Smuts House, Irene

Doornkloof was the home of General Jan Smuts from 1910 to 1950 and, since his passing, it has been maintained almost as he left it, complete with furniture, pictures, and personal belongings donated by the Smuts family.

Join your guides David Fleminger and Lena De Bellis as we step back in time to discover more about Jan Smuts and experience Highveld architecture as it was 100 years ago.

The tour will include a guided tour of the Big House, led by a knowledgeable Smuts House docent. This unpretentious building strikingly illustrates Smuts’s indifference to luxury, and it is here that he spent the happiest hours of his life - often entertaining famous and powerful guests along with his dedicated wife, ‘Ouma’.

We will also be taking a stroll along a short walking trail (approx. 2kms) that meanders through one of Gauteng’s last unspoiled dolomitic grasslands. If you don’t want to do the trail, you can simply wander around the lovely grounds or enjoy a bite to eat at the Tea Garden (for your own account).

Please note: Your ticket price includes all admissions. However, we request that each car has R10 in cash for parking, as per the request of the security company. R10 from your ticket price will be given to the docent as a gratuity. You are welcome to contribute privately as well.

The Tea Garden is fully licensed and offers a varied menu between 8am and 5pm. Picnics are allowed within the grounds if anyone wants to bring along their own blankets and snacks.

If you are going to do the walking trail, please bring sun protection, drinking water, and wear good shoes. Our guides request that you have a moderate degree of fitness and full mobility to walk the trail.