A CENTURY OF HISTORY
Irene Village, located in the Centurion district, 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. Nellmapius had named the farm after his daughter Irene. Perhaps the farm’s most illustrious occupant was former Prime Minister, General Jan Smuts, the man who crafted the draft of the Covenant of the United Nations. General Jan Christian Smuts bought a third of the original Doornkloof Fram in 1908.
Irene was first proclaimed a township in 1902 by Berti and today it is officially part of the municipality of Centurion. Even though the population has grown considerably, neighbors 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 the Smuts House, was originally laid out and started by Bertie Van der Byl and Jan Smuts around 1911. This remains one of the few golf courses in Gauteng where playing golf is still like a walk in the country.
Other landmarks in the area include Irene Primary School and Irene Homes which cares for mentally handicapped.
Place of interest includes Smuts House Museum and the Irene Concentration Camp of which both provide an enlightening insight into the history of our lovely village.
Today the village is home to African Pride Irene Country Lodge and Irene Dairy Farm, with the Land owned by the Van der Byl family who is now in their fifth generation. The family has 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.
The Van der Byl family have been instrumental in preserving the farm and village feel Irene offers, and we hope you enjoyed exploring it as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you….
