Sometimes you just feel in need of a short break away and don’t want to have to drive far. We found a gem of a place, The Rasmus Guesthouse, within 45 minutes of Johannesburg, situated in Erasmus, Pretoria. It’s the perfect place to relax and be spoiled.
We spent an afternoon and night there and it was to die for! We’ll definitely be back to enjoy the amazing food, beautifully appointed bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, the divine restaurant, the stunning koi ponds and beautiful gardens.
I chatted to Carl Erasmus of The Rasmus Guesthouse, which belongs to his family trust – the CJ Erasmus Trust, about him, his family, the background of the guesthouse and what the future may hold.
The story behind The Rasmus Guesthouse
Carl was born and bred in Pretoria and grew up in the Erasmus Castle, fondly known as Die Spookhuis. He lived there with his mother Ramona and father Emus Erasmus until he was 13 years old.
“The nickname ‘Die Spookhuis’ came about after Afrikaans film producer Jamie Uys made an old movie there called Kom Saam Vanaand. The movie featured two local Afrikaans comedians and actors, Al Debbo and Frederik Burgers.
“The movie was based on a ghost story and was made in the ’60s. At the time, the house was in a very dilapidated state as my late father only inherited the property in his late ’30s. At this stage, the house had become very run down after many years. He finally restored the house to its former glory in 1970. Just after he had developed the township of Erasmusrand.
“The unfortunate result of the ghost movie which had been made there at a time that the house was in a state of disrepair was the nickname Die Spookhuis, which stuck to the property. This is something my father was very saddened about. He then renamed the old family house completed in 1903 to The Erasmus Castle. This is the official name and is so indicated on maps.
“The other sad fact was only a few minutes of film footage was filmed at the outside of the house and entire rest of the movie was not even made there. Yet these few minutes was all that was needed to brand the house as Die Spookhuis.
“In 1976, only six short years after my father had meticulously restored the old family house to its former glory, the house and approximately 100 acres of land on which it was situated was expropriated by the then Transvaal Work Department for the purpose of building a new Academic Hospital. This never happened. The property today belongs to Denel. Their Armscor head office is built there. Hoërskool Waterkloof is also on some of the expropriated land.
National Heritage Site
“The house is a National Heritage Site on which the Erasmus Family Graveyard is also situated and where many of my ancestors are buried, including my father, grandfather and great-grandfather, known as Oom Jochem, who originally built the family home. The English-speaking community referred to the old house as Oom Jochem’s Place.
“After the expropriation in 1976, my father built this house where we are today. The house was completed in 1978/9. The house looked nothing like The Rasmus today. It was a typical late ’70s early ’80s type of architecture. Face-brick and red tiled roof. After my father died in 2010, I decided to restore the house into a guesthouse with the character reminiscent of the old castle which belonged to the Erasmus family for so many generations.
“The Rasmus and the land which it is situated on is the last remaining portion of the historical Pretoria farm Waterkloof on which many prestigious suburbs, Waterkloof and extensions are located today.”
Who is now behind The Rasmus?
“The Rasmus belongs to my family trust, the CJ Erasmus Trust. It is managed by Francesco Deboni, a well-known restauranteur in Pretoria. He used to own a well-known restaurant east of Pretoria at Boschkop, called Villa Francesco, about 10 years ago.
Our front of house staff are Bianca, Anastacia and Hunter. In the kitchen we have Thabang as the chef, assisted by sous chef Kamogelo, Elizabeth and Jane. Our proud team at your service.”
What made you want to open The Rasmus?
“The Rasmus is centrally situated in Pretoria on this last remaining portion of this famous farm 10 minutes from Pretoria CBD and 20 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. The house was large and I felt that history and location dictated that it was the best possible use for the last portion of this historic farm.”
Tell me about the guesthouse, what you offer, how many rooms?
“We currently have nine luxury rooms and a bespoke restaurant called Ramona’s, named after my late mother. The hanging rose garden is dedicated to her as she loved her roses and vast gardens which surround the house. We are in the process of changing our most luxurious room (under the tower) into a day spa. We are very exited about this prospect and believe it can add a lot value to our offering here.”
The koi fish – a little about them?
“I have been involved with koi for many years and have a passion for these living jewels. They have all been handpicked in Japan and are truly my pride and joy. I believe the collection housed in the pond at The Rasmus is one of finest you will find outside of Japan.”
Will you undertake private weddings, parties, special occasion events?
“Absolutely, we can accommodate approximately 50 people and specifically cater for people who would want a tailor-made bespoke experience.”
What do you expect for The Rasmus in the future?
“We definitely would expand in the future. More accommodation on site and most likely the addition of specific conferencing facilities in future.”
I can in all honesty say you will not be disappointed with this gorgeous guesthouse. It offered amazing food and such a delightful ambiance in a country setting. It filled our every desire and we wish them only the very best for the future.
If you feel like a relaxing weekend or a night away, call for more information. Please phone on 012 111 9170 or visit their website at www.therasmus.co.za
Hope you enjoyed this read as much as I did obtaining the information.
Well, that’s it for this week. Shop till you drop!
Julie
