Winter on the ridge

UNISA and the blue-lit Telkom tower are visual markers for our house. Approaching Pretoria along the R21 from the airport one can see the Telkom tower from more than 10km away. Once you can see the tower you know where you are headed. We are on the same ridge as UNISA and the tower heading east. A walk to UNISA is 20 mins at the most through Kruin Park, along Devenish St and up Willem Punt St. A drive is 5 mins: the park prevents one travelling as the crow flies. If one understands that the park has to be circumvented, it's a simple drive either down the hill on the northern slope or around the park on the soutern slope. Our exercise is walking so we know the terrain well. Having Kruin Park right on our boundary fence is awesome: if one looks south one can forget that one is in the city. We see a wide range of birds and the occasional bush baby or mongoose. Our park is well cared-for: its fenced and regularly patrolled; its kept clean and the locals regularly stroll through with their dogs. If you have time to wander through it towards the eastern side, one can see unobstructed views of the Union Buildings and the city from the rise. Wonderful memories to take with you. We hope you visit us soon. More pictures on our website: www.legodimong.com

A day at Legodimong

In September our house will celebrate its 5th birthday. Perched high on Muckleneuk Ridge, with foundations of 3 metres deep, Legodimong was built by Bart Withaar, the son of a Dutch builder. This house is here to stay. Designed by Graham Waterston, it boasts light and view and its earthy terracotta floors link eye and heart. This is first and foremost a home, and it is much loved.

When we realised how cool and airy the downstairs rooms are, with windows that open wide to the view, we knew people would be wowed. And Legodimong Bed and Breakfast was born.

Legodimong translated from North Sotho means 'in heaven'. The name is taken from the Lord's Prayer 'thato ya gago a e dirwe mono lefaseng bjalo ka e dirwa legodimong'. We get many puzzled queries from North Sotho speakers about the name, so simply: we are on the top of a hill and closer to heaven. "Aaah" is the appreciative response. But the name works for us on many levels. Living here is heavenly. And we are greatly blessed.

Take a look at our website for pictures - www.legodimong.com and enjoy your glimpse of heaven.

To read more about Legodimong, click here...