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Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

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The Smuts House Museum illustrates the life-style and multi-faceted career of one of South Africa’s most prominent historical figures. Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts (24 May 1870 – 11 September 1950). © PHParsons, License

Obelisk on Smuts Koppie in Irene, where the ashes of Jan Smuts and family were strewn. Jan Smuts: Boer Commander, Second Prime Minister of Union of South Africa, British Imperial War Cabinet member, Field Marshal British Army. © JMK, License

Step into the charm of Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden, nestled on the historic farm once home to General Jan Smuts and his beloved wife. © The Smuts House Museum

The aim of the Smuts House Museum is to accurately depict the diverse career and way of life of General J.C. Smuts, one of South Africa’s most esteemed figures through his all-encompassing philosophy shown through his writings and life’s work. © Smuts House Museum

The house is largely preserved in its original form, with rooms containing the Smuts family's original furniture and personal belongings. (Image adapted). © The Smuts House Museum.

Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

The Jan 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 Jan 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, Walking Trails and Smuts Koppie: The Oubaas Trail is a 2.3 km walking trail on the property that leads to Smuts’ final resting place on the nearby hilltop - Smuts Koppie, 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.

5. Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden and Restaurant: Step into the charm of Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden, nestled on the historic farm once home to General Jan Smuts and his beloved wife. Here, freshly prepared fare is crafted with care in the kitchen, while the leafy, dog-friendly garden invites leisurely strolls with your four-legged companion. With generous lawns where children can run free, it’s an idyllic spot for families seeking a relaxed day out.

Founded in 1976 to help support the upkeep of the Smuts House Museum, the tea garden pays tribute to General Smuts’ extraordinary wife, Isie Krige Smuts, affectionately known as “Ouma”. Her legacy of warmth and hospitality lives on in the welcoming atmosphere that greets every visitor.

Situated within the grounds of the Smuts House Museum in Irene, Ouma Isie’s serves wholesome breakfasts and satisfying lunches, with sheltered seating available when the weather turns. For those looking to linger longer, delightful picnic hampers can be pre-ordered—perfect for enjoying under the shade of the estate’s trees.

6. 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 Jan Smuts House Museum:
Phone: +27 (0)12 667 1176
Email: see website
Website: https://www.smutshouse.co.za
Address: Smuts House Museum, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion, 0157, South Africa

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Accommodation Near Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

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Sleeps 14 in 6 units

Pheasant Hill Bed & Breakfast

Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Centurion

2.3km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Pheasant 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.

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 7 in 3 units

^FromR 345

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Dunkelly

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Centurion

2.6km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Dunkelly 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.

Sleeps 13 in 7 units

Leopardsong Manor

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Centurion

3.5km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Leopardsong 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.

Sleeps 6 in 2 units

The Aviary

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

9.2km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

The 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.

Sleeps 22 in 9 units

^FromR 550

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Bed & Breakfast in Hatfield

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hatfield

14.3km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Bed 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.

Guest Rating: 10

Graded:

Sleeps 25 in 10 units

The Village in Hatfield

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hatfield

14.3km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

The 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.

Graded:

Sleeps 20 in 9 units

Jopasso Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

14.8km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Jopasso 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.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 23 in 6 units

Queensrest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

15.8km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Queensrest 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.

Sleeps 14 in 7 units

Peters Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Equestria

16.8km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Peter's Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Equestria, Pretoria. Equestria is located to the east of Pretoria close to the N1 which is very handy for traveling into the Pretoria CBD. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Graded:

Sleeps 8 in 2 units

Glenda's Guest Suites

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Midrand

17.8km from Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng

Set in the tranquility of the enclosed and secured equestrian estate, Beaulieu, Midrand. Upmarket, attractive accommodation at reasonable prices. Designed for the corporate and equestrian markets, but suitable also for private use, our comfortable... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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