About Us
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Our History
Oaklands was founded in 1860 by Bob Hall, an English millionaire who acquired the property as a gift for his wife. Initially run as a game farm, Oaklands took its name from an Oak forest that was planted nearby to supply duiselbooms - the long poles that hitched oxen to their wagons. The property has since been owned and managed by a string of colourful characters including a clairvoyant who is said to have hosted séances on hotel's upper floors, and a South African provincial cricket captain.
Recent years
In November 1995 Oaklands was sold to Sir Hervy James Hugh Bruce-Clifton, an ex Major of the British army. Jamie, as he was called by those who knew him, spent the first six years of his life in Mooi River in the Natal Midlands. After serving 27 years in the Grenadier Guards he wished to return to his birth country and while searching for property in the Midlands, fell in love with Oaklands.
Jamie worked relentlessly to realise his vision for his new home and within a few years Oaklands had established a firm reputation as a premier conference venue and polo location in South Africa. From his arrival to his untimely death in February 2010, Jamie made a significant contribution to Oaklands and the surrounding community, leaving a legacy of warm hospitality which lives on today.
Oaklands Country Manor is currently run by Jamie's wife Lady Caroline, together her sisters Kathy Romer-Lee and Annie Barnard.
Our people
Oaklands Country Manor is now a family business which thrives under the collective management of the three Tully sisters.
Lesotho and the Eastern Free Sate has been home to the Tully family for centuries, going back to their early Irish forbearers who first came to the region to seek fortune at the Kimberly diamond mines.
The Tully sisters of the present generation grew up in a large, generous and fun loving family, within the close-knit community which inhabits the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains.
Caroline, Annie and Kathy each bring a unique wealth of experience in the hospitality industry to the business, and this combined with their longtime affiliation to the region and a strong sense family forms the core of the Oaklands ethos.
The community
Oaklands Country Manor enjoys a close and harmonious relationship with the local village, which is home to many of the staff members who help run and maintain the hotel and grounds.
A primary employer in the area, Oaklands is deeply committed to local skills development and providing opportunities for social and economic upliftment.
When commitment meets opportunity
Johnson Ndluvu comes from a line of Oaklands staff members as his grandparents, parents and siblings were, and still are employed at the Manor. His career at Oaklands began in the gardens, where he worked during his school holidays.
After leaving school Johnson expressed an interest in cooking and was given a role in Oaklands kitchen. He worked his way up the ranks and today occupies a key position as our talented and dedicated chef.
At Oaklands we reward hard work and appreciate our bond with our community and valued staff members.
