Pet And Family-Friendly Accommodation On History-Rich Farm

Welcoming farm sounds and smells, a large stoep, activities in nature, and tranquillity await visitors of the farm Houtenbek in Mpumalanga.

- Riaan Hattingh

Houtenrus is located on the 1 000ha farm Houtenbek, situated in Mpumalanga, close to the village of Tonteldoos, and has been home to six generations of the O’Grady family.

The farm, which offers guest accommodation in the Houtenrus cottage, has a rich history, says Yvette O’Grady.

Her husband, MJ, runs the farming side of the business, while O’Grady focuses on their agritourism business and takes care of the farm’s financials and administation.

According to O’Grady, Michael, one of her ancestors, purchased the land in January 1879 from Piet Steenkamp for £500.

A BRIEF HISTORY

During the Second Anglo-Boer War, Michael supplied the Boers with fresh horses. When the British found out about this, the family homestead was burnt down in 1901. Remnants of the old house still remained, however. Michael is buried a stone’s throw away from the house in a small, private graveyard.

Today, farming activities, which constitute the main source of income for the business, include a dairy concern, a flock of South African Meat Merinos, and