A trip to Irene – between Pretoria and Johannesburg – finds you among plane- and oak-lined avenues in a rustic setting that is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living. Originally called Doornkloof, the Irene Dairy Farm was purchased in 1896 by Johannes Albertus (“Bertie”) van der Byl, who renamed it after his daughter. In 1902, the surrounding area adopted the new name. The Irene dairy has remained in the Van der Byl family for five generations.
A trip to the farm, where cows graze peacefully in their pastures, reminds one of life in a country village. It is difficult to believe that this tranquil setting is so close to a main highway between two major cities.
Simple furnishings at Jan Smuts House. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority
The dairy is a great place to eat, shop and get close to the herd of dairy cows on the farm. Visitors are welcome to tramp the straw alongside the open stalls and touch the cows and calves. A highlight of the outing for children is watching the cows being milked and the calves being bottle-fed each afternoon at about 15h00.Breakfasts, lunches and teas are served on the wooden deck of the coffee shop, where freshly brewed coffee is always on offer. The Barn Restaurant occupies the original 1890 barn and diners can choose to sit inside or under the magnificent trees. The farm shop sells fresh farm milk, cheese, cream and confectionary. Both restaurants are cashless environments, but accept major debit and credit cards.When exploring the Irene neighbourhood, it is essential that you visit Doornkloof, the home General Jan Smuts (1870 to 1950) lived in for 40 years. Smuts, a prominent South African statesman, military leader and philosopher, served as prime minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 to 1924, and again from 1939 to 1948.
Although Smuts initially promoted racial segregation, his Fagan Report of 1948 stated that complete racial segregation in South Africa was not realistic and that limits on African migration into urban areas should be done away with. This progressive idea was strongly opposed by the National Party which, in the years to come, formalised the system of apartheid. In 1948 this philosophical difference resulted in Smuts narrowly losing the general election.
The Smuts House Museum, a simple wood and iron farmhouse, is situated in a natural park of indigenous trees and shrubs planted by Smuts. He was passionate about botany and wanted the veld to “come right up to the front door”.
The high-ceilinged rooms with their simple furnishings emphasise Smuts’s moderate tastes. The many relics and mementos on display offer insights into his extraordinary career and include the car he used when he was prime minister. Despite his personal success, this versatile leader yearned most for peace at Doornkloof, surrounded by his many children and grandchildren.
After your tour of the house, make sure that you find time to appreciate the indigenous garden. A short walk takes you to Smuts Koppie, the rocky hill where the ashes of Smuts and his beloved wife, Isie, are scattered. A tea garden, set under tall trees, offers light refreshments.
A village market is held on the second and last Saturday of every month in the grounds of the Smuts House Museum. The market is famous for its location and the carefully crafted and created goods on offer.
Visiting hours
Dairy Shop
Open every day from 08h00 to 18h00
Irene Dairy restaurants
Open every day from 08h00 to 17h00
Irene Village Market
Every second and last Saturday of the month from 09h00 to 14h00
Smuts House Museum
Monday to Friday from 09h30 to 13h00 and 13h30 to 16h30 Weekends from 09h30 to 13h00 and 13h30 to 17h00
Directions
Nellmapius Road, Irene – off the N1, Centurion
Contact details Irene Dairy Farm Dairy: +27 (0)12 667 1000
The Oubaas Trail at the Smuts House