De Hoek - the Stone House - the only 5 star country house in Magaliesburg, is situated in a unique valley; distinguished by its pocket of indigenous bush, amongst a sprawling farming community and a small but bountiful river.
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 wa...
De Hoek - the Stone House - the only 5 star country house in Magaliesburg, is situated in a unique valley; distinguished by its pocket of indigenous bush, amongst a sprawling farming community and a small but bountiful river.
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 upstairs 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.
