Your hosts, Annette and Chris de Beer welcome you to Pierneef’s Kraal guest lodge.
This fertile and luscious landscape inspired many iconic masterpieces by Jacobus Hendrik (Henk) Pierneef, or just ‘Pierneef’ as the world would come to know him. Arguably the most prolific landscape art by a South African artist.
He called this piece of land ‘Elangeni’ – where sunshine is at the gate. And it is at this exact gate, under the same trees, in that same light, on Pierneef’s very foundations that our story begins and where you will find the same peace in the midst of a bustling city.
"Echoes Along the Road"
Echoes Along the Road reflects on the journey between Stellenbosch and Pretoria, a route etched into South Africa’s collective memory. For some, it signifies the excitement of holidays and exploration; for others, it carries the weight of farewells, homecomings, or life’s pivotal transitions.
From the vineyards of Paarl to the expansive landscapes of Colesberg and the city lights of Pretoria, this body of work captures towns and moments that have shaped the lives of so many.
Each painting in this collection serves as a chapter in a shared story, portraying towns like Paarl, Colesberg, Drie Susters, and Pretoria. Recognizable landmarks stand as anchors of familiarity, offering a sense of place and connection. Interspersed among these are more abstract works—where the lack of identifying features of the town represented leaves the viewer with a sense of mystery—symbolizing the individuality of our experiences along this well-traveled path.
This exhibition is especially meaningful to me as it is held in J.H. Pierneef’s old studio. His work, which explored the vastness and diversity of South Africa’s landscapes, was a source of inspiration for this collection. Like Pierneef, I sought to honor the varied beauty of our country. Pierneef’s iconic pink mountains, a recurring theme in his work, inspired me to include my own subtle nods to his palette—a playful yet heartfelt homage.
Through Echoes Along the Road, I invite viewers to explore their own memories of these places ( I often say that the beauty of a piece of art so heavily relies on the richness of the viewers past experiences), the landscapes that shaped them, and the shared yet deeply personal nature of these journeys.
“Weerklanke Langs die Pad”
“Weerklanke Langs die Pad” reflekteer die reis tussen Stellenbosch en Pretoria, ’n roete wat diep in Suid-Afrika se kollektiewe geheue ingegraveer is. Vir sommige bring dit die opwinding van vakansies en verkenning; vir ander dra dit die gewig van afskeid, tuiskoms of lewensveranderende oorgange.
Van die wingerde van die Paarl tot die uitgestrekte landskappe van Colesberg en die Telkom toring in Pretoria, vang hierdie versameling kunswerke, dorpe en oomblikke vas wat die lewens van soveel mense gevorm het.
Elke skildery in hierdie versameling dien as ’n hoofstuk in ’n gedeelde verhaal. Herkenbare landmerke dien as ankers van bekendheid, wat ’n gevoel van plek en verbintenis skep. Tussen hierdie werke is daar ook meer abstrakte skilderye—waar die afwesigheid van identifiseerbare eienskappe van ’n spesifieke dorp die kyker met ’n gevoel van misterie laat—’n simbool van die uniekheid van ons ervarings langs hierdie goed-bereisde pad.
Hierdie uitstalling is vir my besonder betekenisvol, aangesien 3 van die stoppe op die pad al vir my tuiste was. Wat ook vir my toevoeg tot die uniekheid van hierdie versameling werke is dat dit in J.H. Pierneef se ou ateljee uitgestal word. Sy werk, wat die uitgestrektheid en diversiteit van Suid-Afrika se landskappe verken het, was ’n groot bron van inspirasie vir hierdie versameling. Soos Pierneef, wou ek die uiteenlopende skoonheid van ons land eer. Sy ikoniese pienk berge, ’n herhalende tema in sy werk, het my geïnspireer om subtiele verwysings na sy kleurpalet in te sluit—’n speelse, maar opregte huldeblyk.
Deur Weerklanke Langs die Pad nooi ek kykers uit om hul eie herinneringe aan hierdie plekke te verken. (Ek sê dikwels dat die skoonheid van ’n kunswerk sterk steun op die rykdom van die kyker se eie ervarings.) Hierdie landskappe het ons gevorm en die reis is tegelykertyd gedeeld én diep persoonlik.
Our rooms
We have seven one-bedroom suites, each with an en-suite bathroom and lounge. Enjoy our complimentary tea and coffee in your elegant room. Breakfast is not included in the room booking, but you can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or hearty lunch in our De Kraal restaurant.
Our venues
Looking for an intimate private function or conference space? We have several venues and packages to choose from.
De Kraal Restaurant
All your delicious meals are freshly prepared in our kitchen by our De Kraal Restaurant head chef, Victoria.
For our overnight guests: Breakfast or lunch is for your own account and not included in the overnight room bookings.
Take a tour
Take a tour of our beautiful grounds
What people are saying about Pierneef’s Kraal
“I loved the ambiance of the property. It is set in beautiful grounds with lovely trees and gardens. The rooms are all very private and it feels like you have the place to yourself. Being in the garden does not feel like you are in the middle of a city, with the sounds of the wind in the trees and the birds.”
— Michael
“Pierneef's Kraal is outstanding and unique. The level of personal attention and attention to small detail is unbelievable. There are only a few places in Gauteng like this.”
— Simone
“Very quiet and peaceful, you can go on a getaway without leaving pretoria. The property is very well looked after and the rooms are very clean and stylish. We would recommend this for anyone, the food was amazing and the service we got from the owners and at staff was great. What a lovely stay”
— Waldo
“A fabulous experience. Friendly staff and amazing food and atmosphere. Can hardly believe such a gem is in the middle of the city. Feels like a true break-away!”
– Elzani Coetzer
“We stayed in a Deluxe family room and it was just perfect for our family of 4. We really liked the property and the beautiful garden. The hosts are very friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed the breakfast. Excellent hospitality!”
— Miroslava
“The warm welcome, the stunning location, the proper filter coffee was a real delight! And delicious rusks.”
— Nolda