A working fruit farm where apple orchards surround a wedding chapel set in an established garden is more than you would expect. But Dennehof is about the unexpected, writes KARLA DE BOD.
Rows of apple trees lead to a wedding chapel that has living hedges as its walls. Set within a lush farm garden, it is not only picture- perfect, but a fitting introduction to the farm itself.
The perfectly unexpected is what Dennehof is all about. The farm on the R43, just past Theewaterskloof Dam, was initially used by owners Maricia and Tobie van Rooyen for the growing of fruit and proteas. But then another purpose was suggested. A family friend’s daughter often visited the farm to ride horses and when she got engaged, she saw it as something more: this was where she wanted to get married. So the farm would become a venue for weddings and other celebrations. The young couple lent a hand in making the transformation and were the first to tie the knot here.
Today, alongside its role as a working fruit farm, Dennehof is a wedding and accommodation venue, where hospitality feels personal and the open garden provides a natural setting for celebrations and countryside escapes.
“On a farm and with a venue, there is never a dull moment,” says Maricia. “You can never predict what will happen.”
From weather that refuses to cooperate, floods and the fire that destroyed their initial protea crop to Covid-19 and loadshedding, Maricia has learnt to adapt and make the best of every situation.
“It is definitely not a boring job! When I look at the farm and think back to where we started, I am proud of how it has all worked out,” she says. “The day we started here, you could never have imagined what it would look like today, and you realise the grace that has been with us all these years.”
CELEBRATING IN THE GARDEN
During the renovation and the planning of Dennehof’s first wedding, Maricia and Tobie had only one condition: the venue had to blend into nature.
“My husband and I have always loved nature and gardening. Tobie is responsible for the farming side, where the fruit is grown, while I am in charge of the garden,” explains Maricia. “I try to make it as beautiful as possible and allow it to blend into nature, so that very little is needed to make it perfect for weddings.”
Dennehof’s garden boasts a lush lawn, flowering plants and Maricia’s pride and joy: the tree chapel. With a high triangular roof and green walls formed by hedging, the chapel brings the outdoors in, creating an indoor garden.
Inside, the venue blends modernity with natural elements, like the stones found on the farm that now form walls. The hall’s wooden roof structure, along with the wooden deck outside, ties the space back into the garden.
Yet it is the view from here that remains one of Dennehof’s defining features.
“From our house’s veranda, which is my favourite place, you look over the small dam at the venue and then over the large Theewaterskloof Dam, with the beautiful Franschhoek mountains in the background, where the sun sets every afternoon,” says Maricia. “Every day it looks different.”
THE HEART OF DENNEHOF
Although Dennehof focuses on small, intimate weddings, the venue can accommodate up to 120 guests. For Maricia, every wedding must feel personal.
“I love weddings. Everyone is so happy and full of love. Everyone dresses in their best and comes to enjoy good food, music and spending time together, like in the old days,” she says. “Our goal is to make itso gorgeous and enjoyable that they look back one day and remember, ‘It was the most beautiful day of our lives.’”
Many of Dennehof’s couples discover the venue after attending a wedding or event there themselves. This is worth gold, says Maricia.
“Being at Dennehof should feel like being at home and being comfortable while spending time with everyone,” she adds. “After a wedding, it should feel as if you have become part of the Dennehof family. You are welcome to stop by anytime and say hello if you are passing by.”
As a working fruit farm, Dennehof remains closely connected to the seasons. Through its intimate garden and genuine hospitality, there is also a connection to the people behind the scenes, whose love for the valley is reflected in their care for the space and the people who visit.
“Life and marriages are the same,” declares Maricia. “It is not always beautiful weather; sometimes there are abundant harvests and in other years there is drought. But we must take good care of what has been given to us.”