Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
The Smuts House Museum in Irene, Centurion, is a historic museum that was once the home of Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts, one of South Africa’s most significant statesmen, military leaders, and philosophers. Known as "Doornkloof" or the Smuts House, it served as Smuts' family home from 1909 until his death in 1950. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to preserving his legacy and offering visitors a glimpse into the life of one of the key figures in South African history.
Key Features of the Smuts House Museum:
1. Historical Residence: The museum is housed in the original prefabricated wood-and-iron farmhouse that Smuts bought in 1908. The house was originally built as a British officer’s mess during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), and Smuts had it transported from the Middelburg area to Irene.
Despite his international status, Smuts maintained a simple and modest lifestyle, which is reflected in the house’s design and furnishings.
2. Preserved Rooms and Personal Artifacts: The house is largely preserved in its original form, with rooms containing the Smuts family's original furniture and personal belongings. Visitors can see Smuts' study, library, and many of his possessions, including military uniforms, books, photographs, and awards.
The library is of particular interest, as it contains thousands of books, showing Smuts’ intellectual side and his deep interests in a wide range of subjects, from philosophy and botany to military strategy.
3. Garden and Walking Trails: The Oubaas Trail is a 2.3 km walking trail on the property that leads to Smuts’ final resting place on the nearby hilltop, a spot chosen by Smuts himself. The trail passes through indigenous bush and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The expansive gardens surrounding the house are filled with indigenous plants, including the famous wild olive tree under which Smuts would often sit to think and write. Smuts had a lifelong passion for nature and botany, and this is reflected in the peaceful surroundings.
4. Events and Functions: The museum grounds often host events, such as historical reenactments, educational tours, and cultural festivals. The property also offers a tea garden, where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments after touring the house.
The Big House Café at the Smuts House provides meals and snacks in a serene setting, perfect for enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the museum.
5. Smuts' Legacy: Smuts was a key figure in South African politics and international diplomacy. He was a former Prime Minister of South Africa, a founding member of the League of Nations, and a significant contributor to the formation of the United Nations. The museum offers insight into both his personal life and his broader contributions to global affairs.
Contact Details for the Smuts House Museum:
Phone: +27 (0)12 667 1176
Email: info@smutshouse.co.za
Website: https://www.smutshouse.co.za
Address: Smuts House Museum, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion, 0157, South Africa
The Smuts House Museum in Irene offers visitors a unique window into the life and legacy of Jan Smuts, one of South Africa’s most influential historical figures. The museum's combination of historical artifacts, beautifully preserved gardens, and educational tours provides a rich and thoughtful experience. It is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in South Africa’s political past and its global connections.
Accommodation Near Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
Pheasant Hill Bed & Breakfast
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Centurion
2.3km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengPheasant Hill offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Doornkloof East in Centurion, Gauteng. Experience the atmosphere of the countryside outside the Pretoria city centre. We are just 1km from the Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dunkelly
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Centurion
2.6km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengDunkelly offers self catering accommodation in the Centurion suburb of Irene. Situated between Pretoria and Midrand in the quaint, picturesque and secure village of Irene, Dunkelly can be found nestled in a country village steeped in history... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Leopardsong Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Centurion
3.5km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengLeopardsong Manor offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the Centurion Golf Estate in Centurion, Gauteng. Our bed and breakfast facility in Centurion Golf Estate has been noted for its stylish interior and spacious rooms overlooking one of the best... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Aviary
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria
9.2km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengThe Aviary offers self catering accommodation in Waterkloof Glen in the south-west of Pretoria. We offer two units, The Sparrow (sleeps 2) and The Swallow (sleeps 4). Each with en-suite bathrooms (shower and bath), HD flat screen with full package DSTV. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Woodpecker Inn
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Woodhill Golf Estate, Pretoria
10.4km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengThe Woodpecker Inn offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation at the prestigious Woodhill Residential and Golfing Estate in Pretoria East. Woodpecker Inn is only 50 meters from the clubhouse, on the 18th fairway overlooking the 9th and 18th green... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Cottage
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Midrand
11.7km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengThe Cottage provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Glen Austin, Midrand, Johannesburg. We are small and personal yet elegant and accommodating. Beautiful spacious garden - out of city atmosphere. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bed & Breakfast in Hatfield
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hatfield
14.3km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengBed and Breakfast in Hatfield - as the name suggests, provides bed and breakfast accommodation, but also self catering in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane in the Gauteng province. We are close to the Pretoria CBD and bustling Hatfield is a 10min walk away. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Village in Hatfield
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hatfield
14.3km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengThe Village In Hatfield provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane. The Village in Hatfield is a delightful guesthouse offering a cluster of separate units, perfectly appointed for a comfortable stay in the heart of Pretoria. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Jopasso Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria
14.8km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengJopasso Guest House offers luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Wapadrand, Pretoria /Tshwane in Gauteng. Situated against the Bron Mountain in the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria. It has spectacular views... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Queensrest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria
15.8km from Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, GautengQueensrest provides self catering accommodation in Queenswood Pretoria in Gauteng. Centrally situated in the established suburb of Queenswood, just a short distance from the Pretoria CBD. 6 Self-catering units to choose from. (Units sleep 4 - 6 adults). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Irene Country Club - Centurion, Pretoria (1.80km)
- Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria (2.31km)
- Irene Farm - Centurion, Pretoria (2.42km)
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve (3.01km)
- Centurion Country Club & Golf Course (3.44km)
- Rietvlei Dam (4.15km)
- SuperSport Park (4.93km)
- Centurion Mall - Centurion, Pretoria (5.92km)
- Centurion Art Gallery - Lyttelton Manor, Pretoria (6.68km)
- The South African Mint (8.19km)
- Moreleta Kloof Municipal Nature Reserve - Moreleta Park, Pretoria (9.39km)
- Groenkloof Nature Reserve - Pretoria (10.10km)
- Pretoria Country Club (10.93km)
- Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary - Midrand, Johannesburg (11.06km)
- Fort Klapperkop Military Museum - Pretoria (11.24km)
- Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary - Pretoria (12.02km)
- Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary (12.21km)
- Zwartkop Road Race (12.30km)
- Fort Schanskop - Groenkloof, Pretoria (12.37km)
- UNISA - University of South Africa (Pretoria) (12.65km)
