As most of our visitors at the Irene Dairy Farm already know the collections from our Fountain of life are donated to the Tshwane SPCA.

For the month of August an astounding total of R2922.40 was collected and donated to this cause.

Help us BEAT this amount this month by coming and making your wish!

We hope all your wishes come true.

As an effort to help better the community that we live, some happy volunteers from Destination Irene joined hands and assisted the Potato Foundation with their “Spread the Soup” project.

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Just wanted to say a BIG thank you very much to everyone who contributed to our “Paying it Forward” effort it was a great day and the kids really enjoyed it!!

To all those in the area who are willing and able to donate.

Please help us save lives.

DON’T LET LIFE GET IN THE WAY OF LIFE.

Blood Drive: Irene Estate

Date:              Thursday, July 17, 2014

Venue:           Tent in Parking Area at the Irene Dairy Farm

Time:              13:00 to 16:00

The Irene Dairy Farm is proud to host the South African National Blood Service on Thursday 13 March 2014 between 10:00 and 13:00.

Join the Irene Estate blood drive and show that you care.

Blood Drive:    Irene Estate

Date:                  Thursday, March 13, 2014

Venue:              Irene Dairy Farm, Tent in Parking Area

Time:                 10:00 to 13:00

Every month the coins from the Fountain of Life are collected and donated to the SPCA.

For the month of January an amount of R923.00 was collected and donated. We hope all who made a wish has their wishes come true.

To all who have taken photos at the Irene Farm – I am sure you all know we ask for a donation towards the Irene Homes.

For the Month of January an amount of R11 350.00.

To all for your generous support we would like to say thank you.

To all of you who have been missing out on “The Stall” night market at Southdowns, here are the dates for the next few months for you to diarise!

27 February,

27 March,

24 April,

29 May, and

26 June.

Be sure not to miss out 🙂

And to anyone interested in exhibiting you are welcome to contact Stalls organiser, Gareth Christie on 072 155 3924

The coins in our wishing well are collected on a daily basis by farm management, these coins are banked monthly for the SPCA.

To all who have contributed we hope all your wishes come true.

This is Prince, our trusted security guard who protects us all here at the Irene Dairy Farm.

I am sure all of the regular Irene Farm Visitors all know Prince; this good hearted and brave security guard is always friendly, attentive and willing to help.

On Saturday 15 June 2013, Prince was doing his normal routine walk, when he saw 4 suspicious people sitting in a bakkie in the parking lot.  He then realised that they have been sitting there for a long time, so without hesitation he decided to see what they were up to.

To his surprise he saw that the suspicious looking people were now split and one of them was sitting in a different car where he appeared to be struggling with something.  When this person saw Prince, he quickly got out of the car which did not belong to him and jumped back onto the bakkie.

Moooweee! Luckily Prince immediately realised what was happening and as the bakkie sped off, Prince made his way towards the gate to close it – preventing them from getting away. Unfortunately he did not manage to get to the gate in time, as he slipped and fell and they almost drove over his leg.

I know this is not the first time Prince has prevented something bad from happening.  If it was not for my MOOraculous prince charming, those skelms would have surely gotten away!

This event however completely took my breath away and made me realise what a brave security guard, Prince is!

Thank you Prince! I am looking forward to MOOoony more years of you keeping me safe!

Moo, moo, moving on!

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Vigilant as ever, through protective instinct he is charging all spectators away. This is reducing his time spent incubating the eggs, but will keep you updated on his progress.

As many of our guests know we had a pair of black swans on the property. The pair has called the farm home for many years now.

Shortly after laying her latest three eggs, our Mother Black Swan was found to have died of unknown causes.

The Father, after losing his mate, has taken up the responsibility of protecting and keeping the unhatched eggs warm. The incubation period normally takes around 35 days.

Over the next month we will be keeping a watchful eye over dad to see his attempt and progress with the eggs.  Feel free to come past and cheer on our very dedicated father in his attempt to get these eggs hatched.

 DAFF Deputy Minister, Derek Hanekom and TIA CEO, Simphiwe Duma attended the launch of the Tshwane Animal Health Cluster today at the Irene Dairy Farm. The Technology Innovation Agency and its key partners in the national system of innovation or NSI as they are known selected the Farm venue to bring through the animal theme.

The Irene Dairy Farm has been transformed for the arrival of these important GUESTS and a hype of activity has been booked from Zulu Dancers to the amazing three tenors performing later in the day.

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The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries intends to declare a list of particular trees “Champion Trees” as protected under Section 12 (1) (a) and (b) of the National Forests Act, 1998. This list includes the existing list of declared Champion Trees as well as new nominations.

Eucalyptus Rooibloekom
(River red gum)
Location
Irene Farm Estate, Pretoria,
Gauteng
S25.87917
E28.212216

Estate land, parts of which were bought by prominent South African figures such as General Jan Smuts, with a variety of trees planted since the late 19th century.

Read full article, click here… 

Natural Suburbia: A Visit to Irene Dairy Farm.

A Visit to Irene Dairy Farm

Last week we travelled through to Pretoria to visit our doctor with Jenna and on our way back we decided to pop in at Irene Dairy Farm for lunch. We haven’t visited there for a while and I wasn’t even expecting it to be open but what a lovely surprise when we arrived and it was! It’s the most picturesque place! Large rambling farmland and beautiful green fields for their cows. The scenery is really breathtaking.

We had a delicious lunch with mama chickens and their chicks scurrying around everywhere, (both on the tables and off, so sweet!) and then we walked up to see the young calves. As we walked back towards the main buildings all the cows were walking up from the fields, no one was with them, they just seemed to know that it was lunch time, all made their way to the watering hole and then into their cow shed, so wonderful!

They also have a shop there where they sell homemade produce and certified raw milk and cream, I really should have bought more, it was so sweet and delicious! Can’t wait to visit Irene again.

I hope you have had a lovely week.
Linda

The Irene Dairy Farm is proud to announce that the refurbishment of the Barn Conference Venue has now been completed.

This unique venue in the heart of Centurion is set in beautiful surroundings that delegates won’t easily forget, given also that each delegate gets to take home a complimentary litre of FARM fresh milk.

Day Conference Special @ R 350 p.p. valid until 31 December 2012 includes:

Each delegate gets a complimentary litre of IRENE FARM organic milk to take a bit of their FARM experience home

Room Hire

Three Course Lunch Buffet

2 Soft Drinks per person during lunch

3 x Tea/Coffee Breaks with Snacks including a glass of milk

Note pads & pens

Mineral Water per person

Sweets on the Tables

Standard Equipment:

Flip Chart, Whiteboard, Data Projector and Screen

Wi-Fi + Internet

Use of our business facility which includes fax, photocopying and printing

Briefing at the beginning of the day to orientated your delegates on our FARM

Please note for a mere R 145 p.p. stay a little longer and enjoy a real farm braai to end of the day, ensuring your team network and relax afterward the conference.

Irene Dairy Farm | SA Experience-it#.T6Gjfzk2RPs.twitter.

Irene Dairy Farm

The Irene Dairy Farm is like a “Diamond in the rough”. A breath of fresh air in the middle of bustling City life, or shall we say genuine farm smelling air with the laid back atmosphere of an age old working cow farm.

There is a lovely deli where you can get yummy products to eat, and the restaurant offers seating on a deck or under trees in the garden where you can watch and absorb the outdoor feeling of being amongst the animals.

While the cattle and chickens carry on with their daily routine the children can roam around the farm and play on old farm implements scattered around the farm and watch as the young calves frolic in the setting sun as their mothers are lead to the milking shed to relieve their laden udders.

The many ponds are scattered with feeding ducks going “bottoms up” in unison and the swans gracefully glide around on the water like regal ice skaters.

A walk around the farm is definitely revitalizing and food for the soul. This is a wonderful place for city children to experience a little bit of farm life.

If you’re planning your nuptials and want somewhere unique to tie the knot then look no further than Irene:

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African Pride Irene Country Lodge, the ultimate in style and luxury, overlooks one of Gauteng’s most beautiful lakes and is set in a lush meadow. You’ll love the old world rustic charm, and the warm and friendly atmosphere of Irene. Whether it’s an alfresco breakfast overlooking the lake or a more formal dining experience in one of our well-appointed function rooms, the day for YOU and your guests is sure to be a memorable one. Read more.

Across from African Pride Irene Country Lodge is the iconic Irene Dairy Farm, a 120 year old working Dairy which now offers a unique, yet more affordable venue for your wedding. The farm boasts two ceremony venues an open air lawn area and a converted 100 year old hay barn that has a rustic charm unparalleled anywhere in Gauteng.

Irene Farm also offers two reception venues, an open reception area shaded by giant oak trees and comprising 12 seat benches, to offer something a little different, as well as a more conventional 80 seat indoor venue situated in the old barn building. Read more.
If you’re looking for a venue that’s a little larger, but state of the art consider the SAX Arena – a multi-purpose 550 seat venue situated a mere 1.9 km away from

African Pride Irene Country Lodge and Irene Dairy. This venue allows for outside catering and can accommodate anything from a cocktail style wedding to a more formal dinner, or even a braai.

The arena boasts a huge stage area, state of the art AV and lighting, as well as a separate sound booth for the sound technician. Read more.
The great news is African Pride Irene Country Lodge is running several getaway promotions that encourage quick one night breaks. Irene is the perfect spot for a quick one night stay over for that one night getaway. Read more.

Alternatively if you are looking for the ideal place to have kitchen tea or bridal shower, look no further than the Camdeboo Day Spa in African Pride Irene Country Lodge as we will built a package around your requirements, what about a high tea with some relaxing back massages. Read more.

African Pride Hotel Group’s Irene Country Lodge, just outside Pretoria, proves just how ‘Lekker’ Local Really Is!

Another Break-Away Destination within Reach: The rich diversity of the various cultures in this wonderful country transcends our people and is spectacularly epitomised by the varying landscapes and natural features, fauna and flora of our land. However, we need not always travel to the coast, game reserve, mountains or wine lands to get an idea of some of the diverse treasures South Africa offers because many a good example is within shortish distance from many of our metropolises.

Popular places like Dullstroom, Magaliesburg, Nylstroom, Bela Bela and the Vaal River attract many a city slicker over weekends and holidays, so it is fitting to include another beautiful part of the world in this list- ironically set between both Johannesburg and Pretoria- is the tranquil Irene Village with its many attractions including the stunning Irene Country Lodge…

The Village This lush area, situated right next to the bustling suburbs of Centurion is accessed from the John Vorster off-ramp to the N1, therefore it seems implausible that somewhere so calm, tranquil and natural could exist in the midst of Midrand, Pretoria, Centurion and Johannesburg. Akin to a welcome oasis, Irene boasts great attractions including vast farm lands, the beautiful and historical Jan Smuts Museum and a quaint village seemingly unaffected by the modernity of its urban surrounds.

The village includes a picturesque ‘Shangrila’ of farm space (where bi- monthly arts, crafts and produce markets are popular with visitors), a dairy affording customers the opportunity to purchase fresh milk and cream while also giving youngsters the chance to see first hand how cows are milked and learn about the whole pasteurising process.

The African Pride Irene Country Lodge is therefore a perfect and harmonious inclusion to Irene, acting as an antidote to the hustle and bustle of city living. An appealing world all its own, Irene Country Lodge has increased in popularity over the years and thus expanded to include extra conference venues, added suites and a signature top-class health and well-being spa that is in a class all its own as well, as a fabulous restaurant, Meadow Green.

The Lodge: Where do we begin when it comes to describing a sanctuary for mind, body and soul as enchantingly serene as this country lodge?

I, together with other members of the press, was invited to retreat into this world where nature meets sophistication for a wondrous weekend of relaxation, pampering, luxury, and a bit of culinary decadence, and came away feeling rejuvenated and refreshed to face my everyday life- not far away from this oasis in Geography, but miles away in spirit!

Like most country lodges of this ilk, the property consists of vast expanse and centres around a main building/ main house comprising the reception area, restaurant, pubs, swimming pools et al and boasts accommodation separate and more secluded in varying themes and tiers of luxury to cater to visitors’ indulgent whims (and budget). Beautiful gardens and green lawns play equal fiddle with the lake and its wealth of ducks and geese and upon which one may take a slow, romantic ‘row, row, row your boat.’

The gracious hospitality of the staff at Irene Country Lodge from the gate security personnel to Reception, House-keeping, Food and Beverage and restaurant personnel is on equipoise with the warmth and charm exuded by the relaxed but sophisticated interiors of the main buildings and hotel rooms, ensuring that all guests feel pampered the minute they acquaint themselves with the premises!

The check in process was quick and efficient, and I was introduced to my hotel room- one of the more luxurious suites- by a capable porter on hand to explain the workings of various gadgets etc. in the room…

Warm, Neutrals in Décor meets Rustic, Natural surrounds My room was very spacious and elegant with an understated class through the use of a lot of dark wood classical pieces- desk, wardrobes coffee tables etc. and including plush upholstered chairs and a huge and sumptuous king size bed.

The colour ways are calm and in no way jarring, making full use of the natural surroundings as a canvass upon which to build neutrals, subtle accents and varying textures. There are small details which always set various hotels apart and make certain aspects of what’s on offer special… One of these at Irene Country Lodge is having a choice of pillows with varying inners, thickness and such to meet the individual needs of its guests.

For the business guests, there is all round WiFi with the desk in each hotel room equipped with a panel of local and international plug sockets, so one does not have to go around looking for plug points to connect your laptop. Each room features picturesque views of the lake or indeed the forest close by (the latter being the executive suites), with wooden cottage pane doors opening out onto the grounds or balconies.

A Wealth of Gastronomic Delight The first evening saw us meeting the management of the lodge next to the lake under a star lit night sky with a glass of bubbly, cheese, biscuits and other canapés. What followed was a culinary sojourn of note as Chef welcomed us all to the laid back Meadow Green Restaurant (the lodge’s feature restaurant) and treated us to a smorgasbord of select oysters, salads, smoked salmon, meats, fish curries, pastas and sublime desserts!

Yes indeed when one hears the word “buffet” one does sort of imagine those old hotels with the ubiquitous three roasts and warmed-over potatoes- you know the drill! But here we have a selection of choice foods expertly prepared and presented using the freshest produce and ingredients, a lot of which comes from the farm itself!

The same goes for the lodge’s breakfast which is a ceaseless treat of everything one can think of with a barrage of cereals and fresh porridges, pastries and breads, fresh fruit, a range of eggs on offer including duck and quail eggs, bacon, ham, waffles, crumpets, omelets and a variety of fresh juices and brewed coffee.

The Saturday evening was the ‘culinary show-stopper’, Irene Country Lodge’s weekly“Evening Under The Stars”- a scrumptious fish themed supper usually served on the lodge’s ambient patio accompanied by the shimmer of moonlight on the lake. This particular evening was a little on the chilly side so we enjoyed a stunning array of shellfish, calamari, kingklip et al in the cosiness of the Meadow Green Restaurant.

I slept in on the Sunday morning, choosing to skip the large breakfast and do lunch ala carte at Meadow Green to taste some dishes from their actual menu… After what has to be one of the most rejuvenating and spirit enhancing experiences at the lodge’s piece de resistance- Camdeboo Health and Well-being Spa (see details below), I enjoyed a Sunday lunch outside in the warmth of the pre-autumn sun…

Divine Escargot decadently smothered with garlic and blue-cheese as my starter accompanied by a decent unwooded Chardonnay- My main course was Rack of Lamb, which was perfectly prepared resulting in a tender, tasty and hearty meal. Feeling as if I would literally explode coming off a weekend of sheer gastronomic abandon, I dogged the extra calories that Meadow Green’s wondrous Dessert menu would surely add!

Rejuvenating the Spirit, Mind and Body at Camdeboo Well-Being Spa As part of our weekend itinerary, Marketing and Management were extraordinarily kind in allowing each member of the press a good hour of bliss with a head, shoulder and back massage, and to say this was what the proverbial doctor ordered is an understatement. Situated separately from the Lodge’s main house and varying suites, set in a building where old meets contemporary (with a ‘sprinkling’ of Feng Shui), the serene Spa is set in monochromatic whites and pale blues and features a courtyard around which the various treatment rooms, saunas, steam-baths and the Gym are ensconced. The Spa also features a relaxed restaurant and bar which is themed as a ‘terrace bar’ with the swimming pool and wooden sun decks playing as focal points. The music is meditative wrapping up the complete therapeutic ambience necessitated in a place of revitalisation of body, mind and spirit.

Excellent trained therapists are on hand to provide expert treatment according to your individual needs, from soothing deep cleanses, facials, body rubs and hot- stone treatments to head, neck and full body massages, manicures and pedicures et al. Even if you are not intending to have treatments, by default all hotel guests may utilise the Camdeboo facilities which include the restaurant, swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam-bath. Camdeboo proves to be a hidden treasure within the crown of Irene Country Lodge.

Historical Information The Irene Village itself is steeped in history. Originally known as Doornkloof farm, Irene Estate was established by Alois Hugo Nellmapius before being bought by Johannes Albertus Van der Byl –better known as Berti in 1895. Of course the farm’s is probably most famous for being the former residence of General Jan Smuts, who bought a part of original Doornkloof farm in 1908.
Besides featuring the beautiful old homestead of the famous former Prime Minister, and Irene Dairy Farm, the land still proudly owned by the Van der Byl family who are now in their fifth generation.

Dairy Farm The Van der Byl family have been responsible for building up the herd of dairy cows on the farm, as well as planting hundreds of trees long before environmental consciousness became fashionable. Irene was first proclaimed a township in 1902 by Bertie. Originally known as Doornkloof farm, Nellmapius renamed the farm after his daughter Irene. Today it is officially part of the municipality of Centurion and even though the population has grown considerably, neighbours still know one another and find time to chat, all in an extremely relaxed and safe environment. The Irene golf course, between Irene Dairy Farm and Smuts House, was originally laid out and started by Bertie Van der Byl and Jan Smuts around 1911, and remains one of the few golf courses in Gauteng where playing golf is still like a walk in the country.

A visit to the Irene Dairy Farm is a must; with its wonderful Farm Shop selling delicious fresh milk, as well as two restaurants. This is where the locals, often carrying the old fashioned gallon pails, purchase their supplies. The shop is licensed to sell certified milk – raw or untreated milk — complying with the same standards as pasteurised milk. Cheeses and other fresh fare are also on sale in the Dairy shop, but best of all is the rich, fresh cream which resembles clotted cream. Adjacent to the Farm Shop is the Deck Restaurant an intimate spot ideal for relaxing while watching the sun set over the bustling farm yard.

From the Irene Dairy Farm, one can walk across to the Irene Country Lodge which offers five star luxury accommodation and delectable cuisine from its Meadow Green Restaurant.

African Pride Hotels can certainly pride themselves on this sparkling gem of a lodge where an amalgam of peace and tranquility, elegance and style as well as nature blend to offer guests a true break from it all!