Self Catering Accommodation Irene
Hibiscus Lane is situated in the peaceful village of Irene, which forms part of the greater Centurion. Despite the village feel, you are just a hop, skip and a jump from the hustle and bustle of city life. We are conveniently located close to highways, shopping centres, hospitals, airports, golf courses and sport stadium.
Hibiscus Lane offers a choice of two units.
The upstairs spacious, open plan unit boasts a king size bed, sitting area with TV and en suite bathroom (shower only). The kitchenette with breakfast nook is fully equipped (bar fridge, microwave oven, kettle, coffee maker, toaster, frying pan and induction hob). It has beautiful views of the garden.
Downstairs consists of a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine, lounge with dining table and four chairs, couch and TV. The bedroom has a double bed with en suite bathroom (shower only) and the unit leads to a small, private garden.
Guests from both units may utilise the private garden with braai. Parking is behind a motorised gate and the area is patrolled 24 hours and within a boomed off area. We offer Dstv Explora and free internet access.
A Short History Of Irene
In 1841 the Erasmus family arrived and settled in the area that would later become Centurion. In 1889 Alois Hugo Nellmapius bought a part of the farm Doornkloof and named it after his daughter Irene, who died in 1961.
Irene was established in 1902 when Mr. Johannes Albertus Van der Bijl laid out 337 erven on his farm, which he bought in 1896. The farm is also linked to former Prime Minister of South Africa, Gen. J C Smuts who bought a third of the original Doornkloof farm in 1908.
After the battle of Pretoria in June 1900, the British became frustrated by the guerrilla tactics of the Boers to the extent that they decided to destroy the farms of the Boers. Many families were left destitute, forcing the British to take care of them. Several concentration camps were established and during June 1901 the first refugees arrived at the Irene camp. Conditions in the camps deteriorated rapidly with the result that more than 2 000 people were allegedly buried at the Irene Concentration Camp. Although peace was declared on 31 May 1902, the camps officially closed during 1903.
In 1958 the SA Council on War Graves turned the cemetery into a garden of remembrance. Symbolic tombstones were erected alphabetically with the names of those who died in the camp. The cemetery today is a national heritage site, under the protection of the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
Irene Today
Modern day Irene sees a lot of new development like everywhere else in the world. What differentiates Irene residents from those in most other suburbs is the fact that children can still ride their bikes in the streets and feel relatively safe. The entire village has been closed off and entrances have been reduced, contributing to the security of residents.
People walking their dogs and joggers is a daily scene. The oval (a park like open area in the middle of the village) is a hive of activity over weekends where cricket matches take place. Informal gatherings on the lawns often occur and the resident’s dogs often accompany them.
Several establishments still form part of Irene to this day. They include Irene Primary School, Irene Pre-Primary, St Martin’s Church, The Scout Hall, Library and Town Hall. Irene Dairy Farm, belonging to the fifth generation of Van der Byls, is still a working farm with cows being milked daily. Families enjoy visiting the farm as children get to feed the swans on the dam, pet the calves and play on the outstretched lawns. The dairy shop sells milk and other fresh produce and visitors can relax under the big oaks while having breakfast or lunch.
Smuts house today is a museum to commemorate the life of General Jan Christiaan Smuts. He was the prime minister of South Africa twice and known internationally for the creation of the term “holism”. Other than soldier and grass expert, he indulged his absorbing passions for botany and philosophy. The museum and surrounding grounds are open to the public seven days a week. A walking trail behind the house leads to a koppie where a monument was erected.
Guided bird and botanic walks also take place regularly. After exploring the area, you can visit Ouma’s Tea Garden for tea and scones. Breakfast and lunch is also served.