Boutique self-catering lodge in South Africa

Heysbrook Estate is situated within a secluded valley of some 1 300ha just east of Waterval Onder off the Elands Valley of Mpumalanga. Situated on the banks of the Heys brook, the lodge offers a uniquely exclusive getaway. Big skies, rolling vistas and solitude await you.

The estate has three self-catering units - Heys lodge, Bakoni Forest lodge and Tudor Cottage. We can accommodate groups up to 24 guests using all three units, or individual groups of various configurations within this range.

With a total of 10 rooms strategically scattered between Heys Lodge and Bakoni Forest Lodge, the room allocation can be divided between the two lodges.

Our rates are on a self-catering basis and are inclusive of daily servicing of the rooms and wood, firelighters and ice for reasonable use. Catered meals are available on request.

Debbie and Gary Mockler, owners of Heysbrook Estate, bought the estate from the George Heys Trust in 1997, which was established by George Heys, born in Durban in 1852. Heys, an entrepreneurial figure, became a successful businessman in Pretoria, notably during the diamond rush in Kimberley. He also served as a reservist for the Pretoria Rifles Company during the first Anglo-Boer War and developed a close friendship with President Paul Kruger.

Heys founded Geo Heys & Co - Mail Contractors around 1882, likely following his earlier logistics enterprise, Heys and Gibson. He established various stagecoach routes out of Pretoria, including to Kimberley and the Eastern Transvaal gold fields. He built Melrose House in Pretoria between 1885 and 1886, which later served as the site for the signing of the "Peace Treaty of Vereeniging" ending the second Anglo Boer War in 1902.

Heysbrook was part of Weltevreden, a farm within Tudor Estates in the Elands Valley owned by Heys until the Mocklers acquired it. The history of George Heys, his family, and Melrose House are further detailed in the provided information at the lodges.