result, visitors appear to be upside down whenever they enter the house. This also provides posing opportunities for guests as they appear to be dangling from the roof or simply suspended in the air. Upside Down House is ideal for photo shoots, video shoots, and private functions.
For Kids
For Teenagers
There are additional fun activities for teenagers at the Upside Down House and they include taking creative photos with the “Africa” picture frame. They also engage in football games, as well as volleyball games.
For Adults
At the venue, visitors are allowed to spend an hour or two in and around the house, taking all kinds of memorable photos. There are no timeslots for the sightseeing in the house neither is there a time limit to the number of times one can view the house, as the ideas for creative photos usually flow in during a second or third-time view.
Upside Down House premises is also being used for picnics by groups and families. However, at the moment, picnics are not allowed as the venue is going through an upgrade.
A visit to the Upside Down House is apparently a family affair and those who are to explore the attraction are encouraged to go with loved ones and friends to experience a day out of the ordinary.
Note: First come-first serve rule applies at the venue, mostly during weekends. Hence, no booking is required for one to visit the unique house, but if for the exclusive use of the house for video-shoot or private functions, visitors are advised to make bookings. Furthermore, there is no cash refund for limited capacity on the premises, as well as for bad weather, and sudden technical failure.
Upside Down House Takeaway Restaurant
Upside Down House further boasts additional services as a small takeaway restaurant with a sit-down area around a farm field is present on the premises. The kitchen offers unique food and operates seven days a week. Also, visitors can arrange in advance for some platters as the takeaway restaurant outsource catering. Below are the snacks and drinks available at the restaurant along with their prices.
- Chips (small 150g) – R25
BurgersÂ
- Cheeseburgers (300g patty) – R70
- Chicken burger (250g fillet) – R65
- Breakfast bun (egg/bacon/tomato & cheese) – R55
Rolls
- Boerewors – R35
- Hot dog – R35
Toasted Sandwiches
- Cheese & tomato – R30
- Cheese/ham & tomato – R40
- Cheese & ham – R35
- Chicken mayo – R40
- Cheese – R25
Hot DrinksÂ
- Cappuccino – R25
- Coffee – R20
- Tea – R15
Cold Drinks
- Red Bull – R30
- Energade – R25
- Juice tin – R20
- Juice box – R15
- Buddy – R22
- Cans – R20
- Water (still/sparkling) – R18
Note: Prices are bound to change without prior notice at the Upside Down House takeaway restaurant.
Upside Down House Contact Details
For Enquiries about additional activities going on at the attraction center, the Upside Down House can be contacted through the following means:
Tel: 063 100 9858
Email:Â [email protected]
Website:Â upsidedownhouse.co.za
Address: R3, Broederstroom, North West, South Africa
