Once upon a time, in the small Karoo town of Cradock, a spirited young schoolteacher named Sheila Dawn Muir met a charming local farmer, Neal Duncan Corbett, on the polished wooden floor of a town dance. The music played, laughter filled the air, and something quietly powerful began between them — a love story marked by sincerity and strength.

They married in 1962 in the quaint town of Dordrecht, and soon after, they made their home in Indwe, where they raised two sons. Sheila taught music at Indwe High School. It was in the music room, surrounded by the sound of young voices and the rhythm of piano keys, that Sheila inspired generations – a quiet force of creativity and kindness. 

But life had a cruel turn in store. In her early 40s, Sheila faced heartbreak when Neal passed away at the age of just 41. Suddenly, she was a widow, a single mother, a woman with a quiet strength now called upon in full force. And so, with grace and grit, Sheila carried on alone — raising her sons, continuing to teach, and building a life defined not by what was lost, but by all she gave.

The years passed, filled with family, hard work, and a deep love of the Eastern Cape. Sheila eventually welcomed five grandchildren.

In 2001, Sheila retired and found her paradise in the sleepy coastal town of Kei Mouth, settling into the sunny house at 71 Main Road. Here, among salty breezes and sweeping sea views, she truly came into her own. This house became her sanctuary, her stage, and her storybook.

Sheila quickly became a legend in the community. A fierce and fearless golfer, she could be found on the greens come wind, rain, or sunshine, with a club in one hand and determination in the other. Her dogs were her shadowy companions, faithful and adored. Her garden once bloomed with colour and care, and the kettle was always ready for a chat with a neighbour.

She was Secretary of the Golf Club, editor of the local HagMorKei magazine, and a quiet pillar on countless community committees. She was the one everyone knew, the one everyone waved to, and the one who somehow always had time.

For 22 years, that house was her home — but it was never quiet for long. Her sons and five grandchildren would often visit during school holidays, and Christmases were especially joyful, filled with long beach days, shared meals, laughter echoing through the rooms, and the unmistakable feeling of family coming home. Sheila’s Place was the heart of every gathering, where memories were made over braais, board games, and sandy hugs.

In January 2022, Sheila passed away leaving behind a trail of fond memories and a house still echoing with her laughter and grace.

But her story didn’t end there.

Her son, George – inspired by her legacy and driven by love – took it upon himself to restore the home she loved. Over the course of two years, he rolled up his sleeves, repurposed what he could, painted, polished, mended, and revived. The original furniture was lovingly reincorporated, old corners brought to life, and every improvement made with Sheila’s essence in mind.

Locals had long referred to it as “Sheila’s Place,” and so the name naturally stayed. Because how do you rename a house that has already found its soul?

And so, the house lives on — not just as a self-catering holiday home, but as a celebration of the life it once held, and an invitation for new stories to be written. Still filled with laughter. Still a gathering place. Still Sheila’s Place.

Welcome to her story. Welcome to Sheila’s Place.