Winding down the oak-lined country lane where cows graze in green pastures, you will arrive at a haven of peace and tranquility in the hub of South Africa's economic heartland.
Nestling in the historic village of Irene, the Irene Country Lodge is centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, and a mere twenty-five minute drive from Johannesburg International Airport.
The area has a rich cultural heritage and many national leaders and historic figures have left their mark in Irene. Smuts House is the restored home of General Jan Smuts, a former Prime Minister of South Africa and world statesman.
This historical site, as well as others of interest, can be found in Irene and Gauteng.
All 50 en suite rooms (3 suites and 47 double or twin rooms) have been gracefully designed in variations of English Country Manor style. Rooms that epitomize good taste with stately wooden furniture and rich fabrics.
All facing onto the lake, combined with modern day creature comforts such as 16 hour room service, wireless internet access, direct telephone dialing, Guestlink and DSTV satellite television, mini bars. 16 Hour restaurant services plus an unmatched environment, where one finds oneself surrounded by many species of birds and not forgetting our herds of cows.
The following facilities are available at Irene Country Lodge:
- Conference facilities
- Banqueting facilities
- Wedding facilities
- Satellite Television
- Wireless Internet access
- 24 Hour reception services
- Free car parking
- Disabled facilities
- Laundry services
- Direct dialing from bedroom telephones
- Mini bars in bedrooms
- 16 Hour room service
- Cocktail bar
- Fine dining
- A la carte and buffet menus
- Afternoon teas
- 24 Hour security
- Shuttle service - airport and other destinations
- Backed by 24 hour generator
- Adaptors and chargers available at reception
Babies and small children: A baby sitting service is available at an additional hourly rate. A baby changing/feeding room is located in the reception area. Over weekends and on public holidays between 8:30 and 16:30 our child minder will look after your children while you relax by the lakeside.
Birds: A set of binoculars as well as a list of bird species present at our lake is availabe from reception.
Cuddle up at the fireplace: Three fireplaces are centrally located in our the main building
Games: A wide variety of both indoor and outdoor games are available from reception
Massages on call: Choose from a selection of treatments and indulge in a relaxing massage
Restore body and mind by exploring the Hennops River hiking trail or the variety of wildlife in the Zwartkops Nature Reserve. The Irene area offers excellent golfing opportunities, with two adjacent 18 hole golf courses, and is in close proximity to the Centurion Cricket Stadium where international cricket matches are regularly hosted.
Other activities in the area include tennis, squash and a gymnasium.Shopping centres in the area include Southdowns, Irene Village Mall and Centurion Mall.
The Meadow Green Restaurant boasts exquisite culinary creations carefully prepared by some of the country's finest chefs with buffet lunches available on Sundays.
Lakeside Country Kitchen serves an a la carte light meal and snack menu available from 9 am daily with buffet lunches available on Saturdays and Sundays. After lunch guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll down one of the country lanes and return to a traditional afternoon tea at the lakeside or Gazebo.
Sundowners at the pool gazebo, bathed in gentle sunlight, lend a tranquil touch to the already magical surroundings.
In the shade of our oak trees, you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the lake and birdlife, the perfect backdrop for a relaxing picnic experience. Our picnic baskets offer a variety of tasty treats and can be booked 24 hours in advance from reception.
For those who feel the need to escape from reality for an hour during a busy day, we have the perfect answer: lunch in 59 minutes. Enjoy a two course lunch in a tranquil lakeside setting and if we don't live up to the challenge and the hour glass runs empty, your meal is on us.
Combining old-world charm with superb modern convenience, Irene Country Lodge is the ideal conference venue with the latest conference facilities, excellent service and unsurpassed luxury.
The St Andrews Conference Room
Our largest facility is one large room that can be divided into two smaller rooms. This room is ideal for a large conference group or a dinner dance.
Maximum seating capacity 120 people (excluding dance floor).
Meadows Conference Room
Small venue that adjoins St. Andrews. Can either be utilised as a breakaway room for the larger venue or used as a smaller conference venue for a small intimate group.
Maximum seating capacity 30 people.
Library Room
Wooden panelling, book shelves, fireplace and a bar counter create a warm atmosphere for a confernce, banquet, cocktail party or wedding.
Maximum seating capacity 60 people.
The Boardroom
Conference venue with a difference - with an en-suite bathroom and lounge, ideal for tea breaks or a small breakaway room.
Maximum seating capacity 30 people.
Gazebo Room
Located by the lakeside, the Gazebo is popular for cocktail parties, weddings, stork teas, kitchen teas and private functions.
Maximum seating capacity 70 people.
The Nomadik Tent
The nomadik tent is an outdoor facility that is perfect for private functions. This venue can accommodate up to 200 people depending on the seating style.
The Kingfisher
The Kingfisher or waterproof marquee is an outdoor facility that is perfect for large private functions and conferences. This venue can accommodate up to 400 people depending on the seating style for conferences and up to 280 for banquets.
Standard conference equipment i.e. data projector, screen, overhead projector, flipchart and whiteboard included in all packages.
From the sweeping, romantic oak tree lined lanes and the stone façade, to the roaring fireplaces and luxurious finishes, Irene Country Lodge is an inviting and convenient setting, befitting of any occasion. There is simply no better place to captivate your guests.
Overlooking one of Gauteng’s most beautiful lakes and set in a lush meadow, with old world rustic charm, a warm friendly welcome is assured for your guests while Irene provides the perfect setting for this special day. All of Irene’s fifty en-suite rooms have been gracefully designed in variations of English Country Manor style to suit your accommodation needs before or after the function. When the formalities are over and you have each other to yourselves, you can nestle into our dreamy bridal suite and a hearty English breakfast the following morning will see you on your way to your new life together.
Winter Wedding Special
Book your wedding to fall between 16 April and 31 August 2009 and receive the following added to your wedding package, compliments from Irene Country Lodge:
1. Complimentary use of the ceremony venue
2. 1 glass of complimentary glass of sherry or juice per guest on arrival
3. 50 % Discount on accommodation for friends and family
4. Book 15 or more bedrooms for your wedding party and receive a voucher for 2 nights at Shishangeni Private Lodge*
5. Complimentary 1 night bed and breakfast voucher to be used at Irene Country Lodge to celebrate your anniversary*
* Voucher is valid for 13 months from your wedding date
Bridal photograph competition
All bridal couples who hold their weddings at Irene Country Lodge in 2008 can enter the competition and two winners will be announced during the course of the year, one in June and one in December.
The prize includes a Romantic One Night Breakaway for 2 people over a weekend, inclusive of a private candle lit dinner on your patio or in your bedroom, a full English breakfast the following morning and a massage on the Saturday.
The only prerequisite is that all photographs entered, need to feature Irene Country Lodge.
