De Hoek - the Stone House - the only 5 star country house in Magaliesburg, is situated in a unique valley; distinguished by its pocket of indigenous bush, amongst a sprawling farming community and a small but bountiful river.

The original house was built 14 years ago, but has the charm of a much older historical building. It was designed for Johann & André Redelinghuys, whose great grandfather was one of the original settlers in the area, and at first wanted to build a family country house. The result was a house that perfectly matched the environment and spirit of the family - a traditional design using the 'H' plan of old Cape homesteads, tin roof and stone walls of the Transvaal, Karoo and Free State homes of old.

Stone and timber, with cool dark rooms of elegant proportions, a vast dining room opening onto terraces - East and West; a living room above the entrance leading out to a balcony; and bedrooms up stairs in the wings of the house, each with its own special view. 6 years ago, Sixteen beautifully appointed Superior suites were built overlooking the Magalies river. They are situated in the North, West & South Quarters. Building the house entailed collecting beams, doors marble and granite from around the country. American Oregon pine from the old Crown Mines; teak, imbuia and oregon salvaged from old homes. These elements have been incorporated throughout the house as beams and pillars, flooring and sub-frames, lintels and cornices, doors and cupboards, forming a major part of its texture and style.

The house and garden provide perfectly for entertainment purposes, as well as conference and team building exercises. Different areas of the hotel cater for different occasions: breakfast on the East terrace, or out in the gardens under shady bush-willows, karees and wit stinkhouts; a formal lunch or dinner in the dining room with all the French doors open in Summer, or a roaring fire in Winter.

Michael and Michelle Holenstein established the business of De Hoek Country House with Johann, 13 years ago. Michael and Michelle trained their staff and established all the operating systems, developing and growing the hotel from a small 7 bedroomed house into a 5 star, 20 bedroomed boutique hotel. The successful team comprises of co-owner and manager Michael and his wife Michelle, a compliment of excellent staff including Henry, our assistant manager, Mathias our head waiter, Lihandrie our reservations manager, Kim and Rhona, our marketing managers. Victor, Samuel, Harold, Reginald, Beku, Johannes, Mabe and Eadie, our waiters, Louisa, Portia, Hermina, Edith and Mirriam our housekeepers.

Our superb kitchen, has been trained over 12 years by Michael. Our chefs include Ester, Robert, Girlie, Agnes, Angeline and Sibongile, our scullery staff, special gardeners, and laundry ladies. Lani our reservations lady in the office. The unique service of the hotel has spread steadily by word of mouth.

Michael Holenstein offers cuisine extraordinaire. Swiss born and trained, he has worked in some of Johannesburg's top restaurants; at the Gleneagles in Scotland, and in his home country - Switzerland. Dinners at De Hoek are refined elegant affairs involving the best of French cuisine with influences of the Mediterranean and Swiss. Michael is passionate about food, and delights guests with his presentation and quality. A good selection of wine is available from our small but well-stocked cellar.