The house was built 10 years ago, but looks one hundred years old. It was designed for a family who have owned the land for a long time, and wanted to build a family country house at first. The result was a house that perfectly matched the environment and spirit of the family - a traditional design using the 'H' plan of old Cape homesteads, tin roof and stone walls of the Transvaal, Karoo and Free State homes of old.

Stone and timber, with cool dark rooms of elegant proportions, a vast dining room opening onto terraces - East and West; a living room above the entrance leading out to a balcony; and bedrooms up stairs in the wings of the house, each with its own special view. Sixteen beautifully appointed Superior Rooms are situated along the river in North, West and South Quarters. Building the house entailed collecting beams, doors marble and granite from around the country. American Oregon pine from the old Crown Mines; teak, imbuia and Oregon salvaged from old homes. These elements have been incorporated throughout the house as beams and pillars, flooring and sub-frames, lintels and cornices, doors and cupboards, forming a major part of its texture and style.

The house and garden provide perfectly for entertainment purposes, as well as conference and team building exercises. Different areas of the hotel cater for different occasions: breakfast on the East terrace, or out in the gardens under shady bush-willows, karees and wit stinkhouts; a formal lunch or dinner in the dining room with all the French doors open in Summer, or a roaring fire in Winter.

The unique service at De Hoek has spread steadily by word of mouth. The team comprises of the manager and owner, Michael Holenstein, his wife Michelle, and a complement of excellent staff- Henry, Mathias and Berry, who provide world class service.

Michael Holenstein offers cuisine extraordinaire. Swiss born and trained, he has worked in some of Johannesburg's top restaurants; at the Gleneagles in Scotland, and in his home country - Switzerland. Dinners at De Hoek are refined elegant affairs involving the best of French cuisine with influences of the Mediterranean and Swiss. Michael is passionate about food, and delights guests with his presentation and quality. A good selection of wine is available from our small but well-stocked cellar.

De Hoek Country House caters for exclusive group events and special occasions in a gracious and tranquil setting. It is an ideal venue for Corporate Strategy Meetings or Companies who wish to entertain clients and friends. Secluded, luxurious ambience can be enjoyed by guests for dinner parties, birthdays and luncheons. The emphasis is on providing you, the guest, with individual attention and superb cuisine.

The Stone House has 20 sumptuous, beautifully appointed bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, each with a lovely view of the gardens. Each of the 16 Superior Suites have private balconies looking onto the Magalies River. Each suite has:

King Size Extra Length Mahogany beds
Satellite Television
Undercarpet heating
Comfortable Chairs
Exclusive Bath Products
Shower and Bath en suite
Double Vanity
Hairdryers
Telephones
Mini Bar Fridges filled with good wine, tasty snacks and chocolates; and
A limited 24 hour Butler Service
All bathrooms have double marble vanities, Exclusive bath products from London, large oval baths, showers and undertile heating.

Four of the Superior Suites have fireplaces. The magnificent double volume "Garden Pavillion" has a 20 seater Mahogany Table and is ideal for formal meals, grand occasions and conferences. The "Orangerie" is perfect for romantic intimate five course dinners, set with the finest crustal and silver and hosted by the very best of service. Cognacs and cigars can be enjoyed in the "Compass Bar" after a superb dinner. A roaring fire in winter adds to the cosy atmosphere.

The Stone House has 4 Twin bedrooms, beautifully appointed with bathrooms en suite, each with a lovely view of the indigenous gardens.

This country house provides a secluded cosy ambiance with privacy, which makes it perfect for dinner or birthday parties, luncheons,strategy meetings and conferences.