Smuts House
Although Smuts House is situated just beyond Centurion's borders, the inhabitants view it as part of Centurion. Smuts House was the dwelling of General Jan Christiaan Smuts, twice the prime minister of South Africa, soldier, philosopher, botanist and grass expert and known internationally, among others for the creation of the term "holism". Previously a mess for British officers in Middelburg, Smuts bought the house for 300 pounds in 1908 and had it transported to Irene, where it was re-erected on the farm Doornkloof. The structure was initially meant as a temporary home until a new house could be built on the koppie behind the house. The Smuts family however grew so attached to the house that they stayed there until the death of General Smuts on 11 September 1950.
Today it is a museum to commemorate the life of Smuts. The museum and surrounding grounds are open to the public seven days a week. On weekdays the museum can be visited from 9h30 to 13h00 and from 13h30 to 16h30. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment. A walking trail starts from behind the house and leads to a koppie where the monument was erected to commemorate certain members of the Smuts family. Guided bird and botanic walks are arranged on a regular basis. More information may be obtained at Tel: 671 1176.
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