De Hoek Country House

De Hoek is a superb country retreat set in a tranquil valley at the foot of the Magaliesburg Mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Located amidst a sprawling farming community and a small but bountiful river, the house has the charm of an old historic building.

Owned and managed by Swiss chef Michael Holenstein and his wife Michelle, De Hoek tickles the senses and intoxicates the palate with its combination of superlative cuisine, excellent service and luxury accommodation.

Built from Lesotho sandstone, the ‘Stone House’ follows a traditional building design with a vast dining room leading out onto a terrace, a living room above the entrance hall and upstairs bedrooms in the wings of the house, each with its own unique and special view. Golden-yellow walls, old wooden beams, cornices and pillars combine graciously with spacious bathrooms and extra length mahogany beds.

Spend carefree days at the pool, curl up on a sofa in the lounge, sip whisky in the cosy bar or borrow a book of African tales from the galleried library.

Michael provides 'cuisine extraordinaire' and remains focused on the classical French art of cooking, using only the best and freshest local and imported produce. His strong emphasis on the presentation, cooking methods and the ingredients tantalises the tastebuds of even the most discerning guest!

De Hoek is also a perfect combination with a Rovos Rail luxury train journey.

PRICES Prices from £89 per person per night twin share in a Superior Suite including breakfast. Flights from the UK from £589 (including £120 tax) with South African Airways