Dodona. There is an air of history about the place, and so there should be. After all, the original farm was owned by legendary Boer general and Afrikaner folk hero, Andries Pretorius and over 150 years later remains in the family.

Beresford Jobling, Pretorius's great, great, great grandson lives on 130 hectares of this farm. Andries Pretorius's original large farm was called "Grootplaats"; the portion that Beres and his family own was named "Dodona." It's an apt name. Dodona ("Gift of the Gods") was the oldest of the Pagan Greek Oracles, located in the mountains of northern Greece, 5 miles south east of the southern most tip of modern Albania and 30 miles inland from the Ionian Sea. According to legend priestesses received the commands of Zeus by interpreting the wind blowing through the oak trees and from the cooing of the doves.

There are plenty of doves in the trees at Dodona in the Magaliesberg. In fact there are plenty of all types of birds. A recent survey catalogued over 400 different species in the Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam areas.

In the grounds is a small family chapel built by Beres's grandmother in memory of family members who fought, died, or survived in conflicts stretching as far back as the Anglo-Boer war. It was consecrated on Easter Sunday 1945, and later dedicated to St. Francis.

"The Boathouse", was created out of old barns and stables. It contains two spacious, private apartments; each has a bedroom, en suite bathroom, sitting-room with fireplace and kitchenette They look out across a small lake, where birds abound, onto the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains beyond. There is an old-fashioned feeling of style and elegance about the place. Dodona is a wonderful weekend hideaway. A jewel for people who want to spend a little time getting away from the madding crowd. Instead of radios and televisions each apartment has its own mini library stocked with a range of interesting books.

Experience traditional South African hospitality and service in an age when they are becoming increasingly rare. Above all, relax, and experience the almost tangible sense of peace.