Be wrapped in history, luxury and warm Karoo hospitality.
Steeped in history – a national monument (built in 1835, the first homestead in the area) – complete with its own iconic Karoo wind-pump in the garden and a classic deep front stoep, Dennehof will grab your heart before you’ve even stepped inside.
New owners Inga and Albert Terblanche have brought a fresh energy to this heritage property. While respecting its story, they’ve also added contemporary design touches and splashes of colour (thanks to Inga’s impeccable photographer’s eye), and lots of heart – although their ridgeback puppy Ferdinand, the “guest liaison officer”, steals the show.
The glass conservatory in the garden makes for a most wonderful breakfast room. Here you’ll get to sample Inga’s signature sourdough loaves as part of a marvellous morning meal – some say the best in the region – alongside 360-degree Karoo views.
The enchanting garden, with its leiwater canals and fountain, is filled with fascinating Karoo flora as well as plants and trees that produce a bounty of fresh produce. The old reservoir is now a salt-water pool, with Spanish tiles and a raised sundeck with views over olive groves to the Swartberg Mountains; nearby is a sauna for two to beat the Karoo chill.
The lodgings
Rooms in the original homestead, plus a cottage, the wagon shed, dairy room and blacksmith’s forge have been turned into gorgeous cocoons of luxury – each individually decorated to give a sense of place, a glimpse into a bygone era, and delight the senses.
The romantic Wagonshed Suite has an outdoor Victorian bathtub; the Windmill Suite and Cottage Room both have utterly charming vintage kitchens; the Patio and Stoep Rooms in the original homestead have gorgeous bay windows. The Forge Room has an emerald-green feature wall; the Dairy Room a royal blue one.
Original features – thick whitewashed walls, beamed or reed ceilings, wooden floors, lead-glass windows and antique heirlooms – all add to the atmosphere. Mungo throws and towels, fluffy robes, mohair blankets and top-notch coffee bring those special touches.
- 8 bedrooms and suites
- king-sized bed (or twins) with percale linen
- ensuite bathroom with bath and/or shower
- fridge and tea/coffee station
- kitchenette (in Windmill Suite and Cottage Room)
- fireplace and seating area (in selected rooms)
- TV (in selected rooms)
- air-conditioning
- private verandah with seating
- breakfast included
Things to do
- swimming in the pool
- Veld Feast dinners (October – April)
- cheese-and-wine pairings (on request)
- guided walks (history, nature or ghosts)
- restaurants, shops and galleries in town
- olive and wine estates nearby
- dairy and fig farm visits
- hiking and cycling
- Swartberg Pass (with possible snow in winter)
Good to know For families or groups, the Windmill Suite and Windmill Room can be booked together, as can the Cottage Room and Dairy Room.
Child friendly? Yes (from 6 years old)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R1 900 for two people sharing
R500 per child (6 – 12 years)
Where to find it 21 Christina de Wit Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
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One Response to “Dennehof Karoo Guest House: Old Meets New In Alluring Style”
Gordon
We’ve stayed at Dennehof quite a few times with the previous owners, so it’s great to see that Inga and Albert have taken the existing recipe and simply improved on it. I love the changes and can’t wait to visit again.