The season of freshness and rejuvenation is upon us and seems to have affected everyone’s psyche in the best possible way. Even the often tardy newsletter scribe is on best writing form heading for a deadline actually coinciding with the correct season, unlike previous poor performances.

Nature, humans, produce, and four-paws are gathering in celebration of spring, read on for our latest renewals, glass raises, surprises, rises, and refreshes.

Love and rejuvenating wishes,
Albert, Inga, and the DKG Team to include Ferdinand and Ella
xxx

Our trophy finally arrived all the way from the US of A and who better to raise it high than the dream team that made our Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best award possible three years running:

⭐️ 2023 voted 11th best guesthouse/BnB in Africa ⭐️

⭐️ 2024 voted 9th best guesthouse/BnB in Africa ⭐️

⭐️ 2025 voted 6th best guesthouse/BnB in Africa ⭐️

Non of this possible without these beautiful people – Bianca, Janita, Beth, Heinni, Janine, Damon, Samantha, Anel, Emerentia – dankie!

There are numerous refreshes that took place in the months leading up to joyous spring. Besides the re-coat of every single wall and roof space, our online presence got a bit of a wand wave too.

Our website home page now dons the addition of a fabulous short film shot by the extraordinarily talented Lara Hamman of Quilted Films, we think she captured the essence of our Grand Old Dame just right.

Glass raises a plenty at another very successful Vino Camino Prince Albert. We were thrilled to have our favorite three producers back with us again, Jurie from Mondvol (with a chenin that raises the chenin bar through the roof), Jo from Hartenberg, and Peter from Peter Bayly Wines.

Besides fabulous wines, our sourdough toasties  surprised us with their popularity, one visitor leaving us a 5/5 Google review with the words “…the best toasted ham, cheese, pickle sandwich in the world …”, we are finished!

This beautiful seating alcove is finally getting evening love again now that fireside ensconcing days are few and far between.

Hoi P’loy string lights thoughtfully placed to enhance Karoo wonderland evenings, definately nothing hoi polloi going on here!

As we take breakfast back out doors, we have the perfect dish to mark the shift – try our famous pancake stack with Gay’s Dairy Bulgarian Plain Yoghurt, seasonal berries and fruit, roasted pecans, a drizzle of honey, and whichever decorative edible flowers the garden gives out, this dish is positively dreamy, and Instagrammable to boot!

As we rejoice in the change of season, we  spare a moment’s thought and gratitude for the wished away months which gave us such sweet citrus bounty. We will miss the zested, sliced, stewed and juiced variations of these beautiful winter fruits, but the hint of a return is there as we currently revel in the aromas of their blossoms filling the guesthouse garden’s air.

Room refreshes and renewals were on our winter to-do list, Wagon Shed Suite and Patio Room both getting bathroom makeovers, upgraded touches like returning painted doors to their former wooden glory, furniture updates, and a bit of soothing Karoo calm brought back to formerly stark white areas.

(Photo updates to follow – the photographer is also the newsletter scribe and therefore currently tapping out words as opposed to editing images).

A bit of glass-raising to these two who celebrated their 2nd and 52nd birthdays in the mid-winter month of June. They might have chosen the coldest time to see in another year of life, but the constant ‘spring’ in their step belies their birth month.

Not to be forgotten, dear Ferdinand celebrated his fourth birthday in July but seems to be turning into a serious old man who does not partake in the frivolities of photo shoots.

There is no better way to prelude the promise of spring than with love and all things wedding. Huge congrats Mr and Mrs Meiring, thank you for sharing your your knot-tying weekend with us and adding another special piece to our Grand Old Dame’s history.

Our luscious sourdough loaves are currently in a happy climes space and giving us perfect rise – in the apt words of Goldilocks, not too hot, not too cold, just right! Thank you spring, the baker will miss you when sweltering summer sets in.

‘Spring’ in every sense of the word – leave it to exuberant Ella to rise to the occasion, jump for joy, and give us the perfect image to sum up our current spring-time mood.

Not to be outdone by all the beautiful spring blossoms, our Blou Alwyn plants decided to put on a little flaming side act while the fruit trees steal the fragrance show.

Also the perfect scene to make mention of Prince Albert Open Gardens happening 4 & 5 October when a selection of our most beautiful gardens will once again open their gates, showcasing sustainable spaces that are indigenous, water-wise, and wildlife friendly. The weekend will be jam-packed with all things natural, organic, green, and inspiring. Besides our unique Great Karoo gardens, a host of talks, walks, book launches, and workshops will be sure to enlighten and enthrall.

It is not too late to book your tickets, otherwise keep an eye on the website and make sure to diarise next year’s dates.

This is us, peacefully nestled while nature awakens and evolves around us as we see in the serene season of spring. Location, location, location, we have all three, so book your stay with us and refresh and renew body, mind, and soul, we look forward to welcoming you.

We hope you feel somewhat rejuvenated after reading Dennehof Diaries “Spring Scribblings”  

Please stick around for our  “Summer Scrawlings” and any tidbits in between.

Thank you for your support, please come visit us soon.