De Hoek Country House

DE HOEK COUNTRY HOUSE
If it weren’t for the hadeda ibis foraging about the lawns, the occasional cry of a Go-away bird, a few skittish baby vervet monkeys scampering in the shade of venerable silver oaks, and some guinea fowl chattering contentedly as they come into roost, you might be forgiven for thinking that you were far away from the familiar sights and sounds of Africa.
You could be at a lovely country house almost anywhere in the world.

Outside, green lawns stretch down to a rippling creek, honey-coloured sandstone buildings glow in the late afternoon sun among tall, old trees, graceful cast iron chairs and tables grace the tiled verandahs.
Inside, massive four-poster beds with crisp white linen sit firmly in spacious bedrooms, the soft green checked bedspreads blending quietly with the similarly toned carpets, elegant armchairs and bowls of freshly cut flowers. (No artificial or silk flowers would dare to show their heads in this place of understated grace.)

Michael Holenstein regularly figures as one of the top chefs in South Africa. Innovative but classic, creative but not pretentious, his food is memorable.

It comes as no surprise to learn that De Hoek Country House in the Magaliesberg has won many local and international awards for its excellence (including the World Luxury Hotel Award in its category for best country house in the world) – priding itself on its service and food.
Ah, the food!

Michael Holenstein regularly figures as one of the top chefs in South Africa. Innovative but classic, creative but not pretentious, his food is memorable. Try squid ink tagliolini, coffee marinated ostrich, beef fillet with ox marrow crust, pan-fried salmon with a coriander crust, coconut parfait with mango chutney…I know your mouth is already watering…
If you need to get active, try you hand at archery, croquet, or just wander by the Magaliesberg river, spot birds, or just relax.

De Hoek is really one of the most gracious, classy and friendly establishments in the country.
Most of the staff has been here for years, and the pride they take in their service is a lesson that could well be learned by other such establishments.
But then I don’t really think that there is another such establishment quite like De Hoek.
Go and see for yourself.

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