In 2012 Andrew and Kim Hall, fourth generation family of the farming pioneer HL Hall and his wife Grace, began restoring the 100-year family farmhouse. Here they were able to realise their dream of preserving the family heritage and continuing Grace Hall’s legacy of “providing rest for the weary traveller” in her home, long before Nelspruit was even established.
Rooted in the heart of the Lowveld, the homestead is located on the well-known farming estate of HL Hall & Sons, in the village that was once occupied by the first generation Hall family and farm employees. It was named Torburnlea by Grace Hall in 1923 as a reminder of the countryside in Scotland where she spent her childhood. Steeped in history, Torburnlea was once host to the eminent President Jan Smuts, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the classic children’s book “Jock of the Bushveld” and Harry Wolhuter, one of the first game rangers of the Kruger Park, who survived a lion attack while patrolling the reserve on horseback.
Step inside the homestead and you will appreciate the lengths that Kim and Andrew have gone to in the restoration process. The rooms have been decorated individually with a keen eye for detail and comfort. The loft that once housed the farm school and church on a Sunday has been transformed into two luxury guest rooms.
With mindful attention to environmental sustainability, Kim and Andrew have installed water and energy efficient fixtures and use recycled and locally sourced materials wherever possible. The result is an elegant yet inviting space that you may never want to leave. Torburnlea Homestead is a member of the “Buy Local Lowveld Initiative”, dedicated to supporting locally owned businesses, focusing on people, their families and job creation in the Lowveld region.
At Torburnlea Homestead “rest for the weary traveller” is a meaningful experience within a unique product; care for our guests and their comfort forming the heart of our service. We believe it is our responsibility to care for the earth and its people through service and sustainability of the natural environment.
Petunia lives in Kanyamazane with her mother and child. For many years she worked with Kim at her physio-therapy practice before moving on to care for the elderly in a close-by housing estate.
Petunia now plays a vital heart-of-the-house role in our family heritage home, Torburnlea Homestead, as our Admin Assistant and Duty Officer. After checking that the rooms are specially prepared, Petunia warmly welcomes our guests on arrival with a big smile. She also assists with various meal preparations in the homestead kitchen, including curating our unique farmhouse Harvest Boxes.
Petunia believes that guests enjoy Torburnlea Homestead because it is peaceful, has beautiful gardens, and the guests are always welcomed warmly. The food is wonderful.
George lived in Mozambique up until 1984 when his father died and his family relocated to South Africa. He lives in Kanyamazane with his wife and three children.
While George was employed by Penryn College, he assisted Kim in the development of the gardens at the school and planting trees, and thereafter joined her to assist with the installation of the gardens at Torburnlea Homestead after the restoration of the house was complete.
George’s roles at Torburnlea Homestead now include keeping the beautiful verandah, living areas and dining room spotless, assisting with breakfast and dinner preparation and service, gardening, managing the self serve refreshments and other beverages, and overseeing the luxury amenities used in the Homestead. Above all his favourite job is looking after Lucy, which includes taking her for walks on the farm.
George believes that tourism is important for the South Africa’s economy because it brings money into the country which can assist for housing, food and education. He believes that Torburnlea Homestead is special because of its beautiful, peaceful gardens and that the rooms are always made up perfectly and are luxurious.
On his time off he enjoys playing football, going for early morning walks, watching cricket and gardening. He hopes to one day learn how to drive.
Siphiwe is from Zwelisha on the outskirts of Mbombela and is a mother and grandmother. She has been with the Hall family for over 21 years. She initially started working for Kim’s mother, Helen.
Her various roles in the homestead include housekeeping and laundry service, ordering supplies and polishing the old silver. Siphiwe also willingly assists with meal preparation in our farmhouse kitchen and table service in the various dining areas, always serving with a big smile.
At home she grows her own vegetables, has chickens and is involved in her community. She enjoys sewing but while she doesn’t have a sewing machine, she keeps herself busy crocheting.
